Pride At Work Canada

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.

Manitoba Ambassador Meeting
2025-08-12 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto)

Montreal ProPride 2025
2025-08-06 16:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM EDT – This in-person event is open to all who wish to register.

Presented by Desjardins.
In collaboration with EY, BDC, sid lee and Fierté Montréal
Join us on August 6 for a vibrant evening of connection, celebration, and community, hosted by Pride at Work Canada in the heart of Tio’tia:ke/Montréal. Montréal ProPride event is all about bringing together folks who are committed to safeguarding and uplifting 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights in their workplaces and beyond.
Whether you’re a professional, job seeker, community advocate, or ally, this is a space to meet others who share your values, exchange experiences, and build relationships rooted in community and connection. Together, we’ll honour the work being done to create safer, more accessible spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across all sectors.
Come ready to connect, be inspired, and celebrate what’s possible when we lead with intention and solidarity.
HOST

Barbada

Dynamic, funny and endearing, Barbada is a drag artist who has been performing across Canada since 2005. Versatile, she delivers disco, pop and dance performances in the evening and hosts story time for children of all ages during the day.

SCHEDULE
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT – Panel Discussion presented by BDC (by registration – 70 spots available, granting access to the cocktail)

BDC offices (BDC Square 5 Place Ville Marie Rez-de-Chaussée Montréal, Qc)

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM EDT – Pride Walk – Please join us for a short (5 minute) walk between the BDC and Sid Lee offices. Led by Barbada please bring your flags, your Pride t-shirt, and your excitement as we march gayfully from one office to the other. Pride is a movement, not just a moment.
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT – Montreal ProPride Cocktail presented by Desjardins

sid lee offices (sid lee 12102-1 Place Ville Marie, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 3Y1, Canada)

SPONSORS
PRESENTED BY

IN COLLABORATION WITH

Panel
The Cost of Silence: Why Allyship Matters Now More Than Ever
In a time marked by increasing visibility and simultaneous backlash against 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, silence is not neutrality—it’s complicity. This panel explores the critical role of allyship in standing up for two-spirit, queer and trans human rights and the challenges 2SLGBTQIA+ communities continue to face across workplaces, communities, and public life.
Our panelists—leaders, advocates, and changemakers—will unpack the real-world consequences of inaction and the power of intentional, sustained allyship. Together, we’ll examine the personal and collective costs of silence, the discomfort of learning and unlearning, and how meaningful solidarity can look in different contexts.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What does allyship actually look like?” or “How can I do better?”, this conversation is for you.
Moderator:

Florence Gagnon (she/her)
Manager of Brand & Sponsorships, Pride at Work Canada

Florence Gagnon holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Concordia University. She has spent the last 10 years working to ‘spread the word’ and increase visibility for lesbians within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2012, she created a platform to provide a resource to lesbian communities, Lez Spread The Word, the first bilingual website of its kind in Canada. In 2014, she launched the FÉMININ / FÉMININ television series, with director Chloé Robichaud (Sarah Préfère la Course and Boudaries), who won two Gemini Awards in Quebec and several international prizes in 2015. In 2016, she published the first LSTW magazine, a 230-page bilingual annual magazine that stands out in stores across Canadian provinces, European capitals and major US cities. She was awarded the Publisher Grand Prix at the National Magazine Awards in 2021 and 2025.

Panelists:

Angélique Pelée de Saint Maurice (she/her)
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor, Desjardins

Born in France, Angélique settled in Quebec nearly ten years ago, after several transatlantic trips. An equity, diversity, and inclusion advisor, she is actively involved in advancing causes that are close to her heart, both in her professional and personal life. A member of the Desjardins LGBTQ+ Committee and a proud ally of the community, Angélique is also the mother of a non-binary teenager, which fuels her deep commitment to a more inclusive and caring world.

Mathieu Ménard (il/lui)
Entrepreneur

Mathieu Ménard, former marketing and branding strategist (TUX, Featuring), launched Le Chasseur, a gourmet restaurant nestled in the working-class neighborhood of Hochelaga, in 2012. Against all odds, the establishment rose to become one of the 50 best restaurants in Montreal. A series of notable projects followed: Brasserie Blind Pig (2015), the Gargantua food truck and La Tannerie restaurant (2016), the Minéral wine bar (2020, winner of five design awards), and the complete rebranding of the Waverly bar (2021).

