Board of Directors

Prior to Evok, Val worked with the Creative Destruction Lab to develop mentorship programming for advanced material start-ups. She led the development of the High School Girls Program to promote diversity in STEM. Val also worked with Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to support Canadian clean tech startups and SMEs with non-dilutive funding, and focused on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategies for the portfolio. Val holds a BSc in Chemistry from Queen’s University and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia. Her doctoral research was in materials discovery for next-generation solar cells.

Janice Warkentin Steeves is the President and CEO of Deep Tech Canada, a national non-profit organization that connects Canada’s emerging technology sectors through ecosystem building, global partnerships, and strategic programming. Since 2015, she has played a central role in shaping the organization and expanding its national and international impact.

With more than 20 years of experience in policy, governance, communications, and ecosystem development, Janice leads a wide range of initiatives—from trade missions and strategic partnerships to training programs, events, and innovation challenges. Her work bridges industry, government, and academia, helping Canadian innovators scale and compete on the global stage.

In addition to her work at Deep Tech Canada, Janice holds a leadership role within an International Standards Organization (ISO) committee and serves on several boards dedicated to advancing innovation, collaboration, and impact. Outside of work, she finds inspiration through travel, gardening, and meaningful conversations that challenge perspectives and spark connection.

Isabelle joined Deep Tech Canada in December 2020. She started her career working for the RCMP Behavioral Sciences Branch. She later moved to the National Research Council, where she met her future Deep Tech Canada family and spent the next 8 years working for various government organizations. At Deep Tech Canada, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing and orchestrating our many programs, projects and events; she also serves as Corporate Board Secretary.

Isabelle holds a bachelor’s degree in International Development and Anthropology from the University of New Brunswick. Outside of work she enjoys travelling, hiking, being out in nature and spoiling her two doodles, Sissi and Khaleesi.

Jennifer Arndt is the Managing Partner of the Calgary office of DLA Piper (Canada) LLP and practices in DLA’s Canadian Capital Markets Group, specializing in securities, corporate finance, banking law, and M&A. She advises TSX and TSXV-listed companies on public offerings, acquisitions, and corporate governance across sectors such as technology, life sciences, energy, and mining. Jennifer has led major transactions for clients including Nanalysis Scientific Corp., Draganfly Inc., GBLT German Battery & Lighting Technologies PLC, and Canacol Energy Ltd., with deal values reaching up to US$500 million. She is a member of the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association. 

Greg Baker has over 20 years of experience in international export/business development and investment attraction, with a focus on the Asian region.  Having worked for both the University of Alberta and the Government of Alberta - including 8 years as the government’s in-market representative and the Managing Director of the Alberta Korea Office in Seoul - Greg has helped many small and medium sized Canadian technology companies to gain a foothold in Asian markets. Having worked with DeepTech Canada on developing many of its previous outcome-based missions to the Asia region, as a member of the board of directors, Greg is now looking to guide the organization as it develops and implements a comprehensive set of international market strategies.

Luke Caplette is an innovative leader with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in both the technology and oilfield services sectors. He currently holds the role of Chief Financial Officer at Pure Environmental. Born in Calgary, Alberta, Luke received his Bachelor of Finance at Mount Royal University and continued his education journey by getting his CA designation shortly thereafter.

His drive and passion for scaling businesses was evident in his early years and he quickly landed a role at an esteemed accounting firm. After growing exponentially and even being the recipient of the companies’ 40 under 40 award, he moved in-house to a publicly traded oil field services company. Through hard-work, dedication, and loyalty, he accelerated into the CFO role, where he continued to grow the organization.

Luke moved to a new role at an international technology company where he raised more than $26 million in equity and over $20 million in debt. Luke acquired companies all over the world in Zurich, Strasbourg, New York, Phoenix and Calgary – all within two short years. Starting at Pure in July 2022, he has more than 12 years’ experience in both the private and public sector working for small, local organizations, up to international companies.

At Pure, Luke oversees all of its financial affairs while providing direction for its corporate strategy and development. Luke knows the value of people and building a great team to ensure Company-wide success. He is a loyal and creative leader, always looking outside the box for innovative solutions.

Danina Kapetanovic is the Vice President of Innovation and Chief Health Innovation Officer for the Waterloo Regional Health Network and the University of Waterloo. She leads the Care Next Coalition, a regional health innovation ecosystem uniting research, technology, care delivery, and community engagement. Previously, she was Chief Innovation Officer at Montreal’s CIUSSS West-Central, where she founded OROT, the Connected Health Innovation Hub. Danina also led Hacking Health, a global movement that launched over 1,500 digital health projects, and spent nearly two decades with the United Nations advancing global health and nutrition initiatives. She holds degrees from McGill University and the City University of New York and speaks five languages. 

Leana Keto is an Associate Principal with BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, where she combines her background in engineering with extensive experience supporting early-stage ventures. 

Before joining BDC Capital, Leana was Program Manager at SVG Ventures | THRIVE, an investment fund and accelerator focused on food and agriculture innovation. She previously served as Energy Stream Manager at the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), where she helped science-based start-ups secure mentorship and capital, and played a key role in identifying technology verticals to shape venture recruitment in the energy sector. 

Earlier in her career, Leana gained hands-on engineering experience in Canada and the United States through roles at Schlumberger and Husky Energy. 

She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering and an MBA, both from the University of British Columbia. 

David MacLean is a public affairs and advocacy leader with 25 years of experience spanning government relations, strategic communications, media relations, politics and business advocacy.

As Director of External Relations at Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA), David leads government relations, advocacy and stakeholder engagement, working with industry, municipal leaders and governments to advance investment and economic growth in Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing region.

Prior to joining AIHA, David served as Divisional Vice-President for Alberta and Saskatchewan with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, representing the interests of the manufacturing and exporting sector and advancing policies aimed at strengthening business competitiveness. He previously served as Vice-President, Communications and Policy with Alberta Enterprise Group, where he worked on behalf of business leaders from across the province on public policy, communications and advocacy.

David’s career also includes experience in Alberta politics and government. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee.