W. Brett Wilson

Father, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist

W. Brett Wilson is best known as a “Dragon Emeritus” from 3 seasons on CBC’s hit reality TV show Dragons’ Den. He has built extensive holdings through his family office, Prairie Merchant Corporation, in the power generation, hydrocarbon production, real estate development, agriculture, sports and entertainment industries. His business and philanthropic leadership have brought him considerable recognition including the Order of Canada (2011) and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit (2012). Brett continues to simplify and organize his life to focus on what is most important – his family, friends and health.

Russell Wilson

Russell was born and raised in Calgary and joined the Prairie Merchant team (W. Brett Wilson’s family office) in late 2015 where he runs several of the company’s investment portfolios. Prior to joining the team completed his Masters of Business in Philanthropy and Non-Profit Studies at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia which provided him the platform to manage both the business and community aspects of Prairie Merchant’s activities.

Joni Avram

Growing up in rural Saskatchewan as part of an entrepreneurial family, Joni saw business and community leaders work together to boost her small town. Her parents were the original ‘shop local’ advocates, and she realized early on what people and organizations can do to build communities when they work toward mutual goals.

After a varied career in politics, public affairs, and public relations, in 2007, Joni established Cause & Effect Marketing, with a vision for supporting clients who are willing to think big, and realize their potential for changing the world. Since then, she’s helped family foundations, corporate philanthropists, not-for-profit leaders, politicians, and business leaders become more effective forces for good.

Paula Davies

Paula has over 25 years of experience as a media executive and marketer, and many years in business development with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her professional pursuits, she also supports Calgarians and the local community through her involvement with a number of notable causes, including Kids Cancer Care, Easter Seals, Flood Aid and City TV’s High Hopes Challenge, which she founded in 2010. Paula is the newest member to the Wilson Battlefords Initiative team.

John Gulak

John Gulak was born and raised in Saskatchewan and has over 30 years of experience as a corporate commercial lawyer. He has served on a number of community boards including Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary, Outward Bound Canada, the Calgary Drug Treatment Court, and the Alberta Lawyers Assistance Society. He collaborated in 2014 with Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary to publish a book called Sick to Death of the Silence that tells the personal stories of 15 Calgarians with lived experience of mental illness.