Pride At Work Canada

Workshop: Cultivating Belonging for Non-binary employees and jobseekers [Partners only - EN]
2024-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
Non-binary employees and jobseekers are often left out of narratives of gender inclusion in the workplace. This member workshop will address the unique experiences of non-binary employees and jobseekers and what needs to change for their full participation. Utilizing case studies, this practical workshop will provide solutions for cultivating belonging for your non-binary employees and non-binary jobseekers. We will also showcase data from our Transitioning Employers: A survey of policies and practices for trans inclusive workplaces regarding the solutions that employers could pursue to make a fully gender inclusive workplace.
Learning Goals:

The experiences of non-binary employees and job seekers
How to use inclusive language and inclusive procedures
Creating belonging for non-binary employees and job seekers

Audience:

Human Resources professionals
2SLGBTQIA+ employee resource group members
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Professionals

Presenter:
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, and is a judge for the Canadian HR Awards. In their spare time they can be found geeking out over queer, trans, and Norse histories, firekeeping, and spending time with their chosen family.

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: Queerness and Allyship [Partners only - FR]
2024-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
(Please note this event is offered in French)
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. This session will be offered in English on Wednesday, January 17.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
Welcome to an open Q&A session diving into Queerness and Allyship within the workplace. Join us for an interactive discussion where our team will address questions related to allyship in professional settings, focusing on creating inclusive and supportive workplaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The session begins with a 10-minute introduction, followed by an audience-driven Q&A segment exploring various aspects of allyship, its objectives, and best practices within work environments.
Topics to be covered:

Defining allyship within the workplace and its significance for supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Exploring how to foster an inclusive work environment as an ally.
Understanding the goals and strategies for effective allyship in professional settings.
Sharing best practices for promoting inclusivity and support for queer and trans individuals in the workplace.

Audience Participation:
Participants are encouraged to actively engage by submitting workplace-focused questions related to allyship, supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues, and cultivating inclusive work environments. To efficiently collect questions for the session, we have created a form here. However, participants are also free to connect and ask any burning questions related to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace during the live session. Your engagement is valuable in shaping an informative and enriching discussion.
Audience:

General employee audience
HR and DEI professionals
Anyone wanting to know how to work in allyship

Presenters:
Mathieu Young (he/him, they/them), Virtual Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada
Mathieu Young is a queer Mauritian who is passionate about empowering marginalized communities, particularly queer immigrants of color, through dialogue, education, and activism. Mathieu is also a multidisciplinary artist, known for organizing events that celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus on uplifting queer Asian and African immigrants. Mathieu’s career has been marked by a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As President of the Board of Directors for Action positive VIH/sida, Mathieu was responsible for securing funding and ensuring the successful operation of the organization’s programs and services. Mathieu also served as Community Engagement Coordinator for FrancoQueer, where they organized workshops, support groups, and events, while leading training on gender identity, sexual orientation, and anti-racism. With extensive experience in project management, community outreach, and event planning, Mathieu brings a unique and valuable perspective to the sector.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: French
Automatic translation: French to English
Close 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.
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: Navigating Episodic Disabilities in the Workplace [Free - EN]
2024-04-24 12:00 - 13:30 | Ontario
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM EDT – this event is free.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
An increasing number of individuals in Canada, totaling over 2 million in recent estimates, live with ongoing episodic disabilities. These disabilities, ranging from long-COVID and multiple sclerosis to lupus, arthritis, cancer, HIV, diabetes, and mental health conditions, present unique challenges and opportunities for inclusion in the workplace. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring representatives from Pride at Work Canada, Realize Canada, and DAWN Canada. Together, they will share insights from recent collaborative research that delves into the nuanced aspects of episodic disabilities for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. The discussion will illuminate some of the nuanced aspects of episodic disabilities for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their impact on employment, income security, social inclusion, and access to care. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights that will reshape your approach to accessibility and inclusion in the workplace.
Learning Goals:

Deepen your understanding of Episodic Disabilities
Understand some of the unique experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ employees with episodic disabilities
Uncover the impact of institutional policies and procedures on workplace accessibility

Audience:

Human Resources Professionals
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Professionals
Accessibility Specialists and Disability Resource Coordinators
2SLGBTQIA+ Individuals living with Episodic Disability

