HRPA is very pleased to announce its in-person HR Summit, Annual Meeting and Tradeshow happening May 16 and May 17 at The Carlu in downtown Toronto.
The theme of the event is “At the Helm: Rewriting the HR Playbook” high-quality learning and networking opportunities with your HR community and sponsors, as well as an in-person HRPA Annual Meeting.
Explore this page for all details and join us back in-person!
Group pricing available for additional savings!
Title Sponsor
About
It’s no secret that HR has come to the forefront as the driving force in organizational success. HR champions have cultivated initiatives around talent, culture and psychological wellness and have uniquely implemented effective evidence-based solutions. Dialogue with thought leaders amidst this changing landscape of work has defined purposeful HR as empowering employees and organizations to realize their full potential. We won’t stop the momentum now.
The 2023 HR Summit, Annual Meeting & Tradeshow themed “At the Helm: Rewriting the HR Playbook” examines how HR professionals can continue to be strategic business partners and pioneers in driving innovation and organizational solutions. This summit will bring together leading experts who will engage in in-depth conversations on emerging HR issues.
Our event host, Laura Williams, will steer us through Day 1, May 16 featuring “Straight Talk” panel conversations on trending topics focused on talent, culture and psychological wellness. Day 1 will also include the opportunity to connect with select vendors and sponsors and will end with a Mix and Mingle networking reception.
Day 2, May 17, will feature an intimate workshop*, led by Laura Williams, enhancing the learning and discussions of Day 1. Day 2 will also include an open forum Ask the Expert session and a Members’ Spotlight where fellow HR professionals will present best practices and techniques in an open forum discussion. The workshop and Members’ Spotlight will be followed by a Members’ lunch and HRPA’s hybrid Annual Meeting for registered voting HRPA members.
Continuing Professional Development
The 2023 HR Summit, Annual Meeting & Tradeshow will be eligible for 11.25 CPD hours.
CPD codes are only issued for sessions you attended live. No CPD code is provided for sessions viewed on-demand. Sessions you view on-demand do qualify for CPD Hours and will accumulate toward the total eligible CPD hours, however you will need to log those hours manually. Details can be found on the CPD FAQs page.
*Workshop space is limited. Additional fees will apply.
Agenda – May 16
Event Host: Laura Williams, Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
8:00 AM
Registration & Check in Opens
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Networking Breakfast: Expand Your HR Community
Check in at the registration desk and start your day with a nourishing breakfast alongside fellow HR professionals.
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Opening Ceremonies
Event Kickoff
Speaker: Laura Williams, Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
Blessing with Elder, Cindy Crowe
Elder: Cindy Crowe, Elder, Lodgekeeper, Identity and Purpose Coach
HRPA Welcome and Opening Remarks
Speaker: Jodi Kovitz, Chief Executive Officer and Acting Registrar, HRPA
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Straight Talk: HR Trends for Rewriting the HR Playbook
Embrace innovative and transformative ways to propel your workplace into the future. Now is the time for businesses and HR leaders to adapt to the ever-changing workforce demands in order to keep up with the latest trends. This highly anticipated HR Table Talk is the first of its kind! Join us to gain insights from some of today’s leading workplace experts and learn how to set up your leadership and your organization for optimal success.
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM
W4: The Ways We Work & Where
The Ways We Work and Where (W4), is a forward-thinking concept that focuses employees’ needs in a balanced and productive way. In this one-on-one discussion, you will learn the foundational principles of this framework and how to fundamentally enhance your employees’ work experience.
Speaker: Katie Severs, Director, W4 + GHR Strategy & Executive Support, Scotiabank
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Gratitude for Business
Cultivating deep connections between a company’s brand identity and its internal culture through a deliberate practice of gratitude, openness and respect is a business case worthy of implementation. The best-selling Forbes author of ‘The Currency of Gratitude,’ Michele will discuss the power of a corporate culture grounded in gratitude to attract, engage and retain top talent.
Speaker: Michele Bailey, Founder & CEO, The Blazing Group
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Correcting Structural Biases in the Labour Market
Delivering better diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) outcomes is a priority for HR professionals. DEI has been a “trend” within HR practice for many years. How did we get here? Why is bias so difficult to tackle? What interventions actually work? It’s going to take more than “re-writing the playbook” to correct the structural biases in the labour market. Implicit or hidden biases are automatic and unconscious tendencies that can perpetuate inequity and injustice in the labour market. Many well-intentioned and commonly used programs and interventions to reduce implicit bias have been ineffective at bringing about meaningful change. In this one-on-one discussion with the Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer of the Pay Equity Commission, Kadie Ward, you will learn about structural bias in the labour market as well as effective approaches for identifying and tackling implicit biases to drive better DEI outcomes in your workplace.
Speaker: Kadie Ward, Commissioner & Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Pay Equity Commission of Ontario
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Networking Break: Expand Your HR Community
Grab a beverage and a snack, stretch those legs, and catch up with vendors and fellow attendees.
11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
Straight Talk: At the Helm Implementing Effective Solutions for Talent and Culture
Managing people in today’s world of work is complex business. There is no time like the present to re-evaluate and re-define your organization’s talent and culture strategies. This session will feature a group of experts who will bring you real and effective solutions for your most pressing talent and culture issues.
In this panel, Priscilla will provide insight on what’s happening in today’s competitive labour market, the current skill gaps and the ongoing battle to find and retain top talent. Deborah will expand on the conversation of talent and explore the potential challenges of managing a multigenerational workforce. Carey will speak to the significant effects of discrimination in the workplace and Rich will highlight your organization’s responsibility to prevent toxic workplaces and to investigate allegations of bullying and discrimination.
Moderator: Kris Tierney (she/her), CHRP, CHRL; Vice President, Human Resources and Learning, HRPA
Speakers: Priscilla Thiagamoorthy, Senior Economist & Vice President, BMO Capital Markets; Deborah Bottineau, Managing Director, Robert Half International; Carey Calder, MBA (she/her) Entrepreneur, Collaborator, Founder, Team Builder, Indigenous Advocate, Anishinaabe; Rich Appiah, Principal and Lawyer, Employment & Labour Counsel, Appiah Law
12:45 PM – 2:15 PM
Networking Lunch: Connect and Engage
Enjoy great food and connect with the HR community.
2:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Straight Talk: Psychological Wellness as the Heart, Soul and Mind of Your Organization
How emotionally safe is your workplace for the people who work there? Are we doing the right things to create psychological safety and wellness at work?
Join these three mental health and wellness experts who will help you to reflect on your workplace practices and recognize where opportunities may exist to support your employees. Everyone deserves a safe, thriving and healthy workplace, including you!
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
The Mental Health Crisis
Making mental health a high priority within and outside of your organizations is the need of the hour. According to the World Health Organization, around 450 million people currently struggle with mental illness, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide. Here at home, it affects more than 6.7 million of us. In fact, one in two Canadians have—or have had—a mental illness by the time they reach 40 years of age. Alarming statistics like this only underscore the need for all of us to get involved in one way or another. (Source: The Mental Health Crisis Is Real | CAMH)
This featured discussion will examine this very real crisis and share how to raise awareness within our communities and organizations.
Speaker: Deborah Gillis, President & CEO, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation; Angie Elliott, Licensed Funeral Director and former CAMH patient
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Anti-Racism & Trauma
When people are subjected to racism, discrimination, microaggressions or other forms of mistreatment or violence because of their racial background, it can lead to trauma. Have you ever thought about how racial trauma shows up in your workplace? While we continue to hear about the importance of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) many organizations have become stagnant in their efforts and strategic planning initiatives.
This featured chat will examine key insights to approach and implement EDI with purposeful intention.
Speaker: Suzanne M. Charles Watson, Director – Anti-racism, Equity and Social Accountability, Women’s College Hospital
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Financial Wellness
Financial stress has become a growing concern in the modern workplace, affecting employees’ financial health as well as their overall psychological well-being. This session addresses the impact of financial stress on employees and provides practical insights for HR leaders on how to support and engage their staff in a meaningful way. This featured session is an opportunity to examine the connection with and the impact on our psychological wellness as it relates to our finances.
Speaker: Arian Beyzaei, Vice President, Enriched Academy
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Networking Break: Expand Your HR Community
Grab a beverage and a snack, stretch those legs and catch up with vendors and fellow attendees.
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Spotlight: Keynote – The Tallest Poppy
Women’s success is under attack in workplaces around the world. The more accomplished an individual is, the more likely she’ll be to face aggressions, not only from those in positions of seniority, but also from her peers. The Tallest Poppy study reveals that this remains a significant issue in workplaces around the world and the results are detrimental to women and the organizations in which they work. (Source: The Tallest Poppy – Women of Influence)
Dr. Rumeet Billan will review the findings of this international study and leave you with innovative ideas, a newly ignited passion and inspiration to carry you as you continue your HR journey.
Speaker: Dr. Rumeet Billan, PhD, CEO and Owner of Women of Influence; Founder of Viewpoint Leadership
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Event Wrap-up: Closing Remarks
Stick around as we recap the day’s events, summarize highlights and kick off the evening reception.
Speaker: Laura Williams, Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
5:15 PM – 6:45 PM
Evening Reception
It’s the networking opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Join us for this casual mix-and-mingle and reconnect with friends and colleagues.
Agenda – May 17
8:00 AM
Registration & Check in Opens
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Networking Breakfast: Expand Your HR Community
Check in at the registration desk and start your day with a nourishing breakfast alongside fellow HR professionals.
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Spotlight Keynote: Jann Arden: My Story
Join us as Jann Arden shares her personal journey, explaining the importance of adaptability, being built for change, and finding good — and even funny — things, even in the most difficult of situations.
Speaker: Jann Arden, Renowned Musician, Bestselling Author
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM
Transition Break
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Open Forum: Ask the Expert
Continue the conversation from Day 1 and have your burning questions addressed by this panel of experts.
Moderator: Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP, Lead, HR and Learning, HRPA
Speakers: Rich Appiah Employment and Labour Counsel, Appiah Law; Michele Bailey, Founder, The Blazing Group; Michelle Dunnill, Regional Director, Robert Half; Suzanne M. Charles Watson, Director – Anti-racism, Equity and Social Accountability, Women’s College Hospital (WCH).
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
At the Helm: A Deep Dive Workshop
Building on the activities and discussions from Day 1, this customized workshop will take a deep dive into those learnings and provide you with practical solutions and takeaways.
NOTE: This workshop is limited in capacity (50 individuals) and additional fees will apply.
Facilitator: Laura Williams, Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Networking Break: Expand Your HR Community
Grab a beverage and a snack, stretch those legs and catch up with fellow delegates.
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Spotlight: Keynote – Catch a Brain Wave
Your brain is the most powerful computer on the planet. Are you maximizing your neuro-powers so you can thrive in today’s world?
Scientists have proven that the brain can grow, change, and rewire itself to think more clearly, problem solve, be creative, uncover new perspectives, forge new initiatives, and lead new strategies. In fact, we are designed for it!
Use Brain Fitness strategies to activate and access your neuro-resources and whole brain potential to get the results you want at work, in your relationships and in daily life. When each individual shifts into higher functioning, the entire workplace benefits as well. Stress, low morale, and absenteeism decrease, while collaboration, win-win solutions and teamwork inevitably grow. With Brain Fitness, you can engage in any situation from a place of reduced stress, clearer focus, optimal performance, and higher energy. Let’s get started!
Speaker: Jill Hewlett, Brain Fitness Expert, Wellness Authority
12:15 PM – 12:30 PM
Closing Remarks
Speaker: Jodi Kovitz, Chief Executive Officer and Acting Registrar, HRPA
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Members’ Lunch: Connect and Engage
Enjoy great food and connect with the HRPA community.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Check-in: HRPA’s Hybrid Annual Meeting
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
HRPA’s Hybrid Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting is one of the most important events for members in the Association’s calendar. Find out what we’ve accomplished on your behalf, and as a regulatory association, over the last fiscal year. Also hear directly from the Chair, Board and our CEO about plans for 2023 and beyond; and have your voice heard through voting on important proposals and decisions.
For further information, visit HRPA’s Governance Page.
NOTE: Members attending just the Annual Meeting do not have to register and pay for the HR Summit learning content. Details on how to participate just for the Annual Meeting will be announced by email in the upcoming weeks.
3:30 PM
HR Summit, Annual Meeting & Tradeshow concludes
We hope you enjoyed the event and were able to connect with vendors and fellow HR professionals. We look forward to hosting you again in 2024!
Event Pricing
All registration fees include access to the live sessions as well as food and beverage served during the event.
The Deep Dive Workshop on Day 2 is limited in capacity and additional fees apply. You can register for the workshop at the same time as the HR Summit, or you can make the addition at a later date (if space is still available at the workshop). Group rates are not available for the workshop.
Group Registrations
Group registration is applicable to individuals from the same company and may include members or non-members.
To qualify and apply the group rate, registrants can complete their registration individually (i.e. you don’t have to register everyone all at once) by applying the noted discount code below to the registration fee when prompted.
| Members | Non-Members | Students | |
| Individuals 1 – 2 Individuals | $1,195 per person | $1,395 per person | $315 per person |
| Groups of 3 – 5 Use code: SAVE$150 | $1,045 per person | $1,245 per person | n/a |
| Groups of 6 – 14 Use code: SAVE$265 | $930 per person | $1,130 per person | n/a |
| Groups of 15+ Use code: SAVE$415 | $780 per person | $980 per person | n/a |
| Workshop Add-on Fee per person | $295 | $395 | $150 |
For registration questions, please contact: conferenceregistration@hrpa.ca
Featured Keynotes
Jann Arden
Renowned Musician | Bestselling Author
Dr. Rumeet Billan
CEO, Women of Influence; Chief Learning Architect, Viewpoint Leadership Inc.
Laura Williams
Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
Jodi Kovitz, HBA, LL.B
Chief Executive Officer and Acting Registrar, HRPA
Jodi is an experienced, visionary CEO leader and a transformative global brand builder. She is a growth strategist and a passionate connector of people.
Jodi was the founder and CEO of #movethedial, which focused on the growth and equitable participation of all women in tech. Leveraging Jodi’s vision, wealth of experience, pioneering spirit and passion, the movement impacted over 60,000 people at events throughout Canada, the US, the UK and Israel. She also previously led growth at Vetster, a telemedicine platform, and was the CEO at Peerscale, a technology membership association.
Jodi is passionate about the intersection of equity, innovation, and the future of work. Featured in Forbes Women, she was recognized as an Adweek Brandstar in Toronto in 2018, One of Canada’s 25 Women of Influence in 2018, and one of WXN’s Canada’s 100 most powerful women in 2017 and 2019.
Jodi holds an HBA from Ivey Business School at Western University and an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. She has also authored Go Out of Your Way, a book about the power of people, relationships and building genuine connections, endorsed by Sheryl Sandberg.
