Shelly Mandeville
Shelly Mandeville is a CEO and co-founder of three companies (In Synch Consulting Inc., Naoka Inc. and Wildrose Contractor Supports) operating in her home territory, as well as Alberta. Born in the Northwest Territories, Shelley inherited her entrepreneurial spirit from her parents and grandfather who inspired her to advocate for equality for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Throughout her career, Shelly has continued to work with Indigenous communities and advance economic development.
In 2016, she participated, via ministerial appointment on the Climate Change Innovation and Technology Engagement Taskforce, by providing recommendations and advice on how Alberta can support climate change technology objectives. She was instrumental in the creation of Aspiring Women in Leadership and Legacy (AWILL), a non-profit organization that serves to promote equality and facilitates the sharing of wisdom among women leaders in Edmonton and across Alberta. Shelly also created a series of over 140 self-guided lessons designed to raise self-awareness in leadership, offered by the organization and sponsored by her company Naoka Inc.
Shelly was recognized in 2015 with the Aboriginal Woman Entrepreneur Award of Distinction by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. She shares her acquired business acumen by serving on various boards, including past Chairwoman for Apeetogosan Métis Development Inc., Vice-Chair for the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, and Chairwoman of Boyle Street Aboriginal Services. Shelly also served as Vice President of the Alberta Chapter of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association and as a board member of Boyle Street Community Services.
As one of very few women to lead a 100% Indigenous-owned company in the oil and gas industry, her tenacity and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Indigenous peoples has impacted the lives of communities, individuals, her employees, and her peers. As a survivor of the Indian Residential School System, Shelly’s story serves as an inspiration to others and the endless possibilities that exist for them. She currently resides outside of Edmonton, Alberta and is the mother of two grown daughters and Kokum to two granddaughters.
