World AIDS Day 2025: Defining Your Role in Ending AIDS
2025-12-01 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto)
Presented by Pride at Work Canada
Hosted by Norton Rose Fulbright | Toronto | December 1, 2025
More than four decades after the first public accounts of AIDS, the fight is far from over. World AIDS Day 2025 calls on all of us to rethink, rebuild, and rise – with effective policy making, a commitment to innovation, and strong collaboration. Despite extraordinary scientific progress, new HIV infections in Canada have risen by 15% since 2020, and thousands remain undiagnosed. Around the world, funding cuts and waning political will threaten to undo decades of hard-won gains.
At this Toronto event, hosted by Norton Rose Fulbright, Pride at Work Canada brings together leaders from the front lines of the HIV response—municipal, national, and international—for an unflinching conversation about what it will take to end AIDS in our lifetime. Attendees will explore how communities are stepping up where governments and donors have stepped back, and how queer professionals can use their voices, networks, and workplaces to drive real change.
In 1981, Bobbi Campbell, the world’s first “AIDS poster boy,” risked everything to speak publicly about his diagnosis. “The more I talked about it,” he said, “the better it would be for me and my community.” His courage and candour sparked a movement rooted in truth-telling, solidarity, and mutual care. It’s a legacy that must guide us again today.
World AIDS Day 2025: Defining Your Role in Ending AIDS is your opportunity to define how you will contribute to ending AIDS. Join us to get real about where we stand, who is being left behind, and how we can rethink, rebuild, and rise together.
Schedule

Panel: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Reception: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Panel & Reception will take place at Norton Rose Fulbright (222 Bay St., Suite 3000, Toronto, ON M5K 1E7).
Panelists

Meg French (she/her)
Executive Director, Stephen Lewis Foundation

Meg is a passionate human rights advocate, with a deep commitment to social justice. She is currently the Executive Director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, a dynamic, collaborative, feminist organization with an unwavering commitment to supporting grassroots organizations across Africa in countries hardest hit by the HIV epidemic. Before joining the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Meg worked with UNICEF, the United Nations Children Fund, for 17 years to protect and promote children’s rights. Most recently she was based in Geneva, leading the organization’s global campaign to improve maternal and newborn health. Prior to UNICEF, Meg was a high school teacher in Canada and the Marshall Islands.
About the Stephen Lewis Foundation: The Stephen Lewis Foundation is a progressive, feminist organization rooted in the principles of social justice, international solidarity, and substantive equality. The SLF was created with the express purpose of supporting community-led organizations working on the frontlines of the HIV epidemic in countries across Africa. Learn more about their work.

Jad Sinno (they/them)
Research Director, CBRC

Jad Sinno is the Director of Research at the Community Based Research Center and a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto. They are a queer, non-binary, Shami Arab who immigrated to Canada in 2004. Jad is a critical mixed methodologist with expertise in the social and cultural determinants of health for queer populations, including mental and sexual health care and human-computer interactions.
About CBRC: Since 1999, Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) promotes the health of people of diverse sexualities and genders through research and intervention development. CBRC’s core pillars – community-led research, knowledge exchange, network building, and leadership development – position the organization as a thought leader, transforming ideas into actions that make a difference in our communities. Learn more about their work.

Carol Thames (she/they)
Executive Director, Fife House

Ms. Thames has more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience in the non-profit sector, grounded in a deep commitment to the very communities Fife House serves. Her career has been defined by work at the intersection of HIV/AIDS, mental health, addiction, homelessness, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion: areas that speak directly to the mission and the lived realities of the people that Fife House supports every day.
Ms. Thames has a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law from York University, with an equally impressive record of advocacy, service delivery, and strategic leadership across the not-for-profit sector.
About Fife House: Founded in 1988, Fife House is an innovative, client-focused provider of secure and supportive affordable housing and support services to people and families living with HIV/AIDS in the Greater Toronto Area. It is recognized as a North American leader in its delivery of services, which are focused on enhancing quality of life, building on individual strengths and promoting independence – recognizing that access to secure and affordable housing is a key determinant for the health and well-being of people living with HIV. Learn more about their work.

Registration

Atlantic Ambassador Meeting
2025-12-03 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 2:00pm AT | 2:30pm NL
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

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

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

Panelists

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facilitator

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

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

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

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

Registration for this event has closed.

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

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

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

Facilitator

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

Jade Pichette is an inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA!) professional based in Tkarón:to/Toronto. Currently, Jade serves as the Director of Programs at Pride at Work Canada, where they work with over 250 large employers across Canada around gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation inclusion. Previously, Jade served as the Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at the ArQuives, the Education Programs Coordinator at Kind Space, and an independent inclusion consultant. They are an Ásatrú Gythia (priestess) and interfaith advocate who was the first trans-feminine person to present at the Parliament of World Religions in 2018. Jade was one of the authors of Transitioning Employers: A survey of policies and practices for trans inclusive workplaces and is the cohost of the Uncovering Belonging Podcast. Jade has been named one of Future of Good’s 2022 Young Impact Leaders, Toronto Metropolitan University’s 2021 Pride Champions. In their spare time they can be found geeking out over queer, trans, and Norse histories, firekeeping, and spending time with their chosen family.

