Crossing Borders. Pushing Boundaries. Breaking Barriers.
Thursday, September 17 | Day 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Session 1B – Room: Loft
Crossing Borders. Pushing Boundaries. Breaking Barriers.
What are the signs of meaningful change in today’s workplace?
Join Jackie Munoz of Allanson, Lynda Jonas of EM Plastic, Somy Basakah of Galaxie Signs and Ping Xu of Piedmont Plastics for a candid and educational conversation about crossing cultural and professional borders, challenging traditional expectations, and removing barriers to opportunity.
Through personal experiences, practical workplace examples and audience participation, this session will explore belonging, leadership, self-advocacy, and allyship and what each of us can do to create positive change in our industry and our careers.
Moderator: Susan Svotelis
Regional General Manager, PLASKOLITE
Susan leads the Plaskolite’s Canadian business with a focus on strategic growth, customer partnerships, and market development across the sign, graphics, industrial, and plastics markets. With nearly 40 years of industry experience, Susan is recognized for her collaborative leadership, customer-first approach, and passion for advancing the Canadian sign industry.
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In addition to her professional role, Susan serves as Vice President of the Sign Association of Canada (SAC-ACE) and is the Chair of Sign Experience Canada, where she leads the development of the Association’s national conference and educational programming. She is also a founding member of Breaking Barriers, SAC’s initiative dedicated to empowering women in the sign industry through leadership, mentorship, and meaningful industry conversations.
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A firm believer that strong industries are built through collaboration, education, and community, Susan is passionate about creating opportunities that bring people together, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of industry leaders.
Speaker: Lynda Jonas
General Manager, EM Plastic Edmonton & President, Alberta Sign Association
From coaching figure skating to raising three kids as a stay-at-home mom, Lynda Jonas’s path to executive leadership has been anything but linear.
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Joining EM Plastic in 2012 in a part-time role to balance work and family life, she advanced to General Manager and currently serves as ASA President. Lynda uses her journey to advocate for hands-on training, real-world problem solving, and breaking down barriers for women in the trade.
Speaker: Ping Xu
Assistant Branch Manager Piedmont Plastics
Throughout Ping’s 13 year career, she has held roles in purchasing, accounting, sales, production coordination, and operations management, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of the business.
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She is passionate about supporting her team, delivering exceptional service to customers, and contributing to continued business growth. Ping’s approach is guided by two simple principles: “Just do it” and “Never give up.”
Speaker: Jackie Munoz
Regional Manager for Western Canada, Allanson International
Originally from Mexico, Jackie has built a successful career in Canada with more than 18 years of experience in sales, leadership, business development, and team building.
Her professional journey has taken her across the insurance, manufacturing, lighting, and sign industries, requiring her to navigate cultural transitions, career changes, and traditionally male-dominated environments.
Jackie is passionate about professional growth and encouraging women and newcomers to view their backgrounds, experiences, and differences as strengths.
Speaker: Somy Basakha
Director, Galaxie Signs Ltd
Twenty years ago, Somy Basakha immigrated to Canada and started over from scratch. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management and, after moving to Canada, returned to school to earn a Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University.
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Today, as Director of Galaxie Signs, Somy leads projects for major developers, municipalities, healthcare organizations, and national brands.
As an immigrant, entrepreneur, and leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Somy is passionate about sharing her journey and inspiring others to embrace challenges, pursue their goals, and create opportunities through resilience, determination, and hard work.