Staff
STAFF
Albert Lin
Executive Advisor & Strategist - (he/him) - Toronto, ON
Albert is a marketing graduate with a strong background in project and non-profit management. He has experience working as a multi-disciplinary professional with provincial, national, and international associations and has led multiple projects such as AGMs, annual conferences, membership campaigns and website overhauls. With his resourcefulness and positive attitude, he always strives for organizational excellence. Albert values the power of the shared human experience and is passionate about encouraging and enabling people from all communities to be their authentic selves. Connect with Albert on LinkedIn or by email at albert.lin@prideatwork.ca.
Colin Druhan
Executive Director - (he/him) - Toronto, ON
Colin Druhan is a business strategist with more than fifteen years of experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. He has served as Executive Director of Pride at Work Canada since 2014. In 2021 he was elected Chair of the Board of Directors of Volunteer Toronto, Canada's largest volunteer centre, where he has served as a Director since 2018. In 2020 Colin was named a DiverseCity Fellow by CivicAction, joining a diverse group of rising leaders who are passionate about shaping their communities within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Originally from Cole Harbour, NS, Colin received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NSCAD University and has completed executive education programs at both the Rotman School of Management and at Harvard Business School. Connect with Colin on LinkedIn or by email at colin.druhan@prideatwork.ca.
Connor Pion
Learning & Development Specialist - (he/him, they/them) - Prince Edward County, ON
Connor is a community engagement and outreach professional with ten years of experience in education, research, program coordination and peer support. Connor holds an Honours B.A. in Indigenous Studies as well as a M.A. in Geography and Planning from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining Pride at Work Canada, Connor held positions with Grand Challenges Canada, the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, OCAD University, the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health. Connect with Connor by email at connor.pion@prideatwork.ca.
Florence Gagnon
Creative Development Executive - (she/her) - Montreal, QC
Florence Gagnon holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Concordia University. She has spent the last 10 years working to ‘spread the word’ and increase visibility for lesbians within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2012, she created a platform to provide a resource to lesbian communities, Lez Spread The Word, the first bilingual website of its kind in Canada. In 2014, she launched the FÉMININ / FÉMININ television series, with director Chloé Robichaud (Sarah Préfère la Course and Boudaries), who won two Gemini Awards in Quebec and several international prizes in 2015. In 2016, she published the first LSTW magazine, a 230-page bilingual annual magazine that stands out in stores across Canadian provinces, European capitals and major US cities. From Yellowknife to Vancouver, Berlin and Stockholm, up to MoMA PS1 in New York. She also was on the board of Pride Montreal and The LGBT Chamber of Commerce for many years. Connect with Florence by email at florence.gagnon@prideatwork.ca.
Hanna Haddad
Business Development Coordinator - (he/him) - Toronto, ON
Hanna is a Business Administrator graduate with a humanitarian and non-profit management background. He has a bachelor's in civil engineering and has worked with UNCHR during the Syrian war and the Syrian Refugee crisis in the middle east. Hanna was a social activist for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights over there and a life skills coach for sexual health and advocating. Since his arrival in Canada in 2021, he started volunteering with local NGOs and community centres to support the community based on his passion, knowledge and experience. With his ambition, passion and insistence, he always believes that we will reach social justice soon, and we have to stand on the right side of history. Hanna values the power of empathy and hardworking to achieve our life goals and live to liberate. Out of working hours, you will find him watching a sitcom while he is eating since he is a foodie guy or hiking around Toronto. Connect with Hanna on LinkedIn or by email at hanna.haddad@prideatwork.ca.
Iyol Martínez
Leadership Programs Coordinator - (they/them) - Vancouver, BC
Iyol Martínez is a migrant settler originally from the Anauak valley, and currently lives and works from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. They hold a Dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice from Sciences-Po Paris and the University of British Columbia (UBC). Iyol has experience working in the non-profit sector, as a Research Assistant for the Human Rights Commission of Mexico City, and as a Program Coordinator at YouthCO HIV and Hep C Society, where they conducted peer-led education, as well as developed and implemented comprehensive community-health-leadership programming for queer and trans youth. Iyol is passionate about community-building, project coordination and working towards equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. In their spare time, they can be found painting their nails and talking with their loved ones. Connect with Iyol by email at iyol.martinez@prideatwork.ca.
Jade Pichette
Director of Programs - (they/them) - Toronto, ON
Jade Pichette is an inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA!) professional based in Tkarón:to/Toronto. Currently, Jade serves as the Director of Programs at Pride at Work Canada, where they work with over 250 large employers across Canada around gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation inclusion. Previously, Jade served as the Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at the ArQuives, the Education Programs Coordinator at Kind Space, and an independent inclusion consultant. They are an Ásatrú Gythia (priestess) and interfaith advocate who was the first trans-feminine person to present at the Parliament of World Religions in 2018. Jade was one of the authors of Transitioning Employers: A survey of policies and practices for trans inclusive workplaces and is the cohost of the Uncovering Belonging Podcast. Jade has been named one of Future of Good’s 2022 Young Impact Leaders, Toronto Metropolitan University’s 2021 Pride Champions, and is a judge for the Canadian HR Awards. In their spare time they can be found geeking out over queer, trans, and Norse histories, firekeeping, and spending time with their chosen family. Connect with Jade on LinkedIn or by email at jade.pichette@prideatwork.ca.
Jose Patiño-Gomez
Director of External Relations - (he/him) - Toronto, ON
Jose brings a wealth of experience as a marketing and communication professional, with a proven track record in project and event management, creative direction, and digital marketing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has pursued additional studies in Public Relations, Project Management, and Community Capacity Building. This Venezuelan-Colombian has called Toronto home since 2016, and has been dedicated to driving impactful initiatives that support the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities since his arrival. Prior to joining Pride at Work Canada, Jose spent over 5 years at the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC), where he played a pivotal role in establishing and growing the Communications and Knowledge Exchange department. As Senior Manager for Marketing & Engagement, he had the rewarding experience of contributing to numerous impactful campaigns, projects, and initiatives aimed at improving the sexual, physical, mental, and social health of 2SLGBTQIA+ people across Canada. He has been part of the board of directors for the Community Alliance for Accessible Treatment (CAAT) and Action Positive VIH/Sida. During the pandemic, he led a needs assessment project within the Latin gbtMSM/PHA community in Toronto and became a co-facilitator for a group program at the AIDS Committee of Toronto. With a passion for cultural organizations, Jose has also volunteered for renowned events such as the Pride Toronto, imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, Luminato Festival, and TIFF. In his free time, he enjoys coordinating weddings, attending concerts, binge-watching shows, and planning his next travel adventure. Jose is responsible for promoting the organization's brand presence and leading their External Relations strategy. If you would like to connect with Jose, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or by email at jose.patino@prideatwork.ca.
Luis Augusto Nobre
Senior Communications Coordinator - (he/him) - Toronto, ON
Luis has been working with communications and social impact for over 18 years. As Pride at Work Canada’s marketing and communications professional, Luis is committed to raising awareness of 2SLGBTQIA+ issues and engaging with stakeholders to celebrate gender and sexual diversity. His areas of expertise are communications, corporate social responsibility, and strategic planning at multinational companies and non-profit organizations. He specializes in strategic communication management, social impact, and project management. For the past years, he has been working on blended activities among Communications, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, CSR/ESG, and Public Policies. Passionate and devoted, he advocates for human rights protection and volunteers to support minority communities, such as Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, Black and People of Colour communities. Connect with Luis on LinkedIn or by email at luis.nobre@prideatwork.ca.
Mathieu Young
Virtual Programs Coordinator - (he/they) - Toronto, ON
Mathieu Young is a queer Mauritian who is passionate about empowering marginalized communities, particularly queer immigrants of color, through dialogue, education, and activism. Mathieu is also a multidisciplinary artist, known for organizing events that celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus on uplifting queer immigrants of color. Mathieu's career has been marked by a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As President of the Board of Directors for Action positive VIH/sida, Mathieu was responsible for securing funding and ensuring the successful operation of the organization's programs and services. Mathieu also served as Community Engagement Coordinator for FrancoQueer, where they organized workshops, support groups, and events, while leading training on gender identity, sexual orientation, and anti-racism. With extensive experience in project management, community outreach, and event planning, Mathieu brings a unique and valuable perspective to the sector. Their proficiency in French, Spanish and in English, combined with their expertise in various administrative programs, make them a versatile and valuable asset. Connect with Mathieu on LinkedIn or by email at mathieu.young@prideatwork.ca.
