The 36th Allard Chair in Business at MacEwan University is an Edmonton woman who started her own business, has overseen its growth while dealing with the challenges of the pandemic and continued to be a community-driven leader.

Kristina Botelho is the founder of the plant-based café kb&co which first opened in downtown Edmonton and has now expanded to six other locations in the capital region, Calgary and Kelowna.

She is also an advocate for her community, establishing initiatives including organizing an annual clothing drive to collect warm clothing for those in need.

For the next year, Botelho will be the Allard Chair in Business and will share her experiences with MacEwan students through classroom visits, lectures and special events.

Dr. Richard Perlow, the Dean of the School of Business, was the emcee at a March 29 event that officially welcomed Botelho to the position. The event featured remarks by Botelho and included greetings from Beth Allard-Clough who represented the Allard family, which has supported the Allard Chair initiative since its inception.

“I know our students will learn much from your story, benefit from your knowledge and be inspired by your mentorship,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor.

Click on an image in the gallery below to see photos from the event.