FLOURISH 2024

Virtual ERG Leader Development Program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

FLOURISH is an eight-week virtual program that will develop the skills required for 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group (ERG)* leaders to be effective and successful in their roles. Those who lead 2SLGBTQIA+ ERGs have an enormous opportunity to create change for Two-Spirit, queer and trans employees. They also face very specific challenges in Canadian workplaces. While session content will touch on the mechanics of ERGs, the primary focus of FLOURISH will be developing individual competency in four areas:

Domestic and international 2SLGBTQIA+ economic issues
Building business cases and generating buy-in for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion
Principles of governance and volunteer management
Providing peer support to 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies

Through live Zoom sessions, virtual learning modules and self-directed work, our FLOURISH program will collectively unlock their potential as ERG leaders.

“This is not ERG 101, folks. There are lots of great general resources about what an effective ERG looks like. With this program, we’re taking aim at the courageous and committed people who want to lead their company’s 2SLGBTQIA+ ERG with authenticity and intention. When our leaders succeed, our ERGs succeed.”
Colin Druhan, Executive Director, Pride at Work Canada

* Please note we use Employee Resource Group as a catch all term which is inclusive of Business Resource Groups, Affinity Networks, and other similar employee led groups focused on equity-deserving groups.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

To support a positive learning environment and peer-to-peer learning the fourth cohort of FLOURISH will be limited. The process by which those interested in participating may apply from Friday, July 19, 2024. The deadline for applications will be Friday, September 27, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET. Those selected for the 2024 cohort will pay a participation fee, due upon acceptance.

Fee for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners & Community Partners: $1,500 (+ tax)
Fee for employees of other organizations: $2,000 (+ tax)

If you would like to confirm if your employer is a current partner who might haven’t been listed on our website, please contact us at partners@prideatwork.ca.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

The primary goal of FLOURISH is to develop the specific skills required of 2SLGBTQIA+ ERG leaders to succeed. Those who will receive the most benefit from attending will fit the following profile:

Employed by a medium-to-large organization in Canada;
Currently leading a 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group;
2SLGBTQIA+ person leading an Employee Resource Group for any equity-deserving group; or
A member of a 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group, with leadership aspirations

Please note that FLOURISH is NOT a program about how to start or build an ERG.

Questions about FLOURISH can be directed to Templeton Sawyer (he/him), Leadership Programs Coordinator, at templeton.sawyer@prideatwork.ca.

SESSION OVERVIEW

All sessions will be Tuesday evenings, beginning at 6:00 PM ET and running 2-3 hours, depending on the speaker.

Session 1: Community Understanding with Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah
Tuesday, October 15, at 6:00 PM ET

Build a solid foundation of knowledge of 2SLGBTQIA+ issues
Lived experience vs. bodies of evidence
Best practices in communication on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues

Speed-networking session
Tuesday, October 22, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET

Study Group Week: Engaging your membership – tapping into the passion
Tuesday, October 22, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET

Session 2: Generating buy-in from executive leadership with Marcos A. Persaud. This session is presented by Maple Leaf Foods.
Tuesday, October 29, at 6:00 PM ET

Generate buy-in for workplace inclusion
Identify and engage influential ERG champions and sponsors
Articulate the value and impact of their ERGs relative to business goals

Study Group Week: Executive Sponsors and tying into your company’s business plan
Tuesday, November 5, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET

Session 3: Governance and Volunteer Management with TJ Delegencia. This session is presented by the Capilano University.
Tuesday, November 12, at 6:00 PM ET

Compelling volunteer participation
Defining roles and responsibilities of Employee Resource Group members
Recognition and succession planning

Study Group Week: Leading Effective Meetings and Events Hosting
Tuesday, November 19, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET

Session 4: Principles of Peer Support with Kai Cheng Thom
Tuesday, November 26, at 6:00 PM ET

Setting boundaries and ground rules
Managing conflict
Peer support specific to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

Study Group Week: Making your ERG effective in 2025
Tuesday, December 3, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET

SPEAKERS

DEBBIE OWUSU-AKYEEAH (she/her)

Director of Policy and Advocacy

Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights

Bio

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah is an award-winning Black feminist activist with over eight years of local and international advocacy experience through various initiatives in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and through working at Oxfam Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD). She became the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights in July 2024.

MARCOS A. PERSAUD (he/him)

Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and HR Governance Specialist

Maple Leaf Foods

Bio

A leading advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in corporate Canada for over a decade, Marcos A. Persaud has championed inclusivity through his daily actions and the establishment of employee resource groups (ERGs), fostering workplaces that celebrate and protect the community.

