Pride At Work Canada

Pride at Work Canada: Federal Funding Announcement
2025-03-05 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Edmonton) | Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 5 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P0L5, Canada
Join us for a groundbreaking moment in Canada’s energy sector!
Pride at Work Canada, in partnership with Pride in Business, invites you to a special networking lunch at the Calgary Petroleum Club on March 5, 2025.
At this exclusive event, we’ll unveil a historic federal investment in 2SLGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion in Canada’s energy sector. This is your chance to:
✓ Hear from industry leaders: Featuring Colin Druhan (Pride at Work Canada) & Gregory John (Four Peaks Business Development Ltd.).
✓ Expand your network: Connect with professionals from across the energy sector.
✓ Celebrate a major milestone: Learn how this investment will transform workplaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers.

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM MT
Location: Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB

This project has been funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada.

Webinar: Pink Shirts, Performativity and Progress [Partners Only - EN]
2025-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
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.

Winter Pride / Fierté des neiges 2025
2025-02-18 17:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, February 18, 2025, 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 18, 2025, 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
1 Place Ville Marie, Montréal, Québec
When
February 18, 2025

4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Leadership in Challenging Times (Bilingual Session)
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM – Networking Reception

Drinks and appetizers are included.
—

Winter Pride: Leadership in Challenging Times (Bilingual Session)
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm / Boardroom – 41st Floor
Presented by:

Join Pride at Work Canada for a compelling Winter Pride event focused on the vital role of 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders in a world where rights and representation face increasing challenges. Featuring Jade Pichette (they/them), Director of Programs at Pride at Work Canada, and members of Pride at Work Canada’s Board of Directors, this event will spotlight stories of resilience, strategies for advocacy, and actionable insights to empower leaders to navigate and thrive in difficult circumstances. Together, we will explore how inclusive leadership can foster change and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Speakers
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 in 2024 they made history as the first trans person to open the Toronto Stock Exchange and notably presented to the Senate of Canada on the importance of 2SLGBTQIA+ leadership.
Erin Roach is the Director, Diversity and Inclusion at Ubisoft where she leads the equity, diversity and inclusion strategy for its Canadian studios. She has taken a leadership role on national knowledge sharing networks such as the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and the Future Skills research network. Her work focuses on multi-level system approaches to D&I, innovation and entrepreneurship, intersectionality and impact measurement.
Katia Aubin is an expert in reputation management and brand influence. She has developed captivating, engaging, and inclusive communication strategies for organizations such as Sid Lee, RDS, Ubisoft, and Rogers throughout her career. Her campaigns have made an impact in Quebec, Canada, and have been featured in international publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and The Verge.
Tickets*

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

*The session includes access to the following networking reception hosted by Tranna Wintour.
Networking Reception
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm / Quad – Main Floor

An evening of learning and networking, Winter Pride returns on February 18, 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. The evening will be hosted by comedian, singer, writer and producer Tranna Wintour, who returns to hosting for a second year after a notable participation in The Traitors Canada. The event will be held in person at the RBC QUAD in downtown Montreal.
Tickets**

$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.

Tickets for Winter Pride and the learning session are available on Eventbrite.

Rendez-Vous: 2SLGBTQIA+ Women x Non-Binary Digital Connect [EN & FR]
2025-02-11 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto)
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EST – This is a free online networking event for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people.