Kris Tierney (she/her), CHRP, CHRL
Vice President, Human Resources and Learning, HRPA
Kris’ approach as an executive leader is to achieve results by creating outstanding workplaces where people and culture are strategic priorities. She is a passionate and skilled business executive with 15 years’ experience leading HR in hi-tech, high growth companies in automotive and financial services, where she served as a trusted people and culture strategist, advisor and business partner to the C-Suite.
Kris started her career in hospitality where she held various leadership and management positions. For more than 20 years, Kris has served as a valued member of senior and executive leadership teams, where her skills in HR, leadership, strategy and culture were honed and her passion for business and HR were developed. She is periodically called upon by media, conferences and academia to contribute her experience and perspectives as an HR and business leader.
Kris has achieved the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations as awarded by HRPA. As a lifelong learner, Kris is thrilled to bring professional development and learning opportunities to the HR community in her role as Vice-President, Human Resources and Learning at HRPA.
Laura Williams
Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
Laura has extensive experience providing strategic advice and legal representation to organizations on a full range of labour and employment law matters and is a seasoned workplace investigator with specific expertise in conducting investigations and organizational reviews related to equity diversity inclusion and systemic discrimination issues.
As a recognized thought leader, Laura has been featured in various publications, including Canadian Lawyer, Lawyers Weekly, Law Times, HR Professional Magazine, Canadian HR Reporter, Canadian Employment Law Today and Canadian Labour Law Today. In addition, Laura has appeared in various national broadcast and print media including CTV News, Global News, BNN, CBC Radio, the Globe and Mail, National Post, Canadian Business Magazine, and Chatelaine.
In addition to her work, Laura is a member of various professional organizations and community service associations. She has been appointed as an advisor on the University of Western Ontario’s newly formed Equity Council and to the Adidas United Against Racism Accountability Council. Laura also has many years of service on various Boards of Directors, including most recently for Canadian Society of Association Executives and is the Chair of the 360Kids Board of Directors. Laura’s work has been widely recognized, including with the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Toronto, being listed on the annual W100 in 2016, which ranks the top 100 female entrepreneurs in Canada, and being listed as one of the Top 100 Black Females to Watch in 2020 from Canadian International Black Women Event. Laura has recently launched a podcast for business leaders and HR Professionals called, We Thrive Forward -Conversations with Laura Williams which is available on all major platforms.
Rich Appiah
Employment and Labour Counsel, Appiah Law
Rich Appiah is the principal of Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel. He provides expert strategic counsel and legal representation in HR law to businesses of all sizes, as well as to managers and senior executives.
Called to the Bar of Ontario in 2006, Rich has significant experience as a negotiator and litigator. He has appeared as counsel before all levels of Ontario courts and the Ontario Labour Relations Board. He has also represented clients before boards of arbitration, the provincial and federal Human Rights Tribunals, the Ontario Ministry of Labour (Employment Standards Branch), and the Canadian Industrial Relations Board. In 2016, Rich was recognized as a “Lawyer to Watch” by Lexpert Magazine. Since 2019, he has been recognized by his peers as a leading practitioner in employment law in the annual Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Rich has published extensively and frequently presents at conferences on matters relating to employment and labour law and legal ethics. He also provides media commentary on pressing legal developments, including as a featured guest for all major Canadian news networks. With a lifelong commitment to volunteerism, Rich serves on the Board of Governors of the University of Guelph and is chair of the Board’s Human Resources and Governance and Membership Committees. He serves on the Board of Directors of STEPS Public Art (as a former chair and current interim chair); and has been an elected member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Employment and Labour Section Executive. He is also the former president of Delisle Youth Services.
Jann Arden
Renowned Musician | Bestselling Author
Jann Arden is a multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and author. She can bring a hall full of people to tears through song, only to have them rolling in the aisles moments later from her off-the-cuff comedy. Whether she’s performing her music, hosting an event, or telling her deeply personal and affecting stories, Arden’s wisdom and wit shine in everything she does.
Arden catapulted onto the Canadian music scene in 1993, with the release of her debut album, Time for Mercy. Since then, she has released 15 albums with 19 top-10 singles, and has received eight Juno Awards, including “Female Artist of the Year” and “Songwriter of the Year.” She has also been recognized with 10 SOCAN Awards and four Western Canadian Music Awards, among many other accolades. In 2020, Arden was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. She has also been honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and been named to the Order of Canada.
A brilliant multi-dimensional talent, Arden is currently starring in the wildly popular CTV show, Jann, where she plays a fictionalized, self-deprecating version of herself. Now in its third season, the first season was the most-watched new Canadian comedy series of the 2018-19 broadcast season. Other screen credits include guest appearances on Wynonna Earp, Private Eyes, and Workin’ Moms.
Arden is the author of five books, with the most recent being her memoir If I Knew Then: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging. This followed the Canadian bestseller Feeding My Mother: Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives with Memory Loss, which spent a combined 44 weeks on the Globe and Mail’s bestseller lists.
Michele Bailey
Founder, The Blazing Group
Michele Bailey is the Founder of The Blazing Group, a brand and culture agency born of her strategy-first approach to business, flair for sharing stories, and desire to enhance employee wellness while pursuing business goals. Michele is the daughter of a Haitian-born physician who, along with his French-Canadian wife, moved his family many times from Haiti to various U.S. states during Michele’s formative teen years. Michele credits her unique perspective on valuing relationships to those experiences and to the importance her parents placed on ensuring their family felt anchored and supported.
Her advertising agency, Blazing, is turning branding inside out with My Big Idea®, an employee mentoring and wellness program designed to propel individuals forward in their quest for personal and professional success. Blazing, a creative strategic communications agency founded in 1994 builds external marketing programs for its clients, while My Big Idea® is an interactive program that is highly valued by leaders of organizations who understand the value of linking culture, brand and marketing to drive business growth. Delivered virtually or in-person, My Big Idea® is uniquely designed to help business owners, leaders and employees address the challenges of both work and personal life.
As a bi-racial woman, Michele has faced her share of challenges, yet her boundless energy and vision have earned her international recognition as a champion of women in business. A driving force in bringing the first Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) chapter to Canada, she currently sits on the WPO board as its international representative. She is also committed to supporting entrepreneurs in the underrepresented diversity and inclusion markets. She has also completed the Tuck University (Dartmouth) course on “Growing an Established Diverse Business” in 2021. Michele’s companies are certified by WBE and WeConnect International. Last but not least, her new book, The Currency of Gratitude, published in 2021 by Forbes Books offers a moving and straightforward guide to enabling business growth using gratitude as your currency.
Arian Beyzaei
Vice President, Enriched Academy
Arian is a visionary leader and the Vice President of Enriched Academy, Canada’s foremost financial wellness company. With over nine years of experience in the industry, Arian has become a renowned expert in financial wellness. He has traveled across Canada, delivering impactful speeches to over 50,000 individuals on the importance of financial literacy and empowering them with tools to achieve financial success.
Arian’s expertise has been recognized by leading publications in the country, including the Financial Post and Globe and Mail. He has also appeared on various television programs, sharing his financial wellness strategies with audiences across the nation. Arian’s passion for financial wellness has driven him to help organizations create a culture of financial wellness. Through his work at Enriched Academy, he has helped countless companies improve their employees’ financial literacy, leading to increased productivity, improved morale and greater overall success.
With his extensive knowledge and experience, Arian is a true thought leader in financial wellness, inspiring individuals and organizations alike to take control of their finances and achieve their goals.
Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP
Lead, HR and Learning, HRPA
Diane Biesinger has more than 20 years of experience in HR and has enjoyed working in a wide range of industries from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Diane holds the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation as awarded by the HRPA. She currently brings her passion for HR to the role of HR & Learning Specialist at the HRPA, where her focus runs the range of the workplace experience for all HRPA employees, “keeping the lights on in HR” and delivering on the association’s strategic initiatives.
Diane is proud that HRPA has been certified as a Great Place to Work by GPTW Canada for the last four years and is looking forward to having that continue and improve. Prior to joining HRPA, she spent six years in the telecommunications space working with companies such as Bell and Rogers, as Director of HR. She is passionate about IDEA (inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility) and supporting leaders and staff to promote organizational objectives. Diane likes to bring her whole self to work and is enthusiastic about relationships as she brings a genuine love of people, especially our differences, to her daily interactions.
Rumeet Billan, Ph.D
CEO, Women of Influence; Chief Learning Architect, Viewpoint Leadership Inc.
Dr. Rumeet Billan is an award-winning, internationally recognized entrepreneur, learning architect, author and humanitarian. Her mission is to transform workplace cultures through research, training and experiences that enable trust, foster belonging and build resilience.
Dr. Billan is the CEO and owner of Women of Influence, and President and CEO of Viewpoint Leadership. She completed her PhD at the University of Toronto and has designed and facilitated programs, courses and training sessions across industries and sectors. She twice led the ground-breaking research study on Tall Poppy Syndrome which reveals the impact of the silent systemic syndrome on women in the workplace. In 2020, she co-led the Canadian Happiness at Work study, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Dr. Billan was named a Top 10 Power Women in 2020, and she released her first award-winning and bestselling book, Who Do I Want To Become?, designed for children and adults who are struggling with the question of what they want to be when they grow up. She also serves on the Board of Directors of First Book Canada. Learn more about her at www.rumeet.com
Deborah Bottineau
Managing Director, Robert Half
Deborah Bottineau is a Managing Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. Overseeing the Greater Toronto Area, her responsibilities include building high-performance teams and providing solutions for skilled professionals and companies across various areas of expertise.
As a spokesperson for Robert Half, Deborah provides insightful commentary on issues related to hiring trends and career management. Her thought leadership has been featured in media outlets such as Global News Toronto, CityTV and the Globe and Mail.
Deborah joined Robert Half in 1998, and has also held the roles of Staffing Manager, District Director, Division Director, Branch Manager and Metro Market Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she has witnessed all phases of the job market cycle first-hand.
Prior to joining the organization, Deborah worked in the insurance, retail and advertising industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology and Human Resource Management from the University of Guelph.
Carey Calder, MBA
Founder & Principal, Nakanagis Inc.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Carey is a proud member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabe (Sand Point First Nation) and has called Ottawa home since 2003. She holds an MBA from Athabasca University and is an experienced administrator with expertise in corporate finance and a solid understanding of governance.
Carey proudly launched Nakanagis Inc., an Indigenous owned Canadian consulting that weaves her unique first-hand knowledge and perspective into tailored approaches and solutions for Indigenous businesses, corporate executives and not-for-profit service delivery organizations. She also joined Shopify as the lead of Indigenous Entrepreneurship programming, where she supported various priorities, including research, vetting and activation of opportunities for Indigenous business development in Canada, US and New Zealand. Carey is passionate about team building and sees a direct connection between progressive HR management strategies and successful organizational and businesses growth. She is a strong Indigenous advocate and supports innovative work environments that seek to include approaches to reconciliation, as demonstrated in policies, vision, planning and strategies.
Carey Calder has more than 15 years of senior management experience within Indigenous organizations, with a specialization in not-for-profit organizational development and strategic direction. Her experience includes serving as CEO of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, with a focus on the rich history of Indigenous sport in Canada. She has also managed social impact funding within urban Indigenous planning by leading partnerships and stakeholder engagement with the National Association of Friendship Centres. Moreover, she was instrumental in the creation of the Labour Market Development department with the Native Women’s Association of Canada.
One of Carey’s proudest accomplishments was her role as Executive Director with the Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start in Ottawa. There, she led negotiations with multiple levels of government to secure capital funds to purchase and renovate a building to operate core programming and provide stable services for Indigenous families in Ottawa. During her tenure, she advocated for and negotiated new revenue sources, including additional capital of 1M+ funding to lease and overhaul new space to expand services for Indigenous childcare.
Carey thrives on innovation and is driven to invest in meaningful projects that spark change initiatives, create social impact opportunities and result in positive successes that support community needs.
Suzanne M. Charles Watson
Director – Anti-racism, Equity and Social Accountability, Women’s College Hospital (WCH)
Suzanne is an experienced IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) research strategist, championing human rights and social justice. Her work employs an equity and intersectionality lens and is informed by a human-rights based, anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework to produce evidence-based research and advance inclusive policy and transformative social frameworks. Her experience spans across a range of stakeholders in international development, academia, health research institutions, municipal government and civil society. Her work focuses on areas such as education and labour market participation, gender-based violence, inclusive excellence, women’s participation; sustainable livelihoods, rural development, community engagement, and sexual and reproductive health.
Cindy Crowe
Cindy Crowe Elder, Lodgekeeper, Identity and Purpose Coach
Cindy Crowe, Elder, Lodgekeeper, Author, is a band member of the Opwaaganisiniing (Red Rock Indian Band) located an hour east of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Since 1994, Cindy has been bridging gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities. Her life purpose is to share a message of love and interconnectedness; and she creates space for change in many different venues with people from all walks of life. She believes in leading by example and is the grateful mother of five and grandmother of three.
Since 2004, Cindy’s business, Cindy Crowe Consulting represents an award winning Anishnaabe consulting firm, drawing on her expertise in community liaison, engagement and development. Since 2005, she has been the Executive Director for Ozhaawashko-giizhig Traditional Teaching Lodge, operating as the Blue Sky Community Healing Centre – an Indigenous, community-led organization based in Neebing, Ontario. Cindy respectfully acknowledges that sacred space as being within the traditional territory of the Binesii-Wiikwedong (Fort William First Nation) and loves to welcome people to the land of her ancestors next to the shores of Ktichigaming (Lake Superior).
Cindy’s seasonal tourism business Niibing Tribal Tours provides opportunities for visitors to reconnect with Mother Earth while participating in the Anishnaabe culture through land based experiential learning. Her Identity and Purpose Coaching business is for clients looking to reclaim their roots, understand themselves better and identify their life purpose. Part of this coaching is delivered through Animal Spirit Guide workshops to better understand messaging from their guides.
Cindy is also the author of Walking with Grey Wolf which honours her first vision and the spiritual journey she has been on since then. She is currently writing her second book, titled All My Relations. She has also contributed chapters in a few compilations.
Michelle Dunnill
Regional Director, Robert Half
Michelle is a Regional Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. In her role, she is responsible for all practice groups in downtown Toronto, working in collaboration with the leadership and branch teams.
Michelle is passionate about supporting her ever-growing dynamic team and building strong relationships with clients. Prior to her current role, she was Branch Director, Toronto, overseeing contract and permanent placement teams within the marketing and creative, technology, legal and management resources practice groups.
A dedicated leader, Michelle and her team have diverse recruitment and sourcing experience within all industries and take great pride in their ability to think strategically and match talented candidates with the right organizations. With a passion for prioritizing opportunities that engage her teams and support their growth, she also actively participates with local professional associations to promote Robert Half’s thought leadership and resources.
