Board
BOARD
Daniel Retzlaff
(he/him)
Daniel Retzlaff has worked with TD in various roles and responsibilities across multiple segments, including retail banking, wealth management, commercial banking, and risk management. Daniel currently holds the position of Managing Director with a focus on driving improvements, efficiencies and transformational change across TD Securities, Corporate and Investment Banking Credit. For a number of years, Daniel has been a passionate leader within TD’s 2SLGBTQ+ community and actively involved in numerous committees, events, and initiatives. This leadership has included mentoring and developing a variety of colleagues through different stages in their own careers. He has also served as a Community Member of The 519’s Fundraising and Philanthropy Committee since 2022 and has remained committed to driving the agency’s strategic priorities forward. He believes in the importance of raising visibility, awareness, and acceptance of those within the community. Daniel Retzlaff holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and an MBA from Queen’s University, as well as holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.
Erin Roach
(she/her) - Chair of Thought Leadership Committee
Erin is the Director, Diversity and Inclusion at Ubisoft where she leads the equity, diversity and inclusion strategy for its Canadian studios. Previously, Erin was the Executive Director of the Diversity Institute, an action-oriented research centre at X University focused on building more diverse and inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. She has taken a leadership role on national knowledge sharing networks such as the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and the Future Skills research network. Her work focuses on multi-level system approaches to D&I, innovation and entrepreneurship, intersectionality and impact measurement. She is often found playing sports and games (especially when there's role playing involved) and would love to connect on LinkedIn.
Gary Sutherland
(he/him)
Gary is a strong advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ rights, especially for families that come under the umbrella of sexual and gender diversity. He is an active member of the LGBT+ Family Coalition in Québec, accompanying hundreds of future parents in their plans on how to form their families. He also advocates with Youth Protection adoption services on behalf of queer families. Gary has also taken on several volunteer projects in human rights issues both in Québec and in Latin America. With Hydro-Québec since 2007, Gary is a public affairs specialist, has been a company spokesperson and recently moved into a senior business development role. He interacts with power companies in neighbouring provinces and American states, as well as with Indigenous communities throughout Québec. Gary has also taken a leadership role in the company’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and acts as spokesperson for the company’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, which he helped create in 2017. Gary previously worked internationally for an intergovernmental organization and an international environmental NGO in the energy sector. He holds a master’s degree in international relations from Laval University in Québec City and is fluent in English, French and Spanish. Gary (he/him) resides in Tiohtià:ke / Montréal on the unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka nation, where he lives with his husband and their two teenagers.
Kara McNeil
(she/her)
Kara McNeil currently works at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, serving the Human Resources Department as Acting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist. Kara earned her B.A. in English Literature from York University, and Post Graduate Diploma, Advanced Film and Television, from Sheridan College. Kara also completed her Management Certificate in Human Resources from the Sprott School of Business and Certificate in Leadership and Inclusion from Centennial College. Kara believes in the power of inclusive, people-centered, creative and compassionate communications. Trusted and counted upon for her skillful application of an equity lens through all stages of the employee lifecycle, Kara brings both lived experience and professional subject matter expertise to strategic advice and consultation in the realm of all things I.D.E.A. (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility). Kara is motivated to spread awareness of the rich potential in effectively managing highly diverse teams of skilled employees. She is keenly focused on providing leaders, from middle-management to c-suite level, practical guidance on leading inclusively. Kara has experience with designing, leading, facilitating and managing of programs to support and foster organizational change toward a culture of inclusion. Her past work includes the authorship and development of diversity & inclusion 101 training, Employee resource group program design and management, community dialogue facilitation, equity/diversity related employee relations investigation and advocacy, and facilitation of such training programs as Ethical Upstander Training, Unconscious Bias Training, and Custom Workshops in Bias Interruption, Privilege, Allyship, and Microaggressions.
Katia Aubin
(she/her) - Chair
Katia Aubin combines a creative mindset with a strong sense of duty. She is passionate about communities and brand authenticity, going above and beyond to help them succeed. As an expert in reputation management and brand influence, she has developed captivating, engaging, and inclusive communication strategies for organizations such as Sid Lee, RDS, Ubisoft, and Rogers throughout her career. Her campaigns have made an impact in Quebec, Canada, and have been featured in international publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and The Verge. Katia has always viewed communications as a team sport, where making room for new voices is crucial. This collaborative approach has earned international recognition for several projects, including at Cannes, The One Show, and Fast Company’s World Changing Idea Awards. Katia is also the founder of Collective Pivot, an accelerator focused on elevating the entire women’s sports ecosystem, ensuring its sustained success and long-term perenity. She serves on the board of directors for Pride at Work Canada and contributes her expertise as a member of the board of Hockey Quebec.
