Pride At Work Canada

Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy: From the Office to the Field [In French]
2026-04-14 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Tuesday, April 14 2026 1PM to 2:30PM ET – This webinar is taking place in English on March 17.
Canada’s energy sector is evolving, but for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, jobsites remain high-risk environments where harassment, hypermasculinity, and isolation are still seen as just part of the job. Based on the recent report “Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy,” published by Pride at Work Canada, this webinar offers concrete actions employers, unions, and community partners can take.
Over 90 minutes, we’ll begin with a brief presentation of key findings from the national qualitative study involving 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, business and people leaders, and community organizers. We’ll then move to a facilitated panel featuring experts, industry leaders, and community organizations, demonstrating how these findings can be put into practice, followed by an open Q&A.
Together, we’ll examine how homophobia and transphobia manifest on job sites, how office-focused DEI efforts often fail to reach field-based workers, and what is needed to rewire systems so that psychological and physical safety are seen as inseparable. We’ll also showcase promising practices: simple communication strategies, inclusive infrastructure, accountability mechanisms, and the roles of ERGs, mentorship, and leadership in fostering lasting change.
Format
90-minute webinar:

15 min – presentation of key research findings
45 min – panel discussion (3 speakers)
30 min – audience Q&A / group discussion

Key learning outcomes
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Recognize common ways homophobia and transphobia appear in energy workplaces, and how these behaviours impact inclusion, safety, and retention.
Identify gaps between office-centric DEI initiatives and field-based work, and understand why closing these gaps is essential to genuine workplace inclusion.
Apply the guide’s recommendations for practical actions to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ safety and inclusion.

Panelists

Jennifer Petrela (she/her)
Executive Director, Mentorat Québec

Jennifer Petrela (she/her) is the executive director of Mentorat Québec and an expert in inclusive mentoring. Jennifer publishes articles, hosts events, and speaks publicly in French and English about the theory and practice of mentoring in different settings and sectors. She speaks regularly on the intersection of mentorship and equity, diversity and inclusion and has launched national and international partnerships to make inclusive mentoring more accessible to members of equity-deserving groups. A proud ally, in 2004 Jennifer advised Canada’s Queer Chamber of Commerce on Out For Business, the Chamber’s mentorship program for entrepreneurs. In 2003, she co-directed a study on women in STEM in Québec and collaborated on a book presenting the study’s recommendations. Jennifer volunteers regularly as a mentor and is herself a mentee in perpetual evolution.

Pasquale Lo Mascolo (he/him)
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor, Hydro-Québec

Pasquale Lo Mascolo is an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor at Hydro-Québec. In this role, he helps design and implement organizational strategies aimed at strengthening equity, representation, and a sense of belonging within the organization. He draws on a diverse professional background in communications, marketing, and internal engagement, expertise that allows him to address EDI issues with a keen understanding of levers of influence, stakeholder engagement, and cultural transformation. Pasquale has been actively involved in advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ communities for several years, notably as co-chair of the Conseil québécois LGBT and as a member of the communications and marketing committee for Pride at Work Canada. Guided by an intersectional approach and a deep sense of social justice, he works to build inclusive, humane, and bold workplaces where every person can feel recognized, respected, and valued.

Facilitator

Cynthia Eysseric (she/her)
Consulting Coordinator

Cynthia is a dedicated professional working at the intersection of feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and sexuality education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sexology from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a certificate in entrepreneurship and SME management from Université Laval, bringing a strategic and inclusive approach to her work. Her commitment to LGBTQ+ communities has led her to collaborate with several organizations, including the Réseau des lesbiennes du Québec (RLQ) and Club Sexu, where she serves as Vice President on the Board. She is also part of the team at Fierté au travail Canada, a national organization advocating for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Passionate about organizational inclusion, Cynthia began a graduate microprogram in equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace at Université Laval in 2024. Her work aims to strengthen intersectionality within the spaces she engages in, reinforcing her commitment to creating more just and representative environments.

Accesibility:

Spoken language: French – This webinar is taking place in English on March 17.
Automatic translation: French to English
Closed captioning provided: French and English
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca
Registration for this event has closed.

Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy: From the Office to the Field [In English]
2026-03-17 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Tuesday, March 17 from 1 PM to 2:30 PM ET – Ce webinaire aura lieu en français le 14 avril.
Canada’s energy sector is evolving, but for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, jobsites remain high-risk environments where harassment, hypermasculinity, and isolation are still seen as just part of the job. Based on the recent report “Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy,” published by Pride at Work Canada, this webinar offers concrete actions employers, unions, and community partners can take.
Over 90 minutes, we’ll begin with a brief presentation of key findings from the national qualitative study involving 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, business and people leaders, and community organizers. We’ll then move to a facilitated panel featuring experts, industry leaders, and community organizations, demonstrating how these findings can be put into practice, followed by an open Q&A.
Together, we’ll examine how homophobia and transphobia manifest on job sites, how office-focused DEI efforts often fail to reach field-based workers, and what is needed to rewire systems so that psychological and physical safety are seen as inseparable. We’ll also showcase promising practices: simple communication strategies, inclusive infrastructure, accountability mechanisms, and the roles of ERGs, mentorship, and leadership in fostering lasting change.
Format
90-minute webinar:

15 min – presentation of key research findings
45 min – panel discussion (3 speakers)
30 min – audience Q&A / group discussion

Key learning outcomes
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Recognize common ways homophobia and transphobia appear in energy workplaces, and how these behaviours impact inclusion, safety, and retention.
Identify gaps between office-centric DEI initiatives and field-based work, and understand why closing these gaps is essential to genuine workplace inclusion.
Apply the guide’s recommendations for practical actions to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ safety and inclusion.

Panelists

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.

Tee Albino
(they/them)

Tee Albino is presently the Human Rights Business Representative for the IBEW Local 353 in Toronto. They are also on the Executive Board of the OFL, on the Human Rights Advisory Committee of the CLC and on the executive board of the National Electrical Workers Minority Caucus. Tee has been involved on several committees and has held elected positions in the IBEW as well as working as an apprentice instructor for several years at their original local in Vancouver BC. They also sat on the OASIS committee for NETCO(National Electrical Trades Council) and was chair for the WAGE committee for EHRC(Electrical Human Resources Canada). They have also collaborated on the creation of and co-instructed for The Pathway Program for Women and Gender Diverse Folks for IBEW 353. They continue their human rights work through advocacy, training, coalition building and to encourage effective mentorship on the job working toward the transformation of construction culture.
They are presently working on Bystander Intervention Training for the Construction Industry. Through this and many other initiatives and training, they are hoping to transform the construction industry to a more equitable, inclusive atmosphere where all workers can feel a sense of belonging and be able to thrive. This will, hopefully, in turn filter into the 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.

Facilitator

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.

Accessibility

Spoken language: English – Ce webinaire aura lieu en français le 14 avril.
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca
Registration for this event has closed.

Advocating for Equity: Modernizing the Employment Equity Act [In French]
2026-03-03 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
March 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. This webinar will also take place in English on February 24.
Employment equity has been a priority for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada for over 50 years. Despite this long term advocacy, 2SLGBTQIA+ workers remain excluded from the Employment Equity Act’s protections, leaving them underrepresented in data and equity initiatives, and facing persistent barriers such as wage gaps, precarious work, and higher unemployment.
In September 2025, 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations gathered for coordinated advocacy on Parliament Hill, meeting with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, sharing a clear and united message: equity in employment is not optional—and the time to act is now.
It’s time for the Employment Equity Act to explicitly include 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black communities as designated groups, and to include stronger intersectional, transparent, and accountable mechanisms that reflect today’s workplace realities.
Join us to learn about our proposed updates to the Act, our advocacy work, and how you can get involved!
Learning objectives:

Understand the gaps in the Employment Equity Act
Learn about recommendations for the modernization of the Act
Explore advocacy efforts and strategies

Target audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ employees at Pride at Work Canada’s partner organizations
Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders
HR & DEI Professionals

Panelists

Bilan Arte (she/her)
National Representative, Human Rights Department
Canadian Labour Congress

Bilan Arte is an award-winning activist and organizer with over fifteen years of experience in campaigns, leadership, and movement building. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Ottawa, and she is the National Representative for Human Rights at the Canadian Labour Congress.
Bilan is a Black, Muslim feminist who lives and works in the unceded and never-surrendered traditional territories of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe peoples.
In all aspects of her work, Bilan is fueled by her passion for social justice and equity.

Alex Arseneau (he/him)
Alter Acadie NB

Alex Arseneau est directeur général d’Alter Acadie NB, le seul organisme de défense des droits 2SLGBTQIA+ francophone à l’est du Québec. Depuis son lancement en 2023, Alter Acadie NB s’est imposé comme un pilier du militantisme franco-queer au pays, notamment par son travail de plaidoyer et de revendication, ancré dans les réalités rurales, face à la montée de l’extrême droite et à l’intensification des attaques contre les droits queer.

Facilitator

Cynthia Eysseric (she/her)
Consulting Coordinator

Cynthia is a dedicated professional working at the intersection of feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and sexuality education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sexology from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a certificate in entrepreneurship and SME management from Université Laval, bringing a strategic and inclusive approach to her work. Her commitment to LGBTQ+ communities has led her to collaborate with several organizations, including the Réseau des lesbiennes du Québec (RLQ) and Club Sexu, where she serves as Vice President on the Board. She is also part of the team at Fierté au travail Canada, a national organization advocating for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Passionate about organizational inclusion, Cynthia began a graduate microprogram in equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace at Université Laval in 2024. Her work aims to strengthen intersectionality within the spaces she engages in, reinforcing her commitment to creating more just and representative environments.

Accessibility

Spoken language: French – This webinar will also take place in English on February 24.
Automatic translation: French to English
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca
Registration for this event has closed.