Prior to joining Robert Half, she worked in the staffing industry for 15 years, securing and providing top talent to many Fortune 500 companies.
Angie Elliott
Licensed Funeral Director and former CAMH patient
Angie Elliott has been a Licensed Funeral Director for 28 years, helping the bereaved through loss and trauma while simultaneously being a wife, mother, daughter and friend.
When no doctor could accurately diagnose or treat her, she decided that she was too much of a burden on her family and decided to end her life. In a desperate search to find someone to help her, her husband brought her to CAMH’s Emergency Department where she was diagnosed with Severe Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Now, through a combination of therapy, medication and a supportive employer, Angie has joyfully returned to balancing her love of family and the job she adores.
Deborah Gillis
President & CEO, CAMH Foundation
Deborah Gillis is a recognized thought leader on gender equality, diversity and inclusion who has dedicated her career to driving social change. Her unique blend of passion, strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit is helping her lead CAMH Foundation in transforming how Canadians understand and address mental illness in the workplace and in society.
Deborah’s early work in the public sector focused on employment equity, anti-racism and LGBTQI rights. She went on to become a consultant and practice leader with two global professional service firms. Deborah also worked in the Nova Scotia government and stood as a candidate for elected office. During her time in politics, she truly understood the power of role models—and the urgent need for more of them—to inspire girls and young women.
In her previous role as President & CEO of Catalyst, a global non-profit, Deborah advised some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies on how to advance women into leadership. In 2016, Deborah was named as one of Canadian Business magazine’s 10 Most Powerful Business People and was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal. In 2017, she was appointed to the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.
Jill Hewlett
Brain Fitness Expert, Wellness Authority
Jill Hewlett is an internationally recognized speaker, author, Brain Fitness Expert & Wellness Authority.
Licensed in the field of Educational Kinesiology for over two decades, Jill combines user-friendly neuroscience and inspired common sense strategies, to draw out the leadership, resilience. resources and creativity in individuals and organizations to support them in reducing stress and achieving greater levels of productivity, wellness, and success.
You may have seen Jill as a featured guest expert on various TV programs and radio stations across Canada, giving real life examples and real life solutions to the mental health and wellness issues that are on the rise today.
Jill is the author of two books, “Common Sense…Uncommonly Practiced” and “Uncommon Sense…Put Into Practise”; highly inspiring and readable reflections on how others might identify and apply everyday wisdom and nurturance to their life path.
For a decade, Jill produced and hosted her own Wellness TV series which began as a grassroots project and moved to Rogers TV, achieving a viewership of one million people.
Feeling a call for wellness education in her community, eighteen years ago Jill founded the Women’s Wellness Circles. This initiative has blossomed into multiple locations that she trains and mentors locally and internationally.
You will be equipped with the information, motivation, and tools, to proactively build your Fit Brain & Fit Life!
Katie Severs
Director, W4 + GHR Strategy & Executive Support, Scotiabank
Katie is currently the Ways We Work and Where (W4) Platform Lead at Scotiabank, where she leads the Bank’s global Future of Work strategy. She has been with the Bank since 2014, and has held progressively senior roles in Finance, Canadian Banking, Retail, GRM and HR. Katie is a strategy and transformation leader and is keenly focused on delivering results for Scotiabank’s employees, customers and shareholders. She is passionate about people and is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion both professionally and personally.
Katie holds an MBA from the Ted Rogers School of Management and a BA in Psychology from McGill. She is also an active Big Sister with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto, and a member of the Board for Outside the March theatre company. Outside of work, Katie loves spending time with friends and family, travelling, and enjoying good food and wine!
Priscilla Thiagamoorthy
Senior Economist & Vice President, BMO Capital Markets
Priscilla joined BMO Capital Markets in 2016 and plays a key role in analyzing Canadian household trends and the U.S. regional economy. She also contributes to the group’s AM Notes and various special reports. Priscilla previously worked at the Bank of Canada in the Financial Markets Department. She holds an undergraduate degree from the Schulich School of Business and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Ottawa.
Kadie Ward
Commissioner & Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Pay Equity Commission of Ontario
In 2020, Kadie Ward assumed leadership of the Pay Equity Commission of Ontario as Commissioner and CAO.
Commissioner Ward is a seasoned executive whose career has been characterized by successful collaboration across public, private and not-for-profit organizations to design and deliver inclusive economic growth strategies. Before joining the Pay Equity Commission in 2020, Commissioner Ward worked on implementing aspects of the Federal Government’s “Feminist International Assistance Policy” where she increased women’s participation in international trade, the labour market as well as equitable participation of men and women in their local economy.
Her expertise has taken her around the world working with legislators to establish programs and legislation that support women-led micro and small enterprises. She is a Queens’s Diamond Jubilee Medalist, recognized for her work contributing to significant economic improvement in various Canadian cities. Most recently, Commissioner Ward’s “Level the Paying Field” video and podcast series exploring issues related to economics, equity, women, work and money was awarded a Gold Quill Award of Merit for excellence in government communications. Commissioner Ward firmly believes that equity and inclusion are the foundation for sustainable economic prosperity.
Jodi Kovitz, HBA, LL.B
Chief Executive Officer and Acting Registrar, HRPA
Jodi is an experienced, visionary CEO leader and a transformative global brand builder. She is a growth strategist and a passionate connector of people.
Jodi was the founder and CEO of #movethedial, which focused on the growth and equitable participation of all women in tech. Leveraging Jodi’s vision, wealth of experience, pioneering spirit and passion, the movement impacted over 60,000 people at events throughout Canada, the US, the UK and Israel. She also previously led growth at Vetster, a telemedicine platform, and was the CEO at Peerscale, a technology membership association.
Jodi is passionate about the intersection of equity, innovation, and the future of work. Featured in Forbes Women, she was recognized as an Adweek Brandstar in Toronto in 2018, One of Canada’s 25 Women of Influence in 2018, and one of WXN’s Canada’s 100 most powerful women in 2017 and 2019.
Jodi holds an HBA from Ivey Business School at Western University and an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. She has also authored Go Out of Your Way, a book about the power of people, relationships and building genuine connections, endorsed by Sheryl Sandberg.
Kris Tierney (she/her), CHRP, CHRL
Vice President, Human Resources and Learning, HRPA
Kris’ approach as an executive leader is to achieve results by creating outstanding workplaces where people and culture are strategic priorities. She is a passionate and skilled business executive with 15 years’ experience leading HR in hi-tech, high growth companies in automotive and financial services, where she served as a trusted people and culture strategist, advisor and business partner to the C-Suite.
Kris started her career in hospitality where she held various leadership and management positions. For more than 20 years, Kris has served as a valued member of senior and executive leadership teams, where her skills in HR, leadership, strategy and culture were honed and her passion for business and HR were developed. She is periodically called upon by media, conferences and academia to contribute her experience and perspectives as an HR and business leader.
Kris has achieved the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations as awarded by HRPA. As a lifelong learner, Kris is thrilled to bring professional development and learning opportunities to the HR community in her role as Vice-President, Human Resources and Learning at HRPA.
Laura Williams
Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
Laura has extensive experience providing strategic advice and legal representation to organizations on a full range of labour and employment law matters and is a seasoned workplace investigator with specific expertise in conducting investigations and organizational reviews related to equity diversity inclusion and systemic discrimination issues.
As a recognized thought leader, Laura has been featured in various publications, including Canadian Lawyer, Lawyers Weekly, Law Times, HR Professional Magazine, Canadian HR Reporter, Canadian Employment Law Today and Canadian Labour Law Today. In addition, Laura has appeared in various national broadcast and print media including CTV News, Global News, BNN, CBC Radio, the Globe and Mail, National Post, Canadian Business Magazine, and Chatelaine.
In addition to her work, Laura is a member of various professional organizations and community service associations. She has been appointed as an advisor on the University of Western Ontario’s newly formed Equity Council and to the Adidas United Against Racism Accountability Council. Laura also has many years of service on various Boards of Directors, including most recently for Canadian Society of Association Executives and is the Chair of the 360Kids Board of Directors. Laura’s work has been widely recognized, including with the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Toronto, being listed on the annual W100 in 2016, which ranks the top 100 female entrepreneurs in Canada, and being listed as one of the Top 100 Black Females to Watch in 2020 from Canadian International Black Women Event. Laura has recently launched a podcast for business leaders and HR Professionals called, We Thrive Forward -Conversations with Laura Williams which is available on all major platforms.
Rich Appiah
Employment and Labour Counsel, Appiah Law
Rich Appiah is the principal of Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel. He provides expert strategic counsel and legal representation in HR law to businesses of all sizes, as well as to managers and senior executives.
Called to the Bar of Ontario in 2006, Rich has significant experience as a negotiator and litigator. He has appeared as counsel before all levels of Ontario courts and the Ontario Labour Relations Board. He has also represented clients before boards of arbitration, the provincial and federal Human Rights Tribunals, the Ontario Ministry of Labour (Employment Standards Branch), and the Canadian Industrial Relations Board. In 2016, Rich was recognized as a “Lawyer to Watch” by Lexpert Magazine. Since 2019, he has been recognized by his peers as a leading practitioner in employment law in the annual Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Rich has published extensively and frequently presents at conferences on matters relating to employment and labour law and legal ethics. He also provides media commentary on pressing legal developments, including as a featured guest for all major Canadian news networks. With a lifelong commitment to volunteerism, Rich serves on the Board of Governors of the University of Guelph and is chair of the Board’s Human Resources and Governance and Membership Committees. He serves on the Board of Directors of STEPS Public Art (as a former chair and current interim chair); and has been an elected member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Employment and Labour Section Executive. He is also the former president of Delisle Youth Services.
Jann Arden
Renowned Musician | Bestselling Author
Jann Arden is a multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and author. She can bring a hall full of people to tears through song, only to have them rolling in the aisles moments later from her off-the-cuff comedy. Whether she’s performing her music, hosting an event, or telling her deeply personal and affecting stories, Arden’s wisdom and wit shine in everything she does.
Arden catapulted onto the Canadian music scene in 1993, with the release of her debut album, Time for Mercy. Since then, she has released 15 albums with 19 top-10 singles, and has received eight Juno Awards, including “Female Artist of the Year” and “Songwriter of the Year.” She has also been recognized with 10 SOCAN Awards and four Western Canadian Music Awards, among many other accolades. In 2020, Arden was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. She has also been honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and been named to the Order of Canada.
A brilliant multi-dimensional talent, Arden is currently starring in the wildly popular CTV show, Jann, where she plays a fictionalized, self-deprecating version of herself. Now in its third season, the first season was the most-watched new Canadian comedy series of the 2018-19 broadcast season. Other screen credits include guest appearances on Wynonna Earp, Private Eyes, and Workin’ Moms.
Arden is the author of five books, with the most recent being her memoir If I Knew Then: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging. This followed the Canadian bestseller Feeding My Mother: Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives with Memory Loss, which spent a combined 44 weeks on the Globe and Mail’s bestseller lists.
Michele Bailey
Founder, The Blazing Group
Michele Bailey is the Founder of The Blazing Group, a brand and culture agency born of her strategy-first approach to business, flair for sharing stories, and desire to enhance employee wellness while pursuing business goals. Michele is the daughter of a Haitian-born physician who, along with his French-Canadian wife, moved his family many times from Haiti to various U.S. states during Michele’s formative teen years. Michele credits her unique perspective on valuing relationships to those experiences and to the importance her parents placed on ensuring their family felt anchored and supported.
Her advertising agency, Blazing, is turning branding inside out with My Big Idea®, an employee mentoring and wellness program designed to propel individuals forward in their quest for personal and professional success. Blazing, a creative strategic communications agency founded in 1994 builds external marketing programs for its clients, while My Big Idea® is an interactive program that is highly valued by leaders of organizations who understand the value of linking culture, brand and marketing to drive business growth. Delivered virtually or in-person, My Big Idea® is uniquely designed to help business owners, leaders and employees address the challenges of both work and personal life.
As a bi-racial woman, Michele has faced her share of challenges, yet her boundless energy and vision have earned her international recognition as a champion of women in business. A driving force in bringing the first Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) chapter to Canada, she currently sits on the WPO board as its international representative. She is also committed to supporting entrepreneurs in the underrepresented diversity and inclusion markets. She has also completed the Tuck University (Dartmouth) course on “Growing an Established Diverse Business” in 2021. Michele’s companies are certified by WBE and WeConnect International. Last but not least, her new book, The Currency of Gratitude, published in 2021 by Forbes Books offers a moving and straightforward guide to enabling business growth using gratitude as your currency.
Arian Beyzaei
Vice President, Enriched Academy
Arian is a visionary leader and the Vice President of Enriched Academy, Canada’s foremost financial wellness company. With over nine years of experience in the industry, Arian has become a renowned expert in financial wellness. He has traveled across Canada, delivering impactful speeches to over 50,000 individuals on the importance of financial literacy and empowering them with tools to achieve financial success.
Arian’s expertise has been recognized by leading publications in the country, including the Financial Post and Globe and Mail. He has also appeared on various television programs, sharing his financial wellness strategies with audiences across the nation. Arian’s passion for financial wellness has driven him to help organizations create a culture of financial wellness. Through his work at Enriched Academy, he has helped countless companies improve their employees’ financial literacy, leading to increased productivity, improved morale and greater overall success.
With his extensive knowledge and experience, Arian is a true thought leader in financial wellness, inspiring individuals and organizations alike to take control of their finances and achieve their goals.
Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP
Lead, HR and Learning, HRPA
Diane Biesinger has more than 20 years of experience in HR and has enjoyed working in a wide range of industries from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Diane holds the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation as awarded by the HRPA. She currently brings her passion for HR to the role of HR & Learning Specialist at the HRPA, where her focus runs the range of the workplace experience for all HRPA employees, “keeping the lights on in HR” and delivering on the association’s strategic initiatives.
Diane is proud that HRPA has been certified as a Great Place to Work by GPTW Canada for the last four years and is looking forward to having that continue and improve. Prior to joining HRPA, she spent six years in the telecommunications space working with companies such as Bell and Rogers, as Director of HR. She is passionate about IDEA (inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility) and supporting leaders and staff to promote organizational objectives. Diane likes to bring her whole self to work and is enthusiastic about relationships as she brings a genuine love of people, especially our differences, to her daily interactions.
Rumeet Billan, Ph.D
CEO, Women of Influence; Chief Learning Architect, Viewpoint Leadership Inc.
Dr. Rumeet Billan is an award-winning, internationally recognized entrepreneur, learning architect, author and humanitarian. Her mission is to transform workplace cultures through research, training and experiences that enable trust, foster belonging and build resilience.
