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Transforming Workplace Opportunities Summit
Vancouver B.C. March 10th -11th, 2025
Transforming Workplace Opportunities Employer Program Committee will meet in Vancouver, BC to bring together a diverse team of experts from technology, communications, construction, education, and Indigenous entrepreneurship to create a groundbreaking initiative that drives meaningful change. With a wealth of knowledge and lived experiences, the committee is dedicated to contributing towards the design of an employer program that is practical, inclusive, and impactful. Grounded in the seven key elements of workplace transformation, we work collaboratively to develop strategies that empower organizations to implement equitable policies, foster inclusive cultures, and attract top talent. By uniting leaders from various industries, we are building a program that not only meets the evolving needs of employers but also ensures lasting, systemic change for a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The Women in Leadership Foundation acknowledges the financial support of Women and Gender Equality Canada to make this initiative possible.
La Fondation pour la femme dirigeante tient à souligner le soutien financier de Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada qui a rendu cette initiative possible.
Schedule
March 10
Day 1: Laying the Foundation for Workplace Transformation
Day One will be dedicated to inclusive culture and creating culturally safe workplaces. The morning begins with a welcome session and icebreaker, introducing our advisory committee and setting the stage for collaborative discussions.
The first session will be led by Sxwpilemaat Siyam / Chief Leanne Joe, who will provide valuable training and insights into creating Culturally Safe Spaces.
Following lunch, we will continue the training, the committee will then be invited to discuss how their organizations create safe spaces and provide recommendations to other employers on how to implement strategies that support safety. The day concludes with a strategic discussion on the WIL Indigenous Futures Forum & WIL Day, gathering feedback to enhance event planning and impact.
Day 1
9:00 - 9:45
Territorial Welcome
Icebreaker Exercise
Welcome & Coffee
Intro to Advisory Committee
9:45 -10:00
Break
10:00 - 11:30
Chief Leanne shares knowledge on Cultivating Safe Spaces
3:00 - 3:30
Wrap up
11:30 - 12:30
Lunch ~ this will be a catered lunch
12:30- 2:00
Cultivating Safe Spaces
2:00- 2:15
Review how Cultivating Safe Spaces can contribute to Pathways to Placement
2:15 - 3:00
Discussion on WIL Indigenous Futures Forum & WIL Day & promotional events
6:30 - 8:00
Team Dinner
March 11
Day 2: Building Actionable Strategies for Inclusive Workplaces
On March 11th, we focus on inclusive hiring, career life wellness, and strategic reporting, equipping employers with practical tools to implement meaningful change.
The day begins with a deep dive into Inclusive Hiring Practices & Barriers, where we will develop actionable recommendations to address workplace gaps and establish policies that promote gender equity and inclusivity.
Next, we explore Career Life Wellness in the Workplace, providing strategies to create a framework that supports recruitment and retention of employees to support inclusivity for both individuals and organizations.
The summit concludes with a wrap-up session, reflecting on key learnings and celebrating progress marking a significant step in the development of the
Transforming the Workplace Employer Program
Day 2
9:00 - 9:45
Inclusive Hiring Practices and Barriers
11:00 - 12:00
Lunch
9:45 - 10:15
Break
10:15 - 11:00
Career Life Wellness
12:00 - 12:45
Strategic Development of Policies & Data Reporting
12:45 - 1:00
Wrap Up
Lunch ~ this will be catered lunch
Interactive Map
Locations Marked on Map:
Hilton Downtown Vancouver
Vancouver Public Library
Blenz Coffee
Glowbal Restaurant ~ Dinner Venue March 10th 6:30PM
Meet The Committee
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Maya Kanigan
Founder, President of Women in Leadership & Initiative Manager
David Mossman
Program Director
Crystal Sinclair
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Sxwpilemaát Siyám, aka
Chief Leanne Joe
First Nations Knowledge Keeper
Liz Punch
Executive Consultant for People Strategy & Organizational Culture
Olaide Akinlabi
Initiative Assistant & Mentorship Program Lead
Jaelynn Miller
Initiative Assistant
TWO Project
Heather van Munster
Account Executive at IBM
Jay Brewster
Senior Manager, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging - Engagement & Programs Rogers
Arfa Dar
Higher Education Leader
Ted Rogers School of Management
Caren Moss
Chief of Staff
CUTRIC
Jaclyn Masse
Toronto Chapter Chair
Women in Leadership
Shaudia Ricketts
Head of Trades Strategy & Recruitment
Kiewit
Chantal Ounsworth
Senior Manager, Employee Engagement
Ledcor
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Harj Sangha
People and Culture Business Partnerships
WorkSafeBC