Idea Generators

Anthony's Bio

Anthony Johnson and Dr. James Makokis are renowned as the trailblazing Two-Spirit team on the Amazing Race Canada. Their compelling victory in Season 7 brought pivotal gender, sexuality, and Indigenous issues to the forefront of national consciousness, reshaping societal perceptions. Distinguished in their individual capacities, they bring rich, diverse experiences and a profound depth of expertise to their advocacy efforts, championing the rights of First Nation and LGBTQ2S+ communities.

Residing in Treaty 6 Territory, Edmonton, Anthony Johnson is dedicated to the resurgence of Traditional Cree Medicine practices in Kehewin Cree Nation. Together, they are a formidable force, advocating for systemic change and promoting equity and inclusivity. Their journey transcends the Amazing Race; it’s a continual stride towards societal transformation, galvanizing communities, and allies alike to dismantle prejudices and foster a more inclusive, empathetic world. Their narrative is not just one of triumph but a compelling call to action for unity, understanding, and relentless pursuit of justice.

Bryan's Bio

Bryan Helfenbaum is the Vice President of Clean Energy at Alberta Innovates, where he oversees programs in Clean Technology and Advanced Hydrocarbons with key initiatives in hydrogen, CCUS, digital energy, bitumen beyond combustion, and others. Before joining Alberta Innovates, he spent 20 years in technical, business, and innovation roles in the private sector.  Bryan has taught courses at the University of Calgary and worked on innovative community residential development projects.  

Bryan has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Waterloo and an MBA from Calgary.

Alberta Innovates

Lisa's Bio

Lisa has worked for nearly 20 years in the energy sector, gaining valuable field experience in health and safety and collaborating with various teams at Energy Safety Canada. Since joining the Careers in Energy team in 2018, Lisa has enthusiastically shared her knowledge of opportunities in both traditional and emerging energy technologies. She brings a comprehensive expertise that covers many facets of the industry. Lisa’s credentials include a Bachelor of Science and the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation.

Energy Safety Canada