Advocating for Equity: Modernizing the Employment Equity Act [In English]
2026-02-24 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
February 24 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. Ce webinaire aura lieu en français le 3 mars.
Employment equity has been a priority for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada for over 50 years. Despite this long term advocacy, 2SLGBTQIA+ workers remain excluded from the Employment Equity Act’s protections, leaving them underrepresented in data and equity initiatives, and facing persistent barriers such as wage gaps, precarious work, and higher unemployment.
In September 2025, 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations gathered for coordinated advocacy on Parliament Hill, meeting with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, sharing a clear and united message: equity in employment is not optional—and the time to act is now.
It’s time for the Employment Equity Act to explicitly include 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black communities as designated groups, and to include stronger intersectional, transparent, and accountable mechanisms that reflect today’s workplace realities.
Join us to learn about our proposed updates to the Act, our advocacy work, and how you can get involved!
Learning objectives:

Understand the gaps in the Employment Equity Act
Learn about recommendations for the modernization of the Act
Explore advocacy efforts and strategies

Target audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ employees at Pride at Work Canada’s partner organizations
Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders
HR & DEI Professionals

Panelists

Bilan Arte (she/her)
National Representative, Human Rights Department
Canadian Labour Congress

Bilan Arte is an award-winning activist and organizer with over fifteen years of experience in campaigns, leadership, and movement building. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Ottawa, and she is the National Representative for Human Rights at the Canadian Labour Congress.
Bilan is a Black, Muslim feminist who lives and works in the unceded and never-surrendered traditional territories of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe peoples.
In all aspects of her work, Bilan is fueled by her passion for social justice and equity.

Noah Inniss-Parchment (he/him)
Manager, Operations
LGBT YouthLine

Noah is a Black person of Jamaican descent and of trans experience born and raised on the traditional unceded unsurrendered lands of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people (Ottawa). He received his Bachelor of Social Work in 2014 from Carleton University, and has since worked and volunteered for various 2SLGBTQI+ organisations nationally, and within Ottawa and Toronto. Noah previously worked at YouthLine in 2017, and is excited to be back leading and supporting operations.

Facilitator

Quinn Blue (he/they)
Program & Engagement Coordinator

Quinn Blue is a professional in 2SLGBTQIA+ education and programming. Quinn spent over a decade working in the student movement, having held equity and inclusion-focused roles at the University of Ottawa and at Algonquin College. His formal education is in Women and Gender Studies and in Teaching Adult Learners. They’ve volunteered extensively with the Ten Oaks Project, which taught them about the incredible value of community building. Quinn is passionate about change-making and learning.

Accessibility

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca
Registration for this event has closed.

THRIVE 2026: Information Session
2026-02-10 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
February 10th 2026, 5pm-6pm ET
Join us for an Information Session about THRIVE, a transformative ten-week virtual program designed to empower and develop the next generation of Two-Spirit, queer, and trans people managers. If you’re ready to step into leadership roles with confidence and pride, this session is for you!
About THRIVE:
THRIVE is a ten-week virtual program that will develop the next generation of Two-Spirit, queer and trans people managers. Participants will get exclusive access to queer and trans leaders working at the highest levels of Canadian business and engage in important peer-to-peer discussions. Through live Zoom sessions, collaborative group study, and self-directed work our sixth THRIVE cohort will collectively unlock their potential as out leaders.
THRIVE will help you enhance your skills, build your network, and take your career to the next level as an out leader.
Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Close captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests.

Registration for this event has closed.
Questions about THRIVE 2026 can be directed to Templeton Sawyer (he/him), Leadership Programs Coordinator, at templeton.sawyer@prideatwork.ca.

THRIVE 2026: Information Session
2026-01-13 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
January 13th 2026, 5pm-6pm ET
Join us for an Information Session about THRIVE, a transformative ten-week virtual program designed to empower and develop the next generation of Two-Spirit, queer, and trans people managers. If you’re ready to step into leadership roles with confidence and pride, this session is for you!
About THRIVE:
THRIVE is a ten-week virtual program that will develop the next generation of Two-Spirit, queer and trans people managers. Participants will get exclusive access to queer and trans leaders working at the highest levels of Canadian business and engage in important peer-to-peer discussions. Through live Zoom sessions, collaborative group study, and self-directed work our sixth THRIVE cohort will collectively unlock their potential as out leaders.
THRIVE will help you enhance your skills, build your network, and take your career to the next level as an out leader.
Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Close captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests.

Registration for this event has closed.
Questions about THRIVE 2026 can be directed to Templeton Sawyer (he/him), Leadership Programs Coordinator, at templeton.sawyer@prideatwork.ca.

Virtual “Pink Tank” Session: Mentoring Matters
2025-12-16 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
December 16, 2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM ET
Exclusive to Proud Partners | $35 Participation Fee* | This session has limited capacity.
Implementing change initiatives can feel like navigating choppy, uncharted waters. Some days the seas are calm; other days, a single wave can push you two steps back. Mentoring is the compass that keeps us moving forward — but hearing about its promise isn’t enough. In this Virtual “Pink Tank,” let Pride at Work Canada be that trusted mentor as we help you turn ideas into action.
Hosted by Jade Pichette, Director of Programs at Pride at Work Canada, this Proud Partner–only session is where theory meets practice. You’ll test ideas against real workplace challenges, share experiences with peers, and map out solutions together. With live discussion, chat engagement, surveys, and pre-event input, you’ll leave with direction you can actually use.
We’ll dive into four key questions:

What new insights did we gain from the December 9 webinar?
What confirmed what we already knew about mentoring?
What strategies sounded good but feel impossible to implement at work?
What short-term wins can we achieve right now?

To make the most of our 90 minutes, participants will complete a brief pre-event survey and can opt to review curated pre-read materials. With attendance limited, you’ll have the space to engage meaningfully and leave with a plan you can actually put into practice.

Facilitator

Jade Pichette (they/them),
Director of Programs, Pride at Work Canada

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. In their spare time they can be found geeking out over queer, trans, and Norse histories, firekeeping, and spending time with their chosen family.

Accessibility

Spoken language: English
Closed captioning: English
Format: Virtual (Zoom, interactive mode)

Please note this session is limited to employees of Proud Partner organizations only. Additional accessibility requests can be submitted via the registration form.
*This contribution helps support Pride at Work’s mission and activities, and better guarantees the attendance of our registrants. It also ensures an exclusive conversation with our Executive Director.

Webinar: Mentoring Matters
2025-12-09 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
December 9, 2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM ET | Open to Everyone
Charting a career shouldn’t feel like setting sail without a compass. Yet for many in our communities, that’s exactly what it is. For many, it can feel like pushing off into choppy, uncharted waters with no clear map for “people like me.” What feels like a safe harbour to one person can just as easily be stormy seas for another. That’s where mentoring makes a real difference. It offers not only direction, but also a steady hand at the wheel, guiding us forward together toward new horizons.
This webinar, presented in partnership with QueerTech, will feature leaders who are redefining how mentoring can strengthen our community and shape its next wave of leaders. Together, we’ll explore:

Innovative mentoring strategies with Jennifer Petrela of Mentorat Québec, who will share insights from the groundbreaking Mentor Me Equal project, which is rethinking mentoring to level the playing field for people of all genders.
Evidence from the field with QueerTech Co-Founder & COO Eustacio (Andy) Saldaña, who will present the latest research on mentoring’s role in supporting talent development, and what the data reveals about creating sustainable mentor programs.
Corporate leadership in practice with Mackenzie Kybele from TD, who will discuss how TD Bank is rising to these challenges with programs that empower employees and strengthen leadership pipelines.

Panelists

Jennifer Petrela (she/her)
Executive Director, Mentorat Québec

Jennifer Petrela is the executive director of Mentorat Québec and an expert in inclusive mentoring. Jennifer publishes articles, hosts events, and speaks publicly in French and English about the theory and practice of mentoring in different settings and sectors. She speaks regularly on the intersection of mentorship and equity, diversity and inclusion and has launched national and international partnerships to make inclusive mentoring more accessible to members of equity-deserving groups. A proud ally, in 2004 Jennifer advised Canada’s LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce on Out For Business, the chamber’s mentorship program for entrepreneurs. Jennifer volunteers regularly as a mentor and is herself a mentee in perpetual evolution.

Eustacio (Andy) Saldaña (he/him)
Co-Founder & COO, QueerTech

Eustacio (Andy) Saldaña is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of QueerTech, a Canadian non-profit focused on empowering, connecting, and increasing the visibility of 2SLGBTQ+ technologists and entrepreneurs. The organization is dedicated to the mission of queering the tech ecosystem. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the NY Tech Alliance, a non-profit organization that runs the world’s largest Meetup group, the NY Tech Meetup (NYTM). With over 60,000 members and a mission to build a more sustainable, diverse, and equitable technology industry for all New Yorkers, the organization is a central figure in the NY Tech ecosystem. A fervent advocate for diversity, access, and inclusion in technology, Andy excels in building relationships and fostering dialogues that drive change. His efforts have been recognized with several accolades, including a spot on Crain’s New York Business 2020 Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives list, and inclusion in the 2019 Tech Power 50 by City & State, a leading media company covering New York’s government and politics.

Mackenzie Kybele (she/her)
Regional Manager, Business Development, TD Bank

Mackenzie Kybele co-leads 2SLGBTQ+ Business Development within the GTA Market to leverage TD’s strong position in the 2SLGBTQ+ community to identify and acquire new business opportunities, deepen our existing customer relationships and amplify the TD brand in the community. She brings 5 years of experience at TD starting within Retail Banking and moving into Wealth Management. From her dedicated support to financial planners to then supporting the entire wealth line of business from the national office, Mackenzie brings deep subject matter expertise on the Wealth client experience and strategy while building relationships across the field. Mackenzie has been a visible leader in the transgender community for the past decade from supporting local initiatives both internally at TD and externally at the 519, while also mentoring younger transgender and gender diverse folks.

Facilitator

Colin Druhan (he/him)
Executive Director, Pride at Work Canada

Colin Druhan (he/him) is the Executive Director of Pride at Work Canada, and mentorship has shaped his career from the very start. When he moved from Nova Scotia to Toronto more than 20 years ago, Volunteer Toronto played a vital role in his development. He later returned the favour by volunteering with the community that once mentored him, eventually being elected President in 2018.
Colin has mentored newcomers through programs like Jumpstart Refugee Talent’s Welcome Talent Canada initiative and shaped nonprofit leaders through the Enchanté Network’s mentorship program, helping dozens of leaders start over in Canada or build their careers from scratch. He also created Pride at Work Canada’s signature leadership programs THRIVE and FLOURISH, which have supported hundreds of leaders across Canada and beyond.
Accessibility

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below for additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

Registration for this event has closed.

