Dr. Elka Walsh

Passionate about student success and preparing learners to thrive in the digital future, Dr. Elka Walsh is the Americas Higher Education Transformation Lead for Microsoft where she helps universities across Canada and the United States achieve the art-of-the-possible for the future of higher education. Prior to joining Microsoft, Elka held leadership positions in colleges and polytechnics, government, and not-for-profits. She has also advised provincial and federal governments and international organizations on higher education and skilling strategy and policy. With an earned reputation for leading innovative transformation initiatives at scale that result in tangible outcomes, Dr. Walsh holds a PhD and Master’s degree from McMaster University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from University of Toronto and has taught at Humber Polytechnic and McMaster University. Dr. Walsh believes strongly in the power of education to transform lives and the importance of inclusive learning to empower every learner to thrive.

Dr. Walsh is also active in her community and serves as a member of the California Governor’s AI Workforce Acceleration Advisory Committee, the Government of Alberta’s Minister’s Advisory Committee for Higher Education and Skills and has served on several Boards including the Calgary West Primary Care Network and the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta.