Sparking Inspiration and Impactful Change

Last April, Pride at Work Canada hosted the second edition of SPARK, our half-day symposium for shared learning, networking, and innovation about Diversity, Equity and 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion. This year, we brought together senior executives, DEI leaders and HR/ Talent Acquisition professionals to exchange experiences and expertise on topics that elevate DEI strategies to tangible levels and to spotlight the untapped talent found in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Hosted in Toronto, the SPARK 2024 theme was “Elevating Talent Acquisition for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community”. Two-Spirit, queer and trans people continue to face challenges in finding jobs and advancing their careers despite advancements made in recent years. Systemic barriers and discrimination remain a reality for many identities in our communities. SPARK 2024 focused on trans and non-binary communities.

Amplifying Trans and Non-Binary Voices

Chris Mossiah (they/them) is the Executive Director – Consumer & Community Banking at JP Morgan Chase. They talked about their professional journey and how they have been opening up inclusive opportunities & spaces of belonging for other gender non-conforming people. Mossiah explored some of the current challenges faced by queer communities in the USA and the numerous anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in legislation. Queer and trans communities are being unfairly targeted as there are no queer voices at those decision-making levels in the legislature.

Reflecting on their own experiences and journey, Mossiah highlighted the importance of emerging talent due to the statistics showing how many of them self-identify as queer or trans. Mossiah reinforced that we must open up spaces for future generations to advance best practices. Mossiah also honoured Cecilia Gentili’s legacy. Gentili who was slated to be SPARK’s keynote sadly passed away on February 6, 2024. Her inspiring dedication and contribution to community advocacy, trans rights and immigrant rights have transformed the queer community at large and empowered thousands of people to thrive.

Pride at Work Canada’s Executive Director Colin Druhan (he/him) stated that queer communities are often positioned as outsiders, looking in, protesting and having to inform industries and the job market about the many talented people left out. Druhan noted that 2SLGBTQIA+ people are still recognizing themselves as innovators and getting used to being inside systems that have historically excluded Two-Spirit, queer and trans communities.

Our inspiring emcee, Dr. Andrew B. Campbell (he/him) known as Dr. ABC, Assistant Professor and Teaching & Learning Coordinator at the University of Toronto, reminded the audience that we genuinely collectively belong in many spaces. He also acknowledged those who came before us and fought for the freedom and sense of belonging we now experience. These are things that we couldn’t have achieved without members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities promoting hiring practices that attract, select, and develop queer talent.

SPARK also featured three roundtables where participants had the chance to learn more about inclusive initiatives and discuss best practices that lead to tangible changes in the attraction, selection, and development of trans and non-binary professionals. They also had the opportunity to hear directly from trans and non-binary people during a networking session with community members following the discussions.

Upcoming Fall Session

Pride at Work Canada will host SPARK Vancouver this fall. On November 21, 2024, we will host our half-day symposium featuring newcomer, immigrant and refugee talent. We will engage with our network to bring live discussions on 2SLGBTQIA+ talent acquisition strategies and a networking session to connect participants with queer and trans newcomers, immigrants and refugees.

SPARK TORONTO – 2024