Keith Clarkson
(he/him) - Treasurer
Keith is an experienced media professional in management for business affairs and production for multi-platform media content. Previously, Keith was Chief Executive Officer and Chief Negotiator for the Union of BC Performers (UBCP), an autonomous branch of ACTRA. Prior, he joined Xenophile Media as Chief Financial Officer/General Manager, and later Executive Producer. While there, Keith’s work earned two Emmy® Awards, two Banff World Television Awards, a Gemini, and a Rose d’Or. In 2000, Keith was recruited by Telefilm Canada as Manager of the New Media Unit to create the Canada New Media Fund and make it an engine to develop innovative Canadian interactive content. He also produced interactive content and social and cultural documentaries for Canadian and international markets. Keith was a founder of both the Vancouver and Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film Festivals and has been involved with Celebration 90 – the International Lesbian and Gay Games and Cultural Festival, Pride Toronto, St. Stephen’s Community House, EGALE Canada, and National Film Board of Canada. Keith has a Master of Business Administration degree, and Diploma in Arts & Media Administration (Schulich School of Business, York University), and a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television Production (University of British Columbia).
Lee Keple
(they/them, she/her)
Dr. Lee Keple is an experienced lecturer and management consultant with over 25 years of service and activism in the 2SLGBTQAI+ community, including as the former Executive Director of Vancouver Pride. They live and work on the ancestral, unceded territory of the of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations. She is a multiple award-winning university teacher, mentor, and lifelong learner passionate about inclusion and building community. They served in the Canadian Armed Forces and are a proud veteran. Previously, she was by turns a bank manager, logistics officer, fundraiser, and Director of the Edmonton Fringe Festival. They have an MBA from the University of Alberta and an applied doctorate in strategic use of distance education for adult learners. When they're not working, they enjoy cooking and eating, improvising with Queerprov (co-founder), and occasionally showing you can teach old drag kings new tricks. They enjoy helping people be more robust versions of themselves and connecting with the community. Let's connect on LinkedIn.
Marc Rodrigue
(he/him) - Secretary
Marc Rodrigue is a Partner with the firm and former Director of Policy to the former Ontario Minister of Labour, the Hon. Kevin Flynn. In addition to his legal work, he oversaw the passing of several significant labour and employment laws, regulations and government initiatives in Ontario. Marc Rodrigue joined the Fasken’s Labour, Employment and Human Rights practice group in September 2012. He practices in all aspects of employment, labour and human rights law, with particular experience in litigating matters having appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Ontario Labour Relations Board, referees appointed under the Canada Labour Code, labour relations arbitrators, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, and the Ontario Small Claims Court. In addition to his litigation acumen, Marc’s practice includes advising clients on employment agreements and terminations, employment statute interpretation, labour relations and collective agreement interpretation. Marc’s style is approachable, practical and is founded on strong advocacy for his clients’ positions. Marc is a founding member and current chair of Fasken’s nationally-recognized employee resource group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender employees and their allies, and is the former chair of SOGIC, the Ontario Bar Association’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference. He was the President of the Saint Francis Xavier University Alumni Association and was a member of the Saint Francis Xavier University Board of Governors.
Marcos A. Persaud
(he/him)
Marcos A. Persaud is a seasoned advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, with over a decade of experience driving diversity and inclusion initiatives across multiple industries. Throughout his career at notable organizations such as the Department of Justice, Deloitte, PwC, and George Weston, Marcos has been instrumental in fostering inclusive work environments. As the Senior Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and HR Governance Specialist at Maple Leaf Foods, Marcos has played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s approach to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. His efforts, including advancing employee engagement, leading unconscious bias training, and overseeing the company’s diversity initiatives, have significantly impacted its corporate culture. Beyond his corporate contributions, Mascos has also made notable strides within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, particularly through his involvement with The ArQuives, an organization committed to preserving Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ history. As President of The ArQuives, he led anti-racism initiatives and contributed to governance reforms that strengthened the organization’s role as a vital resource for 2SLGBTQIA+ heritage. Marcos’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) with honours from the University of Birmingham, a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Paralegal Studies, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Canadian Immigration Consultancy from Humber College. Additionally, he holds a Marketing Certificate from the University of Toronto, providing him with a strong foundation in legal, communication, and strategic leadership skills that enhance his expertise in diversity and inclusion.