Pride at Work Canada has been bringing 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary* professionals and job seekers together for years. As many 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people don’t feel safe in many professional networking spaces, Rendez-Vous: 2SLGBTQIA+ Women x Non-Binary Digital Connect creates a unique opportunity for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people to make professional connections in a casual and comfortable setting – from anywhere!
*Pride at Work Canada understands that these terms may not resonate with everyone and endeavours to include all those who do not identify as men. This includes trans women, cis women, non-binary folks, agender folks, and more. We also host Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect to those who would prefer a trans, non-binary, and agender specific space.
During the session, we will embrace a peer networking approach to learning, where attendees will engage in open discussions, exchange experiences, and provide mutual support. Participants will take part in multiple breakout sessions, while building meaningful connections with other professionals and job seekers. We’ll then reconvene as a group to share reflections and conclude the event with a collaborative discussion.
Bilingualism: At this event, there will be a Francophone breakout room, and automated French captioning will be available.
Help us make Rendez-Vous a safer event! All attendees will be provided with a set of community guidelines prior to the event that they will be expected to read and honour. Discussion facilitators will be present in our breakout rooms, and there will be a BIPOC-specific breakout room, as well as a non-binary specific breakout room, for folks who wish to join that space.
Who should attend?
The purpose of this event is to provide space for folks who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ women or non-binary. There is no desire to monitor anyone’s gender or create barriers to entry. If you come to this event you will be welcome. While the support of people who identify as allies to 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people and communities is always appreciated, please remember that the best support sometimes comes in the form of leaving space for people to connect around their shared identities and lived experiences.
Who can answer my questions about the event?
Please direct questions about this event to Templeton Sawyer (he/him), Leaderships Program Coordinator at templeton.sawyer@prideatwork.ca. You may also contact events@prideatwork.ca with questions about registrations and any Pride at Work Canada events and activities.
Accessibility:

Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada
English to French automated captioning
If you have any accessibility requests please email events@prideatwork.ca with requests by Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Limited number of participants in this free online networking event for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people.
Registration for this event has closed.

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

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

Target Audience:

HR professionals
DEI professionals
ERG leaders

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

Accessibility:

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

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

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

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

Target Audience:

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

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

Accessibility:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roundtable: Best Practices for Board Members as Employers [Community Partner only - EN]
2024-11-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
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.

Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect [EN]
2024-11-19 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto)
Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EST – this is a free online networking event for trans, non-binary and agender people.

Pride at Work Canada is proud to present Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect, a free online networking event for trans, non-binary, and agender professionals and jobseekers! We will bring trans, non-binary, and agender professionals from across Canada.
In this session, we will explore a peer networking style of learning, where attendees will dive into meaningful discussions, share experiences, and offer mutual support. Participants will engage in multiple breakout sessions, while forging valuable connections with other professionals and job seekers. Following these individual interactions, we will come together as a group to reflect on the insights gained and close the event with a collaborative wrap-up.
Help us make Matrices a safer event! All attendees will be provided with a set of community guidelines for this event that they will be expected to read and abide by. Pride at Work Canada staff will be present in the main room at all times and volunteer facilitators will be rotating within some of the 1-1 speed networking rounds. Creating a welcoming space is a communal effort, we look forward to building a braver space based in communicating with compassion.
Captioning: At this event, there will be live captioning in English, and automated French captioning only available upon request two weeks previous to the event.
Why is this event taking place?
While many events and networks are inclusive of trans, non-binary and agender people there are questions and discussions unique to these community members and their experiences. Pride at Work Canada seeks to create space for professional and job-seeking trans, non-binary and agender people to find support from and make connections with one another. We hope to be responsive to the needs and suggestions expressed by our attendees as this feedback helps to shape future events.
Who should attend?
The purpose of this event is to provide space for folks who identify as trans, non-binary and agender. There is no desire to monitor anyone’s gender or create barriers to entry. If you come to this event you will be welcome. While the support of people who identify as allies to trans people and communities is always appreciated please remember that the best support sometimes comes in the form of leaving space for people to connect around their shared identities and lived experiences.
Who can answer my questions about the event?
Please direct questions about this event to Templeton Sawyer (he/him), Leaderships Program Coordinator at templeton.sawyer@prideatwork.ca. You may also contact events@prideatwork.ca with questions about any Pride at Work Canada events and activities.
Accessibility

Captioning provided by 3 Play Media Canada
If you have any accessibility requests please email events@prideatwork.ca with requests by Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Limited number of participants in this free online networking event for trans, non-binary and agender people.
Registration for this event has closed.

Webinar: Pride in Practice (with UpHouse) [partner-only - EN]
2024-11-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
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.

Workshop: The People are Peopling: 3 Ways to Spark Your Internal Workplace Culture [partner-only - EN]
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
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.

Rendez-Vous: 2SLGBTQIA+ Women x Non-Binary Digital Connect [EN & FR]
2024-10-22 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto)
Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EDT – This is a free online networking event for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people.