Presenters:

Connor Pion (he/him, they/them)
Learning & Development Specialist
Pride at Work Canada

Erin Dekker (they/them)
Junior Research Associate
DAWN Canada

Ingrid Palmer (sher/her)
IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Leading to belonging) Officer
Realize Canada

Melissa Egan (she/her)
National Lead, Episodic Disabilities
Realize Canada

Misha Goforth (she/her)
Manager of Programs
Pride at Work Canada

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 free. If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

Successful Pride Communications [partner-only event - EN]
2024-05-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. This session will be offered in French on Wednesday, May 29.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
Pride communications are your company’s opportunity to show that you demonstrate a genuine commitment to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. However, if not approached thoughtfully, they risk being perceived as tokenistic or insincere. In our upcoming webinar, we will explore strategies to ensure that your Pride communications resonate authentically and effectively convey your message of inclusion. This presentation will guide you through the key elements of impactful Pride messaging. We’ll explore common missteps to avoid and highlight successful approaches to engage not only 2SLGBTQIA+ communities but also their allies and supporters.
Join us on May 22 at noon (EST) as we uncover best practices for meaningful Pride communications!
Learning Goals:

Deepen your understanding of the importance of authenticity in Pride communications
Gain insight into the underlying causes of common pitfalls in Pride messaging
Learn how to tailor Pride communications to authentically engage 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and allies

Audience:

Communications and Marketing Teams
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Professionals
2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Groups

Presenters:
Mathieu Young (he/him, they/them), Virtual Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada
Mathieu Young is a queer Mauritian who is passionate about empowering marginalized communities, particularly queer immigrants of color, through dialogue, education, and activism. Mathieu is also a multidisciplinary artist, known for organizing events that celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus on uplifting queer Asian and African immigrants. Mathieu’s career has been marked by a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As President of the Board of Directors for Action positive VIH/sida, Mathieu was responsible for securing funding and ensuring the successful operation of the organization’s programs and services. Mathieu also served as Community Engagement Coordinator for FrancoQueer, where they organized workshops, support groups, and events, while leading training on gender identity, sexual orientation, and anti-racism. With extensive experience in project management, community outreach, and event planning, Mathieu brings a unique and valuable perspective to the sector.

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.

Successful Pride Communications [partner-only event - FR]
2024-05-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
(Please note that this event is offered in French)
Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. This session will be offered in English on Wednesday, May 22.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
Pride communications are your company’s opportunity to show that you demonstrate a genuine commitment to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. However, if not approached thoughtfully, they risk being perceived as tokenistic or insincere. In our upcoming webinar, we will explore strategies to ensure that your Pride communications resonate authentically and effectively convey your message of inclusion. This presentation will guide you through the key elements of impactful Pride messaging. We’ll explore common missteps to avoid and highlight successful approaches to engage not only 2SLGBTQIA+ communities but also their allies and supporters.
Join us on May 29 at noon (EST) as we uncover best practices for meaningful Pride communications!
Learning Goals:

Deepen your understanding of the importance of authenticity in Pride communications
Gain insight into the underlying causes of common pitfalls in Pride messaging
Learn how to tailor Pride communications to authentically engage 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and allies

Audience:

Communications and Marketing Teams
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Professionals
2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Groups

Presenters:
Marika Robert (they/them), Business Development Coordinator, French Engagement, Pride at Work Canada
Marika holds the position of coordinator for the Francophone and Quebec members at Pride at Work Canada. Having participated in several projects as the managing editor of LSTW, an annual lesbian and queer magazine shining in major North American and European cities, Marika remains attuned to the needs of their community. they has been involved with various activist organizations such as Pride at Work Canada, le Club Sexu, and the Quebec Lesbian Network, of which they currently sits on the board of directors as co-chair. In all their projects, Marika is renowned for their human approach, forward-thinking, and continuous reinvention. It is their dedication to inclusion and diversity that drives them to challenge boundaries and perspectives.

Mathieu Young (he/him, they/them), Virtual Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada
Mathieu Young is a queer Mauritian who is passionate about empowering marginalized communities, particularly queer immigrants of color, through dialogue, education, and activism. Mathieu is also a multidisciplinary artist, known for organizing events that celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus on uplifting queer Asian and African immigrants. Mathieu’s career has been marked by a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As President of the Board of Directors for Action positive VIH/sida, Mathieu was responsible for securing funding and ensuring the successful operation of the organization’s programs and services. Mathieu also served as Community Engagement Coordinator for FrancoQueer, where they organized workshops, support groups, and events, while leading training on gender identity, sexual orientation, and anti-racism. With extensive experience in project management, community outreach, and event planning, Mathieu brings a unique and valuable perspective to the sector.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: French
Automatic translation: French to English
Close 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.
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.

Virtual ProPride Amplifying Pride: Engaging 2SLGBTQIA+ Influencers for Impact [free - EN]
2024-06-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Ontario
Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM EDT – This online event is free and open to all who wish to register.
Ready to go beyond surface-level engagement and make a meaningful impact during Pride Month, especially in the face of rising anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate? Join our expert panel of 2SLGBTQIA+ influencers, seasoned in marketing and strategic partnerships, as they unveil invaluable strategies and insights to guide your organization through this pivotal moment.
From cultivating authentic connections to building strategic partnerships, we’ll explore creative and efficient approaches that go beyond surface-level engagement. Discover how amplifying your advocacy efforts can foster a more inclusive workplace and community beyond Pride month.
Learning Goals:

Acquire practical tips and actionable insights to effectively navigate Pride Month initiatives and create a lasting positive impact for your organization.
Deepen your understanding of the importance of authenticity in engaging with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month and beyond.
Explore strategies for building successful partnerships with 2SLGBTQIA+ influencers to enhance your organization’s impact and reach.

Audience:

Communications and Marketing Teams
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Professionals
2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Groups

SPEAKERS

Haley Robinson (they/them)
Actor, Model and Advocate
[Speaker]

Jamie Pandit (she/her)
Content Creator and Fashion Expert
[Speaker]

Kissy Duerre (she/her)
Multi-platform Digital Creator
[Speaker]

Mathieu Young (he/him, they/them)
Virtual Programs Coordinator
Pride at Work Canada
[Moderator]

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

About ProPride:
ProPride is an innovative event series hosted by Pride at Work Canada, bringing together inclusive employers, 2SLGBTQIA+ thought leaders, and community organizations for engaging conversations, networking opportunities, panel and roundtable discussions. With a commitment to creating inclusive spaces beyond Pride celebrations, ProPride provides a dynamic environment for employees, job seekers, and community members, as well as employers committed to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. Join us for access to the most relevant topics and current research, as we celebrate progress in 2SLGBTQIA+ leadership and inclusion and create a better, more inclusive future for all.
Registration for this event has closed.
This online event is free and open to all who wish to register. If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

Building an inclusive foundation: Talent Acquisition & retention in the infrastructure/construction sector [free - EN]
2024-08-14 12:00 - 13:30 | Ontario
Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EDT – this event is free and open to anyone who would like to register.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
In this roundtable, we aim to create an open conversation surrounding the challenges and opportunities in talent acquisition and retention within the construction and engineering sectors. Join us for a unique discussion with industry leaders where we’ll explore the intersection between inclusion efforts and HR practices across the sector for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Gain insights, share experiences, and learn strategies to fight barriers in hiring and retaining diverse talent in this crucial industry.
Learning Goals:

Identify the specific barriers faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and other underrepresented groups in the construction and engineering sector
Learn about best practices and understand how to develop and implement inclusive practices for talent acquisition and retention
Learn from the experiences of other industry leaders on effective strategies for tackling common challenges in the sector

Audience:

Human resources professionals in the construction, infrastructure, and engineering sector
Talent acquisition specialists
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professionals
Professionals working in construction, infrastructure, and engineering
Allies committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Presenters:
Mathieu Young (he/him, they/them), Virtual Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada
Mathieu Young is a queer Mauritian who is passionate about empowering marginalized communities, particularly queer immigrants of color, through dialogue, education, and activism. Mathieu is also a multidisciplinary artist, known for organizing events that celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus on uplifting queer Asian and African immigrants. Mathieu’s career has been marked by a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As President of the Board of Directors for Action positive VIH/sida, Mathieu was responsible for securing funding and ensuring the successful operation of the organization’s programs and services. Mathieu also served as Community Engagement Coordinator for FrancoQueer, where they organized workshops, support groups, and events, while leading training on gender identity, sexual orientation, and anti-racism. With extensive experience in project management, community outreach, and event planning, Mathieu brings a unique and valuable perspective to the sector.

Misha Goforth (she/her), Manager of Programs, Pride at Work Canada
Misha Goforth is a project manager and gender equity specialist with several years of experience in the international development and policy field. She holds a Master of International Public Policy from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. In her professional and academic careers, Misha is devoted to integrating gender justice and intersectionality into public policy in the international development and environmental fields and has a keen interest in advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in these spaces. In 2019, she presented on “Gender and the Environment” at the International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology where she led a discussion on the integration of gender-equitable approaches to environmental research. For the past several years, she has worked as a gender advisor with the Government of Mongolia where she helped pass the first Gender-Responsive Policy for the extractive sector in Mongolia. With her passion for practical research, Misha has also advocated for the rights of refugees with Global Affairs Canada and is currently supporting a project on empowering racialized and newcomer youth with Empowerment Squared in Hamilton.

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 free and open to anyone who would like to register. If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

Workshop: Inclusive Methods for Collecting SOGIE Data in Your Organization [partner-only - FR]
2024-09-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
(Please note that this event is offered in French)
Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
This workshop for Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners and Community Partners will focus on collecting employee data relating to gender identity and sexual orientation. Collecting and managing this data is often a challenge for our partners, and many of you have questions about how to collect it properly, as well as the reasons for doing so. Together, we will delve into data related to talent acquisition, human resources, and employee engagement surveys.
Learning Objectives:

Understand best practices for collecting and managing data on gender identity and sexual orientation within your organization
Explore challenges and solutions related to talent acquisition, human resources, and employee engagement surveys
Learn how to use this data to improve inclusive practices and support a culture of diversity and inclusion

Target Audience:

Human resources and team managers
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) professionals
People involved in the collection and use of data relating to gender identity and sexual orientation

Presenters:
Marika Robert (they/them), Business Development Coordinator, French Engagement, Pride at Work Canada
Marika holds the position of coordinator for the Francophone and Quebec members at Pride at Work Canada. Having participated in several projects as the managing editor of LSTW, an annual lesbian and queer magazine shining in major North American and European cities, Marika remains attuned to the needs of their community. they has been involved with various activist organizations such as Pride at Work Canada, le Club Sexu, and the Quebec Lesbian Network, of which they currently sits on the board of directors as co-chair. In all their projects, Marika is renowned for their human approach, forward-thinking, and continuous reinvention. It is their dedication to inclusion and diversity that drives them to challenge boundaries and perspectives.

Mathieu Young (he/him, they/them), Virtual Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada
Mathieu Young is a queer Mauritian who is passionate about empowering marginalized communities, particularly queer immigrants of color, through dialogue, education, and activism. Mathieu is also a multidisciplinary artist, known for organizing events that celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus on uplifting queer Asian and African immigrants. Mathieu’s career has been marked by a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As President of the Board of Directors for Action positive VIH/sida, Mathieu was responsible for securing funding and ensuring the successful operation of the organization’s programs and services. Mathieu also served as Community Engagement Coordinator for FrancoQueer, where they organized workshops, support groups, and events, while leading training on gender identity, sexual orientation, and anti-racism. With extensive experience in project management, community outreach, and event planning, Mathieu brings a unique and valuable perspective to the sector.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: French
Automatic translation: French to English
Close 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.
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: Maximizing ERGs potential for inclusive workplaces [partner-only - EN]
2024-09-25 12:00 - 13:30 | Ontario
Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a crucial role in creating inclusive workplaces. These groups not only provide essential support for employees from equity-deserving communities but also significantly impact the entire organization. Beyond supporting all employees, how effective are these groups in influencing organizational success?
Join us for our next webinar where we will explore how ERGs can maximize their impact within organizations. This session will offer practical strategies, best practices, and actionable insights to help ERG leaders and members enhance their effectiveness and create a more inclusive environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees.
Learning Objectives:

Discover insights into the structure, purpose, and potential impact of Employee Resource Groups within organizations
Learn strategies to maximize the effectiveness and influence of ERGs in promoting 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion
Explore techniques for encouraging collaboration between different ERGs to create a unified approach to diversity and inclusion