Accessibility

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

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

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

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

First Name *
Last Name *
Email Address *
Repeat your email *
Employer/Organization *
Position/Title *
City - Province *
Accessibility for this eventN/A
Mobility
Language
Sign Language
Vision Impairment
Other

Accessibility (others or details)
Would you like to be added to the Pride at Work Canada distribution list? * Yes
No
Already on

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

Manitoba Ambassador Meeting
2026-01-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Winnipeg)
Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm CT | 2:00pm – 3:00pm ET
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Proud Partner Priority Briefing 2026
2026-01-20 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Toronto)
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Join us for our annual Proud Partner Priority Briefing, a session designed exclusively for key contacts within our Proud Partners.
In this virtual briefing, you’ll get a first look at our 2026 programming, events, and strategic priorities — including opportunities to engage, collaborate, and maximize your partnership with Pride at Work Canada. Whether you’re new to the network or a long-standing partner, this is your front-row seat to what’s ahead.
We encourage you to invite relevant team members who lead on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, equity strategy, HR, ERGs, Communications or community engagement.
Let’s start the year aligned and inspired.
If you haven’t received your email/calendar invitation, reach out to us at partners@prideatwork.ca.

BC Ambassador Meeting
2026-01-22 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver)
Thursday, January 22 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EDT (1:00pm – 2:00pm PDT)
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Quebec Ambassador Meeting
2026-01-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Tuesday, January 27, 2025 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Calgary Ambassador Meeting
2026-02-04 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton)
Wednesday, February 4, 2025 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm MT
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Ontario Ambassador Meeting
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm EST
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

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

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

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

Atlantic Ambassador Meeting
2026-02-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 2:00pm AT | 2:30pm NL
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Winter Pride 2026
2026-02-17 16:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Quad RBC, 1 Place Ville Marie, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Wednesday, February 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM EST – This in-person event is open to the public and requires a ticket to attend.
Presented by Pride at Work Canada
Winter Pride returns on February 17, 2026, to Montreal for an evening of learning and networking with other 2SLGBTQIA + professionals and allies promoting workplace inclusion.
Host Partner

RBC – Royal Bank of Canada
RBC QUAD – 1 Place Ville Marie, Montréal, Québec

AGENDA

4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Leading Change Inside and Outside the Workplace
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM – Networking Reception

Drinks and appetizers are included.

Winter Pride: Leading Change Inside and Outside the Workplace
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm / Banker Room – 41st Floor
Presented by: Beneva

Join Pride at Work Canada for a compelling Winter Pride event focused on how to lead change both within and outside the workplace. Leading change takes many forms, from policy improvements and employee resource groups to community organizing and grassroots change, our panel will spotlight leaders who bridge these worlds. Together, they will discuss how queer and trans leadership shows up at work, how to build supportive cultures within organizations, and how the push for equity continues beyond office walls into our broader communities.
The panelists will be announced soon! Stay tuned.
Tickets
Get your tickets on Eventbrite.

$80 + taxes (Proud Partners and Community Partners)
$120 + taxes (Non-Partners)

*The session includes access to the following networking reception hosted by RBC.

Networking Reception
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm / Quad – Main Floor
An evening of learning and networking, Winter Pride returns on February 17, continuing the annual tradition of bringing the Pride at Work Canada network to Montreal to celebrate the inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA + people in the workplace during the winter season.
Tickets**
Get your tickets on Eventbrite.

$20 + taxes (Proud Partners and Community Partners)
$40 + taxes (Non-Partners)

**This contribution helps support Pride at Work’s mission and activities, and better guarantees the attendance of our registrants. If you are a member of our Community Partners network and would like to participate at a more accessible cost, please contact us.

Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect is a free digital networking event for trans, non-binary, and agender professionals and jobseekers across Canada.
Since its launch in 2020, this ongoing program has created intentional, safer spaces for participants to share stories, build professional connections, and foster community in a digital environment. Each year, it builds on the momentum of previous gatherings, strengthening networks and amplifying voices across trans, non-binary, and agender communities.
Format: This gathering features two themed, roundtable-style discussion rounds. In each round, participants join small, facilitated groups to explore a specific topic related to the gathering focus.
Why is this event taking place?
While many networking spaces are inclusive of trans, non-binary, and agender people, there are distinct experiences, questions, and challenges faced by these communities in professional settings.
This event was created to:

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

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

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

Accessibility:

Spoken Language: English
Closed Captioning: English
Format: Virtual (Zoom meeting format)
Engagement Type: Participants invited to share via video, audio, or chat

If you have additional accessibility requests, please include them in your registration form or contact us at: events@prideatwork.ca

Winnipeg ProPride 2026
2026-05-27 15:30 - 20:30 (America/Winnipeg) | Red River College, Bannatyne Ave W, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2R 0B6, Canada
Save the Date
Join Pride at Work Canada for an engaging evening of networking and connection, dedicated to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and fostering inclusive workplaces. This event brings together professionals, community members, and job seekers from diverse industries to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships.
Check back soon for more details about the speakers, agenda, and how to register.