Virtual "Pink Tank" Session: Improving Mental Health for Our Communities
2025-11-25 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
November 25, 2025 | 2:00–3:30 PM ET
Exclusive to Proud Partners | $35 Participation Fee* | This session has limited capacity.
The weight of the world doesn’t get lighter after one conversation. Too often, we attend webinars, nod along, and then go back to our busy lives without turning insights into action. This Virtual “Pink Tank” is designed to change that.
Hosted by Colin Druhan, Executive Director of Pride at Work Canada, this members-only session goes beyond listening. It’s a chance to roll up your sleeves, test ideas against your workplace reality, and turn learning into concrete next steps. Expect live discussion, chat engagement, surveys, and pre-event input, all focused on surfacing solutions that work for you.
Together, we’ll tackle four key questions:

What new information did we learn from the November 18 webinar?
What confirmed what we already know?
What solutions sounded good but feel impossible to implement in my workplace?
What short-term wins can we achieve with this information?

To make the most of our 90 minutes, participants will complete a brief pre-event survey and can opt to review curated pre-read materials. With attendance limited, you’ll have the space to engage meaningfully and leave with a plan you can actually put into practice.

Facilitator

Colin Druhan (he/him),
Executive Director, Pride at Work Canada

Colin Druhan (he/him) is the Executive Director of Pride at Work Canada, where he made Mental Health First Aid and Naloxone training mandatory for staff and co-created Leading for Impact, a coaching program for people-managers. With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector—running counseling programs, food banks, and advocacy services—he’s seen the heavy toll community work takes: stress, substance use, and suicidality are all endemic. He believes progress comes through access to affirming mental health care, vital for individuals and organizations alike.
He completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Strategy program at Harvard Business School and studied change management and AI integration at Rotman’s Leading Change program. A graduate of NSCAD University (BFA ‘05), Colin remains a creative thinker at heart.

Accessibility

Spoken language: English
Closed captioning: English
Format: Virtual (Zoom, interactive mode)

Please note this session is limited to employees of Proud Partner organizations only. Additional accessibility requests can be submitted via the registration form.
*This contribution helps support Pride at Work’s mission and activities, and better guarantees the attendance of our registrants. It also ensures an exclusive conversation with our Executive Director.

Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect
2025-11-19 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EST | Via Zoom: Webinar – this is a free online networking event for trans, non-binary and agender people.

Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect is a free digital networking event for trans, non-binary, and agender professionals and jobseekers across Canada.
Since its launch in 2020, this ongoing program has created intentional, safer spaces for participants to share stories, build professional connections, and foster community in a digital environment. Each year, it builds on the momentum of previous gatherings, strengthening networks and amplifying voices across diverse communities.
Format: This gathering features two themed, roundtable-style discussion rounds. In each round, participants join small, facilitated groups to explore a specific topic related to the gathering focus.
Why is this event taking place?
While many networking spaces are inclusive of trans, non-binary, and agender people, there are distinct experiences, questions, and challenges faced by these communities in professional settings.
This event was created to:

Provide peer support across identities and geographies
Cultivate connection through shared lived experience
Respond directly to feedback from community members and attendees

Audience:
This event is intended for individuals who identify as trans, non-binary, and/or agender.
There is no requirement to “prove” your identity or meet any criteria beyond self-identification. While we value allyship, this space is intentionally held for trans, non-binary, and agender folks to connect freely. Allies are encouraged to respect the boundaries of identity-centered spaces and hold space by stepping back.
Key Takeaways:

Connect with others navigating similar professional journeys
Share lived experiences in a supportive, affirming space
Build community and expand your network
Learn about future initiatives and events from Pride at Work Canada

Accessibility:
Spoken Language: English
Closed Captioning: English
Format: Virtual (Zoom meeting format)
Engagement Type: Participants invited to share via video, audio, or chat
If you have additional accessibility requests, please include them in your registration form or contact us at: events@prideatwork.ca
Registration for this event has closed.

Webinar: Improving Mental Health for Our Communities
2025-11-18 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
November 18, 2025 | 2:00–3:30 PM ET | Open to Everyone
The weight of the world can sometimes feel too heavy to carry. Balancing important deadlines with family responsibilities, while also bracing against headlines filled with hostility, attacks on health care, and a constant stream of hate-filled rhetoric. Unfortunately, these environmental burdens don’t stop when we go to or log in to work.
This national webinar, presented in partnership with QueerTech, brings together leading voices to explore the realities our communities face today, how it’s impacting our mental health, and evidence-based solutions for a range of workplaces. Together, we’ll examine:

Environmental factors that undermine mental health with Dylana Thomson, Director of Policy & Advocacy at The Enchanté Network.
The barriers to accessing affirming care with Instructor; Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and Author Rahim Thawer, creator of Canada’s Queer & Trans Therapists, a curated directory of therapists with lived experience that align with our communities’ needs.
What research says about workplace dynamics and technology are influencing well-being with Naoufel Testaouni, Co-Founder & CEO of QueerTech.

Panelists

Dylana Thompson (she/her)
Director of Policy and Advocacy, the Enchanté Network

Dylana Thompson (she/her) is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Enchanté Network, where she works with the 2SLGBTQI+ sector across Canada to advance systemic change that improves the lives of 2SLGBTQI+ people. She previously served as principal researcher for the White Paper on the Status of Trans and Gender Diverse People, a document tabled in Parliament with 29 recommendations to strengthen trans rights at the federal level. Currently, Dylana partners with community organizations and grassroots groups in several provinces to advocate for stronger gender-affirming care policies, among other key initiatives. A graduate of Carleton University’s Master of Political Management program, she brings political expertise and strategic insight to support 2SLGBTQI+ movements nationwide

Rahim Thawer (he/him)
Registered Social Worker and
Certified Clinical Supervisor

Rahim Thawer (he/him) is a registered social worker (OCSWSSW) and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) based in Toronto. He works as an instructor, psychotherapist, consultant, public speaker, podcast host, and writer. He is the founder of Affective Consulting & Psychotherapy Services (est. 2014) and has delivered nearly 200 presentations across North America and Europe. His community workshops foster critical dialogue and reflection on mental health, systemic oppression, interpersonal dynamics, and innovation in queer relationships.
Rahim teaches at The University of Alabama, where he is also completing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) with a specialization in organizational leadership. As a queer Muslim, his clinical and scholarly work sits at the intersection of mental health and social justice. His doctoral research explores how anti-racist, queer-affirming psychoanalytic frameworks can support social workers, therapists-in-training, and organizational leaders.
He was one of the co-editors of Any Other Way: How Toronto Got Queer (Coach House Books, 2016), a Toronto Book Awards finalist, and his latest book, The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys (New Harbinger Publications), was released in June 2025. This past August, he launched the Canadian Queer & Trans Therapist Directory (CQTT), empowering service users to find the affirming care they need.

Naoufel Testaouni (he/him)
Co-Founder and CEO, QueerTech

Naoufel Testaouni is the Co-Founder and CEO of QueerTech, a Canadian nonprofit dedicated to queering the tech ecosystem by breaking down barriers and empowering 2SLGBTQ+ people to thrive. With a career spanning nonprofit leadership, corporate innovation at Microsoft, and business development in tech startups, Naoufel brings a unique perspective on inclusive leadership and building equitable opportunities in technology.

Facilitator

Colin Druhan (he/him),
Executive Director, Pride at Work Canada

Colin Druhan (he/him) is the Executive Director of Pride at Work Canada, where he made Mental Health First Aid and Naloxone training mandatory for staff and co-created Leading for Impact, a coaching program for people-managers. With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector—running counseling programs, food banks, and advocacy services—he’s seen the heavy toll community work takes: stress, substance use, and suicidality are all endemic. He believes progress comes through access to affirming mental health care, vital for individuals and organizations alike.
He completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Strategy program at Harvard Business School and studied change management and AI integration at Rotman’s Leading Change program. A graduate of NSCAD University (BFA ‘05), Colin remains a creative thinker at heart.
Accessibility

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

Registration for this event has closed.

SPARK Vancouver 2025
2025-11-05 13:30 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | BDC Square and Hall, 1133 Melville Street, Suite 1500, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 4E5, Canada
November 5, 2025 | 1:30 pm – 7:00 pm PST

Find Inspiration. Leave with a new perspective. Spark impactful change.
SPARK is a transformative half-day symposium bringing together Senior Executives, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leaders, and Human Resources professionals for shared learning, networking, and innovation.
Theme: Elevating 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomer and Migrant Talent.
Queer and trans communities bring extraordinary creativity, resilience, and innovation to the workforce. Yet, job seekers and employees from these communities—especially those who are newcomers or migrants—often face systemic barriers that limit their recognition and advancement. Too often, they are perceived as “unconventional” hires or encounter stalled career growth despite their capabilities.
SPARK is a celebration and a call to action. This event is dedicated to dismantling those barriers and highlighting the immense, underrecognized potential of 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and migrants. By creating space for visibility, dialogue, and connection, SPARK aims to amplify voices, empower careers, and drive change across workplaces and industries.
Key Highlights

Inspiring Insights: Dive deep into the talent acquisition process, exploring attraction, selection, and development strategies.
Dynamic Discussions: Engage in lively keynote presentations and thought-provoking discussions led by driven 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomer and migrant leaders.
Strategic Networking: Foster intentional connections to fuel organizational change and create workplaces where everyone, including 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and migrant individuals, thrives.