Target audience:

ERG leaders and members
Executive sponsors
HR professionals and DEI professionals

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: Workplace Audit [partner-only - FR]
2024-10-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
(Please note that this event is offered in French)
Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
Discover the Workplace Audit, a uniquely Canadian tool designed to help you assess and improve your organization’s diversity and inclusion practices. This Audit thoroughly examines your policies, processes and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, and provides you with customized recommendations for creating a more inclusive work environment.
This webinar will highlight the launch of the French version of the Audit, introduced this summer to better serve our French-speaking partners, and will present its key components, the benefits for partner organizations, and safeguards to ensure data confidentiality. Join us to learn more about this valuable tool and how it can help your organization drive inclusion efforts forward.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the benefits of the Workplace Pride Audit in assessing and improving diversity and inclusion practices
Explore the main components of the Audit and how it can help your organization become more inclusive
Learn how to use the results of the Audit to implement meaningful and effective structural changes

Target Audience:

Human resources and team managers
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) professionals
Managers and decision-makers looking to strengthen inclusion in their organization

Presenters:
Mathieu Young (he/him, they/them), Virtual Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada
Mathieu Young is a queer Mauritian who is passionate about empowering marginalized communities, particularly queer immigrants of color, through dialogue, education, and activism. Mathieu is also a multidisciplinary artist, known for organizing events that celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus on uplifting queer Asian and African immigrants. Mathieu’s career has been marked by a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As President of the Board of Directors for Action positive VIH/sida, Mathieu was responsible for securing funding and ensuring the successful operation of the organization’s programs and services. Mathieu also served as Community Engagement Coordinator for FrancoQueer, where they organized workshops, support groups, and events, while leading training on gender identity, sexual orientation, and anti-racism. With extensive experience in project management, community outreach, and event planning, Mathieu brings a unique and valuable perspective to the sector.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: French
Automatic translation: French to English
Close 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.
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: Authentic Leadership: Uncovering Resilience [partner-only - EN]
2024-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
This Authentic Leadership Experience is designed to empower and educate marginalized communities, fostering intersectional leadership through community-led discussions. Participants will learn to end self-oppression, embrace their full identities in leadership roles, and create inclusive spaces within their teams. By exploring the critical need for authentic leadership and inclusive team design, this experience aims to raise the capacity of 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders, enabling them to build resilience, enhance emotional intelligence, and drive organizational success. Join us on October 9th at noon EDT to uncover strategies for authentic leadership and elevate your impact within your organization.
Learning Objectives:

Embrace authentic leadership and end self-oppression
Design and lead inclusive, intersectional teams
Build resilience and emotional intelligence as 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders

Target Audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ professionals and leaders
ERG leaders and members
DEI practitioners and advocates

Presentation:
Jeremy Long (he/him), “The Inclusivity Guy” is a Co-Active Leadership and Team Coach.
Jeremy is a certified executive leadership coach who partners with individuals and organizations to make meaningful changes and break down barriers to diversity. His work focuses on talent development, inclusive leadership training, and systems coaching. He specializes in minority leadership development with half of his practice dedicated to LGBTQ2+ leadership development and transformation.
Jeremy leverages his diverse lived and work experience to approach supporting Queer folks with a trauma-informed, intersectional, and whole-person approach to leadership development. His clients are driven to reveal the authentic leadership style that promotes inclusive workplace culture and inspires cultural change in organizations.

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.

Workshop: The People are Peopling: 3 Ways to Spark Your Internal Workplace Culture [partner-only - EN]
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
In any mission-driven organization, there’s people… and there’s the work. People within an organization do the work – thus it is essential to have a human-centred strategy as part of your overall work plan.
In “The People Are Peopling” you’ll learn 3 ways to build a thriving workplace culture. Discover how a People strategy can improve retention and prevent burnout. You’ll identify how capitalism and systems of oppression can impact your operations. You’ll also find out how to ensure your internal workplace practices match your external goals and that you are walking the talk!
Learning Objectives:

Discover the importance of having a People strategy
Learn to recognize burnout and other mental health issues
Discuss if your internal workplace practices match your external goals

Target Audience:

Non-profit executives and managers
HR professionals in non-profits
Staff and Board Members at non-profits

Presentation:
Althea Branton (she/her), Director of Corporate Services, Pride at Work Canada
Althea Branton is the Director of Corporate Services at Pride at Work Canada. In this role, Althea leads the People & Culture function. Althea has more than 15 years’ experience in people management. Her experience includes HR systems management for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Althea has a proven track record in servant leadership, day-to-day tactical responsibilities and corporate development. When she’s not actively dismantling kyriarchy, Althea loves to write, design skincare products and eat all sorts of chocolate.

