Edwards student leads with passion

Landiak has plans. Landiak, in her fourth-year of a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in accounting, comes from the small town of St. Paul, Alberta. Upon graduation, she will be returning to St. Paul to work at a local accounting firm, where she will begin to pursue her Chartered Professional Accounting designation.

 Landiak will be receiving an award for leadership at this year’s Indigenous Student Achievement Awards (ISAA) on Feb. 7. Indigenous students from across the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will be honoured at a ceremony to recognize their academic excellence, leadership, research endeavours or community engagement.

The ISAA is part of Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW) which celebrates the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty. The festivities include a public art project, speakers and celebrations in various locations across campus.

We asked Landiak a few questions about her time at USask and what motivates her.

Why did you choose the Edwards School of Business?

After attending the university’s open house when I was in high school, I knew that Edwards was the right fit for me. The small class sizes and services that the college offers to its students was a major contributing factor in my decision.

What advice would you give to a first-year Indigenous student?

Don’t stress over one bad grade; in the end, it’s your degree/diploma and practical experience that matter.

What plans do you have for the future?

Following graduation, I will begin employment at an accounting firm in my hometown where I will begin to pursue my Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

You received the award for leadership. Can you talk about one person you think is a good leader and what makes them so?

Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by outstanding leaders. One thing that they all have in common is their passion for the area in which they are a leader.

This year’s theme of the Indigenous Achievement Week is Powerful Voices. If there is one thing you can use your voice for in this moment what would it be for?

As a young, female professional entering the workforce, I would use my voice to emphasize the importance of gender equality. Eliminating the gender gap is essential for society.