Host Sponsor and Location

BDC Square and Hall
1133 Melville Street, Suite 1500 (15th Floor)
Vancouver, BC V6E 4E5

Reception Sponsor

Agenda

1:30pm – 2:45pm: Welcome and Opening Keynotes
2:45pm – 3:00pm: Networking Session ~ Engage with other DEI and talent acquisition leaders!
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Roundtable Discussions (see topics below)
4:00pm – 4:15pm: Networking Session ~ Engage with other DEI and talent acquisition leaders!
4:15pm – 5:00pm: Key Reflections and Closing
5:00pm – 7:00pm: Networking Reception with 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomer and migrant leaders and talent

Discussion Groups

Supporting Refugees with Norma Lize Rhayem, Rainbow Refugee Society
Creating Your Newcomer Strategy with Adeline Huynh, The Commons Consulting
Attracting and Developing Newcomer Talent with Valerie Raghoebier and Joshna Hirani, Sher Vancouver

Keynote Speaker

Aleks Selim Dughman Manzur (J.D., LL.M.)
(They/Them)

Aleks Selim Dughman Manzur is a transgender Palestinian born and primarily raised in Santiago, Chile. As a Chilean lawyer, Aleks specializes in human rights, reproductive and sexual health law, LGBTQI+ rights, and refugee rights. They hold an LL.M. from the University of Toronto and currently serve as the Co-Executive Director of Rainbow Refugee. Aleks is also the past President of the Canadian Council for Refugees and currently holds a position as an Executive Committee member. Additionally, they are the co-chair of From Borders to Belonging, a Canada-wide coalition in solidarity with LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers.
Previously, Aleks worked as the Director of LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs and SAH representative for the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. Their past roles also include positions at LEAF (Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund), the Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID), and the International Reproductive and Sexual Health Law Programme at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law.
Their work focuses on facilitating pathways for refugee protection and co-creating communities of belonging for individuals with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). Aleks designs programs and services for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers, refugee claimants, and refugees, and advocates for refugee rights at various levels of government, both locally and internationally. Additionally, they provide advisory and expert opinions, represent Canada at international forums on refugee protection, and conduct webinars and workshops for numerous local and international organizations.

Emcee

Ky Sargeant (she/they)
DEI Consultant and Comedian

Ky is an EDI consultant known for her engaged approach to facilitation, where she leverages 8 years of public speaking and performing arts experience to communicate complex DEI topics in an accessible way for all audiences. Previously the assistant to the Senior Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the UBC Sauder School of Business & currently an EDI Scholar in Residence at UBC Library, she brings a deep understanding of academic frameworks of EDI and how to translate that knowledge into practice. She has since co-developed a first-of-its-kind index and training program for business funders and is the Vice-Chair of the board for QMUNITY. Outside of work, she regularly hosts a 2SLGBTQIA+ Open-Mic Comedy night and performs stand-up comedy around the city.

Discussion Group Facilitators

Norma Lize Rhayem
Communications Manager, Rainbow Refugee Society

Norma Lize Rhayem, a transgender activist and advocate from the Middle East. Her activism started when she was studying journalism and communication arts, leading to her involvement with LGBTQIA+ organizations in the SWANA region and worldwide. Her lived experience, and work in Media and the Non-profit sector helped her to raise the voice about LGBTQIA+ issues around the world. Since relocating to Vancouver, she continues to fight for the rights of the trans community. She worked as a Sponsorship Coordinator at Rainbow Refugee, a Peer Facilitator at Mosaic, and a co-trainer at QMUNITY. Norma is currently working as a Communications Manager at Rainbow Refugee Society and is working on developing training materials to help raise awareness in workplaces and communities. Topic: Supporting Refugees

Adeline Huynh (she/her)
EDI strategist and founder, The Commons Consulting

Adeline Huynh is an equity, diversity, and inclusion strategist and founder of The Commons Consulting living and working on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Səl̓ílwətaʔ, and Skwxwú7mesh peoples. With almost two decades of experience guiding nearly 100 organizations—from healthcare to higher-ed—she translates big-picture vision into practical, people-centred solutions. Adeline has championed newcomer inclusion by supporting ISSofBC’s EDI work and launching QMUNITY’s Routes to Roots program for LGBTQ2S+ immigrant and refugee youth. She also co-authored Authentically Inclusive Marketing and designs engaging online courses and in-person trainings that help organizations thrive. Away from the Zoom and workshop room, you’ll find her trying to keep up with her 7-year-old, swapping book recommendations, and plotting her next storytelling project over a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee. Topic: Creating Your Newcomer Strategy

Valerie Raghoebier (she/her)
Board Director, Sher Vancouver

Valerie (she/her) is a dynamic actress and model based in Vancouver’s thriving film industry. Beyond the screen, she is a passionate advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, actively working to reduce her carbon footprint. Valerie brings her creativity and compassion to the nonprofit sector as the newest Board Member of Sher Vancouver. She has also served as a juror for the prestigious January Award and is a shortlist juror for the Sundar Prize Film Festival, where she helps spotlight powerful and impactful stories from around the world. Topic: Attracting and Developing Newcomer Talent

Joshna Hirani (she/her)
Manager of Community Engagement, Sher Vancouver

Joshna Hirani, of Gujarati origin and born in Kenya, is a dynamic community leader dedicated to equity, inclusion, and social justice. Professionally trained in Occupational Therapy, she combines cultural sensitivity with mindfulness and compassion to empower individuals and strengthen communities. As Sher Vancouver’s Manager of Community Engagement, Joshna is a driving force behind the organization’s public presence, representing it at major events, building networks, and raising awareness of its mission. She remains committed to learning from diverse communities, reflecting on her experiences, and continually evolving to be a better community member and leader. Topic: Attracting and Developing Newcomer Talent

Learning Objectives

Understand how to attract, and retain 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomer talent.
Discover the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomer and migrant talent.
Cultivate a relationship with fellow DEI leaders, and 2SLGBTQIA+ talent.

Audience

Senior Leaders
DEI Professionals
Talent Acquisition Professionals

More details coming soon.
Registration and Pricing
LIMITED SEATS – Purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Registration is now open on Eventbrite.
Partner tickets: Senior leaders of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners & Community Partners

$345.00 (+ tax) – Early Bird Price (until September 30)
$445.00 (+ tax) – Regular Price

General tickets: For senior leaders of other companies & organizations (non-partners)

$545.00 (+ tax) – Early Bird Price (until September 30)
$645.00 (+ tax) – Regular Price

On Eventbrite, participants will be asked to provide some personal & professional details, accessibility requests, food restrictions and allergies. For any additional questions, reach out to us at events@prideatwork.ca.

Webinar: Navigating AI & Inclusive Prompt Engineering
2025-10-07 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Tuesday October 7 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
As workplaces increasingly adopt emerging and evolving technologies, it’s crucial to ensure their implementation supports equity, safety, and impact. Join a panel of experts to explore how to avoid reproducing bias and harmful stereotypes when using generative AI to create content for or about queer and trans communities. This webinar will introduce tools and best practices for responsible AI use, with a focus on preventing bias, promoting inclusive representation, and safeguarding digital integrity.
Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of cybersecurity in AI workflows, especially when handling sensitive or identity-based information and offer strategies to mitigate associated risks. Learn how to leverage AI ethically and securely to advance your organization’s social impact.
Learning objectives

Understand strategies to avoid reproducing bias and stereotypes when creating content for or about queer and trans communities.
Cybersecurity and safety of using generative AI
Learn tools and practices towards responsible AI use

Target audience

2SLGBTQIA+ employees at Pride at Work Canada’s partner organizations
Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders
HR & DEI Professionals
Marketing and communications professionals

Facilitator

Jade Pichette (they/she)
Director of Programs, Pride at Work Canada

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 were one of the authors of Transitioning Employers: A survey of policies and practices for trans inclusive workplaces and are the cohost of the Uncovering Belonging Podcast. In their spare time they can be found geeking out over queer, trans, and Norse histories, disability justice, interfaith advocacy, firekeeping, and spending time with their chosen family.

Panelists

Carlos Chalico (He/him)
Cybersecurity and privacy specialist

Carlos Chalico is a consultant specialized in cybersecurity and privacy. He started his career in Mexico City when he joined a big four accounting firm Mexico back in 1996, today he is a partner based in Toronto. Carlos is also an instructor with the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, where he teaches cybersecurity and privacy.
Carlos volunteers for different organizations including ISACA, IAPP, and Hispanotech. He discovered the Association of Latinx Professionals for America (ALPFA) in 2019, when EY Canada sent him to Nashville, Tennessee for attending his first ALPFA convention. When Carlos saw what ALPFA was doing for the Latinx community in US, he asked what was needed to make it work in Canada and, in 2022, Carlos helped bring ALPFA Canada to life with the first chapter in Toronto. Today, ALPFA Canada has also chapters in Montreal and Calgary, and is close to having a new chapter in Vancouver. Most of Carlos’ volunteering time is now focused on ALPFA Canada’s development.
In his free time, Carlos enjoys spending time with family, reading, writing, walking with Leis (his dog), riding his bike (not in winter) and playing drums somewhere in Toronto or Mississauga.

Vipul Bhardwaj (he/him)
Senior Manager, Emerging Capabilities, TD Bank

Vipul is a people-first leader with over 16 years of experience in financial services, spanning roles in retail banking, wholesale banking, wealth management, and human resources. He is passionate about AI-driven innovation and its potential to transform the delivery of products and services in the financial services industry. At TD, Vipul has led strategy and delivery of large-scale digital transformation initiatives and was most recently tapped to lead the GenAI transformation and enablement for the Wealth Management business. He is also influencing AI policy in Canada by partnering with governance and control partners at TD as well as regulators. Vipul is passionate about talent development and Inclusion & Diversity. He is a member of TD Wealth’s I&D core committee and provides thought leadership on strategy and programming aligned to TD’s I&D agenda.

Registration for this event has closed.
Accessibility

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

Webinar: FLOURISH Information Session
2025-09-17 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, September 17 | 4:00-5:00 ET
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:

From Policy to Practice – Living Our Rights, Honoring Our Identities
Telling the Story/Impact of Your ERG
Navigating Polarization
Principles of Peer Support

Through live Zoom sessions, virtual learning modules and self-directed work, our FLOURISH program will collectively unlock their potential as ERG leaders.
Interested in learning more? Sign up to this information session.
Key Learning Objectives:

Provide an overview of the FLOURISH 2025 program structure and timeline
Highlight the importance and impact of 2SLGBTQIA+ ERG leadership in Canadian workplaces
Explain the types of learning experiences and activities participants can expect
Answer questions and provide clarity on eligibility, registration, and support

Audience:

This event is for anyone interested in knowing more about the FLOURISH 2025 program

Templeton Sawyer (he/him)
Leadership Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada

Templeton Sawyer was an Employment Support Practitioner with Teamwork Cooperative, the host of Tweet the Leader in You podcast, and co-facilitator of the CEI and Teamwork’s Youth-Focused Community of Practice in Halifax Nova Scotia. He brings a great deal of lived experience to the table and is a passionate Youth Advocate who seeks to help youth in both Nova Scotia, Ontario and the Bahamas believe in themselves and increase their self-confidence through leadership and skill development programs. When Templeton thinks about the word inclusion, he has a passion to place action into including everyone. Templeton continues his inclusion advocacies through a Youth Focused Community of Practice which he Co-Author, this space provides service providers to grow and develop new strategies to serve youth and people in general.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Closed captioning provided: English
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

Registration for this event has closed.

