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/

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Jad Sinno (they/them)
Research Director, CBRC

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

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

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

Registration

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

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

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

Panelists

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facilitator

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

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

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

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

Registration for this event has closed.

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

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

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

Facilitator

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

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

Accessibility

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

AGENDA

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

Drinks and appetizers are included.

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

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

Manon Massé
Photo Credit: Kim Bouchard, 2025

Manon Massé has been the Member of the National Assembly for Sainte-Marie–Saint-Jacques since 2014 and served as co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire from 2017 to 2023. A long-time social justice activist, she is the spokesperson for the second opposition group on issues affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. She has established herself as a strong voice on social and community issues, notably through the historic recognition of Montréal’s Gay Village as a site of emancipation for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Her career is marked by leadership, commitment, and steadfast dedication to the values of inclusion, justice, and solidarity.

Joe Rioux

Joe Rioux is the Canadian leader for EY’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women® and Entrepreneurs Access Network, programs dedicated to supporting women-owned and Black, Indigenous, pan-Asian, and Latino-owned businesses. With over 20 years of experience in business development and strategic marketing, Joe is a bilingual professional recognized for driving growth and fostering inclusion.
A proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Joe leads EY’s Unity network in Montréal and Québec, advocating for diversity, equity, equality, and belonging. Outside of work, Joe is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys outdoor activities and values time spent with her partner of over 22 years, and close friends.

Michaël Arnaud

Michaël Arnaud comes from the humanitarian and international development sector. He is the current Executive Director of Égides, an international francophone alliance of civil society organizations and groups supporting and promoting LGBTQI rights globally. He is also Action Against Hunger’s Canada former Associate Director for gender equality and gender-based violence, providing strategic and technical direction at international level for the integration of gender issues and the prevention of gender-based violence in assistance programs. Determined promoter of a people and diversity centred approach, he has continuously advocated for a better awareness of power relations, oppression and the necessity to support the voices of the most marginalized in all the organizations he has worked for. With a Master’s degree in international humanitarian law, he has been working for the past 15 years on gender, equality, diversity and gender-based violence in various contexts, including in Burkina Faso, Haiti, Vietnam and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He also actively supports LGBTQI+ rights through various volunteer roles in the communities.

Tranna Wintour

Tranna Wintour is a comedian, writer, actor, singer, and podcaster. She has recorded gala performances with Just for Laughs in both English and French, and was one of the festival’s prestigious New Faces Canada in 2019. She has performed on stages and in festivals across the country and was named by Fashion magazine as one of the queens of Canadian comedy. In 2022, Tranna became a breakout star on Québec’s Big Brother Célébrités. Last year, she returned to reality TV on CTV/Crave’s The Traitors Canada, where her honest and magnetic personality took her to the final two, cementing her as one of the franchise’s most beloved and unforgettable players. In addition to her work as a performer, Tranna co-hosted and co-produced CBC Podcasts’ Chosen Family for three seasons; it was named one of Apple’s Best Podcasts for two consecutive years.

Moderator

Cynthia Eysseric

Cynthia is a dedicated professional working at the intersection of feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and sexuality education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sexology from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a certificate in entrepreneurship and SME management from Université Laval, bringing a strategic and inclusive approach to her work. Her commitment to LGBTQ+ communities has led her to collaborate with several organizations, including the Réseau des lesbiennes du Québec (RLQ) and Club Sexu, where she serves as Vice President on the Board. She is also part of the team at Fierté au travail Canada, a national organization advocating for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Passionate about organizational inclusion, Cynthia began a graduate microprogram in equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace at Université Laval in 2024. Her work aims to strengthen intersectionality within the spaces she engages in, reinforcing her commitment to creating more just and representative environments.

Tickets
Get your tickets on Eventbrite.