Dr. Billan is the CEO and owner of Women of Influence, and President and CEO of Viewpoint Leadership. She completed her PhD at the University of Toronto and has designed and facilitated programs, courses and training sessions across industries and sectors. She twice led the ground-breaking research study on Tall Poppy Syndrome which reveals the impact of the silent systemic syndrome on women in the workplace. In 2020, she co-led the Canadian Happiness at Work study, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Dr. Billan was named a Top 10 Power Women in 2020, and she released her first award-winning and bestselling book, Who Do I Want To Become?, designed for children and adults who are struggling with the question of what they want to be when they grow up. She also serves on the Board of Directors of First Book Canada. Learn more about her at www.rumeet.com
Deborah Bottineau
Managing Director, Robert Half
Deborah Bottineau is a Managing Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. Overseeing the Greater Toronto Area, her responsibilities include building high-performance teams and providing solutions for skilled professionals and companies across various areas of expertise.
As a spokesperson for Robert Half, Deborah provides insightful commentary on issues related to hiring trends and career management. Her thought leadership has been featured in media outlets such as Global News Toronto, CityTV and the Globe and Mail.
Deborah joined Robert Half in 1998, and has also held the roles of Staffing Manager, District Director, Division Director, Branch Manager and Metro Market Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she has witnessed all phases of the job market cycle first-hand.
Prior to joining the organization, Deborah worked in the insurance, retail and advertising industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology and Human Resource Management from the University of Guelph.
Carey Calder, MBA
Founder & Principal, Nakanagis Inc.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Carey is a proud member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabe (Sand Point First Nation) and has called Ottawa home since 2003. She holds an MBA from Athabasca University and is an experienced administrator with expertise in corporate finance and a solid understanding of governance.
Carey proudly launched Nakanagis Inc., an Indigenous owned Canadian consulting that weaves her unique first-hand knowledge and perspective into tailored approaches and solutions for Indigenous businesses, corporate executives and not-for-profit service delivery organizations. She also joined Shopify as the lead of Indigenous Entrepreneurship programming, where she supported various priorities, including research, vetting and activation of opportunities for Indigenous business development in Canada, US and New Zealand. Carey is passionate about team building and sees a direct connection between progressive HR management strategies and successful organizational and businesses growth. She is a strong Indigenous advocate and supports innovative work environments that seek to include approaches to reconciliation, as demonstrated in policies, vision, planning and strategies.
Carey Calder has more than 15 years of senior management experience within Indigenous organizations, with a specialization in not-for-profit organizational development and strategic direction. Her experience includes serving as CEO of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, with a focus on the rich history of Indigenous sport in Canada. She has also managed social impact funding within urban Indigenous planning by leading partnerships and stakeholder engagement with the National Association of Friendship Centres. Moreover, she was instrumental in the creation of the Labour Market Development department with the Native Women’s Association of Canada.
One of Carey’s proudest accomplishments was her role as Executive Director with the Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start in Ottawa. There, she led negotiations with multiple levels of government to secure capital funds to purchase and renovate a building to operate core programming and provide stable services for Indigenous families in Ottawa. During her tenure, she advocated for and negotiated new revenue sources, including additional capital of 1M+ funding to lease and overhaul new space to expand services for Indigenous childcare.
Carey thrives on innovation and is driven to invest in meaningful projects that spark change initiatives, create social impact opportunities and result in positive successes that support community needs.
Suzanne M. Charles Watson
Director – Anti-racism, Equity and Social Accountability, Women’s College Hospital (WCH)
Suzanne is an experienced IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) research strategist, championing human rights and social justice. Her work employs an equity and intersectionality lens and is informed by a human-rights based, anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework to produce evidence-based research and advance inclusive policy and transformative social frameworks. Her experience spans across a range of stakeholders in international development, academia, health research institutions, municipal government and civil society. Her work focuses on areas such as education and labour market participation, gender-based violence, inclusive excellence, women’s participation; sustainable livelihoods, rural development, community engagement, and sexual and reproductive health.
Cindy Crowe
Cindy Crowe Elder, Lodgekeeper, Identity and Purpose Coach
Cindy Crowe, Elder, Lodgekeeper, Author, is a band member of the Opwaaganisiniing (Red Rock Indian Band) located an hour east of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Since 1994, Cindy has been bridging gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities. Her life purpose is to share a message of love and interconnectedness; and she creates space for change in many different venues with people from all walks of life. She believes in leading by example and is the grateful mother of five and grandmother of three.
Since 2004, Cindy’s business, Cindy Crowe Consulting represents an award winning Anishnaabe consulting firm, drawing on her expertise in community liaison, engagement and development. Since 2005, she has been the Executive Director for Ozhaawashko-giizhig Traditional Teaching Lodge, operating as the Blue Sky Community Healing Centre – an Indigenous, community-led organization based in Neebing, Ontario. Cindy respectfully acknowledges that sacred space as being within the traditional territory of the Binesii-Wiikwedong (Fort William First Nation) and loves to welcome people to the land of her ancestors next to the shores of Ktichigaming (Lake Superior).
Cindy’s seasonal tourism business Niibing Tribal Tours provides opportunities for visitors to reconnect with Mother Earth while participating in the Anishnaabe culture through land based experiential learning. Her Identity and Purpose Coaching business is for clients looking to reclaim their roots, understand themselves better and identify their life purpose. Part of this coaching is delivered through Animal Spirit Guide workshops to better understand messaging from their guides.
Cindy is also the author of Walking with Grey Wolf which honours her first vision and the spiritual journey she has been on since then. She is currently writing her second book, titled All My Relations. She has also contributed chapters in a few compilations.
Michelle Dunnill
Regional Director, Robert Half
Michelle is a Regional Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. In her role, she is responsible for all practice groups in downtown Toronto, working in collaboration with the leadership and branch teams.
Michelle is passionate about supporting her ever-growing dynamic team and building strong relationships with clients. Prior to her current role, she was Branch Director, Toronto, overseeing contract and permanent placement teams within the marketing and creative, technology, legal and management resources practice groups.
A dedicated leader, Michelle and her team have diverse recruitment and sourcing experience within all industries and take great pride in their ability to think strategically and match talented candidates with the right organizations. With a passion for prioritizing opportunities that engage her teams and support their growth, she also actively participates with local professional associations to promote Robert Half’s thought leadership and resources.
Prior to joining Robert Half, she worked in the staffing industry for 15 years, securing and providing top talent to many Fortune 500 companies.
Angie Elliott
Licensed Funeral Director and former CAMH patient
Angie Elliott has been a Licensed Funeral Director for 28 years, helping the bereaved through loss and trauma while simultaneously being a wife, mother, daughter and friend.
When no doctor could accurately diagnose or treat her, she decided that she was too much of a burden on her family and decided to end her life. In a desperate search to find someone to help her, her husband brought her to CAMH’s Emergency Department where she was diagnosed with Severe Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Now, through a combination of therapy, medication and a supportive employer, Angie has joyfully returned to balancing her love of family and the job she adores.
Deborah Gillis
President & CEO, CAMH Foundation
Deborah Gillis is a recognized thought leader on gender equality, diversity and inclusion who has dedicated her career to driving social change. Her unique blend of passion, strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit is helping her lead CAMH Foundation in transforming how Canadians understand and address mental illness in the workplace and in society.
Deborah’s early work in the public sector focused on employment equity, anti-racism and LGBTQI rights. She went on to become a consultant and practice leader with two global professional service firms. Deborah also worked in the Nova Scotia government and stood as a candidate for elected office. During her time in politics, she truly understood the power of role models—and the urgent need for more of them—to inspire girls and young women.
In her previous role as President & CEO of Catalyst, a global non-profit, Deborah advised some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies on how to advance women into leadership. In 2016, Deborah was named as one of Canadian Business magazine’s 10 Most Powerful Business People and was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal. In 2017, she was appointed to the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.
Jill Hewlett
Brain Fitness Expert, Wellness Authority
Jill Hewlett is an internationally recognized speaker, author, Brain Fitness Expert & Wellness Authority.
Licensed in the field of Educational Kinesiology for over two decades, Jill combines user-friendly neuroscience and inspired common sense strategies, to draw out the leadership, resilience. resources and creativity in individuals and organizations to support them in reducing stress and achieving greater levels of productivity, wellness, and success.
You may have seen Jill as a featured guest expert on various TV programs and radio stations across Canada, giving real life examples and real life solutions to the mental health and wellness issues that are on the rise today.
Jill is the author of two books, “Common Sense…Uncommonly Practiced” and “Uncommon Sense…Put Into Practise”; highly inspiring and readable reflections on how others might identify and apply everyday wisdom and nurturance to their life path.
For a decade, Jill produced and hosted her own Wellness TV series which began as a grassroots project and moved to Rogers TV, achieving a viewership of one million people.
Feeling a call for wellness education in her community, eighteen years ago Jill founded the Women’s Wellness Circles. This initiative has blossomed into multiple locations that she trains and mentors locally and internationally.
You will be equipped with the information, motivation, and tools, to proactively build your Fit Brain & Fit Life!
Katie Severs
Director, W4 + GHR Strategy & Executive Support, Scotiabank
Katie is currently the Ways We Work and Where (W4) Platform Lead at Scotiabank, where she leads the Bank’s global Future of Work strategy. She has been with the Bank since 2014, and has held progressively senior roles in Finance, Canadian Banking, Retail, GRM and HR. Katie is a strategy and transformation leader and is keenly focused on delivering results for Scotiabank’s employees, customers and shareholders. She is passionate about people and is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion both professionally and personally.
Katie holds an MBA from the Ted Rogers School of Management and a BA in Psychology from McGill. She is also an active Big Sister with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto, and a member of the Board for Outside the March theatre company. Outside of work, Katie loves spending time with friends and family, travelling, and enjoying good food and wine!
Priscilla Thiagamoorthy
Senior Economist & Vice President, BMO Capital Markets
Priscilla joined BMO Capital Markets in 2016 and plays a key role in analyzing Canadian household trends and the U.S. regional economy. She also contributes to the group’s AM Notes and various special reports. Priscilla previously worked at the Bank of Canada in the Financial Markets Department. She holds an undergraduate degree from the Schulich School of Business and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Ottawa.
Kadie Ward
Commissioner & Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Pay Equity Commission of Ontario
In 2020, Kadie Ward assumed leadership of the Pay Equity Commission of Ontario as Commissioner and CAO.
Commissioner Ward is a seasoned executive whose career has been characterized by successful collaboration across public, private and not-for-profit organizations to design and deliver inclusive economic growth strategies. Before joining the Pay Equity Commission in 2020, Commissioner Ward worked on implementing aspects of the Federal Government’s “Feminist International Assistance Policy” where she increased women’s participation in international trade, the labour market as well as equitable participation of men and women in their local economy.
Her expertise has taken her around the world working with legislators to establish programs and legislation that support women-led micro and small enterprises. She is a Queens’s Diamond Jubilee Medalist, recognized for her work contributing to significant economic improvement in various Canadian cities. Most recently, Commissioner Ward’s “Level the Paying Field” video and podcast series exploring issues related to economics, equity, women, work and money was awarded a Gold Quill Award of Merit for excellence in government communications. Commissioner Ward firmly believes that equity and inclusion are the foundation for sustainable economic prosperity.
Sponsors & Tradeshow
The HR Summit, Annual Meeting and Tradeshow will offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect in-person with an exclusive highly engaged audience of validated HR professionals and decision-makers.
Dialogue is Canada’s leading high-touch team health & well-being solution that enables you to extend tailored, measurable, quality clinical care to each team member at scale, with visibility and control over how programs work together. With the largest in-house care team, our Integrated Health Platform™ is a one-stop care hub that centralizes our programs in a single application, providing access to services 24/7/365 from the convenience of home.
Eventology is Canada’s premier team building company, providing unique, engaging, and inspiring experiences that bring teams together. With an exclusive partnership with Catalyst Global Team Building and over 30 years of experience, our diverse range of games and activities cater to both in-person and virtual environments. We focus on enhancing communication, collaboration, and overall enjoyment, resulting in stronger, more cohesive teams. Our team of expert Eventologists ensures a seamless event experience that exceeds clients’ expectations. Choose Eventology for a thrilling team building experience that drives success and motivates your team.
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing the diverse employee benefits community with objective, solution-oriented education, research and information.
The International Foundation delivers research findings, education and networking opportunities to thousands of benefits professionals throughout the U.S. and Canada who rely on us for objective and timely information.
Services include conferences, webcasts, e-learning courses, an information center, research reports, job and resumé posting services, magazines and the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) program.
Isarta is Canada’s #1 marketing and communications job board.
Over 60% of their 500,000 specialized candidates can’t be found on any other job site in Canada! Let them help you find your ideal candidate in marketing, sales, communication, digital, and IT using an AI matching tool.
More than a job board, Isarta also offer you tools to be as efficient as possible such as a salary search tool and 100% personalized corporate trainings.
Medavie Blue Cross offers a unique option—a healthy change in plan coverage and member care, providing flexible benefit plans customized to meet unique needs, even as they change. We are Canada’s only national all-in-one-carrier, providing health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits to 3.5 million cardholders. With a holistic and collaborative approach to benefit design, we leverage in-house expertise in health care and technology to improve the wellbeing of Canadians.
Discovering, developing and delivering
For more than 100 years, we have been translating the unmet medical needs of people living with a serious chronic disease into innovative medicines and delivery systems, like our insulin pens.
Our treatments today are benefiting millions of people living with diabetes, obesity, and rare blood and endocrine diseases.
From our labs to our factory floors, we are discovering and developing innovative biological medicines and making them accessible to patients throughout the world.
Progyny is a leading fertility and family building benefits solution serving 370+ clients, covering 5.4M lives in 40+ industries. Progyny launched in Canada in 2022, seeing a need for a managed fertility benefit to provide members wraparound care navigation and support, and help employers recruit and retain top talent. Created with diversity, equity and inclusion in mind, Progyny provides end to end reproductive health programs for the entire family building journey and serves self-insured and fully insured clients in the US, Canada and globally.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers.
We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm. Explore our talent solutions, research and insights at RobertHalf.ca.
Group insurance plans for your employees can be difficult to source, much less implement and manage. At Sterling Capital Brokers, we provide you with a far better solution. Our cutting-edge software integrates into your HRIS & Payroll platforms, brings down your rates, creates cost-effective, customized plans and dramatically reduces your administrative burden. At Sterling Capital Brokers, we operate on one core principle – your success is our success.
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We’re building something different. A new kind of staffing and recruitment agency. One that brings back a sense of depth to an industry that’s become more about speed and automation than people.
What makes us different?
- Unique training program for Recruiters, so they “think like Marketers”
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- Client NPS: 62 & Candidate NPS: 93
Triton is a national pre-employment screening agency providing secure and easy-to-use online background checks. It’s our goal to help organizations of all sizes streamline their hiring process to make data-driven choices that foster long lasting relationships with their important assets – their employees.