Webinar: Peer Support in Action – Empowering ERGs to Boost Employee Well-Being
2025-09-09 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
September 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play essential roles in building networks and creating opportunities to put peer support into action. Join us to learn from a panel of ERG leaders who are skilled in peer support. Peer support provides strategies to navigate conflict, challenge discrimination in the workplace, and cope with issues outside of the workplace that 2SLGBTQIA+ people face. When ERGs are empowered and well resourced, they can create meaningful impacts on employee well-being.
Learning objectives:

Explore how peer support strategies can be used in the workplace
Learn strategies to navigate workplace conflict
Understand the impacts of ERGs in employee well-being

Target audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ employees at Pride at Work Canada’s partner organizations
Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders
HR & DEI Professionals

Panelists

Christian Bennett (he/they)
Account Manager, MPAC

Christian Bennett (he/they) is an Account Manager with MPAC and Co-Lead of Blaze!, MPAC’s 2SLGBTQIA+ employee resource group. In this role, Christian helps foster an inclusive and supportive workplace where employees across the province can connect, learn, and share their authentic selves. He is passionate about creating spaces that celebrate diversity while strengthening community through dialogue, education, and meaningful connections.
Since its founding in 2022, Blaze! has grown into a vibrant forum that not only addresses issues impacting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community but also uplifts voices and celebrates Pride throughout the year. As Co-Lead, he plays a key role in guiding initiatives, championing inclusion, and infusing a spirit of joy and celebration into the group’s activities, while helping advance MPAC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging.

Michael Robach (he/him)
Interim Executive Director, QMUNITY

Michael Robach (he/him) is the Interim Executive Director at QMUNITY, where they lead the delivery of programs and services that meet the diverse needs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. With a career spanning social development and advocacy, Michael has worked across sectors including child protection, HIV, rare diseases, and now 2SLGBTQIA+ community support. They bring a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and strengthening services that improve the lives of those most impacted.

Christopher Aguilar (He/They)
Senior Training Specialist, OLG

Christopher Aguilar is a neurodivergent professional living with ADHD and anxiety, and a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and mental health awareness. As a Senior Training Specialist at OLG and Co-Chair of The Pride Network, Christopher brings both lived experience and professional insight to their work. They are committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Whether at work or in everyday life, Christopher strives to be a voice for those who may not have one—championing empathy, accessibility, and meaningful change across communities.

Facilitator

Templeton Sawyer (he/him)
Leadership Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada

Templeton Sawyer was an Employment Support Practitioner with Teamwork Cooperative, the host of Tweet the Leader in You podcast, and co-facilitator of the CEI and Teamwork’s Youth-Focused Community of Practice in Halifax Nova Scotia. He brings a great deal of lived experience to the table and is a passionate Youth Advocate who seeks to help youth in both Nova Scotia, Ontario and the Bahamas believe in themselves and increase their self-confidence through leadership and skill development programs. When Templeton thinks about the word inclusion, he has a passion to place action into including everyone. Templeton continues his inclusion advocacies through a Youth Focused Community of Practice which he Co-Author, this space provides service providers to grow and develop new strategies to serve youth and people in general.

Registration for this event has closed.
Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

Optional note: * 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.

Focus Group: 2SLGBTQIA+ Experiences of Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace
2025-09-04 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
This online event is on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM EDT.
As part of the Stronger Together project, a gender-based violence (GBV) prevention initiative in the Greater Toronto Area, Pride at Work Canada is conducting research to better understand the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ people with GBV in workplace settings.
We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ employees often face unique forms of harassment, discrimination, and violence that are underreported and under-addressed. Your voice can help us change that.
Why Your Participation Matters
The insights gathered from this focus group will:

Shape training and education for employers on preventing and responding to GBV.
Inform policy recommendations that center the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ workers.
Contribute to creating safer, more inclusive workplaces across the GTA and beyond.

Who Can Participate
We invite 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who:

Have experienced or witnessed gender-based violence in a workplace setting.
Live, work, or have worked in the Greater Toronto Area (including Peel Region, and Durham Region).

Your participation is voluntary, and you may choose to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable.
Our Commitment to Safety
This session will be confidential and trauma-informed, facilitated by members of Pride at Work Canada’s staff team. We will provide information about available supports before, during, and after the session.
Accessibility

Spoken language: English
Closed captioning provided: English
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

How to Join
If you’re interested in participating, please email Misha Goforth, Manager of Programs, at misha.goforth@prideatwork.ca. All participants will receive the Zoom link and additional details before the event.

THRIVE and FLOURISH Alumni Summer Gathering
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
This webinar is open to THRIVE and FLOURISH Alumni.
Thursday, August 21st, 2025 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT | Via Zoom: Webinar
Join us for a special summer gathering of FLOURISH and THRIVE alumni, featuring an inspiring session with Jennifer Quinn, CEO of Nieuport Aviation. With a dynamic career spanning leadership roles at Deloitte, Infrastructure Ontario, and now at the helm of Nieuport, Jennifer brings a wealth of insight on navigating complex industries with vision and purpose. This powerful conversation will explore how leaders can intentionally create space for growth, inclusion, and transformation—by challenging norms and making room for others to rise. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect, be inspired, and gain exclusive insights from one of Canada’s top executives.
Key Learning Objectives:

Illuminate the Power of Intentional Leadership: Learn how leaders can consciously reshape spaces to inspire innovation and foster belonging.
Share Jennifer’s Personal Journey of Change-Making: Hear firsthand about her experiences navigating and influencing systems to create meaningful opportunities for others.
Provide Practical Strategies for Inclusive Leadership: Gain tools and insights to recognize when a room needs “shifting” and how to lead those transitions effectively.
Inspire Empowerment Through Vulnerability and Vision: Be motivated to lead boldly—embracing vulnerability, courage, and purpose in your own leadership journey.

Audience:
This event is exclusively for FLOURISH and THRIVE Alumni
Feature Speaker:

Jennifer Quinn (she/her)
CEO of Nieuport Aviation

We’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer Quinn, CEO of Nieuport Aviation, as our special guest speaker. Since 2021, Jennifer has led Nieuport’s operations, strategy, stakeholder relations, and public affairs with vision and expertise. Her impressive career spans public and private sectors, including leadership roles at Deloitte and Infrastructure Ontario.
In 2024, Jennifer was awarded the Report on Business magazine Best Executive Award from the Globe and Mail for her impactful leadership—guiding Nieuport’s operations through pandemic recovery and collaborating with PortsToronto to bring a U.S. Preclearance facility to the airport (expected late 2025). She was also recognized as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women of 2024 by the Women’s Executive Network.
A champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Jennifer was honoured in 2017 with Start Proud’s Leaders to be Proud of – Professional Leadership Award for her contributions to the LGBTQ community.
Jennifer holds an Honours Bachelor of Accounting from Brock University, a Master’s Certificate in Public Management from York University, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Closed captioning provided: English
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

Registration for this event has closed.

Webinar: FLOURISH Information session
2025-08-12 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
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:

From Policy to Practice – Living Our Rights, Honoring Our Identities
Telling the Story/Impact of Your ERG
Navigating Polarization
Principles of Peer Support

Through live Zoom sessions, virtual learning modules and self-directed work, our FLOURISH program will collectively unlock their potential as ERG leaders.
Interested in learning more? Sign up to this information session!
Key Learning Objectives:

Provide an overview of the FLOURISH 2025 program structure and timeline
Highlight the importance and impact of 2SLGBTQIA+ ERG leadership in Canadian workplaces
Explain the types of learning experiences and activities participants can expect
Answer questions and provide clarity on eligibility, registration, and support

Audience:

This event is for anyone interested in knowing more about the FLOURISH 2025 program

About the Speaker:

Templeton Sawyer (he/him)
Leadership Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada

Templeton Sawyer was an Employment Support Practitioner with Teamwork Cooperative, the host of Tweet the Leader in You podcast, and co-facilitator of the CEI and Teamwork’s Youth-Focused Community of Practice in Halifax Nova Scotia. He brings a great deal of lived experience to the table and is a passionate Youth Advocate who seeks to help youth in both Nova Scotia, Ontario and the Bahamas believe in themselves and increase their self-confidence through leadership and skill development programs. When Templeton thinks about the word inclusion, he has a passion to place action into including everyone. Templeton continues his inclusion advocacies through a Youth Focused Community of Practice which he Co-Author, this space provides service providers to grow and develop new strategies to serve youth and people in general.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Closed captioning provided: English
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca
Registration for this event has closed.

Webinar: Busting Myths About DEI Data: Your Rights, Responsibilities, and Opportunities [Partners Only - EN]
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Data collection is a cornerstone of successful DEI strategies, yet many organizations struggle to navigate the complexities of ethical and effective practices. This session will address common myths surrounding DEI data, clarify legal rights and responsibilities, and highlight opportunities for leveraging SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression) data to drive workplace inclusion.
With International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17, this webinar provides timely insights into how data collection can support efforts to combat systemic barriers faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ employees. By understanding key workforce trends, organizations can take meaningful actions to build equitable workplaces and uphold their commitments to diversity and inclusion.
Learning objectives:

Understand your legal rights and responsibilities around DEI data collection.
Learn how to leverage SOGIE data to inform your DEI initiatives.
Identify systemic barriers and use data to create targeted, effective solutions.

Target Audience:

HR leaders,
DEI professionals, and
Compliance teams.

About the speaker:

Sophia Dhrolia (she/her, they/them)
Sophia Dhrolia (she/they) is a DEI leader who is passionate about building a culture that values diversity, champions inclusion, and promotes collaboration to drive business results. She is committed to developing environments where differences are valued and where people are empowered to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. She focuses on breaking down systemic barriers, driving positive change in organizations, and on improving experiences.
Sophia speaks regularly on the importance of advocacy, inclusive language and creating cultures of belonging. She has been a keynote speaker for Steps of Pride 2022, CPHR in BC and Yukon, a featured guest on the ‘Mom Strength’ podcast and in high school classrooms. She is also the proud recipient of the 2024 Women in Payments advocate for Diversity & Inclusion award and 2022 Women in IT ‘Diversity Lead of the Year’ award.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Subtitles provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Type of engagement: participants are invited to interact via the chat (no audio or video)
Please register below for any additional accessibility requests. For any questions, you can email info@prideatwork.ca.