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

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

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

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

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

Advocating for Equity: Modernizing the Employment Equity Act [In English]
2026-02-24 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
February 24 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. Ce webinaire aura lieu en français le 3 mars.
Employment equity has been a priority for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada for over 50 years. Despite this long term advocacy, 2SLGBTQIA+ workers remain excluded from the Employment Equity Act’s protections, leaving them underrepresented in data and equity initiatives, and facing persistent barriers such as wage gaps, precarious work, and higher unemployment.
In September 2025, 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations gathered for coordinated advocacy on Parliament Hill, meeting with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, sharing a clear and united message: equity in employment is not optional—and the time to act is now.
It’s time for the Employment Equity Act to explicitly include 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black communities as designated groups, and to include stronger intersectional, transparent, and accountable mechanisms that reflect today’s workplace realities.
Join us to learn about our proposed updates to the Act, our advocacy work, and how you can get involved!
Learning objectives:

Understand the gaps in the Employment Equity Act
Learn about recommendations for the modernization of the Act
Explore advocacy efforts and strategies

Target audience:

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

Panelists

Bilan Arte (she/her)
National Representative, Human Rights Department
Canadian Labour Congress

Bilan Arte is an award-winning activist and organizer with over fifteen years of experience in campaigns, leadership, and movement building. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Ottawa, and she is the National Representative for Human Rights at the Canadian Labour Congress.
Bilan is a Black, Muslim feminist who lives and works in the unceded and never-surrendered traditional territories of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe peoples.
In all aspects of her work, Bilan is fueled by her passion for social justice and equity.

Noah Inniss-Parchment (he/him)
Manager, Operations
LGBT YouthLine

Noah is a Black person of Jamaican descent and of trans experience born and raised on the traditional unceded unsurrendered lands of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people (Ottawa). He received his Bachelor of Social Work in 2014 from Carleton University, and has since worked and volunteered for various 2SLGBTQI+ organisations nationally, and within Ottawa and Toronto. Noah previously worked at YouthLine in 2017, and is excited to be back leading and supporting operations.

Facilitator

Quinn Blue (he/they)
Program & Engagement Coordinator

Quinn Blue is a professional in 2SLGBTQIA+ education and programming. Quinn spent over a decade working in the student movement, having held equity and inclusion-focused roles at the University of Ottawa and at Algonquin College. His formal education is in Women and Gender Studies and in Teaching Adult Learners. They’ve volunteered extensively with the Ten Oaks Project, which taught them about the incredible value of community building. Quinn is passionate about change-making and learning.

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.

Advocating for Equity: Modernizing the Employment Equity Act [In French]
2026-03-03 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
March 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. This webinar will also take place in English on February 24.
Employment equity has been a priority for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada for over 50 years. Despite this long term advocacy, 2SLGBTQIA+ workers remain excluded from the Employment Equity Act’s protections, leaving them underrepresented in data and equity initiatives, and facing persistent barriers such as wage gaps, precarious work, and higher unemployment.
In September 2025, 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations gathered for coordinated advocacy on Parliament Hill, meeting with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, sharing a clear and united message: equity in employment is not optional—and the time to act is now.
It’s time for the Employment Equity Act to explicitly include 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black communities as designated groups, and to include stronger intersectional, transparent, and accountable mechanisms that reflect today’s workplace realities.
Join us to learn about our proposed updates to the Act, our advocacy work, and how you can get involved!
Learning objectives:

Understand the gaps in the Employment Equity Act
Learn about recommendations for the modernization of the Act
Explore advocacy efforts and strategies

Target audience:

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

Panelists

Bilan Arte (she/her)
National Representative, Human Rights Department
Canadian Labour Congress

Bilan Arte is an award-winning activist and organizer with over fifteen years of experience in campaigns, leadership, and movement building. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Ottawa, and she is the National Representative for Human Rights at the Canadian Labour Congress.
Bilan is a Black, Muslim feminist who lives and works in the unceded and never-surrendered traditional territories of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe peoples.
In all aspects of her work, Bilan is fueled by her passion for social justice and equity.