Pride at Work Canada has been bringing 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary* professionals and job seekers together for years. As many 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people don’t feel safe in many professional networking spaces, Rendez-Vous: 2SLGBTQIA+ Women x Non-Binary Digital Connect creates a unique opportunity for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people to make professional connections in a casual and comfortable setting – from anywhere!
*Pride at Work Canada understands that these terms may not resonate with everyone and endeavours to include all those who do not identify as men. This includes trans women, cis women, non-binary folks, agender folks, and more. We also host Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect to those who would prefer a trans, non-binary, and agender specific space.
During the session, we will embrace a peer networking approach to learning, where attendees will engage in open discussions, exchange experiences, and provide mutual support. Participants will take part in multiple breakout sessions, while building meaningful connections with other professionals and job seekers. We’ll then reconvene as a group to share reflections and conclude the event with a collaborative discussion.
Bilingualism: At this event, there will be a Francophone breakout room, and automated French captioning will be available.
Help us make Rendez-Vous a safer event! All attendees will be provided with a set of community guidelines prior to the event that they will be expected to read and honour. Discussion facilitators will be present in our breakout rooms, and there will be a BIPOC-specific breakout room, as well as a non-binary specific breakout room, for folks who wish to join that space.
Who should attend?
The purpose of this event is to provide space for folks who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ women or non-binary. There is no desire to monitor anyone’s gender or create barriers to entry. If you come to this event you will be welcome. While the support of people who identify as allies to 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people and communities is always appreciated, please remember that the best support sometimes comes in the form of leaving space for people to connect around their shared identities and lived experiences.
Who can answer my questions about the event?
Please direct questions about this event to Templeton Sawyer (he/him), Leaderships Program Coordinator at templeton.sawyer@prideatwork.ca. You may also contact events@prideatwork.ca with questions about registrations and any Pride at Work Canada events and activities.
Accessibility:

Captioning will be provided by 3 Play Media Canada
English to French automated captioning
If you have any accessibility requests please email events@prideatwork.ca with requests by Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Limited number of participants in this free online networking event for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people.
Registration for this event has closed.

FLOURISH - Virtual ERG Leader Development Program
2024-10-15 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto)
Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM EDT – This online paid leadership event is open to all who wish to register and has a limited number of participants.

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:

Domestic and international 2SLGBTQIA+ economic issues
Building business cases and generating buy-in for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion
Principles of governance and volunteer management
Providing peer support to 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies

Through live Zoom sessions, virtual learning modules and self-directed work, our FLOURISH program will collectively unlock their potential as ERG leaders.
For more details, speakers and application, visit our FLOURISH page.
* 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.

Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story - a Doc Film Screening [free - EN]
2024-10-15 16:30 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Rotman School of Management, 105 St. George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 2E8, Canada
Tuesday, Octobre 15, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 8 PM EDT – This is a free film screening open to anyone who would like to attend.
Join Pride at Work Canada and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management for a special screening of Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story. This powerful documentary chronicles the journey of Delwin Vriend, a man who was dismissed from a Christian university in Edmonton for being gay.
His fight against this discrimination led to a landmark Supreme Court case, Vriend v Alberta, which played a crucial role in advancing 2SLGBTQI+ rights in Canada. This documentary was produced by the Edmonton Community Foundation and the Edmonton Queer History Project and premiered in Spring 2024.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and mingle with fellow movie enthusiasts before the show. Following the screening, we will have a fireside chat between Special Guest Douglas R. Stollery and moderator Jade Pichette (Pride at Work Canada).
We are honoured to welcome Douglas R. Stollery, an esteemed construction lawyer, human rights advocate, President of the Stollery Charitable Foundation and former Chancellor of the University of Alberta. Stollery played a central role in the Vriend v Alberta case and has received many awards including the Order of Canada for his contributions to advancing 2SLGBTQI+ rights and other charitable initiatives.
Register here.

Webinar: Authentic Leadership: Uncovering Resilience [partner-only - EN]
2024-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
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.

Webinar: Workplace Audit [partner-only - FR]
2024-10-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
(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: Maximizing ERGs potential for inclusive workplaces [partner-only - EN]
2024-09-25 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto)
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.

Workshop: Inclusive Methods for Collecting SOGIE Data in Your Organization [partner-only - FR]
2024-09-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
(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.

Building an inclusive foundation: Talent Acquisition & retention in the infrastructure/construction sector [free - EN]
2024-08-14 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto)
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.