Registration for this event has closed.

This event is exclusive for employees and board members of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

SPARK Toronto 2025
2025-04-30 13:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | EY Tower – Toronto, 100 Adelaide St W - 40th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5H 0E2, Canada
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM EDT – This in-person paid leadership event is open to all who wish to register and has a limited number of participants.

Find inspiration. Leave with a new perspective. Spark impactful change.
SPARK Toronto 2025 is an exclusive, interactive event that connects business leaders with the global change makers who are driving 2SLGBTQIA+ equity forward. Unlike traditional conferences, SPARK Toronto 2025 fosters intimate, impactful connections with individuals who are shaping the global workplace and human rights landscapes.
This is not a “sit and listen” event that could be replaced with a webinar. SPARK Toronto 2025 is a must-attend experience that brings together cutting-edge strategies, and actionable insights for businesses ready to elevate their approach to inclusion in Canada and globally.
This Year’s Theme: From Global to Local
As we have been seeing worldwide progress for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion over the past decades, we are now seeing a global backlash against Two-spirit, queer, and trans rights. This backlash has been global in reach with a number of countries recriminalizing LGBTQIA+ people, restricting access to gender-affirming care, banning drag as an artform, the banning of books and more. With international speakers this SPARK will focus on how we continue to promote 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion at home within this global context.
Event Objectives:

Global Insights, Local Impact: Showcase strategies for workforce effectiveness by engaging directly with human rights advocates and business leaders from Canada, the USA, Mexico, the Netherlands and beyond.
Connection & Collaboration: Create unique opportunities to interact face-to-face with changemakers like David Pollard (he/him), Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Workplace Pride Foundation, and other global leaders.
Action-Oriented Learning: Provide actionable takeaways for Canadian companies to thrive in:
Tougher markets where LGBTQIA+ rights are under threat.
Emerging markets where opportunities are expanding with recent advancements like same-sex marriage legalization or decriminalization of homosexuality.
Deepen Sponsorship Impact: Align sponsor brands with global 2SLGBTQIA+ progress while creating authentic connections with decision-makers in HR and workforce development.

GOLD SPONSOR

HOST SPONSOR & LOCATION

EY
EY Tower
100 Adelaide St W – 40th Floor
Toronto, ON M5H 0E2

Keynote Speaker:

David Pollard (he/him)
Executive Director, Workplace Pride Foundation

David Pollard is co-founder and Executive Director of the Workplace Pride Foundation. The Foundation represents the LGBTIQ+ networks of more than 130 prominent companies and organizations and strives for greater LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion internationally.
He has worked for 30+ years in the international corporate world, 20 of which have been dealing with LGBTIQ+ issues from an international Civil Society perspective. David is founder and former Global Chairman of ING’s LGBTIQ+ employee network and, in his 16 year career at ING, fulfilled a number of responsibilities including the creation and management of ING’s European Affairs Department.
David holds degrees in International Relations (BA, Political Science and Business, University of Oklahoma, USA) and in European Affairs (Masters: Diplome d’Etudes Europeén, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium). He lives in Amsterdam with his husband Michael.

Emcee:

Tranna Wintour (she/her)

Tranna Wintour was revealed to the French-Canadian audience during her remarkable stint in the second season of Big Brother Célébrités, the Quebec version of Celebrity Big Brother, in which her personality, her resilience and her humour burst onto the screen.
However, Tranna’s career began about ten years earlier in Anglophone Canada, where she was actively developing her talents as a comedian, singer, author and producer. In 2019, she was named one of the 10 most promising comedians of Just for Laugh’s New Faces. That same year, Fashion Magazine crowned her as one of the queens of Canadian comedy. During this period, one of her flagship projects, the Chosen Family podcast produced by CBC, was named one of the best podcasts by Apple Canada for two consecutive years.
Since then, she has been a regular on a number of French and English events, including Juste pour rire, ComédiHa! and Just for Laughs galas, and popular TV shows such as En direct de l’univers and La semaine des 4 Julie. She is also a recurring featured guest on a lot of Quebec radio stations and podcasts.
Her career on stage continues to evolve at a rapid pace, thanks to her English-speaking or bilingual shows which garner significant attention from the media and the public. In 2023, Tranna was frequently called upon to open for the immensely popular comedian Matteo Lane, which she still does brilliantly to this day.
Tranna is more than ever an icon of the LGBTQ2S+ community, both in French-speaking and in English-speaking circles.

Speakers:

Grandmother Kim Wheatley (she/her)
Anishinaabe Cultural Consultant

Traditional Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley is Ojibway, Potawatomi and Caribbean in ancestry. She is a band member of Shawanaga First Nation located on the shores of Georgian Bay on Robinson Huron Treaty Territories and is Turtle Clan. She carries the Spirit name “Head or Leader of the Fireflower” and has worked for 3 decades with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Communities across Canada.
As a multi award winning speaker for over 3 decades Kim has appeared locally, nationally and internationally in books, magazines, television, radio and numerous news articles. She is a published author, hand drummer, singer, water walker, artist & ceremonial practitioner. Kim is committed to forging good relationships based on acts of reconciliation that honour the past, connect the present and contribute to the future.

Shawnie Hawkins (she/her)
Senior Director of the Workplace Equality Program, HRC Foundation

RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, SHRM-CP (she/her) Senior Director for the Workplace Equality Program at HRC Foundation. She has been an advocate and educator on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion for over 15 years. In this role with HRC, she is responsible for managing key corporate and constituent engagement programs, namely educational resource development, training, ongoing communication platforms and multimedia projects addressing current and emerging LGBTQ+ subjects for advancing workplace inclusion efforts. Before joining the Foundation, she worked in the corporate space as a Human Resources Business Partner and as a Leadership Development professional, designing and implementing training curriculums for organizations across multiple industries like retail and telecommunications. RaShawn holds a BS from the University of Iowa and has a Leading in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification from Northwestern University.

Francisco Robledo (he/him)
Founder & managing partner, ADIL diversidad e inclusion laboral. Implementing partner for Human Rights Campaign Foundation in Mexico

Entrepreneur, consultant and strategist in workplace inclusion since 2010. Trainer and speaker with 15 years of work experience, with special focus and interest in LGBTQ+ people. Graduate in Information Systems from UNAM. He worked in companies such as 3M and Telefónica Movistar. He was part of the 2024 class of Stanford University’s LGBTQ Executive Leadership Program.
In 2014, he founded ADIL Diversity and Labor Inclusion, a consultancy firm to promote total inclusion and non-discrimination policies and procedures for all people in their workspaces. Strategist behind initiatives such as forums on good practices of workplace inclusion, national surveys on workplace discrimination, editorial projects to make executive leaders visible in favor of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Regarding LGBTQ+ matters, since 2016 it has implemented in Mexico the certification for companies HRC Equidad MX Best Places to Work LGBTQ+ Equality, from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which in its 2025 edition more than 300 companies participate and impacto more than 1.4 million workers. From 2011 to 2022, he served more than 1,000 same-gender couples in civil registry procedures since the approval of marriage equality in Mexico City, until it was legislated in all the states of the country.

Moderators:

Latoya Nugent (she/her)
Head of Engagement, Rainbow Railroad

Latoya Nugent is a Black queer feminist, refugee, and movement strategist with over 15 years of experience in education, advocacy, and organizational leadership. Rooted in the Freirean philosophy of teaching for transformation, Latoya centers lived-expertise and collective power to reimagine systems and co-create a liberated future.
As Head of Engagement, at Rainbow Railroad, she leads high-impact strategies in design thinking, public engagement, and partnership development, driving alignment around a bold mission for global queer liberation. Her portfolio includes communications, volunteer mobilization, and refugee leadership—bridging community wisdom with institutional innovation to amplify reach and deepen impact.
Latoya’s leadership has been instrumental in the Caribbean, where she pioneered work at the intersection of Black feminisms, queer identities, and economic justice. A respected critical thinker and visionary, she continues to influence global conversations on equity and belonging.
Latoya has made Canada her home, thanks to the radical and revolutionary work of Rainbow Railroad and the kindness and compassion of The 519.

Colin Druhan (he/him)
Executive Director,
Pride at Work Canada

Jade Pichette (they/them)
Director of Programs,
Pride at Work Canada

Jose Patiño-Gomez (he/him)
Director of External Relations,
Pride at Work Canada
Agenda:

1:30pm – 2:45pm: Welcome and Opening Keynotes
2:45pm – 3:00pm: Networking Session / Break
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Regional Roundtable Discussions
4:00pm – 4:15pm: Networking Session / Break
4:15pm – 5:00pm: Key Reflections and Closing
5:00pm – 7:00pm: Networking Reception

Roundtable Facilitators:

USA: Colin Druhan (he/him), Executive Director, Pride at Work Canada & Shawnie Hawkins (she/her), Senior Director of the Workplace Equality Program, HRC Foundation
Mexico/Latam: Jose Patiño-Gomez (he/him), Director of External Relations, Pride at Work Canada & Francisco Robledo (he/him), Founder & managing partner, ADIL diversidad e inclusion laboral. (Implementing partner for HRC Mexico)
Europe: Jade Pichette (they/them), Director of Programs, Pride at Work Canada & David Pollard (he/him), Executive Director, Workplace Pride Foundation

What Makes SPARK Unique?

Intimacy and Access: This is an event where you don’t just hear from the leaders—you meet them.
Global Perspectives: SPARK Toronto 2025 provides the rare opportunity to engage with advocates and experts from Canada’s major trading partners (USA, Mexico and the EU) and beyond.
Future-Focused: With a focus on actionable insights, attendees leave equipped to drive real change within their organizations.

Audience:

C-suite and Senior Leaders
DEI and HR Professionals
2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group leaders

Accreditation Hours:
This program has been approved for 3 CPD hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA). For more information about certification or continuing professional development, visit the HRPA website at: www.hrpa.ca.
Registration and Pricing:
LIMITED SEATS – Purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Registration is now open on Eventbrite, and the participation fees are:
Partner tickets: Senior leaders of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners & Community Partners

$345.00 (+ tax) – Early Bird Price (Until March 20th)
$445.00 (+ tax) – Regular Price

General tickets: For senior leaders of other companies & organizations (non-partners)

$545.00 (+ tax) – Early Bird Price (Until March 20th)
$645.00 (+ tax) – Regular Price

Exclusive Access & Discounts: *All registrants will also receive an exclusive 15% discount to attend the Future of Work Canada 2025, taking place on April 1-2, 2025. **Early Bird registrants are eligible to apply for a complimentary VIP pass to the Future of Work Canada 2025 – Future Talent Conference. Passes are limited and will be granted to applicants who meet the required criteria (director level and above).
On Eventbrite, participants will be asked to inform some personal & professional details, accessibility requests, food restrictions & allergies, and to rank the roundtable conversations. For any additional questions reach out to us at events@prideatwork.ca.

Webinar: Vote Rainbow Equality: Engaging in the Federal Election [EN]
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT
With a federal election underway, join us to explore how you can show up and vote for issues impacting queer and trans people. This session will equip attendees with strategies to protect and uphold queer and trans human rights, and push back against the targeting of queer and trans human rights.
Fae Johnstone of the Society of Queer Momentum, will share the creative, engaging, and non-partisan election campaigns “Drag the Vote” and “Vote Rainbow Equality”. Learn how you and your communities and workplaces can get out to vote for the issues that matter.
Learning objectives:

Understand the Drag the Vote and Vote Rainbow Equality Campaigns
Explore how queer and trans issues are being targeted
Learn practical actions to protect and uphold queer and trans human rights

Target audience:

Queer and trans people
Allies dedicated to upholding human rights

Presenter

Fae Johnstone (she/her), Executive Director, Society of Queer Momentum
Fae Johnstone has dedicated her life to advancing equality, freedom and rights for queer and trans people. With over a decade of advocacy under her belt, she is a force to be reckoned with and one of Canada’s most prominent queer human rights advocates.
As Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Society of Queer Momentum, Fae is on a mission to mobilize advocates and allies towards a more free, equal and socially just future. Within her advocacy, she travels across Canada supporting queer advocates and allies on the ground, gracing conference stages and building bridges with allies and sibling movements in every province and territory.
Fae has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including serving as Grand Marshal of the Ottawa Capital Pride Parade in 2023 and National Grand Marshal of Saskatoon Pride in 2024. She was also on a chocolate bar.

Registration for this event has closed.
Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

Webinar: Legal Best Practices for Addressing Workplace Harassment [Partners Only - EN]
2025-04-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
In today’s evolving workplace, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported requires more than good intentions—it demands a solid foundation of policies, resources, and structured education for both staff and management. This webinar will explore the key measures organizations need to implement to drive inclusivity and respect for individual circumstances, with a focus on confidentiality and privacy.
Legal expert and guest speaker, Stephanie Young, will guide participants through the intersection of human rights principles, occupational health and safety obligations, and relevant case laws. Additionally, the session will cover strategies to prevent and address harassment in the workplace, ensuring compliance with legal standards while promoting a safe and supportive environment for all employees.
Join us to gain valuable insights into building a workplace that upholds dignity, safety, and inclusivity through practical legal frameworks and best practices.
Learning objectives:

Understand legal foundations of inclusion and gain insights into human rights principles, case law, and occupational health and safety obligations, particularly as they relate to sexual harassment, discrimination in the workplace
Learn how to create policies that respect employee confidentiality while ensuring inclusivity, allowing employees to feel safe and supported
Equip leaders with the knowledge to manage incidents such as harassment or discrimination, ensuring they are handled with legal and organizational accountability while protecting affected employees

Target audience:

HR professionals,
DEI leads,
senior executives,
legal and compliance officers,
Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders,
health and safety officers, and
legal counsel.

Presenter

Stephanie Young (she/her), Partner, Borden Lander Gervais:
Stephanie practices labour and employment and human rights law. She advises public and private sector employers on a variety of employment and labour relations matters, including employment standards, policy development and revision, contracts, health and safety, accommodations and discrimination, severance packages and terminations, collective agreements, workplace harassment investigations and discipline. Stephanie represents employers in employment and labour-related litigation, including wrongful and constructive dismissals, employment class actions, human rights applications and grievance arbitrations.
In addition to her employment practice, Stephanie advises and represents health sector clients and other service providers in human rights cases pertaining to patient care or customer service. She is also experienced in accessibility legislation and accessibility compliance audits.
Stephanie has appeared as employer counsel before the Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, the Ontario Labour Relations Board and labour arbitrators.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

Registration for this event has closed.
This event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

Webinar: Rebuilding Trust: Lessons from Canadian Blood Services for Workplace Inclusion [EN]
2025-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, March 26 from 12 PM to 1 PM ET – Ce webinaire aura lieu en français le 19 mars.
This session will focus on the ongoing efforts by Canadian Blood Services to rebuild and strengthen trust with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. With the historic apology and updates to blood and plasma donor eligibility criteria, this webinar will highlight how Canadian Blood Services is addressing its past while looking forward. The event will explore the internal and external changes implemented to ensure inclusivity and equity, particularly for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees and donors. Participants will hear from key figures involved in this transformation, including Canadian Blood Services representatives and community leaders. A one-page infographic will also be shared as a resource for participants to use and share widely.
This program was made possible by the generosity of Canadian Blood Services financial donors.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the updated blood and plasma donor eligibility criteria at Canadian Blood Services and their impact on 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Learn about the organizational changes implemented to foster greater inclusion internally at Canadian Blood Services.
Explore how trust can be rebuilt within marginalized communities through policy changes and community engagement.
Gain insights into how other organizations can apply similar strategies to build trust and foster inclusive workplaces.

Target Audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ employees at Pride at Work Canada’s partner organizations
HR & DEI professionals
Leaders committed to staying informed about key developments affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ employees in Canada and fostering inclusive workplace practices.

About the speaker:

Terrie Foster (she/they), manager of stakeholder engagement, Canadian Blood Services
Terrie (she/they) is registered nurse and longtime Canadian Blood Services employee. They currently work in stakeholder engagement, where they engage with diverse communities who are interested in the work Canadian Blood Services does. They are a member of CBS’s 2SLGBTQIA+ advisory committee, a member of Pride at Work Canada, and the co-chair of CBS’s 2SLGBTQIA+ ERG. Terrie is also a grateful blood recipient and has felt firsthand the impact that donation can make.

Francesco MacAllister-Caruso (he/they), Communications Officer, Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC)
Francesco MacAllister-Caruso (he/they) is a policy analyst and communications professional based on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg territory (Ottawa, ON). Since 2020, they have worked in the Community-Based Research Centre’s communications department, crafting compelling promotional products that support the organization’s research and advocacy on queer and trans health.
Francesco is also a doctoral candidate in political science at Concordia University in Tiohtià:ke (Montréal, QC). Their research explores 2S/LGBTQIA+ political representation, citizenship and policy problems in Canada. Passionate about bridging the gap between academia and public discourse, Francesco’s work is dedicated to making research and policy discussions more accessible and impactful.
In their free time, Francesco enjoys playing video games, cooking, baking bread, and gardening.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca.

Registration for this event has closed.

Webinar: Rebuilding Trust: Lessons from Canadian Blood Services for Workplace Inclusion [FR]
2025-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM ET – This webinar will take place in English on March 26.
This session will focus on the ongoing efforts by Canadian Blood Services to rebuild and strengthen trust with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. With the historic apology and updates to blood and plasma donor eligibility criteria, this webinar will highlight how Canadian Blood Services is addressing its past while looking forward. The event will explore the internal and external changes implemented to ensure inclusivity and equity, particularly for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees and donors. Participants will hear from key figures involved in this transformation, including Canadian Blood Services representatives and community leaders. A one-page infographic will also be shared as a resource for participants to use and share widely.
This program was made possible by the generosity of Canadian Blood Services financial donors.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the updated blood and plasma donor eligibility criteria at Canadian Blood Services and their impact on 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Learn about the organizational changes implemented to foster greater inclusion internally at Canadian Blood Services.
Explore how trust can be rebuilt within marginalized communities through policy changes and community engagement.
Gain insights into how other organizations can apply similar strategies to build trust and foster inclusive workplaces.

Target Audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ employees at Pride at Work Canada’s partner organizations
HR & DEI professionals
Leaders committed to staying informed about key developments affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ employees in Canada and fostering inclusive workplace practices.

Speakers:

Steph Kelly (she/her) , Canadian Blood Services
Stephanie Kelly (she/her) has dedicated her career to community development and stakeholder engagement. In her 25 years at Canadian Blood Services, she has led key initiatives to ensure that the voices of those affected by policy and program decisions are heard and reflected in meaningful outcomes. Stephanie is an active member of the Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities (AVID) Employee Resource Group (ERG) and a longtime professional practitioner of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), adhering to its standards and principles.

Ken Monteith (he/him), Executive Director, COCQ-SIDA
Ken Monteith is the Executive Director of COCQ-SIDA (la Coalition des organismes communautaires québécois de lutte contre le sida). Trained as a lawyer, he worked in the community youth sector and in the HIV/AIDS sector. He participates actively in research, especially projects concerning the quality of life of people living with HIV and prevention for men who have sex with men. He holds degrees in Industrial Relations, Common and Civil Law from McGill University and was a member of the Québec Bar from 1991 to 2001, when he resigned to devote himself more fully to his community work on HIV/AIDS. Ken Monteith was diagnosed with advanced HIV infection in 1997.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: French
Automatic translation: French to English
Closed captioning provided: French to English
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca.

Registration for this event has closed.

Webinar: Developing Diversified Funding Sources [Community Partner Only - EN]
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees and board members of our Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
As non-profits, making money is not our goal – but we need money to provide services and work towards our missions, so let’s talk about it! With many different funding models, which one is the right fit for your organization? How can you diversify your funding sources to become more resilient to changes in funding and revenue? Are there funding opportunities you haven’t explored yet? Join a panel of experts to learn from different organizational strategies.
Learning Objectives:

Learn about different funding models and opportunities
Discuss strategies for diversifying your revenue
Develop an understanding of how diverse funding models might apply to your organization

Target Audience:

Non-profit staff in fundraising and development roles
Non-profit executives and managers
Non-profit board members

Presentation:
Quinn Blue (he/him, they/them), Program & Engagement Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada
Quinn Blue is a professional in 2SLGBTQIA+ education and programming. Quinn spent over a decade working in the student movement, having held equity and inclusion-focused roles at the University of Ottawa and at Algonquin College. His formal education is in Women and Gender Studies and in Teaching Adult Learners. They’ve volunteered extensively with the Ten Oaks Project, which taught them about the incredible value of community building. Quinn is passionate about change-making and learning.