Alex Arseneau (he/him)
Alter Acadie NB

Alex Arseneau est directeur général d’Alter Acadie NB, le seul organisme de défense des droits 2SLGBTQIA+ francophone à l’est du Québec. Depuis son lancement en 2023, Alter Acadie NB s’est imposé comme un pilier du militantisme franco-queer au pays, notamment par son travail de plaidoyer et de revendication, ancré dans les réalités rurales, face à la montée de l’extrême droite et à l’intensification des attaques contre les droits queer.

Facilitator

Cynthia Eysseric (she/her)
Consulting Coordinator

Cynthia is a dedicated professional working at the intersection of feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and sexuality education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sexology from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a certificate in entrepreneurship and SME management from Université Laval, bringing a strategic and inclusive approach to her work. Her commitment to LGBTQ+ communities has led her to collaborate with several organizations, including the Réseau des lesbiennes du Québec (RLQ) and Club Sexu, where she serves as Vice President on the Board. She is also part of the team at Fierté au travail Canada, a national organization advocating for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Passionate about organizational inclusion, Cynthia began a graduate microprogram in equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace at Université Laval in 2024. Her work aims to strengthen intersectionality within the spaces she engages in, reinforcing her commitment to creating more just and representative environments.

Accessibility

Spoken language: French – This webinar will also take place in English on February 24.
Automatic translation: French to English
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.

Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy: From the Office to the Field [In English]
2026-03-17 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
Tuesday, March 17 from 1 PM to 2:30 PM ET – Ce webinaire aura lieu en français le 14 avril.
Canada’s energy sector is evolving, but for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, jobsites remain high-risk environments where harassment, hypermasculinity, and isolation are still seen as just part of the job. Based on the recent report “Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy,” published by Pride at Work Canada, this webinar offers concrete actions employers, unions, and community partners can take.
Over 90 minutes, we’ll begin with a brief presentation of key findings from the national qualitative study involving 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, business and people leaders, and community organizers. We’ll then move to a facilitated panel featuring experts, industry leaders, and community organizations, demonstrating how these findings can be put into practice, followed by an open Q&A.
Together, we’ll examine how homophobia and transphobia manifest on job sites, how office-focused DEI efforts often fail to reach field-based workers, and what is needed to rewire systems so that psychological and physical safety are seen as inseparable. We’ll also showcase promising practices: simple communication strategies, inclusive infrastructure, accountability mechanisms, and the roles of ERGs, mentorship, and leadership in fostering lasting change.
Format
90-minute webinar:

15 min – presentation of key research findings
45 min – panel discussion (3 speakers)
30 min – audience Q&A / group discussion

Key learning outcomes
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Recognize common ways homophobia and transphobia appear in energy workplaces, and how these behaviours impact inclusion, safety, and retention.
Identify gaps between office-centric DEI initiatives and field-based work, and understand why closing these gaps is essential to genuine workplace inclusion.
Apply the guide’s recommendations for practical actions to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ safety and inclusion.

Panelists

Mitchel Bowers
(he/they)

Mitchel Bowers, also known by his vibrant drag alter ego, Simma Downe, brings a unique and dynamic perspective to his work. Beyond being an advocate for inclusion, Mitchel is a seasoned performer with over 10 years of experience as Simma Downe, a captivating Metis Two Spirit Drag Queen. Mitchel is a champion for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and Two Spirit visibility. As the Executive Director of Wood Buffalo Pride and a founding member of the Oil Royals, he has played a crucial role in shaping the queer community in Fort McMurray. They have experience working across sectors including the energy sector, where they were a founding member of the companies 2SLGBTQ+ ERG, and helped drive systemic and policy change to improve inclusion. Their commitment extends to community-building initiatives, with a focus on human rights, safety, and security. Mitchel wears many hats serving on multiple boards including, Arts Council Wood Buffalo, the Missing, Murdered and Exploited Indigenous Peoples Task Force, and more.

Tee Albino
(they/them)

Tee Albino is presently the Human Rights Business Representative for the IBEW Local 353 in Toronto. They are also on the Executive Board of the OFL, on the Human Rights Advisory Committee of the CLC and on the executive board of the National Electrical Workers Minority Caucus. Tee has been involved on several committees and has held elected positions in the IBEW as well as working as an apprentice instructor for several years at their original local in Vancouver BC. They also sat on the OASIS committee for NETCO(National Electrical Trades Council) and was chair for the WAGE committee for EHRC(Electrical Human Resources Canada). They have also collaborated on the creation of and co-instructed for The Pathway Program for Women and Gender Diverse Folks for IBEW 353. They continue their human rights work through advocacy, training, coalition building and to encourage effective mentorship on the job working toward the transformation of construction culture.
They are presently working on Bystander Intervention Training for the Construction Industry. Through this and many other initiatives and training, they are hoping to transform the construction industry to a more equitable, inclusive atmosphere where all workers can feel a sense of belonging and be able to thrive. This will, hopefully, in turn filter into the community.

Témoc Vega
(they/them)

Témoc Vega, PhD, is the Learning and Development Coordinator at the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO). With a background in research, critical policy analysis, organizing, and teaching, they are building an educational program designed to actually work for ECAO members and their teams.
Beyond just improving efficiency or meeting compliance requirements, Témoc is focused on helping electrical contractors create workplaces that are inclusive, fulfilling, and collaborative. At the heart of this work is a commitment to building a genuine culture of learning, where workers at every level feel valued, empowered, and supported to grow in their current roles or advance into new ones if they choose.

Facilitator

Ting-Fai Yu (he/him)
Project Coordinator, Energy

Ting-Fai Yu is an anthropologist-turned-organizational consultant with extensive experience in academic and applied settings. As a scholar of transnational queer Chinese cultures, his research has appeared in field-shaping journals like the Journal of Homosexuality, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, and Journal of Intercultural Studies, as well as in landmark volumes such as the Elgar Encyclopedia of Queer Studies and Oxford Handbook of Language and Prejudice. He received his PhD in gender studies from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and has held faculty and research positions at Monash University, Leiden University, and the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study. As a DEI professional, Ting-Fai previously worked for Logitech as the first DEI Lead to oversee the Asia Pacific region and lead global Pride initiatives. He has been a faculty member of The Conference Board’s DEI Masterclass Certificate Program, training business and people leaders on workplace psychological safety and intercultural competence. His work in queer and organizational inclusion has been featured in global media outlets and leading industry publications, including BBC News, the HR Excellence Magazine, and HRM Asia.

Accessibility

Spoken language: English – Ce webinaire aura lieu en français le 14 avril.
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.

Quebec Ambassador Meeting
2026-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, March 18, 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/

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

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

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

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

Accessibility:

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

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

Manitoba Ambassador Meeting
2026-03-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Winnipeg)
Wednesday March 25, 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/

BC Ambassador Meeting
2026-04-09 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver)
Thursday, April 9 | 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/

Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy: From the Office to the Field [In French]
2026-04-14 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
Tuesday, April 14 2026 1PM to 2:30PM ET – This webinar is taking place in English on March 17.
Canada’s energy sector is evolving, but for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, jobsites remain high-risk environments where harassment, hypermasculinity, and isolation are still seen as just part of the job. Based on the recent report “Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy,” published by Pride at Work Canada, this webinar offers concrete actions employers, unions, and community partners can take.
Over 90 minutes, we’ll begin with a brief presentation of key findings from the national qualitative study involving 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, business and people leaders, and community organizers. We’ll then move to a facilitated panel featuring experts, industry leaders, and community organizations, demonstrating how these findings can be put into practice, followed by an open Q&A.
Together, we’ll examine how homophobia and transphobia manifest on job sites, how office-focused DEI efforts often fail to reach field-based workers, and what is needed to rewire systems so that psychological and physical safety are seen as inseparable. We’ll also showcase promising practices: simple communication strategies, inclusive infrastructure, accountability mechanisms, and the roles of ERGs, mentorship, and leadership in fostering lasting change.
Format
90-minute webinar:

15 min – presentation of key research findings
45 min – panel discussion (3 speakers)
30 min – audience Q&A / group discussion

Key learning outcomes
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Recognize common ways homophobia and transphobia appear in energy workplaces, and how these behaviours impact inclusion, safety, and retention.
Identify gaps between office-centric DEI initiatives and field-based work, and understand why closing these gaps is essential to genuine workplace inclusion.
Apply the guide’s recommendations for practical actions to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ safety and inclusion.

Panelists

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

Jennifer Petrela (she/her) 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 Queer Chamber of Commerce on Out For Business, the Chamber’s mentorship program for entrepreneurs. In 2003, she co-directed a study on women in STEM in Québec and collaborated on a book presenting the study’s recommendations. Jennifer volunteers regularly as a mentor and is herself a mentee in perpetual evolution.

Pasquale Lo Mascolo (he/him)
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor, Hydro-Québec

Pasquale Lo Mascolo is an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor at Hydro-Québec. In this role, he helps design and implement organizational strategies aimed at strengthening equity, representation, and a sense of belonging within the organization. He draws on a diverse professional background in communications, marketing, and internal engagement, expertise that allows him to address EDI issues with a keen understanding of levers of influence, stakeholder engagement, and cultural transformation. Pasquale has been actively involved in advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ communities for several years, notably as co-chair of the Conseil québécois LGBT and as a member of the communications and marketing committee for Pride at Work Canada. Guided by an intersectional approach and a deep sense of social justice, he works to build inclusive, humane, and bold workplaces where every person can feel recognized, respected, and valued.

Facilitator

Cynthia Eysseric (she/her)
Consulting Coordinator

Cynthia is a dedicated professional working at the intersection of feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and sexuality education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sexology from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a certificate in entrepreneurship and SME management from Université Laval, bringing a strategic and inclusive approach to her work. Her commitment to LGBTQ+ communities has led her to collaborate with several organizations, including the Réseau des lesbiennes du Québec (RLQ) and Club Sexu, where she serves as Vice President on the Board. She is also part of the team at Fierté au travail Canada, a national organization advocating for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Passionate about organizational inclusion, Cynthia began a graduate microprogram in equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace at Université Laval in 2024. Her work aims to strengthen intersectionality within the spaces she engages in, reinforcing her commitment to creating more just and representative environments.

Accesibility:

Spoken language: French – This webinar is taking place in English on March 17.
Automatic translation: French to English
Closed 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.

Calgary Roundtable: Outside the Main Office
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Edmonton) | Norton Rose Fulbright – Calgary, 400 3 Ave SW, Suite 3700, Calgary, AB, T2P 4H2, Canada
Hosted by Norton Rose Fulbright
April 16, 2026 | 12PM – 1:30PM MST | By Invitation*
Pride at Work Canada is pleased to convene employers, leaders, and equity practitioners for a Calgary-based roundtable hosted by Norton Rose Fulbright. Inspired by the report “Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy,” this discussion will explore what inclusion looks like beyond headquarters—across worksites, client locations, field operations, and other non-traditional or decentralized workplaces.
Participants will engage in a candid, peer-based conversation about the unique challenges and opportunities facing 2SLGBTQIA+ workers in energy and related sectors, particularly where organizational culture, policies, and supports must travel outside the main office. The roundtable will examine how employers can foster safety, belonging, and visibility in environments shaped by geography, operational demands, and legacy norms.
This session is designed to surface practical strategies, emerging practices, and shared accountability for advancing inclusion where it is often hardest to sustain.
Discussion topics will include:

Creating inclusive cultures across remote, field-based, and client-facing environments
Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ employees in traditionally male-dominated or high-risk worksites
Leadership responsibility and allyship outside corporate headquarters
Policy implementation, accountability, and adaptability across locations
Lessons learned from the energy sector and transferable insights for other industries

This roundtable is open to Pride at Work Canada member organizations and invited guests. Participation is encouraged from HR, DEI professionals, senior leaders, and those responsible for workforce culture and operations.
Accessibility

Spoken language: English

Please inform us of any accessibility requests upon confirmation of registration. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

* 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 this or any future events, you can reach out to Jose Patiño-Gomez, Director of Stakeholder Engagement & Advancement, or fill out this short form to register your interest.