Montreal ProPride
2024-08-07 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Sid Lee Montreal, 12102-1 Place Ville Marie, Montreal, QC, H3B 3Y1
Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM EDT – This in-person event is free and open to all who wish to register.
Presented by Desjardins.
In collaboration with , Amazon Web Services (AWS), Sid Lee, SAQ, Braindate, and Fierté Montréal
On August 7, join us for an exceptional evening organized by Pride at Work Canada, focused on facilitating networking and connection among people who are committed to creating inclusive workplaces. During this celebratory event, participants will have the opportunity to meet people who are actively working to create inclusive environments, to share experiences and inspire one another.
This event brings together professionals and job seekers from a variety of sectors and backgrounds with a common goal: to create safe and accessible spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

SCHEDULE

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM EDT – Networking activity presented by Braindate (by registration – 100 spots available, granting access to the cocktail)
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT – Montreal ProPride Cocktail

Thanks to Braindate’s targeted networking activation, you’ll get to meet community influencers, share knowledge and strengthen ties within our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to broaden your network and engage in meaningful and dynamic conversations.
We are continually working to enhance our networking experiences, based on your valuable feedback, making it more authentic and meaningful. At large events, it can be challenging for attendees to make new business connections or engage with people outside their immediate network.
This year, we are excited to partner with Braindate, a Montreal-based technology company, to offer an optimized networking experience during the first hour of the ProFierté cocktail reception (4:30 to 5:30 PM).
So, how do you spark those meaningful conversations? It all starts with a Braindate.
Braindates are knowledge-sharing conversations that you schedule with others to have in small groups on-site in the Braindate Lounge. They are perfect for brainstorming, solving challenges, and sharing expertise or experiences while meeting new, brilliant people.
Register for the event, book a Braindate with one of our experts from our Community Partners and Champions, and learn something new.
You will also gain direct access to the ProPride Reception, which usually sells out quickly. Don’t miss out!

SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR

HOST SPONSOR & LOCATION

Sid Lee
12102-1 Place Ville Marie, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 3Y1, Canada

NETWORKING SUPPORT

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Registration on Eventbrite.
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.
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 (America/Toronto)
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.

Winnipeg ProPride
2024-05-30 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Canadian Museum for Human Rights, 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0L5, Canada
Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM CDT (from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM EDT) – This in-person event is free and open to all who wish to register. There is a paid workshop connected to the event for those who wish to participate.

Join Pride at Work Canada for an evening of networking and connection for those who are passionate about advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and creating a more inclusive work environment. The event will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet like-minded individuals, share their experiences, and learn from one another. Bringing together professionals, community members, and job seekers from a diversity of industries and backgrounds.
During the networking event, attendees will be able to connect and engage in conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage attendees to expand their network and build new relationships in an open and welcoming space. Thanks to our host partner Canadian Museum of Human Rights, attendees will come away with new connections, have the opportunity to share experiences, and make meaningful connections with other like-minded individuals.
Learning Objectives:

Connect with leaders from a variety of industries.

Audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ professionals, job seekers and community organizations
HR & DEI professionals

Host Partner & Location:
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0L5.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Format: In-person networking event
Venue accessibility: Canadian Museum of Human Rights Accessibility
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

Workshop: Strength in Community: Leveraging our Strengths in the Fight Against Rising Hate [paid]
May 30, 2024 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM CDT

This workshop is presented by
the Government of Manitoba.

Going beyond the idea of “resilience”, it’s time to recognize and explore the strengths that come from our intersectional 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and lived experiences – and how we can apply those to our work in employee resource groups and inclusion councils in this climate of rising hate.
Over the past year, there has been a rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ protests, attacks, and political movements. Within this context, our employee resource groups and inclusion councils are facing immense pressure in our work, increasing calls for support from the community we serve, and the immense weight that comes with working on issues related to our personal identities. And yet, we still do this work – as our 2SLGBTQIA+ elders have done for decades before us.
In this workshop, we will take stock of the strengths we’ve built through community-making and self-discovery, and strategize to apply those internally to care for ourselves while doing this work and externally to mobilize against rising hate.
Learning Objectives:

Main learnings from 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders from Lead with Pride: Best Practices for Advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership.
What our strengths are as individuals and as a community.
How to leverage those strengths in the face of rising hate.

Audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ professionals
2SLGBTQIA+ community organizations

Prices:

Member ticket price (Proud Partners and Community Partners): $100 + taxes
Non-member ticket price: $150 + taxes

* The workshop includes a post-event VIQ reception from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM CDT, where you’ll have the chance to network with fellow guests.
For in-person access, please register here (limited capacity).
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.
This in-person 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.

Successful Pride Communications [partner-only event - FR]
2024-05-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
(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.

Successful Pride Communications [partner-only event - EN]
2024-05-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
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.

Webinar: Navigating Episodic Disabilities in the Workplace [Free - EN]
2024-04-24 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto)
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.

SPARK - Toronto
2024-04-17 13:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | EY Tower – Toronto, 100 Adelaide St W - 40th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5H 0E2, Canada
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 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 is a transformative half-day symposium bringing together Senior Executives, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leaders, and Talent Acquisition professionals for shared learning, networking, and innovation.
This Year’s Theme: Elevating Talent Acquisition for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community.
We know that Two-Spirit, queer, and trans communities are a wealth of creativity, innovation, and have a dynamic impact in workplaces. Yet, employees and job seekers from these communities are often overlooked, deemed unconventional hires, or stagnate in their careers.
SPARK aims to break barriers and shine a spotlight on the untapped talent within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both in the workplace and the job market.
DIAMOND SPONSOR

“Scotiabank has been a Proud Partner with Pride at Work Canada for many years. We are pleased to be supporting the SPARK conference for a second year. At last year’s inaugural conference, our DEI leaders in attendance benefited from the sessions focused on Indigenous solidarity, anti-black racism, and accessibility. This year, members of our Global Talent Acquisition Team are looking forward to learning insights into how the Bank can elevate our recruitment strategies to continue supporting members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
Denine Das (she/her), Vice President, Global Inclusion, Scotiabank

Key Highlights:

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

HOST SPONSOR & LOCATION

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

Agenda:

1:30 PM – 2:45 PM: Welcome and Opening Keynotes
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Networking Session / Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Attraction, Selection, and Development Roundtable Discussions
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM: Networking Session / Break
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Key Reflections and Closing
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Networking Reception with Two-Spirit, queer, and trans leaders and talent

Learning Objectives:

Understand how to attract and retain 2SLGBTQIA+ talent.
Discover the experiences of Two-spirit, trans, and non-binary talent.
Cultivate a relationship with fellow DEI leaders and 2SLGBTQIA+ talent.

SILVER SPONSOR

Audience:

Senior Leaders
DEI professionals
Talent Acquisition Professionals

We invite all participants to complete our SPARK pre-event survey, which will contribute to discussions during the sessions.
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.

Roundtable Facilitators:

Attraction: Jade Pichette (they/them), Director of Programs, Pride at Work Canada & Dani Gomez-Ortega (she/they), Senior Manager – Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, McCain Foods
Selection: Colin Druhan (he/him), Executive Director, Pride at Work Canada & Delphinium Araya (she/her), Project Coordinator, 2Spirit, Trans and Non-Binary Social Health Programs, HQ
Development: Misha Goforth (she/her), Manager of Programs, Pride at Work Canada & Karibu Ramos (they/them), Executive Director, Elevate Equity

REGISTRATION & PRICING
LIMITED SEATS – Purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Registrations will be open on Eventbrite soon, and the participation fees are:
General tickets
For senior leaders of other companies & organizations (non-partners)
$1,300.00 (+ tax) – Regular Price
$1,100.00 (+ tax) – Early Bird Price (until March 17)
Partner tickets
Senior leaders of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners & Community Partners
$800.00 (+ tax) – Regular Price
$600.00 (+ tax) – Early Bird Price (until March 17)
On Eventbrite, participants will be asked to inform some personal & professional details, accessibility requests, food restrictions & allergies, and to rank the roundtable conversations: Attraction, Selection, and Development. For any additional questions, reach out to us at events@prideatwork.ca.
BUY YOUR TICKET HERE.
SPEAKERS

Chris Mossiah (they/them)
Executive Director – Consumer & Community Banking
JP Morgan Chase
Keynote Speaker

Chris, based in New York City, is a Product Director of a digital design system within the Consumer & Community Banking line of business. They are also the Co-Chair of the Firmwide GEC (Gender Expansive Council) as well as co-lead for the Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, and Non-binary subcommittee of the PRIDE Tri-State BRG. Chris has worked for JP Morgan for over 6 years while being a member of the Pride leadership team for over 5 years. Chris also serves as a member of the Out & Equal Board of Directors.
Prior to coming to JP Morgan, Chris was enlisted in the US Navy as an electronic technician and has been in the technology field for over 20 years. Chris holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in computer science from The City College of New York and Syracuse University, respectively. They reside in New York City with their 20-year-old son, Carmello and French bulldog, Creed.

Elder Laureen Blu Waters (they/them)
Istchii Nikamoon: Earth Song, Wolf clan.
Cree/Metis/Micmac
RemarksBlu is a member of the Metis Nation of Ontario. Blu’s family is from Big River Saskatchewan, Star Blanket Reserve and Bra’dor Lake, Eskasoni First Nations, Cape Breton Nova Scotia,and the Red River. Blu grew up with her grandmother and learned about traditional medicines learning healing methods and care of the sick. Her grandmother also shared her knowledge of the great teachings. She is currently working at Seneca College as an Elder on campus providing traditional teachings and one-to-one counselling. Blu spent 2.5 years working for the Nation Inquiry for murdered and missing women as a grand mother to commissioner Brian Eyelfson. and sits on the grandmother circle. Blu sits on the Thunder women healing lodge as a director of the board. Blu also sits as the Ontario representive for Metis people with 2 spirts in motion board. Blu also provides ceremony and teaching and counselling for 2 spirit people of the first nations, in Toronto. Blu was also the national caucus representative for the Toronto Urban Aboriginal strategies for five years working with the community of Toronto and the government. She is also a graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology receiving her business software micro-computer architecture and A+ certification. Blu’s gifts include: Traditional teachings, giving traditional spirit names, hand drumming, song writer, creative writings, and full moon conductor. Pipe ceremonies and sweat lodge ceremonies.and Traditional counciling. Blu is a Two-Spirit person, a mother of 3, a grandmother of 3, a sun dancer, pipe carrier.

Dr. Andrew B. Campbell (DR.ABC) (he/him)
Assistant Professor and Teaching & Learning Coordinator
University of Toronto
EmceeDr. Andrew B. Campbell (DR.ABC) is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in Leadership for Racial Justice in Education, and the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for the Master of Teaching program at the University of Toronto. DR.ABC is well known to the OISE community for his leadership on advancing anti-discrimination work in teacher education and received OISE’s 2022 award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education. He presently teaches courses in anti-discrimination education, leadership and diversity, educational change, urban education, and Black Educators’ pedagogy and practice. He has presented at numerous conferences and has delivered many presentations as a keynote speaker, motivational speaker, and workshop facilitator. He loves people, food, fashion, travelling and bringing his community together for a good meal.

Roundtable Facilitators

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

Colin Druhan (he/him)
Executive Director
Pride at Work Canada
SelectionColin Druhan has been at the helm of Pride at Work Canada since 2014, steering the organization through significant growth. A champion for community-led initiatives, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which funds grassroots efforts to fight HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. A former Chair of Volunteer Toronto, Canada’s largest volunteer centre, Colin is committed to public service. In 2020 he was named a DiverseCity Fellow by CivicAction, a recognition that underscores his dedication to inclusive civic engagement. Originally from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, Colin earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from NSCAD University in Halifax. He supplemented his skills through executive education programs at the Rotman School of Management and Cornell University. In 2020 he completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program at Harvard Business School.

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

Dani Gomez-Ortega (she/her, they/them)
Senior Manager – Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
McCain Foods
AttractionDani Gomez-Ortega is a global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leader with a passion for empowering others to create more inclusive spaces. Dani has championed inclusion across various sectors for 10 years. She is also an MBA candidate at the Ted Rogers School of Management. Currently Dani works as a global DEI leader at McCain Foods, where she collaborates with teams across the world to drive inclusion. Most recently, Dani was featured in the book “Global Changemakers for a Feminist Future” by Dr. Gayle Kimball and has won multiple awards for her work including a Bill 7 Award. Dani’s work and commitment to inclusion are shaped by her lived experience as a Venezuelan Latinx, immigrant, transgender woman with an invisible disability.