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Criminal background checks, employment, reference & education checks, credit check, driving record, social media check, ATS integration & more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This two-day event features the HR Summit, Annual Meeting and Tradeshow. There will be learning opportunities with CPD hours and networking with fellow HR professionals, sponsors and vendors as well as the HRPA Hybrid Annual Meeting. The full programming details can be found in the About menu tab above.
The HR Summit, Annual Meeting and Tradeshow pricing details can be found in the Pricing menu tab above.
All registration fees include access to the live, in-person sessions, all meals and activities throughout the conferences.
No. There is a separate (free) registration for the Annual Meeting. Only registered voting members can attend and participate in the Annual Meeting on May 17. All registered voting members will receive e-mails directly about the upcoming Annual Meeting and will be invited to register using the link provided in those e-mails.
For questions or further information, email annualmeeting@hrpa.ca.
Yes, you can save up to 10% per registrant when registering a group of 3 or more. Full pricing details can be found in the Pricing menu tab above.
Complete your registration as you normally would. When it comes to the question “Are you registering as part of a group?” select “Yes” and complete the “Group Name” field. By following these steps, your registration fees will automatically be adjusted to reflect group pricing.
NOTE: When entering your group name, please ensure your group enters the same group name. Example: HRPA vs Human Resources Professionals Association. While technically they are the same company, the registration system will recognize the two versions as separate entities.
No. The workshop is available for an additional fee to your registration, should you choose to participate, and has a limited capacity of 50 registrants.
Registration to the workshop includes access to the learning content and any resources provided.
This event will be held in-person at The Carlu, located at 444 Yonge St #7, Toronto, ON M5B 2H4.
We look forward to hosting you on May 16 and May 17! Event updates will be maintained on the event website here. An email with full event expectations and how to prepare for the event will be sent to all registrants one week prior to the event start.
In the meantime, if you have any questions:
For registration support, email: conferenceregistration@hrpa.ca
For general event inquiries, email: professionaldevelopment@hrpa.ca
With the exception of the hybrid Annual Meeting, the HR Summit, Annual Meeting and Tradeshow is an in-person event.
Yes. Details will be announced soon.
No, HRPA has not secured any preferred travel discounts.
You are welcome to join the wait list. If a space becomes available, you will be notified in order of registration. Unless you hear otherwise, assume that your registration continues to be waitlisted.
Registration will remain open as long as space permits. If registration reaches capacity, a waiting list will be enabled.
Yes, assuming that registration capacity has not been met yet.
We hope participants will be present and in the moment of learning and recognize that individuals learn in a variety of ways. Bring your own device – laptop, tablet, mobile device, whatever works best for you – or notebook and pen if that’s your preference.
Yes, complimentary Wifi will be available at the venue.
Day 1, May 16 will include breakfast, breaks and lunch. Upon arrival you will check in with the registration desk and participate in the learning program for the day as well as connect with our sponsors and vendors. We invite attendees to kick back and relax at our end of day networking reception.
Day 2, May 17 will feature a limited capacity workshop, open forum “Ask the Expert” session and Members’ spotlight presentation series. Day 2 lunch will be followed by the HRPA Hybrid Annual Meeting.
During the breaks and meals, we encourage you to stretch your legs and engage with fellow attendees.
Business casual.
No, the in-person workshop will not be recorded.
Yes. At this time the programming is still in development and CPD hours will be announced on the website when they become available.
CPD codes are only issued for sessions you attended live. No CPD code is provided for sessions viewed on-demand. Sessions you view on-demand do qualify for CPD Hours and will accumulate toward the total eligible CPD hours, however you will need to log those hours manually. Details can be found on the CPD FAQs page.
CPD codes will be issued to all attendees post-event via email.
Please complete our speaker submission form here.
To become a speaker at the Members’ Spotlight session at the HR Summit, please complete the speaker submission form here.
Please complete our sponsor submission form here.
Volunteer opportunities will be announced and available for application starting March 20.
For registration support, email: conferenceregistration@hrpa.ca
For general event inquiries, email: professionaldevelopment@hrpa.ca
About
It’s no secret that HR has come to the forefront as the driving force in organizational success. HR champions have cultivated initiatives around talent, culture and psychological wellness and have uniquely implemented effective evidence-based solutions. Dialogue with thought leaders amidst this changing landscape of work has defined purposeful HR as empowering employees and organizations to realize their full potential. We won’t stop the momentum now.
The 2023 HR Summit, Annual Meeting & Tradeshow themed “At the Helm: Rewriting the HR Playbook” examines how HR professionals can continue to be strategic business partners and pioneers in driving innovation and organizational solutions. This summit will bring together leading experts who will engage in in-depth conversations on emerging HR issues.
Our event host, Laura Williams, will steer us through Day 1, May 16 featuring “Straight Talk” panel conversations on trending topics focused on talent, culture and psychological wellness. Day 1 will also include the opportunity to connect with select vendors and sponsors and will end with a Mix and Mingle networking reception.
Day 2, May 17, will feature an intimate workshop*, led by Laura Williams, enhancing the learning and discussions of Day 1. Day 2 will also include an open forum Ask the Expert session and a Members’ Spotlight where fellow HR professionals will present best practices and techniques in an open forum discussion. The workshop and Members’ Spotlight will be followed by a Members’ lunch and HRPA’s hybrid Annual Meeting for registered voting HRPA members.
Continuing Professional Development
The 2023 HR Summit, Annual Meeting & Tradeshow will be eligible for 11.25 CPD hours.
CPD codes are only issued for sessions you attended live. No CPD code is provided for sessions viewed on-demand. Sessions you view on-demand do qualify for CPD Hours and will accumulate toward the total eligible CPD hours, however you will need to log those hours manually. Details can be found on the CPD FAQs page.
*Workshop space is limited. Additional fees will apply.
Agenda – May 16
Event Host: Laura Williams, Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
8:00 AM
Registration & Check in Opens
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Networking Breakfast: Expand Your HR Community
Check in at the registration desk and start your day with a nourishing breakfast alongside fellow HR professionals.
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Opening Ceremonies
Event Kickoff
Speaker: Laura Williams, Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
Blessing with Elder, Cindy Crowe
Elder: Cindy Crowe, Elder, Lodgekeeper, Identity and Purpose Coach
HRPA Welcome and Opening Remarks
Speaker: Jodi Kovitz, Chief Executive Officer and Acting Registrar, HRPA
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Straight Talk: HR Trends for Rewriting the HR Playbook
Embrace innovative and transformative ways to propel your workplace into the future. Now is the time for businesses and HR leaders to adapt to the ever-changing workforce demands in order to keep up with the latest trends. This highly anticipated HR Table Talk is the first of its kind! Join us to gain insights from some of today’s leading workplace experts and learn how to set up your leadership and your organization for optimal success.
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM
W4: The Ways We Work & Where
The Ways We Work and Where (W4), is a forward-thinking concept that focuses employees’ needs in a balanced and productive way. In this one-on-one discussion, you will learn the foundational principles of this framework and how to fundamentally enhance your employees’ work experience.
Speaker: Katie Severs, Director, W4 + GHR Strategy & Executive Support, Scotiabank
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Gratitude for Business
Cultivating deep connections between a company’s brand identity and its internal culture through a deliberate practice of gratitude, openness and respect is a business case worthy of implementation. The best-selling Forbes author of ‘The Currency of Gratitude,’ Michele will discuss the power of a corporate culture grounded in gratitude to attract, engage and retain top talent.
Speaker: Michele Bailey, Founder & CEO, The Blazing Group
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Correcting Structural Biases in the Labour Market
Delivering better diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) outcomes is a priority for HR professionals. DEI has been a “trend” within HR practice for many years. How did we get here? Why is bias so difficult to tackle? What interventions actually work? It’s going to take more than “re-writing the playbook” to correct the structural biases in the labour market. Implicit or hidden biases are automatic and unconscious tendencies that can perpetuate inequity and injustice in the labour market. Many well-intentioned and commonly used programs and interventions to reduce implicit bias have been ineffective at bringing about meaningful change. In this one-on-one discussion with the Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer of the Pay Equity Commission, Kadie Ward, you will learn about structural bias in the labour market as well as effective approaches for identifying and tackling implicit biases to drive better DEI outcomes in your workplace.
Speaker: Kadie Ward, Commissioner & Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Pay Equity Commission of Ontario
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Networking Break: Expand Your HR Community
Grab a beverage and a snack, stretch those legs, and catch up with vendors and fellow attendees.
11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
Straight Talk: At the Helm Implementing Effective Solutions for Talent and Culture
Managing people in today’s world of work is complex business. There is no time like the present to re-evaluate and re-define your organization’s talent and culture strategies. This session will feature a group of experts who will bring you real and effective solutions for your most pressing talent and culture issues.
In this panel, Priscilla will provide insight on what’s happening in today’s competitive labour market, the current skill gaps and the ongoing battle to find and retain top talent. Deborah will expand on the conversation of talent and explore the potential challenges of managing a multigenerational workforce. Carey will speak to the significant effects of discrimination in the workplace and Rich will highlight your organization’s responsibility to prevent toxic workplaces and to investigate allegations of bullying and discrimination.
Moderator: Kris Tierney (she/her), CHRP, CHRL; Vice President, Human Resources and Learning, HRPA
Speakers: Priscilla Thiagamoorthy, Senior Economist & Vice President, BMO Capital Markets; Deborah Bottineau, Managing Director, Robert Half International; Carey Calder, MBA (she/her) Entrepreneur, Collaborator, Founder, Team Builder, Indigenous Advocate, Anishinaabe; Rich Appiah, Principal and Lawyer, Employment & Labour Counsel, Appiah Law
12:45 PM – 2:15 PM
Networking Lunch: Connect and Engage
Enjoy great food and connect with the HR community.
2:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Straight Talk: Psychological Wellness as the Heart, Soul and Mind of Your Organization
How emotionally safe is your workplace for the people who work there? Are we doing the right things to create psychological safety and wellness at work?
Join these three mental health and wellness experts who will help you to reflect on your workplace practices and recognize where opportunities may exist to support your employees. Everyone deserves a safe, thriving and healthy workplace, including you!
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
The Mental Health Crisis
Making mental health a high priority within and outside of your organizations is the need of the hour. According to the World Health Organization, around 450 million people currently struggle with mental illness, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide. Here at home, it affects more than 6.7 million of us. In fact, one in two Canadians have—or have had—a mental illness by the time they reach 40 years of age. Alarming statistics like this only underscore the need for all of us to get involved in one way or another. (Source: The Mental Health Crisis Is Real | CAMH)
This featured discussion will examine this very real crisis and share how to raise awareness within our communities and organizations.
Speaker: Deborah Gillis, President & CEO, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation; Angie Elliott, Licensed Funeral Director and former CAMH patient
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Anti-Racism & Trauma
When people are subjected to racism, discrimination, microaggressions or other forms of mistreatment or violence because of their racial background, it can lead to trauma. Have you ever thought about how racial trauma shows up in your workplace? While we continue to hear about the importance of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) many organizations have become stagnant in their efforts and strategic planning initiatives.
This featured chat will examine key insights to approach and implement EDI with purposeful intention.
Speaker: Suzanne M. Charles Watson, Director – Anti-racism, Equity and Social Accountability, Women’s College Hospital
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Financial Wellness
Financial stress has become a growing concern in the modern workplace, affecting employees’ financial health as well as their overall psychological well-being. This session addresses the impact of financial stress on employees and provides practical insights for HR leaders on how to support and engage their staff in a meaningful way. This featured session is an opportunity to examine the connection with and the impact on our psychological wellness as it relates to our finances.
Speaker: Arian Beyzaei, Vice President, Enriched Academy
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Networking Break: Expand Your HR Community
Grab a beverage and a snack, stretch those legs and catch up with vendors and fellow attendees.
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Spotlight: Keynote – The Tallest Poppy
Women’s success is under attack in workplaces around the world. The more accomplished an individual is, the more likely she’ll be to face aggressions, not only from those in positions of seniority, but also from her peers. The Tallest Poppy study reveals that this remains a significant issue in workplaces around the world and the results are detrimental to women and the organizations in which they work. (Source: The Tallest Poppy – Women of Influence)
Dr. Rumeet Billan will review the findings of this international study and leave you with innovative ideas, a newly ignited passion and inspiration to carry you as you continue your HR journey.
Speaker: Dr. Rumeet Billan, PhD, CEO and Owner of Women of Influence; Founder of Viewpoint Leadership
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Event Wrap-up: Closing Remarks
Stick around as we recap the day’s events, summarize highlights and kick off the evening reception.
Speaker: Laura Williams, Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
5:15 PM – 6:45 PM
Evening Reception
It’s the networking opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Join us for this casual mix-and-mingle and reconnect with friends and colleagues.
Agenda – May 17
8:00 AM
Registration & Check in Opens
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Networking Breakfast: Expand Your HR Community
Check in at the registration desk and start your day with a nourishing breakfast alongside fellow HR professionals.
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Spotlight Keynote: Jann Arden: My Story
Join us as Jann Arden shares her personal journey, explaining the importance of adaptability, being built for change, and finding good — and even funny — things, even in the most difficult of situations.
Speaker: Jann Arden, Renowned Musician, Bestselling Author
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM
Transition Break
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Open Forum: Ask the Expert
Continue the conversation from Day 1 and have your burning questions addressed by this panel of experts.
Moderator: Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP, Lead, HR and Learning, HRPA
Speakers: Rich Appiah Employment and Labour Counsel, Appiah Law; Michele Bailey, Founder, The Blazing Group; Michelle Dunnill, Regional Director, Robert Half; Suzanne M. Charles Watson, Director – Anti-racism, Equity and Social Accountability, Women’s College Hospital (WCH).
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
At the Helm: A Deep Dive Workshop
Building on the activities and discussions from Day 1, this customized workshop will take a deep dive into those learnings and provide you with practical solutions and takeaways.
NOTE: This workshop is limited in capacity (50 individuals) and additional fees will apply.
Facilitator: Laura Williams, Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Networking Break: Expand Your HR Community
Grab a beverage and a snack, stretch those legs and catch up with fellow delegates.
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Spotlight: Keynote – Catch a Brain Wave
Your brain is the most powerful computer on the planet. Are you maximizing your neuro-powers so you can thrive in today’s world?
Scientists have proven that the brain can grow, change, and rewire itself to think more clearly, problem solve, be creative, uncover new perspectives, forge new initiatives, and lead new strategies. In fact, we are designed for it!
Use Brain Fitness strategies to activate and access your neuro-resources and whole brain potential to get the results you want at work, in your relationships and in daily life. When each individual shifts into higher functioning, the entire workplace benefits as well. Stress, low morale, and absenteeism decrease, while collaboration, win-win solutions and teamwork inevitably grow. With Brain Fitness, you can engage in any situation from a place of reduced stress, clearer focus, optimal performance, and higher energy. Let’s get started!