Rachel April Giguère
(she/her)
Rachel is a business advisor and lawyer with extensive experience in tech, media, and entertainment. She has worked in private practice and in-house, most recently at Netflix, where she led legal support for innovative initiatives aimed at expanding the studio’s global production capabilities. Committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Rachel has actively lent her expertise to programs that create opportunities for underrepresented talent in VFX, TV, and film production worldwide. Rachel also served on the board of Molior, an organization focused on producing exhibitions and artistic projects leveraging technology as a tool for creation, expression, and action. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys personal challenges like cycling almost 900 km from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise funds in the 2024 AIDS/LifeCycle. In her free time, she skis, explores new places, or dives into a good book. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Ruth C. White
(she/her)
Ruth C. White, PhD MPH MSW RSW is a writer, speaker, and consultant in equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) and mental health. Her full-time role is EDI Project Advisor at the Rotman School of Management at the University in Toronto, where she also teaches in the Factor-Inwentash School of Social Work. Ruth is also a part-time therapist in private practice. In 2004 Dr. White, conducted groundbreaking research on the LGBTQ+ community in Jamaica. As an expert witness, she worked with Yale, Columbia and NYU Law Schools, leading law firms, and immigration and gay rights organizations to prevent the deportation of members of the Jamaican LGBTQ+ community from the USA. Dr. White has authored several books in mental health, and has written for Harvard Business Review, Fast Company and Tracy Anderson Magazine. Dr White gained tenure in social work at Seattle University, then taught in the virtual MSW program at the University of Southern California for 7 years. She has also taught at UC – Berkeley, San Francisco State, Simmons and Fordham universities. As a subject matter expert, Ruth was a mental health contributor on KRON4-TV (San Francisco) for three years, and has been a DEIB consultant for leading corporations including JPMorgan, Indeed, PwC, Premera and more. Ruth is passionate about wandering the planet and being outdoors – especially with her adult daughter, Maya.
Simon Parent
(he/him) - Vice-Chair
No matter the companies and industries he evolves in, Simon advocates for 2SLGBTQIA+ in the workplace. This expands into his line of work by implementing inclusive advertising campaigns. Simon is a marketing and communication executive with recognized leadership in developing innovative and integrated plans. Over the years, he has adapted strategies to regional dynamics and seized short-term, high-reward business opportunities. Simon’s career is marked by agency, media, and company leadership. He has worked, among others, for New Look Eyewear, Vidéotron, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Rogers, and Bell. He also occasionally lectures at Université de Montréal. His experience spans in advertising, sponsorships, promotions, public relations, digital ecosystems, etc. Simon’s management style builds accountability and capitalizes on the strengths and interests of colleagues and partners in a constructive atmosphere. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from HÉC Montréal and a master’s degree in communications with a marketing specialization from the same university. In recent years, he brought his expertise to non-profit organizations related to the arts and nature conservation.
Waqas I. Yousafzai
(he/him)
Waqas is currently a Trade Commissioner with Global Affairs Canada in Toronto and was previously a Policy Advisor in Halifax (2021), Calgary (2020), and Edmonton (2018) with federal departments responsible for economic development and diversification. He has supported senior decision makers in Syria (2011), Austria (2011), Qatar (2012), Ghana (2013), and Mongolia (2017) and was an Advisor with the Alberta government (2014-17) prior to joining Canada’s federal service. As part of Canada’s international assistance program, Waqas worked on gender inclusion and equity for Ghana’s K-12 curriculum in Accra and with the Mongolian wool and cashmere sector in Ulaanbaatar. Waqas’ passion for community development has seen him serve as: Chair of Finance on the Board of Governors of St. Stephen’s College at the University of Alberta, two terms as Director of one of Canada's top 100 employers and Maclean’s 100 best charities - World University Service of Canada; and past Chair of Governance and Government Relations and current treasurer of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. Waqas has completed all modules of the Institute of Corporate Director’s (ICD) Board Fundamentals Series and holds ICD’s NFP Governance certificate. He is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®), and also holds a Bachelors in Sustainable Economic Development, an MA in Public and International Affairs, and a postgraduate diploma in Project Management. He is an avid traveler and father to three very active boys. Waqas strongly believes in every individual’s right to feel safe and be themselves in their quest to reach their full potential. You can connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter.