Pride At Work Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facilitator

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

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

Accessibility

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

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

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

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

Panelists

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facilitator

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

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

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

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

Registration for this event has closed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jad Sinno (they/them)
Research Director, CBRC

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

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

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

Registration

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

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

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

Facilitator

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

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

Accessibility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Panelists

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facilitator

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

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

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

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

Registration for this event has closed.

Report Launch: Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy
2025-11-13 15:00 - 19:00 (America/Edmonton)
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | Norton Rose Fulbright, Calgary, AB
About the Event
Pride at Work Canada, in partnership with Electricity Human Resources Canada and with support from Women & Gender Equality Canada, is proud to launch the findings of our Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy research project.
This national initiative explores the experiences of workers across the energy sector, providing employers with the insights and tools they need to build safer, more inclusive, and more competitive workplaces. While the project is national in scope, this event will highlight what the findings mean for energy employers in Alberta.
Focus on Alberta
Alberta’s electricity and energy sector is facing urgent workforce challenges, including:

Labour shortages driven by an aging workforce and competition for talent
Retention difficulties linked to workplace culture and safety concerns
Reskilling needs as the industry continues to adopt AI and other new technologies

At the same time, Alberta’s workers bring resilience, expertise, and innovation that are vital to addressing these challenges.
Through community-led interviews and focus groups with workers across the country, Pride at Work Canada uncovered intimate insights into the realities of working in energy. The findings challenge common assumptions about inclusion in both field and administrative environments, showing that:
Visibility, often celebrated in office settings, can expose field workers to life-threatening risks

Gender-based outcomes are uneven and emerge in unexpected ways
Employers must adopt a new paradigm to ensure the safety and human rights of field workers

Schedule of Events
Industry Roundtable: Powering Alberta’s Energy Workforce
3:00 – 5:00 PM MT
An exclusive gathering of Alberta’s energy sector leaders for the first look at the findings from Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy. Together, we will explore what the research means for talent strategies in the province and examine how employers can stay ahead in a rapidly changing workforce. This is a candid, solutions-focused conversation about the future of energy in Alberta. By invitation only.*
Report Launch & Reception: Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy
5:00 – 7:00 PM MT
Celebrate the voices and vision of our communities, whose insights are shaping the future of Canada’s energy sector. This event will highlight the hopes and strengths of Two-Spirit, queer, and trans workers as powerful partners in driving change. Join our movement to redefine safety in Alberta workplaces, and take action by amplifying the findings from Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy and championing the adoption of its recommendations across the sector. Open registration.

* About Our Invitation-Based Events
Pride at Work Canada regularly hosts small, intentional roundtables and gatherings across the country that bring together voices from government, business, advocacy, and community sectors. These spaces are designed to support honest dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration.
Participation is by invitation to ensure a balanced group across types of organizations, identities, sectors, and lived experiences related to the themes at hand. We consider both professional expertise and community insight when shaping these conversations, and we center engagement from our Proud Partners and Community Partners, while also welcoming expressions of interest from others doing meaningful work in this space.
If you’d like to be considered for future events, you can reach out to Jose Patiño-Gomez, Director of External Relations, or fill out this short form to register your interest.

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

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

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

Host Sponsor and Location

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

Reception Sponsor

Agenda

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

Discussion Groups

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

Keynote Speaker

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

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

Emcee

Ky Sargeant (she/they)
DEI Consultant and Comedian

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

Discussion Group Facilitators

Norma Lize Rhayem
Communications Manager, Rainbow Refugee Society

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learning Objectives

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

Audience

Senior Leaders
DEI Professionals
Talent Acquisition Professionals

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

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

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

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

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

BC Ambassador Meeting
2025-10-29 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday October 29 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm EDT (1:00pm – 2:00pm PDT)
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Ontario Ambassador Meeting
2025-10-28 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto)
October 28 2025 | 3:00 – 4:00PM ET
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

We Belong @ Work
2025-10-25 15:30 - 21:00 (America/Toronto) | Launch Coworking – Exchange, 167 Lombard Ave suite 500, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 3H8, Canada
October 25, 2025 | 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM CDT
Participation Fee: $25

