Mitchel Bowers
(he/they)

Mitchel Bowers, also known by his vibrant drag alter ego, Simma Downe, brings a unique and dynamic perspective to his work. Beyond being an advocate for inclusion, Mitchel is a seasoned performer with over 10 years of experience as Simma Downe, a captivating Metis Two Spirit Drag Queen. Mitchel is a champion for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and Two Spirit visibility. As the Executive Director of Wood Buffalo Pride and a founding member of the Oil Royals, he has played a crucial role in shaping the queer community in Fort McMurray. They have experience working across sectors including the energy sector, where they were a founding member of the companies 2SLGBTQ+ ERG, and helped drive systemic and policy change to improve inclusion. Their commitment extends to community-building initiatives, with a focus on human rights, safety, and security. Mitchel wears many hats serving on multiple boards including, Arts Council Wood Buffalo, the Missing, Murdered and Exploited Indigenous Peoples Task Force, and more.

Rachel Elser
(she/her)

Rachel Elser was born and raised in Fort McMurray, where the energy sector has been woven into every stage of her life. She began her career in the trades as a Power Engineer and has spent more than 20 years working through field and leadership roles within the industry.

As a transgender woman who came out and transitioned mid‑career, Rachel navigated her own corporate social transition at a time when clear processes, tools, and supports were limited. This experience deepened her understanding of privilege, visibility, and the gaps that exist for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers in energy. Her willingness to share lived experiences played a role in supporting her organization’s development of a “Transitioning in the Workplace” guideline, helping ensure future employees and leaders have a clearer, more affirming path.

Rachel now serves as Co‑Chair on her organization’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Inclusion Network, where she focuses on building connection, increasing visibility, and advancing inclusion across the organization. Her commitment to community extends beyond the workplace, recently elected Co‑Chair of the Wood Buffalo Pride Board of Directors, where she intendeds to strengthen consistent and affirming messaging across both local community spaces and the wider energy sector.

A proud parent of two and an avid golfer, Rachel is passionate about fostering inclusive and welcoming environments in both recreational and competitive sports for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Témoc Vega
(they/them)

Témoc Vega, PhD, is the Learning and Development Coordinator at the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO). With a background in research, critical policy analysis, organizing, and teaching, they are building an educational program designed to actually work for ECAO members and their teams.

Beyond just improving efficiency or meeting compliance requirements, Témoc is focused on helping electrical contractors create workplaces that are inclusive, fulfilling, and collaborative. At the heart of this work is a commitment to building a genuine culture of learning, where workers at every level feel valued, empowered, and supported to grow in their current roles or advance into new ones if they choose.

Ting-Fai Yu (he/him)
Project Coordinator, Energy

Ting-Fai Yu is an anthropologist-turned-organizational consultant with extensive experience in academic and applied settings. As a scholar of transnational queer Chinese cultures, his research has appeared in field-shaping journals like the Journal of Homosexuality, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, and Journal of Intercultural Studies, as well as in landmark volumes such as the Elgar Encyclopedia of Queer Studies and Oxford Handbook of Language and Prejudice. He received his PhD in gender studies from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and has held faculty and research positions at Monash University, Leiden University, and the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study. As a DEI professional, Ting-Fai previously worked for Logitech as the first DEI Lead to oversee the Asia Pacific region and lead global Pride initiatives. He has been a faculty member of The Conference Board’s DEI Masterclass Certificate Program, training business and people leaders on workplace psychological safety and intercultural competence. His work in queer and organizational inclusion has been featured in global media outlets and leading industry publications, including BBC News, the HR Excellence Magazine, and HRM Asia.