In a world where workplace injuries are often overlooked, Candace Carnahan (BA'02) has emerged as a powerful voice.

Recognized in 2024 by Atlantic Business Magazine as one of the 25 most powerful women in business, Candace is a sought-after motivational speaker advocating for workplace health and safety around the world.

Candace faced tragedy in 1999, during her time as a UNB student, when a workplace incident caused her to lose a leg and confront the reality of workplace safety.

"My family and I learned a lot about the systems in place, particularly workers' compensation," she recalls. "It was eye-opening to realize how common workplace injuries really are."

What began as a personal journey of healing, transformed into a mission to educate others about safety rights. Soon after her university graduation, she was invited by WHSCC (now WorkSafeNB) to speak in high schools. Her message was simple. "Young people need to know their rights at work." This initial engagement sparked her career as a safety speaker.

"Protecting your psychological safety is the first step in doing what it takes to protect your physical safety."

Over the years, Candace's impact has grown exponentially. She became involved with Passport to Safety, a national educational initiative aimed at improving workplace safety culture across Canada. Previously recognized by Maclean's magazine as one of the "Faces of the Future," Candace started her own motivational speaking company and began working with a variety of local and global companies, organizations, and government agencies.

Her work now spans the globe, with most of her speaking engagements taking place across the United States, Australia, and Europe. Recently, she presented the keynote for the Global Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Sydney, Australia, one of the largest health conferences in the world.

"I've always maintained that protecting your psychological safety is the first step in doing what it takes to protect your physical safety. Today, there is more space to talk about that. I work with companies and organizations to see what their challenges are, what's working, and what's not. Typically, these groups are already either doing the right thing or trying to do the right thing."

Today, Candace lives in Nova Scotia and has launched her digital awareness program, Step Up Your Safety, which will be integrated into New Brunswick's Grade 9 curriculum and has brought her full circle — educating youth and making safety education accessible.

"Twenty-five years ago, when I first began speaking, young people were really interested in my leg. Now, they're more interested in psychological health and safety. I can see the difference that has been made in the last 25 years, through empowerment and education."

At the heart of Candace's mission is the belief that storytelling can catalyze change. Her newest project, a podcast titled Sharing Stories Changing Lives, amplifies the diverse voices and experiences of others who have faced injuries and workplace incidents.

When reflecting on her recent recognition by Atlantic Business Magazine, Candace says she is excited about creating a business that will become more accessible to anyone, not just organizations with the resources to implement change.

"It's really meaningful to be recognized as a business owner in Atlantic Canada, and there are a lot of heavy hitters in that group. It's rewarding to me to have a career that I know is truly my purpose for being here."

As she prepares to roll out Step Up Your Safety and celebrates the launch of her podcast, Candace remains true to her belief that it's all about empowering others to prioritize safety and inclusivity, not just for themselves, but for their coworkers and families.