Misha Goforth
Manager of Social Research & Development - (she/her) - Milton, ON
Misha Goforth is a project manager and gender equity specialist with several years of experience in the international development and policy field. She holds a Master of International Public Policy from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. In her professional and academic careers, Misha is devoted to integrating gender justice and intersectionality into public policy in the international development and environmental fields and has a keen interest in advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in these spaces. In 2019, she presented on “Gender and the Environment” at the International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology where she led a discussion on the integration of gender-equitable approaches to environmental research. For the past several years, she has worked as a gender advisor with the Government of Mongolia where she helped pass the first Gender-Responsive Policy for the extractive sector in Mongolia. With her passion for practical research, Misha has also advocated for the rights of refugees with Global Affairs Canada and is currently supporting a project on empowering racialized and newcomer youth with Empowerment Squared in Hamilton. Connect with Misha on LinkedIn or by email at misha.goforth@prideatwork.ca.
Namrata Bangera
Business Development Coordinator - (she/her) - Toronto, ON
Namrata holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and recently completed an MBA from the University of Toronto. She has over four years of experience in client support in the education technology and marketing fields. Through her volunteer and internship experiences, she has worked on projects in service of underprivileged women and victims of sexual assault. Namrata is a firm believer and advocate for the power of diversity and equity in organizations. Connect with Namrata on LinkedIn or by email at namrata.bangera@prideatwork.ca.
Paulo Lima
Marketing Coordinator - (he/him, they/them) - Toronto, ON
Paulo Lima has over five years of experience in education, marketing coordination, and customer service support. Paulo is passionate about human rights, music, education, and social activism. Before joining Pride at Work Canada, Paulo worked with educational institutions in Ontario to provide the support needed for international students to adapt and thrive in Canada. Paulo is a strong advocate for volunteer work. Paulo has been a volunteer for organizations in Toronto such as Toronto Film Festival, Indie Week, and others. Connect with Paulo on LinkedIn or by email at paulo.lima@prideatwork.ca.
Quinn Blue
Program & Engagement Coordinator - (he/him, they/them) - Ottawa, ON
Quinn Blue has over a decade of experience in 2SLGBTQ+ education and programming. Quinn worked extensively in the field of Student life, having held equity and inclusion-focused roles at the University of Ottawa, and most recently spending 6 years at the Algonquin Students' Association, where they were the Wellness and Equity Centre Coordinator. His formal education is in Women and Gender Studies and in Teaching Adult Learners. Quinn is passionate about change-making and learning.
Sandeep Nair
Manager of Business Development - (he/him, they/them) - Nanaimo, BC
Sandeep holds a Bachelor degree in Communication and Journalism and a Diploma in 2D and 3D animation and graphic design. With over 12 years of work experience, Sandeep has worked as EDI - Programme Consultant and prior to that, worked for a communication agency. Experienced in project management and creative development, he worked on various projects ranging from websites, online communication to product packaging deliverables. With a core belief that everybody has a special responsibility for making a positive difference, Sandeep’s work focuses largely on creating an inclusive workplace environment for all, especially 2SLGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Sandeep has led programmes and campaigns, and provided training and consultancy services to drive the EDI strategy across various organizations in the Asian region. He has played a key role in developing three research publications, to achieve success in creating a safe and inclusive society. Sandeep is on the board of Nanaimo Pride Society and SIETAR BC (Society For Intercultural Education Research And Training). Connect with Sandeep on LinkedIn or by email at sandeep.nair@prideatwork.ca.
Shamira da Silva
Finance & Administrative Coordinator - (they/them, she/her) - Toronto, ON
Shamira da Silva is a passionate arts and office administrator with over a decade of hands-on experience. Starting their career in Edmonton, AB, they have supported the smooth running of multiple large-scale festivals including Edmonton International Street Performers Festival and LitFest: Canada’s Original Nonfiction Festival. They hold an Arts & Cultural Management Diploma from MacEwan University and are currently studying Leadership in Accessibility & Inclusion at Toronto Metropolitan University. Shamira is skilled with bookkeeping and financial management, problem-solving, process development, and is passionate about advancing inclusion for all. Connect with Shamira by email at finance@prideatwork.ca.