Tamara Tepox (she/they)
Queer Activist | DEI Leader | Founder of Alstom True Colours

Tamara Tepox is a proud Mexican-Canadian and long-standing queer activist, advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights since 1999. With a deep commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, Tamara creates spaces where vulnerability is embraced, difficult conversations are encouraged, and healing can begin.
Professionally, Tamara is the founder and co-lead of Alstom True Colours, the company’s first 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group. Through this initiative, they drive meaningful change by fostering inclusion and visibility within the corporate world.
In 2021, Tamara launched the Rainbow Train, a Virtual Pride March that redefines workplace celebration by inviting participation through any form of physical activity. This innovative project earned national acclaim, receiving the 2023 CUTA Canadian Urban Transportation Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Tamara holds a degree in Natural Sciences from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana and blends activism, creativity, and leadership to uplift queer communities and artists. Their work continues to inspire transformation across corporate, cultural, and public spaces.

Victoria F. Legault (elle/la)
Executive Director, Aide aux Trans du Québec

Victoria F. Legault is a trans woman from Abitibi-Témiscamingue with an unconventional professional background. At 24, she is the Executive Director of Aide aux Trans du Québec and previously worked as a deputy clerk at the Quebec Ministry of Justice for nearly two years, primarily serving in Northern Quebec. Victoria is also a member of the Union des artistes and currently holds the “Under 30” seat on the board of Égides – the International Francophone Alliance for Equality and Diversities.
A long-time advocate for LGBTQI+ rights, she sits on several community-based research committees and is deeply passionate about the nonprofit sector. She is currently completing the Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business program at Harvard Business School Online.

Tickets:
Register today for this in person event.
Panel and Cocktail Reception*

Member tickets (Proud Partners and Community Partners): $80 (+ taxes)
Non-member tickets: $120 (+ taxes)

Cocktail Reception*

Member tickets (Proud Partners and Community Partners): $20 (+ taxes)
Non-member tickets: $40 (+ taxes)

*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.
About ProPride:
ProPride is an innovative event series hosted by Pride at Work Canada, bringing together inclusive employers, 2SLGBTQIA+ thought leaders, and community organizations for engaging conversations, networking opportunities, panel and roundtable discussions. With a commitment to creating inclusive spaces beyond Pride celebrations, ProPride provides a dynamic environment for employees, job seekers, and community members, as well as employers committed to 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights in the workplace. Join us for access to the most relevant topics and current research, as we celebrate progress in 2SLGBTQIA+ leadership and human rights and create a better, more welcoming future for all.
If you would like to register after the deadline, please send an email to events@prideatwork.ca.

Atlantic Ambassador Meeting
2025-07-22 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Toronto)

Ottawa Roundtable on the Status of 2SLGBTQIA+ Human Rights
2025-07-16 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto)
Hosted by Gowling WLG, Ottawa, Canada, in Collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Canada
On July 16, leaders from civil society, the private sector, and government will come together to explore how Canada and the Netherlands can learn from each other’s approaches to affirming the human rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, with a special focus on queer and trans economic participation. This roundtable brings together a diverse cross-section of leaders, advocates, policy experts, senior executives, and government officials, each offering a unique perspective on the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their connection to Canada’s economy.
Following the roundtable, a small reception welcomes a broader group of community members, advocates, and professionals—extending the conversation in a more informal setting and fostering connection 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.

Winnipeg ProPride 2025
2025-05-28 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Winnipeg) | Canadian Museum for Human Rights, 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0L5, Canada
May 28, 2025 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm CT – This in-person event is free and open to all who wish to register. There is a paid workshop connected to the event for those who wish to participate.

Join Pride at Work Canada for an engaging evening of networking and connection, dedicated to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and fostering inclusive workplaces. This event brings together professionals, community members, and job seekers from diverse industries to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in conversations about human rights in the workplace, inspired by the exhibit Love in a Dangerous Time, which reflects on the LGBT Purge and its ongoing impact. Hosted by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, this gathering offers a welcoming space to expand your network, gain new insights, and connect with like-minded individuals committed to driving positive change.
HOST PARTNER

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0L5

Learning Objectives:

Connect with leaders from a variety of industries.

Audience:

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

Speaker:

Albert McLeod (he/him, she/her),
2Spirit Advocate, Human Rights Activist & Consultant

Albert McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk [nish-i-ch-way-a-sik] Cree Nation and the Metis communities of Cross Lake and Norway House in northern Manitoba. He has over thirty years of experience as a human rights activist and was one of the founders of the 2-Spirited People of Manitoba. Albert began his 2Spirit advocacy in Winnipeg in 1986 and became an HIV/AIDS activist in 1987. He was the director of the Manitoba Aboriginal AIDS Task Force from 1991 to 2001. In 2018, Albert received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg. He was also a member of the sub-working group that produced the MMIWG – 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Action Plan Report in 2020-2021. In 2020, Albert joined Team Thunderhead, the team that recently won the international competition to design the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument in Ottawa. Albert lives in Winnipeg, where he works as a consultant specializing in Indigenous peoples, 2Spirit history and identity, cultural reclamation, and cross-cultural training.

Emcee:

Issa Kixen
Producer, CBC

Issa Kixen is an Anishinaabe Two Spirit comedian/journalist/Producer who is a band member of Couchiching First Nation, Ontario. They have travelled across Canada and the USA as a Comedian and improviser. They use comedy as a tool in dealing with racism, transphobia and ableism.

Performer:

Artemyst, the Bannock Babes

Artemyst is a dynamic and captivating Two-Spirit drag performer based on Treaty 1 Territory. As a member of the Bannock Babes – an all Indigenous drag collective, Artemyst has been electrifying the stage since premiering a little over a year ago. She is celebrated for her performances that blend artistry with glamour, humour, theatricality, and a touch of mystery. As your current reigning Entertainer of the Year, Artemyst brings elegance, nerve, and everything in between to every appearance.

Accessibility:

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

Fireside Chat with Harini Sivalingam: Legal Challenges Facing the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community
May 28, 2025 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm CT
Canadian Museum for Human Rights, 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0L5
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking fireside chat with Harini Sivalingam who is the Director of Equality Programs at the Canadian Civil Liberties Union, a distinguished legal expert and advocate, as part of Pride at Work Canada’s Winnipeg ProPride event. In this conversation, we will explore the current legal challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including barriers to equality, discrimination in workplaces and public spaces, and the evolving landscape of human rights protections in Canada.
With a wealth of experience in social justice and legal advocacy, Harini will provide valuable insights into pressing legal issues, recent policy developments, and strategies for fostering greater inclusivity and protection under the law. This discussion will offer attendees an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape and how they can contribute to meaningful change.
Whether you are an employer, a community advocate, or simply interested in learning more about legal rights and protections, this fireside chat is an essential conversation on the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with an expert and be part of a dialogue that shapes a more inclusive future.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the Current Legal Landscape – Gain insight into the key legal challenges affecting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including discrimination, barriers to accessing justice, and recent policy changes in Canada.
Explore the Impact of Legal Barriers – Examine how legal and systemic challenges impact 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in workplaces, healthcare, and public life, and discuss strategies for addressing these barriers.
Empower Advocacy and Action – Learn how individuals, organizations, and allies can support legal advocacy efforts, promote inclusive policies, and contribute to meaningful change for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Canada.

Audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ community members
Lawyers and legal professionals
Allies looking to understand the legal challenges facing 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

Tickets:

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

* The workshop includes a post-event VIQ reception from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM CT, where you’ll have the chance to network with fellow guests.
For in-person access, please register here (limited capacity).
Keynote Speaker:

Harini Sivalingam (she/her)
Director of the Equality Program, CCLA

Harini Sivalingam (she/her) is Director of the Equality Program at the CCLA. She oversees and executes advocacy strategies for marginalized individuals and groups whose right to full equality has not been realized. Her work at CCLA includes monitoring significant equality issues and egregious violations across Canada, strategizing on litigation interventions, public outreach and education, and engagement with policymakers of issues concerning equality.
Harini is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and has law degrees from Osgoode Hall Law School (LLB) and McGill University (LLM). She is in the process of completing a PhD in Socio-Legal Studies at York University, pursing research on the lived experiences of maritime forced migrants as they navigate legal and non-legal governance over borders and mobilities.
Harini is also an adjunct instructor in the Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law at Queen’s University and has taught courses on the Foundations of Canadian Immigration Law and Refugee Protection Law.
Harini has advocated for access to justice in low-income communities as a law student and lawyer working in community legal aid clinics in the area of worker’s rights, tenant’s rights, advocating for social assistance and ODSP recipients, and newcomer and refugee communities.
For over two decades Harini has been involved in anti-racism activism and community organizing on domestic and international human rights issues. She was an intern at the International Service for Human Rights in Geneva, monitoring and reporting on various United Nations human rights bodies. Harini has also served on the Board of Directors for Lawyer’s Rights Watch Canada.

Moderator:

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

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

Webinar: Busting Myths About DEI Data: Your Rights, Responsibilities, and Opportunities [Partners Only - EN]
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
Data collection is a cornerstone of successful DEI strategies, yet many organizations struggle to navigate the complexities of ethical and effective practices. This session will address common myths surrounding DEI data, clarify legal rights and responsibilities, and highlight opportunities for leveraging SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression) data to drive workplace inclusion.
With International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17, this webinar provides timely insights into how data collection can support efforts to combat systemic barriers faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ employees. By understanding key workforce trends, organizations can take meaningful actions to build equitable workplaces and uphold their commitments to diversity and inclusion.
Learning objectives:

Understand your legal rights and responsibilities around DEI data collection.
Learn how to leverage SOGIE data to inform your DEI initiatives.
Identify systemic barriers and use data to create targeted, effective solutions.

Target Audience:

HR leaders,
DEI professionals, and
Compliance teams.

About the speaker:

Sophia Dhrolia (she/her, they/them)
Sophia Dhrolia (she/they) is a DEI leader who is passionate about building a culture that values diversity, champions inclusion, and promotes collaboration to drive business results. She is committed to developing environments where differences are valued and where people are empowered to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. She focuses on breaking down systemic barriers, driving positive change in organizations, and on improving experiences.
Sophia speaks regularly on the importance of advocacy, inclusive language and creating cultures of belonging. She has been a keynote speaker for Steps of Pride 2022, CPHR in BC and Yukon, a featured guest on the ‘Mom Strength’ podcast and in high school classrooms. She is also the proud recipient of the 2024 Women in Payments advocate for Diversity & Inclusion award and 2022 Women in IT ‘Diversity Lead of the Year’ award.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Subtitles provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Type of engagement: participants are invited to interact via the chat (no audio or video)
Please register below for any additional accessibility requests. For any questions, you can email info@prideatwork.ca.

Registration for this event has closed.

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

THRIVE 2025 - Virtual Leadership Program
2025-05-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-29 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-22 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
THRIVE is a ten-week virtual program that will develop the next generation of Two-Spirit, queer and trans people managers. Participants will get exclusive access to queer and trans leaders working at the highest levels of Canadian business and engage in important peer-to-peer discussions. Through live Zoom sessions, collaborative group study, and self-directed work our fifth THRIVE cohort will collectively unlock their potential as out leaders.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
The fifth cohort of THRIVE will support a positive learning environment and peer-to-peer learning. The process by which those interested in participating will open on Thursday, December 5, 2024. The deadline for applications will be Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Those selected for the fifth THRIVE cohort will pay a participation fee, due upon acceptance:

Fee for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners & Community Partners: $1,500 (plus applicable taxes)
Fee for employees of other organizations: $2,000 (plus applicable taxes)

Applicants who are self-employed, employed by a nonprofit or by a registered charity may indicate their interest in being considered for a scholarship to THRIVE. Those accepted as scholarship participants will be charged no fee for participation.
Visit our THRIVE 2025 page for further details.

SPARK Toronto 2025
2025-04-30 13:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | EY Tower – Toronto, 100 Adelaide St W - 40th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5H 0E2, Canada
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM EDT – This in-person paid leadership event is open to all who wish to register and has a limited number of participants.

Find inspiration. Leave with a new perspective. Spark impactful change.
SPARK Toronto 2025 is an exclusive, interactive event that connects business leaders with the global change makers who are driving 2SLGBTQIA+ equity forward. Unlike traditional conferences, SPARK Toronto 2025 fosters intimate, impactful connections with individuals who are shaping the global workplace and human rights landscapes.
This is not a “sit and listen” event that could be replaced with a webinar. SPARK Toronto 2025 is a must-attend experience that brings together cutting-edge strategies, and actionable insights for businesses ready to elevate their approach to inclusion in Canada and globally.
This Year’s Theme: From Global to Local
As we have been seeing worldwide progress for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion over the past decades, we are now seeing a global backlash against Two-spirit, queer, and trans rights. This backlash has been global in reach with a number of countries recriminalizing LGBTQIA+ people, restricting access to gender-affirming care, banning drag as an artform, the banning of books and more. With international speakers this SPARK will focus on how we continue to promote 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion at home within this global context.
Event Objectives:

Global Insights, Local Impact: Showcase strategies for workforce effectiveness by engaging directly with human rights advocates and business leaders from Canada, the USA, Mexico, the Netherlands and beyond.
Connection & Collaboration: Create unique opportunities to interact face-to-face with changemakers like David Pollard (he/him), Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Workplace Pride Foundation, and other global leaders.
Action-Oriented Learning: Provide actionable takeaways for Canadian companies to thrive in:
Tougher markets where LGBTQIA+ rights are under threat.
Emerging markets where opportunities are expanding with recent advancements like same-sex marriage legalization or decriminalization of homosexuality.
Deepen Sponsorship Impact: Align sponsor brands with global 2SLGBTQIA+ progress while creating authentic connections with decision-makers in HR and workforce development.

GOLD SPONSOR

HOST SPONSOR & LOCATION

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

Keynote Speaker:

David Pollard (he/him)
Executive Director, Workplace Pride Foundation

David Pollard is co-founder and Executive Director of the Workplace Pride Foundation. The Foundation represents the LGBTIQ+ networks of more than 130 prominent companies and organizations and strives for greater LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion internationally.
He has worked for 30+ years in the international corporate world, 20 of which have been dealing with LGBTIQ+ issues from an international Civil Society perspective. David is founder and former Global Chairman of ING’s LGBTIQ+ employee network and, in his 16 year career at ING, fulfilled a number of responsibilities including the creation and management of ING’s European Affairs Department.
David holds degrees in International Relations (BA, Political Science and Business, University of Oklahoma, USA) and in European Affairs (Masters: Diplome d’Etudes Europeén, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium). He lives in Amsterdam with his husband Michael.

Emcee:

Tranna Wintour (she/her)

Tranna Wintour was revealed to the French-Canadian audience during her remarkable stint in the second season of Big Brother Célébrités, the Quebec version of Celebrity Big Brother, in which her personality, her resilience and her humour burst onto the screen.
However, Tranna’s career began about ten years earlier in Anglophone Canada, where she was actively developing her talents as a comedian, singer, author and producer. In 2019, she was named one of the 10 most promising comedians of Just for Laugh’s New Faces. That same year, Fashion Magazine crowned her as one of the queens of Canadian comedy. During this period, one of her flagship projects, the Chosen Family podcast produced by CBC, was named one of the best podcasts by Apple Canada for two consecutive years.
Since then, she has been a regular on a number of French and English events, including Juste pour rire, ComédiHa! and Just for Laughs galas, and popular TV shows such as En direct de l’univers and La semaine des 4 Julie. She is also a recurring featured guest on a lot of Quebec radio stations and podcasts.
Her career on stage continues to evolve at a rapid pace, thanks to her English-speaking or bilingual shows which garner significant attention from the media and the public. In 2023, Tranna was frequently called upon to open for the immensely popular comedian Matteo Lane, which she still does brilliantly to this day.
Tranna is more than ever an icon of the LGBTQ2S+ community, both in French-speaking and in English-speaking circles.

Speakers:

Grandmother Kim Wheatley (she/her)
Anishinaabe Cultural Consultant

Traditional Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley is Ojibway, Potawatomi and Caribbean in ancestry. She is a band member of Shawanaga First Nation located on the shores of Georgian Bay on Robinson Huron Treaty Territories and is Turtle Clan. She carries the Spirit name “Head or Leader of the Fireflower” and has worked for 3 decades with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Communities across Canada.
As a multi award winning speaker for over 3 decades Kim has appeared locally, nationally and internationally in books, magazines, television, radio and numerous news articles. She is a published author, hand drummer, singer, water walker, artist & ceremonial practitioner. Kim is committed to forging good relationships based on acts of reconciliation that honour the past, connect the present and contribute to the future.

Shawnie Hawkins (she/her)
Senior Director of the Workplace Equality Program, HRC Foundation

RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, SHRM-CP (she/her) Senior Director for the Workplace Equality Program at HRC Foundation. She has been an advocate and educator on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion for over 15 years. In this role with HRC, she is responsible for managing key corporate and constituent engagement programs, namely educational resource development, training, ongoing communication platforms and multimedia projects addressing current and emerging LGBTQ+ subjects for advancing workplace inclusion efforts. Before joining the Foundation, she worked in the corporate space as a Human Resources Business Partner and as a Leadership Development professional, designing and implementing training curriculums for organizations across multiple industries like retail and telecommunications. RaShawn holds a BS from the University of Iowa and has a Leading in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification from Northwestern University.