Delphinium Araya (she/her)
Project Coordinator, 2Spirit, Trans and Non-Binary Social Health Programs
HQ
SelectionDelphinium (Delphi) Araya, identifies as Trans, 2Spirit, Chilean-Canadian woman. Delphi has over 15 years experience in advocating for trans inclusion and equity. Her work in culture is founded in belief of decolonizing and indigenizing systems so we can treat the roots causes of social injustice. Delphi has also worked with organizations like 2 Spirited People of the 1st Nations and Ontario, PODER- a decolonial feminist Latinx organization and Elevate Equity, the first trans led organization in Toronto., Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy; as a member of their board of Directors, as a social justice storyteller, and as a peer outreach worker to help better support and serve the two spirit communities in and outside Toronto. In whatever community she works with and is a part of Delphi is carrying on the legacy of a teacher like her Two Spirit ancestors before her.

Karibu Ramos (they/them)
Executive Director
Elevate Equity
DevelopmentKaribu Ramos is a trans nonbinary person from Kūskatan (otherwise known as) El Salvador. They are a firm believer that the marrying of the DEI and the Nonprofit Industrial Complex can only be dismantled by interweaving the voices of the communities advocating for justice. Karibu’s work is deeply rooted in a self-reflexive practice of compassion, trust, and the inner root work that is required from someone living with intersecting identities, privileges, and varying levels of access and inaccess. In their career they have implemented transformative approaches to Trans Solidarity in the workplace. Karibu’s commitment and tenacity to influencing sustainability within traditional and non-traditional employment avenues with and for Trans and Nonbinary communities has been a catalyst in influencing cultural and systemic shifts in Canada and the US. Karibu is unrelenting and deliberate in their pursuit of creating autonomy through an intersectional approach towards justice. Karibu Ramos is a writer, Equity Consultant, and the Founder and Executive Director at Elevate Equity.

Cecilia Gentili (she/her)
Author, actress, activist, and Principal Consultant & Founder
TransEquity

Cecilia Gentili is the award-winning author of Faltas, actress on FX’s hit series POSE, and renowned activist for transgender and sex worker rights. Most recently, her one-woman show Red Ink had its off-Broadway debut to sold out crowds. She owns and leads TransEquity, a nationally recognized consulting firm that provides cultural programming, advocacy, policy building and strategic advising for organizations, government agencies, brand partners, and community. Her ongoing legacy of community advocacy, storytelling and activism has been monumental in protecting federal rights from the U.S. Supreme Court, raising millions in funding for trans rights, and building foundational programs for trans and sex work communities to thrive in.

In Cecilia’s Loving Memory

Legacy is the best word to apply for Cecilia Gentili. Her inspiring dedication to community advocacy, trans rights, immigrant rights, and sex work activism has transformed the scene and the lives of thousands of people to thrive in. Sadly, Cecilia passed away on February 6, 2024, and she will be missed but never forgotten. She will continue living in the memory of our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to honour her commitment to fighting institutional discrimination and her passion for changing lives through art. Cecilia’s journey was one of resilience and triumph, as she navigated the complexities of identity with grace and courage. Find more about Cecilia’s legacy on TransEquity.
“But sometimes, when I tell my children I love them, I see you all over me, too. When I think of you, I think of a woman who, in her greatest pain, was full of joy, and who understood that that joy was not to be kept.”
From Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist (2022)

BUY YOUR TICKET HERE.
This in-person paid leadership event is open to all who wish to register and has a limited number of participants.
Do you have any questions about SPARK? Please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

Webinar: Queerness and Allyship [Partners only - FR]
2024-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
(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.

Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect [EN]
2024-03-19 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto)
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm EDT – this is a free networking event for trans, non-binary and agender people.