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 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: Pride in Practice (with UpHouse) [partner-only - EN]
2024-11-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM EST – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Live Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada.
More than ever, people are looking to connect with brands. Consumers are no longer content to settle for a product or service based on location or price-point, they are looking to align their spending dollars with brands that align with their values. What does that mean for your organization and Pride marketing initiatives?
UpHouse, a CGLCC certified marketing and public relations agency, commissioned a third-party Queer-owned-and-operated research company, Mat Meir Consulting, to gather insights from the 2SLGBTQ+ community across Canada and the USA.
The research results aim to help brands better connect and support their Queer audiences in ways that are authentic and meaningful through systemic change, both internally and externally. Join us as we take a deep dive into what people want and are expecting from brands’ Pride marketing this year and moving forward.
Learning objectives:

Understand consumer expectations and the evolving landscape of Pride marketing
Explore research insights on how brands can authentically connect with 2SLGBTQIA+ audiences
Learn strategies for creating meaningful, value-driven marketing initiatives that foster systemic change

Target audience:

Marketing and PR professionals
Brand managers and strategists
DEI advocates and business leaders

Presentation:
Alex Varricchio (he/him), Co-Owner, UpHouse Inc.
While leading UpHouse’s impressive growth year over year, Alex Varricchio has helped develop and maintain UpHouse’s culture of limitless creativity and ideas, and cultivated a safe space for testing and launching creative projects to learn from. Noticing a trend in businesses moving agency work in-house, Alex, and business partner Kiirsten, created a collaborative agency model based on filling in the gaps—not replacing in-house talent or duplicating efforts. Alex has been nominated for EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year award and winning Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce’s National Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Recorded appearances from:

Celia Sandhya Daniels, Founder & CEO, Rebekon Consulting LLC (she/they)
Calvin Campos, Owner, Calvin Campos Media (they/them)
Thomas “TJ” Chernick, Partnership Engagement Director, IGLTA (he/him)

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.

Roundtable: Best Practices for Board Members as Employers [Community Partner only - EN]
2024-11-27 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

THRIVE 2025: Information Session
2025-01-15 18:00 - 19:00 | 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.

Webinar: Politicizing 2SLGBTQIA+ identities in Western Canada [Partners Only - FR]
2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Webinar: Closing the Gaps: Advancing Financial Equity for 2SLGBTQIA+ Employees [Partners Only - EN]
2025-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 | 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: Pink Shirts, Performativity and Progress [Partners Only - EN]
2025-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 | 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: Developing Diversified Funding Sources [Community Partner Only - EN]
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 | 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: Rebuilding Trust: Lessons from Canadian Blood Services for Workplace Inclusion [FR]
2025-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 | 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: Rebuilding Trust: Lessons from Canadian Blood Services for Workplace Inclusion [EN]
2025-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 | 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: Legal Best Practices for Addressing Workplace Harassment [Partners Only - EN]
2025-04-02 12:00 - 13:00 | 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: Vote Rainbow Equality: Engaging in the Federal Election [EN]
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | 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

SPARK Toronto 2025
2025-04-30 13:30 - 19:00 | 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: Busting Myths About DEI Data: Your Rights, Responsibilities, and Opportunities [Partners Only - EN]
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Webinar: FLOURISH Information session
2025-08-12 16:00 - 17:00 | 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.

THRIVE and FLOURISH Alumni Summer Gathering
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Focus Group: 2SLGBTQIA+ Experiences of Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace
2025-09-04 13:00 - 14:30 | 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.

Webinar: Peer Support in Action – Empowering ERGs to Boost Employee Well-Being
2025-09-09 13:00 - 14:00 | 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.

Webinar: FLOURISH Information Session
2025-09-17 16:00 - 17:00 | 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.