Speaker: Jill Hewlett, Brain Fitness Expert, Wellness Authority
12:15 PM – 12:30 PM
Closing Remarks
Speaker: Jodi Kovitz, Chief Executive Officer and Acting Registrar, HRPA
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Members’ Lunch: Connect and Engage
Enjoy great food and connect with the HRPA community.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Check-in: HRPA’s Hybrid Annual Meeting
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
HRPA’s Hybrid Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting is one of the most important events for members in the Association’s calendar. Find out what we’ve accomplished on your behalf, and as a regulatory association, over the last fiscal year. Also hear directly from the Chair, Board and our CEO about plans for 2023 and beyond; and have your voice heard through voting on important proposals and decisions.
For further information, visit HRPA’s Governance Page.
NOTE: Members attending just the Annual Meeting do not have to register and pay for the HR Summit learning content. Details on how to participate just for the Annual Meeting will be announced by email in the upcoming weeks.
3:30 PM
HR Summit, Annual Meeting & Tradeshow concludes
We hope you enjoyed the event and were able to connect with vendors and fellow HR professionals. We look forward to hosting you again in 2024!
Event Pricing
All registration fees include access to the live sessions as well as food and beverage served during the event.
The Deep Dive Workshop on Day 2 is limited in capacity and additional fees apply. You can register for the workshop at the same time as the HR Summit, or you can make the addition at a later date (if space is still available at the workshop). Group rates are not available for the workshop.
Group Registrations
Group registration is applicable to individuals from the same company and may include members or non-members.
To qualify and apply the group rate, registrants can complete their registration individually (i.e. you don’t have to register everyone all at once) by applying the noted discount code below to the registration fee when prompted.
| Members | Non-Members | Students | |
| Individuals 1 – 2 Individuals | $1,195 per person | $1,395 per person | $315 per person |
| Groups of 3 – 5 Use code: SAVE$150 | $1,045 per person | $1,245 per person | n/a |
| Groups of 6 – 14 Use code: SAVE$265 | $930 per person | $1,130 per person | n/a |
| Groups of 15+ Use code: SAVE$415 | $780 per person | $980 per person | n/a |
| Workshop Add-on Fee per person | $295 | $395 | $150 |
For registration questions, please contact: conferenceregistration@hrpa.ca
Featured Keynotes
Jann Arden
Renowned Musician | Bestselling Author
Dr. Rumeet Billan
CEO, Women of Influence; Chief Learning Architect, Viewpoint Leadership Inc.
Laura Williams
Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
Jodi Kovitz, HBA, LL.B
Chief Executive Officer and Acting Registrar, HRPA
Jodi is an experienced, visionary CEO leader and a transformative global brand builder. She is a growth strategist and a passionate connector of people.
Jodi was the founder and CEO of #movethedial, which focused on the growth and equitable participation of all women in tech. Leveraging Jodi’s vision, wealth of experience, pioneering spirit and passion, the movement impacted over 60,000 people at events throughout Canada, the US, the UK and Israel. She also previously led growth at Vetster, a telemedicine platform, and was the CEO at Peerscale, a technology membership association.
Jodi is passionate about the intersection of equity, innovation, and the future of work. Featured in Forbes Women, she was recognized as an Adweek Brandstar in Toronto in 2018, One of Canada’s 25 Women of Influence in 2018, and one of WXN’s Canada’s 100 most powerful women in 2017 and 2019.
Jodi holds an HBA from Ivey Business School at Western University and an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. She has also authored Go Out of Your Way, a book about the power of people, relationships and building genuine connections, endorsed by Sheryl Sandberg.
Kris Tierney (she/her), CHRP, CHRL
Vice President, Human Resources and Learning, HRPA
Kris’ approach as an executive leader is to achieve results by creating outstanding workplaces where people and culture are strategic priorities. She is a passionate and skilled business executive with 15 years’ experience leading HR in hi-tech, high growth companies in automotive and financial services, where she served as a trusted people and culture strategist, advisor and business partner to the C-Suite.
Kris started her career in hospitality where she held various leadership and management positions. For more than 20 years, Kris has served as a valued member of senior and executive leadership teams, where her skills in HR, leadership, strategy and culture were honed and her passion for business and HR were developed. She is periodically called upon by media, conferences and academia to contribute her experience and perspectives as an HR and business leader.
Kris has achieved the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations as awarded by HRPA. As a lifelong learner, Kris is thrilled to bring professional development and learning opportunities to the HR community in her role as Vice-President, Human Resources and Learning at HRPA.
Laura Williams
Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
Laura has extensive experience providing strategic advice and legal representation to organizations on a full range of labour and employment law matters and is a seasoned workplace investigator with specific expertise in conducting investigations and organizational reviews related to equity diversity inclusion and systemic discrimination issues.
As a recognized thought leader, Laura has been featured in various publications, including Canadian Lawyer, Lawyers Weekly, Law Times, HR Professional Magazine, Canadian HR Reporter, Canadian Employment Law Today and Canadian Labour Law Today. In addition, Laura has appeared in various national broadcast and print media including CTV News, Global News, BNN, CBC Radio, the Globe and Mail, National Post, Canadian Business Magazine, and Chatelaine.
In addition to her work, Laura is a member of various professional organizations and community service associations. She has been appointed as an advisor on the University of Western Ontario’s newly formed Equity Council and to the Adidas United Against Racism Accountability Council. Laura also has many years of service on various Boards of Directors, including most recently for Canadian Society of Association Executives and is the Chair of the 360Kids Board of Directors. Laura’s work has been widely recognized, including with the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Toronto, being listed on the annual W100 in 2016, which ranks the top 100 female entrepreneurs in Canada, and being listed as one of the Top 100 Black Females to Watch in 2020 from Canadian International Black Women Event. Laura has recently launched a podcast for business leaders and HR Professionals called, We Thrive Forward -Conversations with Laura Williams which is available on all major platforms.
Rich Appiah
Employment and Labour Counsel, Appiah Law
Rich Appiah is the principal of Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel. He provides expert strategic counsel and legal representation in HR law to businesses of all sizes, as well as to managers and senior executives.
Called to the Bar of Ontario in 2006, Rich has significant experience as a negotiator and litigator. He has appeared as counsel before all levels of Ontario courts and the Ontario Labour Relations Board. He has also represented clients before boards of arbitration, the provincial and federal Human Rights Tribunals, the Ontario Ministry of Labour (Employment Standards Branch), and the Canadian Industrial Relations Board. In 2016, Rich was recognized as a “Lawyer to Watch” by Lexpert Magazine. Since 2019, he has been recognized by his peers as a leading practitioner in employment law in the annual Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Rich has published extensively and frequently presents at conferences on matters relating to employment and labour law and legal ethics. He also provides media commentary on pressing legal developments, including as a featured guest for all major Canadian news networks. With a lifelong commitment to volunteerism, Rich serves on the Board of Governors of the University of Guelph and is chair of the Board’s Human Resources and Governance and Membership Committees. He serves on the Board of Directors of STEPS Public Art (as a former chair and current interim chair); and has been an elected member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Employment and Labour Section Executive. He is also the former president of Delisle Youth Services.
Jann Arden
Renowned Musician | Bestselling Author
Jann Arden is a multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and author. She can bring a hall full of people to tears through song, only to have them rolling in the aisles moments later from her off-the-cuff comedy. Whether she’s performing her music, hosting an event, or telling her deeply personal and affecting stories, Arden’s wisdom and wit shine in everything she does.
Arden catapulted onto the Canadian music scene in 1993, with the release of her debut album, Time for Mercy. Since then, she has released 15 albums with 19 top-10 singles, and has received eight Juno Awards, including “Female Artist of the Year” and “Songwriter of the Year.” She has also been recognized with 10 SOCAN Awards and four Western Canadian Music Awards, among many other accolades. In 2020, Arden was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. She has also been honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and been named to the Order of Canada.
A brilliant multi-dimensional talent, Arden is currently starring in the wildly popular CTV show, Jann, where she plays a fictionalized, self-deprecating version of herself. Now in its third season, the first season was the most-watched new Canadian comedy series of the 2018-19 broadcast season. Other screen credits include guest appearances on Wynonna Earp, Private Eyes, and Workin’ Moms.
Arden is the author of five books, with the most recent being her memoir If I Knew Then: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging. This followed the Canadian bestseller Feeding My Mother: Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives with Memory Loss, which spent a combined 44 weeks on the Globe and Mail’s bestseller lists.
Michele Bailey
Founder, The Blazing Group
Michele Bailey is the Founder of The Blazing Group, a brand and culture agency born of her strategy-first approach to business, flair for sharing stories, and desire to enhance employee wellness while pursuing business goals. Michele is the daughter of a Haitian-born physician who, along with his French-Canadian wife, moved his family many times from Haiti to various U.S. states during Michele’s formative teen years. Michele credits her unique perspective on valuing relationships to those experiences and to the importance her parents placed on ensuring their family felt anchored and supported.
Her advertising agency, Blazing, is turning branding inside out with My Big Idea®, an employee mentoring and wellness program designed to propel individuals forward in their quest for personal and professional success. Blazing, a creative strategic communications agency founded in 1994 builds external marketing programs for its clients, while My Big Idea® is an interactive program that is highly valued by leaders of organizations who understand the value of linking culture, brand and marketing to drive business growth. Delivered virtually or in-person, My Big Idea® is uniquely designed to help business owners, leaders and employees address the challenges of both work and personal life.
As a bi-racial woman, Michele has faced her share of challenges, yet her boundless energy and vision have earned her international recognition as a champion of women in business. A driving force in bringing the first Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) chapter to Canada, she currently sits on the WPO board as its international representative. She is also committed to supporting entrepreneurs in the underrepresented diversity and inclusion markets. She has also completed the Tuck University (Dartmouth) course on “Growing an Established Diverse Business” in 2021. Michele’s companies are certified by WBE and WeConnect International. Last but not least, her new book, The Currency of Gratitude, published in 2021 by Forbes Books offers a moving and straightforward guide to enabling business growth using gratitude as your currency.
Arian Beyzaei
Vice President, Enriched Academy
Arian is a visionary leader and the Vice President of Enriched Academy, Canada’s foremost financial wellness company. With over nine years of experience in the industry, Arian has become a renowned expert in financial wellness. He has traveled across Canada, delivering impactful speeches to over 50,000 individuals on the importance of financial literacy and empowering them with tools to achieve financial success.
Arian’s expertise has been recognized by leading publications in the country, including the Financial Post and Globe and Mail. He has also appeared on various television programs, sharing his financial wellness strategies with audiences across the nation. Arian’s passion for financial wellness has driven him to help organizations create a culture of financial wellness. Through his work at Enriched Academy, he has helped countless companies improve their employees’ financial literacy, leading to increased productivity, improved morale and greater overall success.
With his extensive knowledge and experience, Arian is a true thought leader in financial wellness, inspiring individuals and organizations alike to take control of their finances and achieve their goals.
Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP
Lead, HR and Learning, HRPA
Diane Biesinger has more than 20 years of experience in HR and has enjoyed working in a wide range of industries from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Diane holds the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation as awarded by the HRPA. She currently brings her passion for HR to the role of HR & Learning Specialist at the HRPA, where her focus runs the range of the workplace experience for all HRPA employees, “keeping the lights on in HR” and delivering on the association’s strategic initiatives.
Diane is proud that HRPA has been certified as a Great Place to Work by GPTW Canada for the last four years and is looking forward to having that continue and improve. Prior to joining HRPA, she spent six years in the telecommunications space working with companies such as Bell and Rogers, as Director of HR. She is passionate about IDEA (inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility) and supporting leaders and staff to promote organizational objectives. Diane likes to bring her whole self to work and is enthusiastic about relationships as she brings a genuine love of people, especially our differences, to her daily interactions.
Rumeet Billan, Ph.D
CEO, Women of Influence; Chief Learning Architect, Viewpoint Leadership Inc.
Dr. Rumeet Billan is an award-winning, internationally recognized entrepreneur, learning architect, author and humanitarian. Her mission is to transform workplace cultures through research, training and experiences that enable trust, foster belonging and build resilience.
Dr. Billan is the CEO and owner of Women of Influence, and President and CEO of Viewpoint Leadership. She completed her PhD at the University of Toronto and has designed and facilitated programs, courses and training sessions across industries and sectors. She twice led the ground-breaking research study on Tall Poppy Syndrome which reveals the impact of the silent systemic syndrome on women in the workplace. In 2020, she co-led the Canadian Happiness at Work study, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Dr. Billan was named a Top 10 Power Women in 2020, and she released her first award-winning and bestselling book, Who Do I Want To Become?, designed for children and adults who are struggling with the question of what they want to be when they grow up. She also serves on the Board of Directors of First Book Canada. Learn more about her at www.rumeet.com
Deborah Bottineau
Managing Director, Robert Half
Deborah Bottineau is a Managing Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. Overseeing the Greater Toronto Area, her responsibilities include building high-performance teams and providing solutions for skilled professionals and companies across various areas of expertise.
As a spokesperson for Robert Half, Deborah provides insightful commentary on issues related to hiring trends and career management. Her thought leadership has been featured in media outlets such as Global News Toronto, CityTV and the Globe and Mail.
Deborah joined Robert Half in 1998, and has also held the roles of Staffing Manager, District Director, Division Director, Branch Manager and Metro Market Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she has witnessed all phases of the job market cycle first-hand.
Prior to joining the organization, Deborah worked in the insurance, retail and advertising industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology and Human Resource Management from the University of Guelph.
Carey Calder, MBA
Founder & Principal, Nakanagis Inc.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Carey is a proud member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabe (Sand Point First Nation) and has called Ottawa home since 2003. She holds an MBA from Athabasca University and is an experienced administrator with expertise in corporate finance and a solid understanding of governance.
Carey proudly launched Nakanagis Inc., an Indigenous owned Canadian consulting that weaves her unique first-hand knowledge and perspective into tailored approaches and solutions for Indigenous businesses, corporate executives and not-for-profit service delivery organizations. She also joined Shopify as the lead of Indigenous Entrepreneurship programming, where she supported various priorities, including research, vetting and activation of opportunities for Indigenous business development in Canada, US and New Zealand. Carey is passionate about team building and sees a direct connection between progressive HR management strategies and successful organizational and businesses growth. She is a strong Indigenous advocate and supports innovative work environments that seek to include approaches to reconciliation, as demonstrated in policies, vision, planning and strategies.
Carey Calder has more than 15 years of senior management experience within Indigenous organizations, with a specialization in not-for-profit organizational development and strategic direction. Her experience includes serving as CEO of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, with a focus on the rich history of Indigenous sport in Canada. She has also managed social impact funding within urban Indigenous planning by leading partnerships and stakeholder engagement with the National Association of Friendship Centres. Moreover, she was instrumental in the creation of the Labour Market Development department with the Native Women’s Association of Canada.
One of Carey’s proudest accomplishments was her role as Executive Director with the Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start in Ottawa. There, she led negotiations with multiple levels of government to secure capital funds to purchase and renovate a building to operate core programming and provide stable services for Indigenous families in Ottawa. During her tenure, she advocated for and negotiated new revenue sources, including additional capital of 1M+ funding to lease and overhaul new space to expand services for Indigenous childcare.
Carey thrives on innovation and is driven to invest in meaningful projects that spark change initiatives, create social impact opportunities and result in positive successes that support community needs.
Suzanne M. Charles Watson
Director – Anti-racism, Equity and Social Accountability, Women’s College Hospital (WCH)
Suzanne is an experienced IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) research strategist, championing human rights and social justice. Her work employs an equity and intersectionality lens and is informed by a human-rights based, anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework to produce evidence-based research and advance inclusive policy and transformative social frameworks. Her experience spans across a range of stakeholders in international development, academia, health research institutions, municipal government and civil society. Her work focuses on areas such as education and labour market participation, gender-based violence, inclusive excellence, women’s participation; sustainable livelihoods, rural development, community engagement, and sexual and reproductive health.
Cindy Crowe
Cindy Crowe Elder, Lodgekeeper, Identity and Purpose Coach
Cindy Crowe, Elder, Lodgekeeper, Author, is a band member of the Opwaaganisiniing (Red Rock Indian Band) located an hour east of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Since 1994, Cindy has been bridging gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities. Her life purpose is to share a message of love and interconnectedness; and she creates space for change in many different venues with people from all walks of life. She believes in leading by example and is the grateful mother of five and grandmother of three.
Since 2004, Cindy’s business, Cindy Crowe Consulting represents an award winning Anishnaabe consulting firm, drawing on her expertise in community liaison, engagement and development. Since 2005, she has been the Executive Director for Ozhaawashko-giizhig Traditional Teaching Lodge, operating as the Blue Sky Community Healing Centre – an Indigenous, community-led organization based in Neebing, Ontario. Cindy respectfully acknowledges that sacred space as being within the traditional territory of the Binesii-Wiikwedong (Fort William First Nation) and loves to welcome people to the land of her ancestors next to the shores of Ktichigaming (Lake Superior).
Cindy’s seasonal tourism business Niibing Tribal Tours provides opportunities for visitors to reconnect with Mother Earth while participating in the Anishnaabe culture through land based experiential learning. Her Identity and Purpose Coaching business is for clients looking to reclaim their roots, understand themselves better and identify their life purpose. Part of this coaching is delivered through Animal Spirit Guide workshops to better understand messaging from their guides.
Cindy is also the author of Walking with Grey Wolf which honours her first vision and the spiritual journey she has been on since then. She is currently writing her second book, titled All My Relations. She has also contributed chapters in a few compilations.
Michelle Dunnill
Regional Director, Robert Half
Michelle is a Regional Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. In her role, she is responsible for all practice groups in downtown Toronto, working in collaboration with the leadership and branch teams.
Michelle is passionate about supporting her ever-growing dynamic team and building strong relationships with clients. Prior to her current role, she was Branch Director, Toronto, overseeing contract and permanent placement teams within the marketing and creative, technology, legal and management resources practice groups.
A dedicated leader, Michelle and her team have diverse recruitment and sourcing experience within all industries and take great pride in their ability to think strategically and match talented candidates with the right organizations. With a passion for prioritizing opportunities that engage her teams and support their growth, she also actively participates with local professional associations to promote Robert Half’s thought leadership and resources.
Prior to joining Robert Half, she worked in the staffing industry for 15 years, securing and providing top talent to many Fortune 500 companies.
Angie Elliott
Licensed Funeral Director and former CAMH patient
Angie Elliott has been a Licensed Funeral Director for 28 years, helping the bereaved through loss and trauma while simultaneously being a wife, mother, daughter and friend.
When no doctor could accurately diagnose or treat her, she decided that she was too much of a burden on her family and decided to end her life. In a desperate search to find someone to help her, her husband brought her to CAMH’s Emergency Department where she was diagnosed with Severe Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Now, through a combination of therapy, medication and a supportive employer, Angie has joyfully returned to balancing her love of family and the job she adores.
Deborah Gillis
President & CEO, CAMH Foundation
Deborah Gillis is a recognized thought leader on gender equality, diversity and inclusion who has dedicated her career to driving social change. Her unique blend of passion, strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit is helping her lead CAMH Foundation in transforming how Canadians understand and address mental illness in the workplace and in society.
Deborah’s early work in the public sector focused on employment equity, anti-racism and LGBTQI rights. She went on to become a consultant and practice leader with two global professional service firms. Deborah also worked in the Nova Scotia government and stood as a candidate for elected office. During her time in politics, she truly understood the power of role models—and the urgent need for more of them—to inspire girls and young women.
In her previous role as President & CEO of Catalyst, a global non-profit, Deborah advised some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies on how to advance women into leadership. In 2016, Deborah was named as one of Canadian Business magazine’s 10 Most Powerful Business People and was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal. In 2017, she was appointed to the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.
Jill Hewlett
Brain Fitness Expert, Wellness Authority
Jill Hewlett is an internationally recognized speaker, author, Brain Fitness Expert & Wellness Authority.
Licensed in the field of Educational Kinesiology for over two decades, Jill combines user-friendly neuroscience and inspired common sense strategies, to draw out the leadership, resilience. resources and creativity in individuals and organizations to support them in reducing stress and achieving greater levels of productivity, wellness, and success.
You may have seen Jill as a featured guest expert on various TV programs and radio stations across Canada, giving real life examples and real life solutions to the mental health and wellness issues that are on the rise today.
Jill is the author of two books, “Common Sense…Uncommonly Practiced” and “Uncommon Sense…Put Into Practise”; highly inspiring and readable reflections on how others might identify and apply everyday wisdom and nurturance to their life path.
For a decade, Jill produced and hosted her own Wellness TV series which began as a grassroots project and moved to Rogers TV, achieving a viewership of one million people.
Feeling a call for wellness education in her community, eighteen years ago Jill founded the Women’s Wellness Circles. This initiative has blossomed into multiple locations that she trains and mentors locally and internationally.
You will be equipped with the information, motivation, and tools, to proactively build your Fit Brain & Fit Life!
Katie Severs
Director, W4 + GHR Strategy & Executive Support, Scotiabank
Katie is currently the Ways We Work and Where (W4) Platform Lead at Scotiabank, where she leads the Bank’s global Future of Work strategy. She has been with the Bank since 2014, and has held progressively senior roles in Finance, Canadian Banking, Retail, GRM and HR. Katie is a strategy and transformation leader and is keenly focused on delivering results for Scotiabank’s employees, customers and shareholders. She is passionate about people and is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion both professionally and personally.
Katie holds an MBA from the Ted Rogers School of Management and a BA in Psychology from McGill. She is also an active Big Sister with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto, and a member of the Board for Outside the March theatre company. Outside of work, Katie loves spending time with friends and family, travelling, and enjoying good food and wine!
Priscilla Thiagamoorthy
Senior Economist & Vice President, BMO Capital Markets
Priscilla joined BMO Capital Markets in 2016 and plays a key role in analyzing Canadian household trends and the U.S. regional economy. She also contributes to the group’s AM Notes and various special reports. Priscilla previously worked at the Bank of Canada in the Financial Markets Department. She holds an undergraduate degree from the Schulich School of Business and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Ottawa.
Kadie Ward
Commissioner & Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Pay Equity Commission of Ontario
In 2020, Kadie Ward assumed leadership of the Pay Equity Commission of Ontario as Commissioner and CAO.
Commissioner Ward is a seasoned executive whose career has been characterized by successful collaboration across public, private and not-for-profit organizations to design and deliver inclusive economic growth strategies. Before joining the Pay Equity Commission in 2020, Commissioner Ward worked on implementing aspects of the Federal Government’s “Feminist International Assistance Policy” where she increased women’s participation in international trade, the labour market as well as equitable participation of men and women in their local economy.
Her expertise has taken her around the world working with legislators to establish programs and legislation that support women-led micro and small enterprises. She is a Queens’s Diamond Jubilee Medalist, recognized for her work contributing to significant economic improvement in various Canadian cities. Most recently, Commissioner Ward’s “Level the Paying Field” video and podcast series exploring issues related to economics, equity, women, work and money was awarded a Gold Quill Award of Merit for excellence in government communications. Commissioner Ward firmly believes that equity and inclusion are the foundation for sustainable economic prosperity.
Jodi Kovitz, HBA, LL.B
Chief Executive Officer and Acting Registrar, HRPA
Jodi is an experienced, visionary CEO leader and a transformative global brand builder. She is a growth strategist and a passionate connector of people.
Jodi was the founder and CEO of #movethedial, which focused on the growth and equitable participation of all women in tech. Leveraging Jodi’s vision, wealth of experience, pioneering spirit and passion, the movement impacted over 60,000 people at events throughout Canada, the US, the UK and Israel. She also previously led growth at Vetster, a telemedicine platform, and was the CEO at Peerscale, a technology membership association.
Jodi is passionate about the intersection of equity, innovation, and the future of work. Featured in Forbes Women, she was recognized as an Adweek Brandstar in Toronto in 2018, One of Canada’s 25 Women of Influence in 2018, and one of WXN’s Canada’s 100 most powerful women in 2017 and 2019.
Jodi holds an HBA from Ivey Business School at Western University and an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. She has also authored Go Out of Your Way, a book about the power of people, relationships and building genuine connections, endorsed by Sheryl Sandberg.
Kris Tierney (she/her), CHRP, CHRL
Vice President, Human Resources and Learning, HRPA
Kris’ approach as an executive leader is to achieve results by creating outstanding workplaces where people and culture are strategic priorities. She is a passionate and skilled business executive with 15 years’ experience leading HR in hi-tech, high growth companies in automotive and financial services, where she served as a trusted people and culture strategist, advisor and business partner to the C-Suite.
Kris started her career in hospitality where she held various leadership and management positions. For more than 20 years, Kris has served as a valued member of senior and executive leadership teams, where her skills in HR, leadership, strategy and culture were honed and her passion for business and HR were developed. She is periodically called upon by media, conferences and academia to contribute her experience and perspectives as an HR and business leader.
Kris has achieved the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations as awarded by HRPA. As a lifelong learner, Kris is thrilled to bring professional development and learning opportunities to the HR community in her role as Vice-President, Human Resources and Learning at HRPA.
Laura Williams
Managing Partner, Williams HR Law LLP President and CEO, Williams HR Consulting Inc.
Laura has extensive experience providing strategic advice and legal representation to organizations on a full range of labour and employment law matters and is a seasoned workplace investigator with specific expertise in conducting investigations and organizational reviews related to equity diversity inclusion and systemic discrimination issues.
As a recognized thought leader, Laura has been featured in various publications, including Canadian Lawyer, Lawyers Weekly, Law Times, HR Professional Magazine, Canadian HR Reporter, Canadian Employment Law Today and Canadian Labour Law Today. In addition, Laura has appeared in various national broadcast and print media including CTV News, Global News, BNN, CBC Radio, the Globe and Mail, National Post, Canadian Business Magazine, and Chatelaine.
In addition to her work, Laura is a member of various professional organizations and community service associations. She has been appointed as an advisor on the University of Western Ontario’s newly formed Equity Council and to the Adidas United Against Racism Accountability Council. Laura also has many years of service on various Boards of Directors, including most recently for Canadian Society of Association Executives and is the Chair of the 360Kids Board of Directors. Laura’s work has been widely recognized, including with the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Toronto, being listed on the annual W100 in 2016, which ranks the top 100 female entrepreneurs in Canada, and being listed as one of the Top 100 Black Females to Watch in 2020 from Canadian International Black Women Event. Laura has recently launched a podcast for business leaders and HR Professionals called, We Thrive Forward -Conversations with Laura Williams which is available on all major platforms.
Rich Appiah
Employment and Labour Counsel, Appiah Law
Rich Appiah is the principal of Appiah Law | Employment + Labour Counsel. He provides expert strategic counsel and legal representation in HR law to businesses of all sizes, as well as to managers and senior executives.
Called to the Bar of Ontario in 2006, Rich has significant experience as a negotiator and litigator. He has appeared as counsel before all levels of Ontario courts and the Ontario Labour Relations Board. He has also represented clients before boards of arbitration, the provincial and federal Human Rights Tribunals, the Ontario Ministry of Labour (Employment Standards Branch), and the Canadian Industrial Relations Board. In 2016, Rich was recognized as a “Lawyer to Watch” by Lexpert Magazine. Since 2019, he has been recognized by his peers as a leading practitioner in employment law in the annual Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Rich has published extensively and frequently presents at conferences on matters relating to employment and labour law and legal ethics. He also provides media commentary on pressing legal developments, including as a featured guest for all major Canadian news networks. With a lifelong commitment to volunteerism, Rich serves on the Board of Governors of the University of Guelph and is chair of the Board’s Human Resources and Governance and Membership Committees. He serves on the Board of Directors of STEPS Public Art (as a former chair and current interim chair); and has been an elected member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Employment and Labour Section Executive. He is also the former president of Delisle Youth Services.
Jann Arden
Renowned Musician | Bestselling Author
Jann Arden is a multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and author. She can bring a hall full of people to tears through song, only to have them rolling in the aisles moments later from her off-the-cuff comedy. Whether she’s performing her music, hosting an event, or telling her deeply personal and affecting stories, Arden’s wisdom and wit shine in everything she does.
Arden catapulted onto the Canadian music scene in 1993, with the release of her debut album, Time for Mercy. Since then, she has released 15 albums with 19 top-10 singles, and has received eight Juno Awards, including “Female Artist of the Year” and “Songwriter of the Year.” She has also been recognized with 10 SOCAN Awards and four Western Canadian Music Awards, among many other accolades. In 2020, Arden was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. She has also been honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and been named to the Order of Canada.
A brilliant multi-dimensional talent, Arden is currently starring in the wildly popular CTV show, Jann, where she plays a fictionalized, self-deprecating version of herself. Now in its third season, the first season was the most-watched new Canadian comedy series of the 2018-19 broadcast season. Other screen credits include guest appearances on Wynonna Earp, Private Eyes, and Workin’ Moms.
Arden is the author of five books, with the most recent being her memoir If I Knew Then: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging. This followed the Canadian bestseller Feeding My Mother: Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives with Memory Loss, which spent a combined 44 weeks on the Globe and Mail’s bestseller lists.
