Laurie Winder has been an active member of the EPSG since 2018. Her involvement began through

advocacy work and a desire to build meaningful connections to better support 2SLGBTQIA seniors

residing in assisted living. At the time, Laurie was serving as an Executive Director, a role she held for

eight years. This initial commitment evolved into a broader professional network of people who share

similar values and a deepened appreciation for communitydriven work.

Laurie has lived in the Edmonton area for most of her life and has spent the majority of her career in the

notforprofit sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Leadership, which she completed at the young age of

47.

Her professional focus continues across two sectors: seniors’ services and supports for people living with

intellectual disabilities and neurodiversity. Laurie operates her own consulting firm, Winder Consulting,

where she is primarily contracted by Alberta Health Services to conduct abuse investigations. In

addition, she and her husband co-own a nonprofit organization, Winder Inclusive Communities Service

(WICS), which supports adults with intellectual disabilities and neurodiversity in living full, inclusive, and

well-rounded lives.

Throughout her career, Laurie has held numerous leadership roles and has been actively engaged in

advocacy for marginalized populations. Her experience includes strategic planning, workshop

development and facilitation, staff training, curriculum development, and governance. She has several

years of board experience and currently serves on the Community Safety and WellBeing Steering

Committee for Strathcona County.