Francisco Robledo (he/him)
Founder & managing partner, ADIL diversidad e inclusion laboral. Implementing partner for Human Rights Campaign Foundation in Mexico

Entrepreneur, consultant and strategist in workplace inclusion since 2010. Trainer and speaker with 15 years of work experience, with special focus and interest in LGBTQ+ people. Graduate in Information Systems from UNAM. He worked in companies such as 3M and Telefónica Movistar. He was part of the 2024 class of Stanford University’s LGBTQ Executive Leadership Program.
In 2014, he founded ADIL Diversity and Labor Inclusion, a consultancy firm to promote total inclusion and non-discrimination policies and procedures for all people in their workspaces. Strategist behind initiatives such as forums on good practices of workplace inclusion, national surveys on workplace discrimination, editorial projects to make executive leaders visible in favor of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Regarding LGBTQ+ matters, since 2016 it has implemented in Mexico the certification for companies HRC Equidad MX Best Places to Work LGBTQ+ Equality, from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which in its 2025 edition more than 300 companies participate and impacto more than 1.4 million workers. From 2011 to 2022, he served more than 1,000 same-gender couples in civil registry procedures since the approval of marriage equality in Mexico City, until it was legislated in all the states of the country.

Moderators:

Latoya Nugent (she/her)
Head of Engagement, Rainbow Railroad

Latoya Nugent is a Black queer feminist, refugee, and movement strategist with over 15 years of experience in education, advocacy, and organizational leadership. Rooted in the Freirean philosophy of teaching for transformation, Latoya centers lived-expertise and collective power to reimagine systems and co-create a liberated future.
As Head of Engagement, at Rainbow Railroad, she leads high-impact strategies in design thinking, public engagement, and partnership development, driving alignment around a bold mission for global queer liberation. Her portfolio includes communications, volunteer mobilization, and refugee leadership—bridging community wisdom with institutional innovation to amplify reach and deepen impact.
Latoya’s leadership has been instrumental in the Caribbean, where she pioneered work at the intersection of Black feminisms, queer identities, and economic justice. A respected critical thinker and visionary, she continues to influence global conversations on equity and belonging.
Latoya has made Canada her home, thanks to the radical and revolutionary work of Rainbow Railroad and the kindness and compassion of The 519.

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

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

Jose Patiño-Gomez (he/him)
Director of External Relations,
Pride at Work Canada
Agenda:

1:30pm – 2:45pm: Welcome and Opening Keynotes
2:45pm – 3:00pm: Networking Session / Break
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Regional Roundtable Discussions
4:00pm – 4:15pm: Networking Session / Break
4:15pm – 5:00pm: Key Reflections and Closing
5:00pm – 7:00pm: Networking Reception

Roundtable Facilitators:

USA: Colin Druhan (he/him), Executive Director, Pride at Work Canada & Shawnie Hawkins (she/her), Senior Director of the Workplace Equality Program, HRC Foundation
Mexico/Latam: Jose Patiño-Gomez (he/him), Director of External Relations, Pride at Work Canada & Francisco Robledo (he/him), Founder & managing partner, ADIL diversidad e inclusion laboral. (Implementing partner for HRC Mexico)
Europe: Jade Pichette (they/them), Director of Programs, Pride at Work Canada & David Pollard (he/him), Executive Director, Workplace Pride Foundation

What Makes SPARK Unique?

Intimacy and Access: This is an event where you don’t just hear from the leaders—you meet them.
Global Perspectives: SPARK Toronto 2025 provides the rare opportunity to engage with advocates and experts from Canada’s major trading partners (USA, Mexico and the EU) and beyond.
Future-Focused: With a focus on actionable insights, attendees leave equipped to drive real change within their organizations.