A career connection event for trans and queer jobseekers and changemakers.
Join us for We Belong @ Work, a one-of-a-kind workplace networking event built by and for trans people, and welcoming to all who support 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights in the workplace. This event is more than just networking — it’s a space for meaningful connection, collective strategy, and career growth.
Whether you’re a jobseeker exploring new opportunities, a professional looking to build community, or a changemaker ready to share your wisdom, We Belong @ Work offers an affirming and dynamic environment to meet, learn, and thrive.
What to expect of this event

Two rounds of “rotating discussion leaders” – a lively format where discussion leaders rotate between tables to share insights, answer questions, and spark discussion.
Open networking – a chance to connect with fellow attendees, recruiters, and community leaders.
Food and drinks are available throughout the evening in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

This event is done in partnership with Pride at Work Canada, the Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce, and Trans Manitoba.
Timing
2:30 – 3:00 PM Registration Opens & Refreshments (non-alcoholic)
3:00 – 3:30 PM Opening Remarks & Keynote
3:30 – 4:30 PM Structured Networking: Round 1
4:30 – 5:00 PM Open Networking
5:00 – 5:15 PM Transition Time / After-Work Refreshments (bar opens)
5:15 – 5:45 PM Condensed Opening Remarks & Featured Guest
5:45 – 6:45 PM Structured Networking: Round 2
6:45 – 8:00 PM Open Networking & Refreshments
8:00 PM Bar Closes & Event Ends

Keynote

The Honourable Uzoma Asagwara
(they/them)
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care

The Honourable Uzoma Asagwara was first elected as the MLA for Union Station in 2019, when they became the first non-binary MLA in the Manitoba legislature and one of the first black MLAs elected in Manitoba’s history. They served as the official opposition critic for health from 2019-2023. Asagwara is a registered psychiatric nurse and addictions specialist. Before becoming an MLA, they practiced frontline nursing in acute adult psychiatry, co-occurring disorders initiatives, and specialized treatment services.
They also spent over a decade working with youth and families in mental health, addictions and stabilization care. They were an active entrepreneur and community health and equity advocate. They served on the Board of the Women’s Health Clinic and advanced economic opportunity for equity deserving groups across Manitoba. They are a former member of the Canadian National Basketball team and mentor to young athletes. They have served as the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care since 2023.

Accessibility

ASL interpretation will be provided.
Masks are optional, but will be available at registration.

Frequently Asked Questions
Yes please! If you are a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or a supporter of 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights in the workplace you are very welcome. It is, however, important to recognize that this space centers and prioritizes trans communities due to the particular challenge that trans people have in accessing meaningful, affirming employment. That’s not a problem at all. This is a great opportunity for you to try something new if you have never participated in an event like this before. There may also be other folks who haven’t done this before either, so you won’t be alone! The event has been planned to accommodate various individual schedules. You are welcome to attend all or only a portion of the event, arriving and departing at the time that suits you best. Yes! We understand that attendees may have the need to spend time in a quiet space, so there will be a designated space for this. All the funds associated with this event will go towards covering the cost of the event and supporting the mission of creating equitable workplaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. There is no formal dress code for this event. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in!

Quebec Ambassador Meeting
2025-10-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Manitoba Ambassador Meeting
2025-10-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET (11:00am – 12:00pm CT)
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

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

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

Target audience

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

Facilitator

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

Jade Pichette is an inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA!) professional based in Tkarón:to/Toronto. Currently, Jade serves as the Director of Programs at Pride at Work Canada, where they work with over 250 large employers across Canada around gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation inclusion. Previously, Jade served as the Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at the ArQuives, the Education Programs Coordinator at Kind Space, and an independent inclusion consultant. They were one of the authors of Transitioning Employers: A survey of policies and practices for trans inclusive workplaces and are the cohost of the Uncovering Belonging Podcast. In their spare time they can be found geeking out over queer, trans, and Norse histories, disability justice, interfaith advocacy, firekeeping, and spending time with their chosen family.