Brittan Hudson (they/them), Director of Programs, The Enchanté Network
Brittan is an Afro and Indo-Caribbean community developer with over 10 years of experience in program design, content creation and community-based facilitation. Currently, Brittan lives on the traditional territories of the Anishinabewaki, Haudenosaunee, Wendake-Nionwentsïo, and Mississauga peoples.
They are passionate about creating equitable environments for BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI+ and people living with disabilities. Their work is grounded by the experiences and knowledge shared by Black people across the diaspora, especially on topics such as Queer liberation, and Indigenous spiritualities. Throughout the years, Brittan has worked within various sectors focusing on disability justice, faith formation, decolonization and reconciliation.
When they are not working, Brittan enjoys exploring the outdoors, playing basketball and cultivating Queer joy.

Tristan Smyth (they/them), Managing Director, Propel Impact
A recognized nonbinary advocate working at the intersection of social impact, entrepreneurship, and venture capital, Tristan is the Managing Director of Propel Impact, supporting the nonprofit’s consulting and impact investing programming. During previous leadership roles, Tristan advised on or directed over $2 billion CAD in economic development activity and, in recognition of their work, was named by Future of Good as one of Canada’s top 21 Young Impact Leaders in 2019 and Forty Under 40 by the Ottawa Business Journal in 2023.
Outside of Propel, they lead a graduate seminar on responsible and impact investing for Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration. Beyond work, Tristan is an advisor to Boann Social Impact and the Common Approach to Impact Measurement, as well as several impact-focused startups. Additionally, they serve on the boards of directors for Giyak Mishkawzid Shkagmikwe Corporation (GMS), Living Wage Canada, and Canadian Coalition for Community Investment.
Tristan holds an undergraduate degree from Mount Royal University and graduate degrees from the University of Toronto, Queen’s University, and Cornell University. Originally from the Prairies, they live in Quebec with their spouse, dog, and inordinate number of houseplants.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Close captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to quinn.blue@prideatwork.ca.

Registration for this event has closed.
This event is exclusive for employees and board members of our Community Partners. If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

Webinar: Pink Shirts, Performativity and Progress [Partners Only - EN]
2025-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday February 26, 2025 from 12 PM to 1 PM ET – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Pink Shirt Day held the last day of February has become a regular observance for schools and workplaces. This often includes photos on social media with big smiles and a generalized message about bullying. As we look at observances often they lose their initial impact and become more about image than impact.
During this session run by Pride at Work Canada’s Director of Programs Jade Pichette, there will be a discussion about how observances can be utilized to make real change. We will look at how we can work in allyship with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and build workplaces that celebrate belonging by utilizing observances.
Learning Objectives:

How major observances for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community originated
What is performative actions, and how can they be avoided
How to utilize observances in a way to promote allyship

Target Audience:

All employees
DEI professionals
HR professionals

Presenter:
Jade Pichette (they/them), Director of Programs, Pride at Work Canada
Jade Pichette (they/them) 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 were one of the authors of Transitioning Employers: A survey of policies and practices for trans inclusive workplaces and are the cohost of the Uncovering Belonging Podcast. In their spare time they can be found geeking out over queer, trans, and Norse histories, disability justice, interfaith advocacy, firekeeping, and spending time with their chosen family.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca.

Registration for this event has closed.
This event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

Webinar: Closing the Gaps: Advancing Financial Equity for 2SLGBTQIA+ Employees [Partners Only - EN]
2025-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM ET – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
Financial equity is critical for creating truly inclusive workplaces. While strides have been made toward achieving legal equality for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, economic disparities persist. This webinar will explore the wealth and benefits gaps that continue to affect 2SLGBTQIA+ employees and outline actionable steps organizations can take to foster financial security. From considerations 2SLGBTQIA+ employees have for their pension plans and retirement strategies to inclusive benefits that address unique community needs, this session will provide HR professionals, benefits coordinators, and decision-makers with tools to ensure financial equity. Attendees will also learn how financial institutions and businesses can adapt their products and services to meet the needs of diverse workforces.
Learning Objectives:

Identify how inequality shows up for your 2SLGBTQIA+ employees
Examine the considerations 2SLGBTQIA+ employees have for their wealth and health benefits
Implement tools to make your organization’s wealth and health benefits more equitable for all employees

Target Audience:

HR professionals
DEI professionals
ERG leaders

Presentation:
Janet Spreitzer (she/her), Keynote Speaker, Writer, Advocate
A Toronto based money expert, Janet has spent her career working in finance and volunteering to advance LGBTQIA+ inclusion. For over 20 years, Janet has worked on Bay Street for finance and insurance firms, seeing wealth management “from the inside”. Janet is also an avid advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion. She’s a founding member of her company’s LGBTQ+ ERG, and served on several volunteer boards serving the Toronto LGBTQIA+ community, including 4 years as chair of board for Start Proud. Her latest venture, Queerly Wealthy, focuses on highlighting the economic inequalities faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, and working towards narrowing the economic gap faced by her community. Janet believes that the best way to create inclusion for any equity seeking group is by leveling the financial playing field. Money gives people options – to DO and BE whatever you can dream of!

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Close captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca.

Registration for this event has closed.
This event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

Webinar: Politicizing 2SLGBTQIA+ identities in Western Canada [Partners Only - FR]
2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM ET – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
At a time when trans and queer identities are being increasingly targeted by polarizing policies in Alberta and Saskatchewan, it is crucial for workplaces to understand the impact of this politicization on 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and on the FrancoQueer community in particular. This webinar, presented by Pride at Work Canada in collaboration with the Comité FrancoQueer de l’Ouest, will outline the challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the workplace and explore practical ways to effectively support them in the face of rising intolerance and polarizing discourse.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the impact of the politicization of 2SLGBTQIA+ identities: Gain an in-depth understanding of recent policies in Alberta and Saskatchewan and their effect on the safety and well-being of trans and queer employees.
Support resilience and inclusion: Identify inclusion strategies for employers and teams to create a safe, respectful and supportive work environment for trans and queer people.
Foster safe environments: Discover best practices to strengthen the resilience and safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ employees in the workplace, including mental health and community support resources.
Raise awareness and engage stakeholders: Educate and engage teams on the importance of inclusivity in a tense political context, to enable everyone to be an effective ally in the workplace.

Target Audience:

DEI and HR professionals and managers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and elsewhere
Members and allies of employee resource groups supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ and francoqueer communities
Organizations committed to diversity and inclusion, particularly for linguistically and gender-diverse populations

Presentation:
Rose-Eva Forgues-Jenkins (she/her), Project Coordinator at Comité FrancoQueer de l’Ouest
Rose-Eva Forgues-Jenkins is a queer woman who grew up in the French-speaking community of Edmonton, in Treaty 6 territory. She studied at the University of Alberta, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Film Studies. She has worked in radio, youth education and community research. Rose-Eva was named a ‘Top 30 Under 30’ by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation in 2020. She has worked as Program Manager for the Comité FrancoQueer de l’Ouest since 2021. She has been on the Board of Directors of the Pride Centre of Edmonton since 2019.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: French
Automatic translation: French to English
Close captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca.

Registration for this event has closed.
This event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

THRIVE 2025: Information Session
2025-01-15 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 6 PM to 7 PM ET – this event is free and open to anyone who would like to register.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
Join us for an exclusive Information Session about THRIVE, a transformative ten-week virtual program designed to empower and develop the next generation of Two-Spirit, queer, and trans people managers. If you’re ready to step into leadership roles with confidence and pride, this session is for you!
About THRIVE:
THRIVE is more than just a program—it’s a community and a journey. Over ten weeks, participants will receive the tools, insights, and support to unlock their leadership potential. You will gain exclusive access to Two-Spirit, queer, and trans leaders in top Canadian businesses and engage in deep peer-to-peer discussions.
What to Expect:

Live Zoom Sessions: Participate in dynamic, engaging sessions led by industry leaders and experts.
Collaborative Group Study: Learn alongside peers, exchange ideas, and grow together.
Self-Directed Work: Empower your personal leadership development with self-paced learning.

THRIVE will help you enhance your skills, build your network, and take your career to the next level as an out leader.
Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Close captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to templeton.sawyer@prideatwork.ca.

Registration for this event has closed.
Questions about THRIVE 2025 can be directed to Templeton Sawyer (he/him), Leadership Programs Coordinator, at templeton.sawyer@prideatwork.ca.

Roundtable: Best Practices for Board Members as Employers [Community Partner only - EN]
2024-11-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM EST – this event is exclusive for employees and board members of our Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
While non-profit board members take diverse and essential roles towards their organizations, one important one is as an employer. How can you ensure that you are engaging in hiring and employment practices as inclusive employers, from your volunteer role? Do you know what kind of board you are, and how that might impact your role as an employer? What strategies can you use to engage in good governance and ensure a positive workplace culture? Answering these questions and more this roundtable discussion will bring to the fore board best practices in employment.
Learning Objectives:

Develop an understanding of the role of an employer
Explore your roles and responsibilities as board members
Learn strategies to support more inclusive and effective workplaces from a board perspective

Target Audience:

Non-profit board members
Non-profit executives and managers
HR professionals in non-profits

Presentation:
Templeton Sawyer (he/him), Leadership Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada
Templeton Sawyer was an Employment Support Practitioner with Teamwork Cooperative, the host of Tweet the Leader in You podcast, and co-facilitator of the CEI and Teamwork’s Youth-Focused Community of Practice in Halifax Nova Scotia. He brings a great deal of lived experience to the table and is a passionate Youth Advocate who seeks to help youth in both Nova Scotia, Ontario and the Bahamas believe in themselves and increase their self-confidence through leadership and skill development programs. When Templeton thinks about the word inclusion, he has a passion to place action into including everyone. Templeton continues his inclusion advocacies through a Youth Focused Community of Practice which he Co-Author, this space provides service providers to grow and develop new strategies to serve youth and people in general.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Close captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to quinn.blue@prideatwork.ca.

Registration for this event has closed.
This event is exclusive for employees and board members of our Community Partners. If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.
