Meet the Humans of SQEP.

Interim Executive Director

“Building and nurturing community is essential to achieving a common goal. By recognizing the power of community, I believe we can create spaces where queer professionals not only feel safe and supported but can truly thrive.”

Vada Mae Boyer is a passionate advocate for queer and Indigenous representation and community building. As a Two-Spirit entrepreneur and creative, they understand the challenges of navigating professional spaces as a queer individual. This drives her commitment to fostering a supportive network for queer people across Saskatchewan.

After moving to Saskatoon in the spring of 2019, Vada became involved with Pretty in Punk Fest, a non-profit music festival focused on amplifying women and queer artists within alternative music spaces, all driven by the PUNK ideology. When the festival went on hiatus during the pandemic, Vada didn’t slow down. They earned a diploma in Motion Picture Arts from the Recording Arts Institute of Saskatoon in 2020 and soon launched Vadeo Media. Through this venture, Vada has had the opportunity to work on film sets in various roles across Saskatchewan.

In early 2023, Vada stepped into the role of Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at CFCR 90.5 FM, Saskatoon’s community radio station. During her time there, they spearheaded new initiatives, built meaningful relationships, and worked to create an inclusive and supportive space for the Saskatoon community and beyond.

Now as the former Manager of Membership & Outreach at SQEP, now Interim Executive Director, Vada is eager to channel their experience into building a stronger, more connected network for 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and professionals. They are deeply committed to advocating for the well-being and success of the queer community across Saskatchewan.

Vada looks forward to hearing directly from you - the queer entrepreneurs and professionals of this province - about your needs and aspirations, and to working collaboratively to create resources and solutions that empower us all.

President

“The existing business organizations in Saskatchewan have been great resources for me when I was starting out, but now that I'm getting more established, I struggle to find other business owners who can empathize with the unique barriers I face as a queer and non-binary entrepreneur. I deeply crave a queer business community and hope to find it through this initiative.”

Originally from Yellowknife, NT, Jacq has over a decade of experience leading queer and trans non-profit organizations. They co-founded the Northern Mosaic Network, the only 2SLGBTQ+ human service agency in the Northwest Territories, and proudly served as the agency's first Executive Director. Jacq moved to Regina, SK in 2017 where they became the Executive Director of the UR Pride Centre for Sexuality & Gender Diversity.

In 2021, Jacq founded Ivy + Dean Consulting, where they currently serve as CEO & Principal Consultant, whose goal is to bring equity focused, queer-informed and accessible approaches to governance, leadership, and programming to small & medium-sized non-profits.

Treasurer • General Director

“As a queer professional I often feel like I can be the only one in the room. I am looking forward to being able to give back to my community and make professional and personal connections with other queer professionals who have felt the same.”

Mel grew up in the Craven, Sask area before moving to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan where she graduated with a B Comm. Saskatoon has been her home for most of the last 22 years.

As a Chartered Professional Accountant, Mel has significant financial leadership experience in the not-for-profit and charitable sector. Mel is passionate about giving back to the community and volunteering in causes that fit within her personal values. Currently Mel works at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Advancement where she oversees donation processing and funds held in trust by Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

General Director

“As a member of a largely traditional profession. I've seen first hand the difficulties that members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community can face in their professional lives and I hope that SQEP can be a driving force in allowing for more support and resources for those that face these barriers on an ongoing basis.”

Kole is a Funeral Director and Embalmer here in Saskatoon who is looking to become more involved in his local community and hoping to help in it's development.

Born in Surrey, BC. Kole is a fresh transplant to the beautiful province of Saskatchewan, where he now calls Saskatoon home. Having worked in communities in BC and Alberta, he's discovered his passion for volunteer work and giving back to the communities that have been kind enough to accept him.

He looks forward to being involved in the growth and ongoing support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community here in the land of living skies.

General Director

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to support entrepreneurs at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. I believe that 2SLGBTQ+ professionals and entrepreneurs have a critical part to play in making Saskatchewan’s economy successful, inclusive, and welcoming. Let’s get to work!”

With over eight years of experience in tourism, economic development, and community engagement, Brenden has worked with organizations at local, provincial, and national levels to design strategies that spark growth, foster creativity, and celebrate diversity.

Brenden is deeply committed to ensuring queer-owned businesses and inclusive spaces thrive. He believes in the power of representation in leadership roles and at the tables where decisions are made.

Now an entrepreneur himself, Brenden knows firsthand how important it is to be able to connect and collaborate with other 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

Vice President of Membership

“I am motivated to support my community and reduce the barriers I have experienced as a queer person growing up in Saskatchewan and later as a queer professional. I believe strongly in promoting inclusivity and representation at all levels of decision-making. I am committed to continuous learning and to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives in every space.”

Han Wieder is an advocate within Saskatoon’s queer community, working toward creating a more inclusive province.

They began their journey by volunteering at the University of Saskatchewan’s Pride Centre and have since taken on an active role on board of directors of Saskatoon Pride for 2025.

With an honours degree focused on human societies and culture and a strong understanding of legal policies, Han brings fresh ideas and meaningful support to SQEP.

Lynette Cain is a queer woman currently working in the information field. She grew up in a village of less than 400 people and moved to Saskatoon for university. She completed an honours degree in History, and fell in love with the history of Western Canada and the stories of people and events that have shaped the places we live in today. She currently works as Records and Information Management Coordinator at Metis Nation - Saskatchewan.

During university Lynette volunteered as a Peer Mentor, helping fellow students. She also loved working as a TA and facilitating weekly student discussions. She has also participated with the MN-S Pride Committee.

She strongly believes that intersectionality is vital to advocacy and that BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ voices need to be supported and uplifted.