Panelists

Carlos Chalico (He/him)
Cybersecurity and privacy specialist

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

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

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

Registration for this event has closed.
Accessibility

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

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

Atlantic Ambassador Meeting
2025-10-03 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
October 3 2025 | 2:00–3:00PM AT, 2:30–3:30PM NL
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Calgary Ambassador Meeting
2025-10-01 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, October 1 2025 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET (2:00pm – 3:00pm MT)
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Atlantic Ambassador Meeting
2025-09-25 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Toronto)
September 25, 2025 | 11:30am-12:30pm ET (12:30pm – 1:30pm AT; 1:00pm-2:00pm NT)
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Webinar: FLOURISH Information Session
2025-09-17 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, September 17 | 4:00-5:00 ET
FLOURISH is an eight-week virtual program that will develop the skills required for 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group (ERG)* leaders to be effective and successful in their roles. Those who lead 2SLGBTQIA+ ERGs have an enormous opportunity to create change for Two-Spirit, queer and trans employees. They also face very specific challenges in Canadian workplaces. While session content will touch on the mechanics of ERGs, the primary focus of FLOURISH will be developing individual competency in four areas:

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

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

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

Audience:

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

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

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

Accessibility:

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

Registration for this event has closed.

Québec Roundtable on Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace
2025-09-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, September 17 | 1:00PM – 3:00PM EDT | By Invitation*
Organized by Beneva, Québec, in collaboration with Pride at Work Canada
On September 17, leaders from community, corporate, and nonprofit sectors will come together for a roundtable discussion focused on inclusion and diversity in the workplace, with particular attention to the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. The event will highlight perspectives rooted in community knowledge, including a presentation of Pride at Work Canada’s Workplace Audit, and a conversation with Aide aux trans du Québec about its mission, frontline experience, and the implications of the Sages’ report for the trans community in Québec.
This roundtable will offer a space for dialogue, reflection, and connection — followed by an informal networking opportunity to continue the discussion across sectors.

* About Our Invitation-Based Events
Pride at Work Canada regularly hosts small, intentional roundtables and gatherings across the country that bring together voices from government, business, advocacy, and community sectors. These spaces are designed to support honest dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration.
Participation is by invitation to ensure a balanced group across types of organizations, identities, sectors, and lived experiences related to the themes at hand. We consider both professional expertise and community insight when shaping these conversations, and we center engagement from our Proud Partners and Community Partners, while also welcoming expressions of interest from others doing meaningful work in this space.
If you’d like to be considered for future events, you can reach out to Jose Patiño-Gomez, Director of External Relations, or fill out this short form to register your interest.

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

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

Target audience:

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

Panelists

Christian Bennett (he/they)
Account Manager, MPAC

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

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

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

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

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

Facilitator

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

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

Registration for this event has closed.
Accessibility:

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

Optional note: * Please note we use Employee Resource Group as a catch all term which is inclusive of Business Resource Groups, Affinity Networks, and other similar employee led groups focused on equity-deserving groups.

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

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

Who Can Participate
We invite 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who:

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

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

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

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

Ontario Ambassador Meeting
2025-08-28 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto)
August 28, 2025 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

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

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

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

Jennifer Quinn (she/her)
CEO of Nieuport Aviation

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

Accessibility:

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

Registration for this event has closed.

British Columbia Ambassadors Meeting
2025-08-19 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto)
August 19, 2025 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET (1:00pm-2:00pm PT)
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Calgary Ambassador Meeting
2025-08-13 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Toronto)
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Quebec Ambassdor Meeting
2025-08-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)

Webinar: FLOURISH Information session
2025-08-12 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto)
FLOURISH is an eight-week virtual program that will develop the skills required for 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group (ERG)* leaders to be effective and successful in their roles. Those who lead 2SLGBTQIA+ ERGs have an enormous opportunity to create change for Two-Spirit, queer and trans employees. They also face very specific challenges in Canadian workplaces. While session content will touch on the mechanics of ERGs, the primary focus of FLOURISH will be developing individual competency in four areas:

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

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

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

Audience:

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

About the Speaker:

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

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

Accessibility:

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

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