Audience:

C-suite and Senior Leaders
DEI and HR Professionals
2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group leaders

Accreditation Hours:
This program has been approved for 3 CPD hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA). For more information about certification or continuing professional development, visit the HRPA website at: www.hrpa.ca.
Registration and Pricing:
LIMITED SEATS – Purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Registration is now open on Eventbrite, and the participation fees are:
Partner tickets: Senior leaders of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners & Community Partners

$345.00 (+ tax) – Early Bird Price (Until March 20th)
$445.00 (+ tax) – Regular Price

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

$545.00 (+ tax) – Early Bird Price (Until March 20th)
$645.00 (+ tax) – Regular Price

Exclusive Access & Discounts: *All registrants will also receive an exclusive 15% discount to attend the Future of Work Canada 2025, taking place on April 1-2, 2025. **Early Bird registrants are eligible to apply for a complimentary VIP pass to the Future of Work Canada 2025 – Future Talent Conference. Passes are limited and will be granted to applicants who meet the required criteria (director level and above).
On Eventbrite, participants will be asked to inform some personal & professional details, accessibility requests, food restrictions & allergies, and to rank the roundtable conversations. For any additional questions reach out to us at events@prideatwork.ca.

Webinar: Vote Rainbow Equality: Engaging in the Federal Election [EN]
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT
With a federal election underway, join us to explore how you can show up and vote for issues impacting queer and trans people. This session will equip attendees with strategies to protect and uphold queer and trans human rights, and push back against the targeting of queer and trans human rights.
Fae Johnstone of the Society of Queer Momentum, will share the creative, engaging, and non-partisan election campaigns “Drag the Vote” and “Vote Rainbow Equality”. Learn how you and your communities and workplaces can get out to vote for the issues that matter.
Learning objectives:

Understand the Drag the Vote and Vote Rainbow Equality Campaigns
Explore how queer and trans issues are being targeted
Learn practical actions to protect and uphold queer and trans human rights

Target audience:

Queer and trans people
Allies dedicated to upholding human rights

Presenter

Fae Johnstone (she/her), Executive Director, Society of Queer Momentum
Fae Johnstone has dedicated her life to advancing equality, freedom and rights for queer and trans people. With over a decade of advocacy under her belt, she is a force to be reckoned with and one of Canada’s most prominent queer human rights advocates.
As Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Society of Queer Momentum, Fae is on a mission to mobilize advocates and allies towards a more free, equal and socially just future. Within her advocacy, she travels across Canada supporting queer advocates and allies on the ground, gracing conference stages and building bridges with allies and sibling movements in every province and territory.
Fae has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including serving as Grand Marshal of the Ottawa Capital Pride Parade in 2023 and National Grand Marshal of Saskatoon Pride in 2024. She was also on a chocolate bar.

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

Webinar: Legal Best Practices for Addressing Workplace Harassment [Partners Only - EN]
2025-04-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners.
In today’s evolving workplace, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported requires more than good intentions—it demands a solid foundation of policies, resources, and structured education for both staff and management. This webinar will explore the key measures organizations need to implement to drive inclusivity and respect for individual circumstances, with a focus on confidentiality and privacy.
Legal expert and guest speaker, Stephanie Young, will guide participants through the intersection of human rights principles, occupational health and safety obligations, and relevant case laws. Additionally, the session will cover strategies to prevent and address harassment in the workplace, ensuring compliance with legal standards while promoting a safe and supportive environment for all employees.
Join us to gain valuable insights into building a workplace that upholds dignity, safety, and inclusivity through practical legal frameworks and best practices.
Learning objectives:

Understand legal foundations of inclusion and gain insights into human rights principles, case law, and occupational health and safety obligations, particularly as they relate to sexual harassment, discrimination in the workplace
Learn how to create policies that respect employee confidentiality while ensuring inclusivity, allowing employees to feel safe and supported
Equip leaders with the knowledge to manage incidents such as harassment or discrimination, ensuring they are handled with legal and organizational accountability while protecting affected employees

Target audience:

HR professionals,
DEI leads,
senior executives,
legal and compliance officers,
Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders,
health and safety officers, and
legal counsel.

Presenter

Stephanie Young (she/her), Partner, Borden Lander Gervais:
Stephanie practices labour and employment and human rights law. She advises public and private sector employers on a variety of employment and labour relations matters, including employment standards, policy development and revision, contracts, health and safety, accommodations and discrimination, severance packages and terminations, collective agreements, workplace harassment investigations and discipline. Stephanie represents employers in employment and labour-related litigation, including wrongful and constructive dismissals, employment class actions, human rights applications and grievance arbitrations.
In addition to her employment practice, Stephanie advises and represents health sector clients and other service providers in human rights cases pertaining to patient care or customer service. She is also experienced in accessibility legislation and accessibility compliance audits.
Stephanie has appeared as employer counsel before the Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, the Ontario Labour Relations Board and labour arbitrators.

Accessibility:

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

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