Pride At Work Canada

Virtual ProPride 2026
2026-06-16 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Manitoba
June 16, 2026 | 1:00PM – 3:00 PM ET
Virtual ProPride: Building Queer Futures is a two-hour interactive gathering that brings together Two-Spirit, Queer, and Trans leaders, alongside committed allies, to explore how we build workplaces and communities where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can thrive, lead, and shape the future.
Through a dynamic blend of thought leadership and peer-to-peer dialogue, this virtual experience centers joy, resilience, accountability, and systems change. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations about leadership, wellbeing, allyship, and collective impact , leaving with practical tools, renewed energy, and stronger connections across sectors and regions.
Whether you are a 2SLGBTQIA+ leader or an ally committed to advancing equity, Virtual ProPride offers a space to reflect, connect, and move from intention to lasting impact.
Agenda

1:00PM – 2:30 PM Panel
2:30PM – 3:00 PM Virtual Networking

Learning Goals:

Examine the role of leadership, allyship, and community in advancing equitable workplaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can thrive and lead.
Identify practical approaches for supporting wellbeing, accountability, and inclusion within workplace and community settings.
Strengthen cross-sector connections and collaborative strategies that contribute to long-term systems change for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Speakers:

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah

Debbie is the former Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. Before joining Action Canada, she was the Executive Director of The Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) and has been instrumental in advancing the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and communities.
She has spoken at Parliamentary and Senate standing committees and has appeared in numerous media outlets. She has held several advocacy and policy-oriented positions in government and non-profit organizations, including Oxfam Canada and Global Affairs Canada.
Debbie is an accomplished community educator, feminist activist, and social justice advocate driven by the mission of creating a more inclusive, equitable, and safe world. She has continued to dedicate her time to local progressive organizing, including, most recently, as a commissioner for the Ottawa People’s Commission on the Convoy Occupation.

Kate Wood

Kate (she/her) is a proudly AuDHD trans woman working at Info-Tech Research Group in the London, Ontario office on Treaty 6 lands. She holds the position of AVP Research Development, sits on the corporate DEI Committee, co-leads the Pride ERG, and is a strong advocate for neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. An active member of London’s trans* community, Kate has done volunteer work for the local PFLAG branch and has spoken at Transgender Day of Remembrance. Kate holds a master’s degree in cyber security from the University of Essex.

Kathleen Sawdo

Kathleen Sawdo is an Anishinaabe Kwe from the Bear Clan and a proud member of Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory. With over 20 years of experience in human resources and business administration, Kathleen brings not only deep professional expertise, but also a strong commitment to Indigenous knowledge systems, leadership, and talent development.
Her relationship with Indigenous Works (formerly AHRC) began in 2009 when she was selected to participate in the National Inclusion Works Recruitment Fair and Leadership Skill Build. Since then, she has remained connected through roles as a webinar trainer and HR expert for Luminary’s innovation and research projects. Today, Kathleen continues to support the growth of inclusive, values-based workplaces through her leadership and mentorship.
Kathleen holds multiple professional designations, including Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP), Canadian Indigenous Human Resources Professional (CIHRP), and is a registered HR Practitioner with the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). Guided by a two-eyed seeing approach, she weaves together Indigenous and Western perspectives to build workplace cultures grounded in respect, relationship, and reciprocity.
Kathleen sees human resources not just as a function—but as the heartbeat of an organization. She invites others to walk alongside her in reimagining human resources as a relational and inclusive space—one where Indigenous voices are amplified, and Indigenous ways of knowing and being are not only respected but deeply integrated.
Beyond her professional life, Kathleen is a beadworker, artist and designer who values family, community, and cultural expression. Whether in the boardroom or around the kitchen table, she believes inclusion begins with genuine connection—and she welcomes you to walk with her—and with Indigenous Works—on this shared journey of inclusion, where meaningful partnerships, cultural understanding, and Indigenous-led solutions create pathways to shared prosperity and lasting impact

Trina Prince

Mx Trina Prince (they/them) is a trans, non-binary, fat, disabled, neurodivergent, white person, who currently lives on the shared traditional territories of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Qayqayt, and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples also known as Coquitlam, BC, Canada. Trina is honoured to be the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities, the current Board Chair for Mabel League, Canada’s largest queer and trans softball league, and the Past Board Chair for Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre. Most importantly, Trina is a very proud Entie to their 10 niblings. Trina absolutely loves orcas, dragons, Star Wars, LEGO, Titanic facts, softball, dancing, and escape rooms. Trina loves sharing in laughter and joy with those around them and is excited to share space with others.

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)

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ProPrides 2026 Series Includes:

Winnipeg ProPride – May 26, 2026
Virtual ProPride – June 16, 2026
Vancouver ProPride – July 14, 2026
Montreal ProPride – August 5, 2026
[TBC] Ottawa ProPride – September, 2026

Check back soon for more details about the speakers, agenda, and how to register.