With an enviable career at firms like Deloitte, PwC, and George Weston, it is Marcos’ consistent engagement in ERGs that highlights not only his leadership capabilities but also his enduring commitment to championing diversity and inclusion within corporate settings. In his current role as Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and HR Governance Specialist at Maple Leaf Foods (MLF), Marcos has been an instrumental force in transforming the company’s approach to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.

TJ DELEGENCIA (he/him)

Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Capilano University

Bio

Through strategic planning, personal support, and recognized leadership, TJ Delegencia has played a pivotal role in developing inclusive strategies and communications focused on humanistic design, storytelling, data-driven DEI, and relationship building. His journey is deeply influenced by his identities as a Queer Chinese-Filipino (2nd generation Asian Canadian) and as a brain tumour survivor.

His professional and personal experiences have cultivated core strengths that are evident in his work today, including emotional intelligence and intersectionality. As a lover of culture and a passionate activist for racial equity, TJ has a solid background in the financial sector, having worked at Coast Capital before transitioning to the educational sector. He was instrumental in launching a code of conduct to reinforce inclusivity, respect, and best practices.

KAI CHENG THOM (she/her)

Writer, Performer & Community Worker

Bio

Kai Cheng Thom is a writer, performer, somatic coach, conflict mediator, wicked witch and lasagna lover based in tkaronto/Toronto. A noted practitioner of embodiment and conflict mediation, Kai Cheng works with individuals and groups to pursue collective healing and social transformation. She is also the author of six award-winning books in multiple genres, having been featured in such publications as Teen Vogue and The New York Times.

SUPPORTERS

Lead Supporter

FLOURISH and other programs are offered with our Proud Partners’ support. Reach out to Hanna Haddad (he/him), Business Development Coordinator, at hanna.haddad@prideatwork.ca and discover our sponsorship packages and opportunities.

TESTIMONIALS

“I’m so appreciative for Pride at Work Canada’s FLOURISH program. It was so valuable to hear from the session speakers and connect with queer and trans professionals from across Canada. I can’t express how grateful I am for the small group discussions: I formed genuine connections with my group members and our discussions were open, honest, and energizing. I came out of the FLOURISH program excited to bring my learnings back to my ERG and organization, so that we can further our work towards diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.”

Calyssa Erb (she/her)

National Account Manager and LGBTQIA2S+ Employee Resource Group Co-Chair

Scholastic Canada

2022 cohort

“When I started co-leading my company’s Pride Network ERG, passion got me through the first year. But soon I realized that leading an ERG effectively takes a lot more than just enthusiasm, which is why I chose to participate in the FLOURISH program in 2022. FLOURISH was a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of being an ERG leader from experts and to network with like minded people in different industries through study groups. I would recommend the program for any ERG leader, whether you’re experienced and could benefit from new perspectives or starting your ERG from scratch.”

Daniel Oliveira (he/him)

Director, Global Innovation

Jamieson Laboratories Ltd.

2022 cohort

“It was an honour to participate in the FLOURISH ERG Leader Development Program and to connect with other queer and trans leaders transforming their workplaces one step at a time. The Pride at Work Canada FLOURISH team brings together an exceptional group of 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders and speakers from across the country to develop the skills required to action change at work. I especially enjoyed the speakers and bi-weekly small group sessions where participants collaborated with one another, sharing ERG ideas, experiences, and success stories. There is no doubt that the techniques and skills I learned at FLOURISH significantly elevated my thinking around ERG strategy and implementation.
FLOURISH is a compassionate, collaborative, and fun space where leadership is re-defined to include 2SLGBTQIA+ expertise. I encourage organizations to support their colleagues by providing access to the FLOURISH Program if they are serious about advancing equity, inclusion, anti-colonialism, diversity and anti-racism at their workplace. Thank you, FLOURISH. I continue to put into practice the lessons I have learned to co-create and evolve our ERG framework.”

Roz Macey (she/her, they/them)

Property Inspector, Valuation & Customer Relations

Municipal Property Assessment Corporation

2022 cohort

FAQ

Here are some of the questions that we often get asked about the FLOURISH program.

What do you get for the price of the ticket?

When you purchase a ticket to attend FLOURISH, you will get access to:

Four fireside chats featuring top queer and trans leaders on topics like understanding the community, building business cases, governance and volunteer management, and principles of peer support
Access to the FLOURISH LinkedIn group, which you can use to meet and connect with other attendees before, during and after the event
Access to all Pride at Work Canada member-only programming during the fall
Access to a shared ERG resource folder with information tailored to support you on your journey as an ERG leader/aspiring leader
In-program Networking Buddies to develop relationships with other ERG leaders/aspiring leaders

I don’t identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, can I apply to attend as well?

Everyone is welcome at FLOURISH! The goal of the event is to energize and enable Two-Spirit, queer, and trans ERG leaders and aspiring leaders. So all of the speakers will be 2SLGBTQIA+ and the content will focus on the experience of being 2SLGBTQIA+. All of the event learning outcomes are about how to succeed in the workplace as an out ERG leader. If you don’t identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ but you are active in the leadership of a Pride ERG and think you could get something out of that experience we want you with us.

I’m 2SLGBTQIA+ but I’m in a different ERG, can I apply?

Yes! The focus will be towards 2SLGBTQIA+ employee resource groups, but the focus will be on ERG and community best practices. We know we all come from different intersecting identities so if you are a member of the community but in a different ERG we’d love to have you apply as well!

Is the event bilingual?

Currently the event is in English only. Do you think we should host a FLOURISH in French? Do you want to talk about resources for bilingual ERGs? Drop us a line!

What are the study groups?

Between the formal sessions with guest speakers there will be smaller study group sessions. These sessions are designed to provide additional content, resources and questions to guide a smaller group discussion with the other participants. As the main sessions have 40-50 participants the study groups allow more discussion and a review of the concrete experiences at one’s company. Each study group will have a notetaker that will then share the notes on the FLOURISH LinkedIn group. A weekly time is suggested for the groups, though if everyone within the group consents it can be moved to another time during that week.

Is this event a good place to find a job?

All of the programming at FLOURISH will focus on making changes within your current employment environment as a leader or aspiring leader with an employee resource group (ERG). Attendees who are ERG leaders or aspiring leaders will likely get the most out of the sessions. If you are an ERG member or your company/organization doesn’t have an ERG, and you would like to start one you are more than welcome. You just might not get as much immediate benefit from the speakers and content as other attendees.

If you’re a jobseeker, you may want to plan to attend one of our upcoming networking events, our ProPride events taking place from May to August across Canada, or explore our job board. These resources and events are free, open to the public and focused on networking. Maybe we’ll see you at FLOURISH or THRIVE after you’ve landed that dream job!

If you’re a student or recent graduate, you should check out the great programming put on by Start Proud. All of their work is catered to the needs of people who are in transition from school to career.

This sounds intense. I know about my own identity, but not much about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community more broadly. Will I be totally lost?

At Pride at Work Canada we hear the same thing over and over from 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals: “Everyone at work expects me to be an expert on the community just because I’m insert identity here!” So don’t worry, we don’t expect you to come to FLOURISH with encyclopedic knowledge of queer and trans communties. Hopefully you’ll learn more about the community from the conference content and your fellow attendees. We’ll share some Rules of Respect before the event to make sure you have positive interactions with other attendees, regardless of your experience.

If you want to brush up on your vocabulary, learn about the history of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Canada or just feel more prepared for the event, try completing some of Pride at Work Canada’s elearning courses in preparation for FLOURISH.

Interested in future cohorts? Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on our social media channels, or fill out this form to receive direct communication from our team.

Questions about FLOURISH can be directed to Templeton Sawyer (he/him), Leadership Programs Coordinator, at templeton.sawyer@prideatwork.ca.

APPLICATION

To support a positive learning experience the number of participants in FLOURISH 2024 will be limited. Please provide us with some information about who you are and why you’d like to participate. We’ll use this information to determine a FLOURISH 2024 cohort that represents the broad diversity of both the workplaces and communities we serve.

The process by which those interested in participating will open on Friday, July 19, 2024. The deadline for applications will be Friday, September 27, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET. Those selected for the FLOURISH cohort will pay a participation fee of $1500 (+ tax) for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners & Community Partners and $2000 (+ tax) for employees of other organizations, due upon acceptance.

All submissions are private and confidential, reviewed only by Pride at Work Canada staff.

Disclosure: the application form is available only in English because FLOURISH will be offered exclusively in English. If you cannot see below, please click here.

FLOURISH 2024

Virtual ERG Leader Development Program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

WHO SHOULD APPLY

SESSION OVERVIEW

SPEAKERS

SUPPORTERS

Lead Supporter

TESTIMONIALS

FAQ

Interested in future cohorts? Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on our social media channels, or fill out this form to receive direct communication from our team.

APPLICATION

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