Board Members
Michelle Hillyard
Board Chair
Michelle Hillyard was raised in Gander, NL, and moved to Steinbach in 2007. She is the Manager of Business Sales and service at SCU, where she has proudly worked for the last 15 years. A love of music and the Arts, especially voice and dance, started at a young age – Michelle has performed in several musicals and was involved with many choirs and glee clubs over the years. For several seasons she was the co-chair of the dance portion of the Southeastern Manitoba Festival
Michelle and her husband Don raised their family in Steinbach, their children attended summer camps at SAC and were involved in many activities in the community. She believes that children learn so much from extracurricular activities – teamwork, discipline, and confidence. She also believes that the arts provide endless opportunities for expression, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Alex Loewen
Board Director
Alexandra Loewen is a lifelong Steinbach resident with a great love for the Southeast area.
She graduated with a BA, with distinction in 2022 from the University of Manitoba, in psychology and political science. Currently, Alex has plans to attend law school at the U of M beginning in fall 2024. Her work at Smith Neufeld Jodoin in Steinbach aids her in these goals.
Alex’s passion for the arts developed young, cultivated by a family dedicated to music and community involvement. She has participated in theatre and festival and understands the enrichment and color it brings to life. Presently, she enjoys volunteering at her church, being near family and friends, and listening to musicals. Alex is looking forward to using her organizational and people skills to aid the arts in bringing people together in her hometown.
Taylor Brandt
Board Secretary
Meghan Esau
Leslie Paulet
Leslie Paulet has been a resident of Steinbach for the past 16 years. Prior to moving to Steinbach, Leslie enjoyed her career with Public Prosecutions as a trial co-ordinator with the Court of Queen’s Bench. Upon moving to Steinbach with her family, she chose to stay home and raise her two boys while working part time in the community. She continues to commits much of her time organizing a successful 20-year annual running event with her husband, that raises funds for the Canadian Cancer Society and specifically cancer research programs here in Manitoba. Now that her boys are grown, Leslie has embarked in a new endeavour as a working artist. As a relatively new artist, she is excited to be a board member with the Steinbach Arts Council and hopes to be a beneficial member of the local arts community.
Patrick Friesen
Patrick comes to the board with a wealth of experience in leadership and management. He has spent most of his career as an educator, coach, and consultant; contributing to the success of various boards and organizations. He believes that a community’s access to artistic expression and experience contributes to the overall well-being of the city.