Women's Month Mentorship Panel

Catherine Vu 

Catherine Vu is a trailblazing entrepreneur and community leader celebrated for her energy, passion, and resilience. Despite starting her journey as a computer novice, she built a thriving IT business that exemplifies her drive, determination, and belief in collaboration. As Chief Uptime Officer of Pro-Active IT Management Inc., Catherine transformed a modest startup into a trusted leader in Edmonton's IT community, earning the loyalty of her clients through proactive, customer-focused solutions delivered with technical excellence and integrity. 

An immigrant to Canada, Catherine exemplifies the spirit of giving back. Her philanthropic efforts have raised tens of thousands of dollars for various Edmonton organizations. In 2019, she deepened her impact by establishing The Vu Impact Fund with $38,000 of her own savings through the Edmonton Community Foundation, supporting causes such as disability advocacy, women’s empowerment, and youth initiatives. 

Catherine currently serves as president of the Edmonton Executive Association, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, and is a proud board director with Explore Edmonton. She is also a founding mentor of the ThresholdImpact Venture Mentoring Services (VMS), where she supports and mentors the next generation of entrepreneurs. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 and a 2017 Business in Edmonton Leader, Catherine was recently honored with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal, presented by Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani. 

A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Catherine has completed the #75Hard Challenge three times, conquered the Banff Marathon, and, as a proud member of the Edmonton #stairbabes crew, braves the city's staircases every Saturday—even at -50°C. 

Known for her fun size, joy, generosity, and indomitable spirit, Catherine inspires others to embrace resilience, run their own race, and build meaningful connections within their communities. 

Ally Stone 

Ally Stone, a partner in the hospitality sector since 2005, has pioneered the evolution of 15 thriving businesses, embedding her vision of connected leadership into their success. As Director of Culture and Leadership Development, she unlocked the essence of impactful leadership – the art of forging genuine connections that fuel long term business success. 

Now at the helm of The Inspired Leader, she has built a business dedicated to the transformational practice of bringing humanity back to the heart of business. Ally focuses on guiding individuals and organizations toward peak leadership potential by fostering a culture of authenticity and connection. Ally offers three primary services: Executive Coaching, Keynote Speaking, and Workshop Facilitation. 

At The Inspired Leader, we aim to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full leadership potential while prioritizing a culture of authenticity and connection. 

Ally has worked with thousands of leaders from all levels of organizations. In 2022, Ally was awarded the Transformational Leader Award by The Universal Women’s Network. Ally is also a certified Meditation Teacher, a Heart Math Resilience Mentor, and an ICF Certified Coach working towards her Master's Certification. 

She is active, loves yoga, and spending time with her husband and two dogs. 

Teresa Spinelli  

Teresa Spinelli wasn’t expected to lead her family’s grocery business, but life had other plans. Born in Edmonton in 1961, she grew up at the Italian Centre Shop, taking her first steps in the pasta aisle. By 13, she was working as a cashier, never imagining she would one day take the helm. 

When family circumstances shifted, Teresa stepped up, transforming the business from a local grocery store into a major importer and distributor. In her first year as President, she grew sales to $12 million. Today, the Italian Centre Shop has expanded to five locations in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Calgary, employing over 700 people and generating more than $130 million in sales. 

“For me, it’s not about selling salami. It’s about people.” – Teresa Spinelli  

Natalia Igumnova 

Natalia Igumnova has always been a high achiever.  Born in Ghegdomin, Russia in January 1979, she was raised in New Ugral, in the Khabarovsk region in eastern Russia.  Her mother, a teacher of Botany and her father, an accomplished athlete, inspired her to develop a lifelong love for dance and athletics, along with a strong commitment towards her scholastic endeavors. 

She graduated from high school with honours and by the age of 17 she was off, on her own, to study at the Far Eastern University of Public Service.  In this environment she thrived, starting her first business tutoring her fellow students in advance mathematics and statistics.  In 2000 she started to work full-time as an accountant while completing her studies, graduating in 2001 with honours and a red Diploma in Management.  

After graduating, she decided to start building her business empire.  Opening her first convenience store in December 2001, she then started a mini market the following year. By 2007 she was operating nine more business including a nightclub, two seven day a week markets, two restaurants, two business consulting agencies, and a superstore. 

In 2008 she decided to pursue her business passion of helping entrepreneurs interested developing start ups.  As the General Director of the non-profit Small Business Support Fund of Khabarovsk Region, she taught, coached, and consulted small businesses, helping them to secure financing.  The fund help over 3700 start ups and the organization grew from five employees to 37 while opening five branch offices.  

In 2014 she moved to Edmonton, with an invitation to work with EWNS Market Consulting, helping businesses to prepare business plans, secure financing, and manage their time.  Working with rural businesses to add value to their operations, she discovered the need for a venue that connected local producers directly with consumers.    

So, in 2018 she started to develop Alberta Bountiful Markets Ltd.  A year-round multi-day farmers style market.  In June 2019 the Market opened, providing vendors and customers with a European inspired shopping experience.   

Natalia has received many awards and accolades over the years.  Several letters of recognition from Mayors and Governors as well as the 2011 Russian National Women’s Competition and the 2010 National Best Russian Fund Supporting Small Businesses.  She also has vast international experience, working with The United States Agency for International Development, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Canada-Russia Northern Development Partnership Program, along with The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State.  As a public speaker she has made presentations at numerous international conferences.