Pride at Work Canada is proud to present the seventh installment of Matrices: Trans, Non-Binary & Agender Digital Connect, a free networking event for trans, non-binary, and agender professionals and jobseekers! We will bring trans, non-binary, and agender professionals from across Canada.
Our guest speaker Keimi Nakashima Ochoa (all pronouns) will deliver brief remarks after which attendees will then enter 1-1 speed networking rounds to discuss our speaker’s story, our session theme, and to meet other professionals and jobseekers. After the 1-1 speed networking rounds, we’ll come back as a group and close the session.
Please note that our event will be fully taking place on the Gatheround networking platform. Once registered, we will send attendees a link to the event and if you haven’t previously used Gatheround, you’ll need to create an account and sign in. Creating an account with Gatheround is as simple as confirming an email and attendees will be sent detailed instructions on how to join the event!
Help us make Matrices a safer event! All attendees will be provided with a set of community guidelines for this event that they will be expected to read and abide by. Pride at Work Canada staff will be present in the main room at all times and volunteer facilitators will be rotating within some of the 1-1 speed networking rounds. Creating a welcoming space is a communal effort, we look forward to building a braver space based in communicating with compassion.
Captioning: At this event there will be live captioning in English, and automated French captioning only available upon request two weeks previous to the event.
Guest speaker:
Keimi Nakashima Ochoa (all pronouns)
Keimi Nakashima Ochoa (all pronouns) is an immigrant settler of mixed heritage. He was born on the lands of the Pur’hépecha, the Coca, and the Tecuexe. She spent most of her youth in Amiskwacîwâskahikan. They are now building his life on the ancestral territories of Xwməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, and Səlilwətaɬ people and families.
Keimi is a Disabled, bilingual, learner, worker and artist. Her art practice incorporates creative access, reading, writing, weaving, printmaking, and more. His work and worldview have been shaped through his learning of Disability Justice, and Black Feminist theory. They are interested in anti-colonial research and learning, accessible spaces, and liberated futures.
[Image Description] Keimi stands outside on a late summer afternoon, the lighting giving their light brown skin a coppery glow. Keimi is a racially ambiguous person, with dark hair in a messy buzzcut, and a soft, fat body. They are looking into the camera with a gentle smile. They are wearing thick, brown, octagonal glasses, a cropped denim top with puffy sleeves, and wide-leg patchwork denim pants. Their right arm is bent, behind them, and their left arm drapes at their side. Bits and pieces of their tattoos are exposed on their arms and belly. Behind Keimi, there are two low concrete walls with breezeblocks, each with notable patches of the invasive English Ivy plant, providing some lush glossy green surfaces in the image.

Why is this event taking place?
While many events and networks are inclusive of trans, non-binary and agender people there are questions and discussions unique to these community members and their experiences. Pride at Work Canada seeks to create space for professional and job-seeking trans, non-binary and agender people to find support from and make connections with one another. We hope to be responsive to the needs and suggestions expressed by our attendees as this feedback helps to shape future events.
Who should attend?
The purpose of this event is to provide space for folks who identify as trans, non-binary and agender. There is no desire to monitor anyone’s gender or create barriers to entry. If you come to this event you will be welcome. While the support of people who identify as allies to trans people and communities is always appreciated please remember that the best support sometimes comes in the form of leaving space for people to connect around their shared identities and lived experiences.
Who can answer my questions about the event?
Please direct questions about this event to Iyol Martinez (they/them), Leadership Programs Coordinator at iyol.martinez@prideatwork.ca. You may also contact events@prideatwork.ca with questions about any Pride at Work Canada events and activities.
Accessibility

Captioning provided by 3 Play Media Canada
If you have any accessibility requests please email iyol.martinez@prideatwork.ca with requests by March 1, 2024

Limited number of participants in this free networking event for trans, non-binary and agender people.
Registration for this event has closed.

Workshop: Cultivating Belonging for Non-binary employees and jobseekers [Partners only - EN]
2024-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
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.

THRIVE 2024 - Virtual Leadership Program
2024-02-27 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto)
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
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 fourth THRIVE cohort will collectively unlock their potential as out leaders.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
The fourth cohort of THRIVE will support a positive learning environment and peer-to-peer learning. The process by which those interested in participating will open on Thursday, December 7, 2023. The deadline for applications will be Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Those selected for the THRIVE cohort will pay a participation fee of $1,500 (plus applicable taxes) for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners and $2,000 (plus applicable taxes) for employees of other organizations, due upon acceptance.
Visit our THRIVE page for further details.