Michele Bailey
Founder, The Blazing Group
Michele Bailey is the Founder of The Blazing Group, a brand and culture agency born of her strategy-first approach to business, flair for sharing stories, and desire to enhance employee wellness while pursuing business goals. Michele is the daughter of a Haitian-born physician who, along with his French-Canadian wife, moved his family many times from Haiti to various U.S. states during Michele’s formative teen years. Michele credits her unique perspective on valuing relationships to those experiences and to the importance her parents placed on ensuring their family felt anchored and supported.
Her advertising agency, Blazing, is turning branding inside out with My Big Idea®, an employee mentoring and wellness program designed to propel individuals forward in their quest for personal and professional success. Blazing, a creative strategic communications agency founded in 1994 builds external marketing programs for its clients, while My Big Idea® is an interactive program that is highly valued by leaders of organizations who understand the value of linking culture, brand and marketing to drive business growth. Delivered virtually or in-person, My Big Idea® is uniquely designed to help business owners, leaders and employees address the challenges of both work and personal life.
As a bi-racial woman, Michele has faced her share of challenges, yet her boundless energy and vision have earned her international recognition as a champion of women in business. A driving force in bringing the first Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) chapter to Canada, she currently sits on the WPO board as its international representative. She is also committed to supporting entrepreneurs in the underrepresented diversity and inclusion markets. She has also completed the Tuck University (Dartmouth) course on “Growing an Established Diverse Business” in 2021. Michele’s companies are certified by WBE and WeConnect International. Last but not least, her new book, The Currency of Gratitude, published in 2021 by Forbes Books offers a moving and straightforward guide to enabling business growth using gratitude as your currency.
Arian Beyzaei
Vice President, Enriched Academy
Arian is a visionary leader and the Vice President of Enriched Academy, Canada’s foremost financial wellness company. With over nine years of experience in the industry, Arian has become a renowned expert in financial wellness. He has traveled across Canada, delivering impactful speeches to over 50,000 individuals on the importance of financial literacy and empowering them with tools to achieve financial success.
Arian’s expertise has been recognized by leading publications in the country, including the Financial Post and Globe and Mail. He has also appeared on various television programs, sharing his financial wellness strategies with audiences across the nation. Arian’s passion for financial wellness has driven him to help organizations create a culture of financial wellness. Through his work at Enriched Academy, he has helped countless companies improve their employees’ financial literacy, leading to increased productivity, improved morale and greater overall success.
With his extensive knowledge and experience, Arian is a true thought leader in financial wellness, inspiring individuals and organizations alike to take control of their finances and achieve their goals.
Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP
Lead, HR and Learning, HRPA
Diane Biesinger has more than 20 years of experience in HR and has enjoyed working in a wide range of industries from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Diane holds the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation as awarded by the HRPA. She currently brings her passion for HR to the role of HR & Learning Specialist at the HRPA, where her focus runs the range of the workplace experience for all HRPA employees, “keeping the lights on in HR” and delivering on the association’s strategic initiatives.
Diane is proud that HRPA has been certified as a Great Place to Work by GPTW Canada for the last four years and is looking forward to having that continue and improve. Prior to joining HRPA, she spent six years in the telecommunications space working with companies such as Bell and Rogers, as Director of HR. She is passionate about IDEA (inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility) and supporting leaders and staff to promote organizational objectives. Diane likes to bring her whole self to work and is enthusiastic about relationships as she brings a genuine love of people, especially our differences, to her daily interactions.
Rumeet Billan, Ph.D
CEO, Women of Influence; Chief Learning Architect, Viewpoint Leadership Inc.
Dr. Rumeet Billan is an award-winning, internationally recognized entrepreneur, learning architect, author and humanitarian. Her mission is to transform workplace cultures through research, training and experiences that enable trust, foster belonging and build resilience.
Dr. Billan is the CEO and owner of Women of Influence, and President and CEO of Viewpoint Leadership. She completed her PhD at the University of Toronto and has designed and facilitated programs, courses and training sessions across industries and sectors. She twice led the ground-breaking research study on Tall Poppy Syndrome which reveals the impact of the silent systemic syndrome on women in the workplace. In 2020, she co-led the Canadian Happiness at Work study, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Dr. Billan was named a Top 10 Power Women in 2020, and she released her first award-winning and bestselling book, Who Do I Want To Become?, designed for children and adults who are struggling with the question of what they want to be when they grow up. She also serves on the Board of Directors of First Book Canada. Learn more about her at www.rumeet.com
Deborah Bottineau
Managing Director, Robert Half
Deborah Bottineau is a Managing Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. Overseeing the Greater Toronto Area, her responsibilities include building high-performance teams and providing solutions for skilled professionals and companies across various areas of expertise.
As a spokesperson for Robert Half, Deborah provides insightful commentary on issues related to hiring trends and career management. Her thought leadership has been featured in media outlets such as Global News Toronto, CityTV and the Globe and Mail.
Deborah joined Robert Half in 1998, and has also held the roles of Staffing Manager, District Director, Division Director, Branch Manager and Metro Market Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she has witnessed all phases of the job market cycle first-hand.
Prior to joining the organization, Deborah worked in the insurance, retail and advertising industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology and Human Resource Management from the University of Guelph.
Carey Calder, MBA
Founder & Principal, Nakanagis Inc.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Carey is a proud member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabe (Sand Point First Nation) and has called Ottawa home since 2003. She holds an MBA from Athabasca University and is an experienced administrator with expertise in corporate finance and a solid understanding of governance.
Carey proudly launched Nakanagis Inc., an Indigenous owned Canadian consulting that weaves her unique first-hand knowledge and perspective into tailored approaches and solutions for Indigenous businesses, corporate executives and not-for-profit service delivery organizations. She also joined Shopify as the lead of Indigenous Entrepreneurship programming, where she supported various priorities, including research, vetting and activation of opportunities for Indigenous business development in Canada, US and New Zealand. Carey is passionate about team building and sees a direct connection between progressive HR management strategies and successful organizational and businesses growth. She is a strong Indigenous advocate and supports innovative work environments that seek to include approaches to reconciliation, as demonstrated in policies, vision, planning and strategies.
Carey Calder has more than 15 years of senior management experience within Indigenous organizations, with a specialization in not-for-profit organizational development and strategic direction. Her experience includes serving as CEO of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, with a focus on the rich history of Indigenous sport in Canada. She has also managed social impact funding within urban Indigenous planning by leading partnerships and stakeholder engagement with the National Association of Friendship Centres. Moreover, she was instrumental in the creation of the Labour Market Development department with the Native Women’s Association of Canada.
One of Carey’s proudest accomplishments was her role as Executive Director with the Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start in Ottawa. There, she led negotiations with multiple levels of government to secure capital funds to purchase and renovate a building to operate core programming and provide stable services for Indigenous families in Ottawa. During her tenure, she advocated for and negotiated new revenue sources, including additional capital of 1M+ funding to lease and overhaul new space to expand services for Indigenous childcare.
Carey thrives on innovation and is driven to invest in meaningful projects that spark change initiatives, create social impact opportunities and result in positive successes that support community needs.
Suzanne M. Charles Watson
Director – Anti-racism, Equity and Social Accountability, Women’s College Hospital (WCH)
Suzanne is an experienced IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) research strategist, championing human rights and social justice. Her work employs an equity and intersectionality lens and is informed by a human-rights based, anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework to produce evidence-based research and advance inclusive policy and transformative social frameworks. Her experience spans across a range of stakeholders in international development, academia, health research institutions, municipal government and civil society. Her work focuses on areas such as education and labour market participation, gender-based violence, inclusive excellence, women’s participation; sustainable livelihoods, rural development, community engagement, and sexual and reproductive health.
Cindy Crowe
Cindy Crowe Elder, Lodgekeeper, Identity and Purpose Coach
Cindy Crowe, Elder, Lodgekeeper, Author, is a band member of the Opwaaganisiniing (Red Rock Indian Band) located an hour east of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Since 1994, Cindy has been bridging gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities. Her life purpose is to share a message of love and interconnectedness; and she creates space for change in many different venues with people from all walks of life. She believes in leading by example and is the grateful mother of five and grandmother of three.
Since 2004, Cindy’s business, Cindy Crowe Consulting represents an award winning Anishnaabe consulting firm, drawing on her expertise in community liaison, engagement and development. Since 2005, she has been the Executive Director for Ozhaawashko-giizhig Traditional Teaching Lodge, operating as the Blue Sky Community Healing Centre – an Indigenous, community-led organization based in Neebing, Ontario. Cindy respectfully acknowledges that sacred space as being within the traditional territory of the Binesii-Wiikwedong (Fort William First Nation) and loves to welcome people to the land of her ancestors next to the shores of Ktichigaming (Lake Superior).
Cindy’s seasonal tourism business Niibing Tribal Tours provides opportunities for visitors to reconnect with Mother Earth while participating in the Anishnaabe culture through land based experiential learning. Her Identity and Purpose Coaching business is for clients looking to reclaim their roots, understand themselves better and identify their life purpose. Part of this coaching is delivered through Animal Spirit Guide workshops to better understand messaging from their guides.
Cindy is also the author of Walking with Grey Wolf which honours her first vision and the spiritual journey she has been on since then. She is currently writing her second book, titled All My Relations. She has also contributed chapters in a few compilations.
Michelle Dunnill
Regional Director, Robert Half
Michelle is a Regional Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. In her role, she is responsible for all practice groups in downtown Toronto, working in collaboration with the leadership and branch teams.
Michelle is passionate about supporting her ever-growing dynamic team and building strong relationships with clients. Prior to her current role, she was Branch Director, Toronto, overseeing contract and permanent placement teams within the marketing and creative, technology, legal and management resources practice groups.
A dedicated leader, Michelle and her team have diverse recruitment and sourcing experience within all industries and take great pride in their ability to think strategically and match talented candidates with the right organizations. With a passion for prioritizing opportunities that engage her teams and support their growth, she also actively participates with local professional associations to promote Robert Half’s thought leadership and resources.
Prior to joining Robert Half, she worked in the staffing industry for 15 years, securing and providing top talent to many Fortune 500 companies.
Angie Elliott
Licensed Funeral Director and former CAMH patient
Angie Elliott has been a Licensed Funeral Director for 28 years, helping the bereaved through loss and trauma while simultaneously being a wife, mother, daughter and friend.
When no doctor could accurately diagnose or treat her, she decided that she was too much of a burden on her family and decided to end her life. In a desperate search to find someone to help her, her husband brought her to CAMH’s Emergency Department where she was diagnosed with Severe Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Now, through a combination of therapy, medication and a supportive employer, Angie has joyfully returned to balancing her love of family and the job she adores.
Deborah Gillis
President & CEO, CAMH Foundation
Deborah Gillis is a recognized thought leader on gender equality, diversity and inclusion who has dedicated her career to driving social change. Her unique blend of passion, strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit is helping her lead CAMH Foundation in transforming how Canadians understand and address mental illness in the workplace and in society.
Deborah’s early work in the public sector focused on employment equity, anti-racism and LGBTQI rights. She went on to become a consultant and practice leader with two global professional service firms. Deborah also worked in the Nova Scotia government and stood as a candidate for elected office. During her time in politics, she truly understood the power of role models—and the urgent need for more of them—to inspire girls and young women.
In her previous role as President & CEO of Catalyst, a global non-profit, Deborah advised some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies on how to advance women into leadership. In 2016, Deborah was named as one of Canadian Business magazine’s 10 Most Powerful Business People and was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal. In 2017, she was appointed to the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.
Jill Hewlett
Brain Fitness Expert, Wellness Authority
Jill Hewlett is an internationally recognized speaker, author, Brain Fitness Expert & Wellness Authority.
Licensed in the field of Educational Kinesiology for over two decades, Jill combines user-friendly neuroscience and inspired common sense strategies, to draw out the leadership, resilience. resources and creativity in individuals and organizations to support them in reducing stress and achieving greater levels of productivity, wellness, and success.
You may have seen Jill as a featured guest expert on various TV programs and radio stations across Canada, giving real life examples and real life solutions to the mental health and wellness issues that are on the rise today.
Jill is the author of two books, “Common Sense…Uncommonly Practiced” and “Uncommon Sense…Put Into Practise”; highly inspiring and readable reflections on how others might identify and apply everyday wisdom and nurturance to their life path.
For a decade, Jill produced and hosted her own Wellness TV series which began as a grassroots project and moved to Rogers TV, achieving a viewership of one million people.
Feeling a call for wellness education in her community, eighteen years ago Jill founded the Women’s Wellness Circles. This initiative has blossomed into multiple locations that she trains and mentors locally and internationally.
You will be equipped with the information, motivation, and tools, to proactively build your Fit Brain & Fit Life!
Katie Severs
Director, W4 + GHR Strategy & Executive Support, Scotiabank
Katie is currently the Ways We Work and Where (W4) Platform Lead at Scotiabank, where she leads the Bank’s global Future of Work strategy. She has been with the Bank since 2014, and has held progressively senior roles in Finance, Canadian Banking, Retail, GRM and HR. Katie is a strategy and transformation leader and is keenly focused on delivering results for Scotiabank’s employees, customers and shareholders. She is passionate about people and is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion both professionally and personally.
Katie holds an MBA from the Ted Rogers School of Management and a BA in Psychology from McGill. She is also an active Big Sister with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto, and a member of the Board for Outside the March theatre company. Outside of work, Katie loves spending time with friends and family, travelling, and enjoying good food and wine!
Priscilla Thiagamoorthy
Senior Economist & Vice President, BMO Capital Markets
Priscilla joined BMO Capital Markets in 2016 and plays a key role in analyzing Canadian household trends and the U.S. regional economy. She also contributes to the group’s AM Notes and various special reports. Priscilla previously worked at the Bank of Canada in the Financial Markets Department. She holds an undergraduate degree from the Schulich School of Business and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Ottawa.
Kadie Ward
Commissioner & Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Pay Equity Commission of Ontario
In 2020, Kadie Ward assumed leadership of the Pay Equity Commission of Ontario as Commissioner and CAO.
Commissioner Ward is a seasoned executive whose career has been characterized by successful collaboration across public, private and not-for-profit organizations to design and deliver inclusive economic growth strategies. Before joining the Pay Equity Commission in 2020, Commissioner Ward worked on implementing aspects of the Federal Government’s “Feminist International Assistance Policy” where she increased women’s participation in international trade, the labour market as well as equitable participation of men and women in their local economy.
Her expertise has taken her around the world working with legislators to establish programs and legislation that support women-led micro and small enterprises. She is a Queens’s Diamond Jubilee Medalist, recognized for her work contributing to significant economic improvement in various Canadian cities. Most recently, Commissioner Ward’s “Level the Paying Field” video and podcast series exploring issues related to economics, equity, women, work and money was awarded a Gold Quill Award of Merit for excellence in government communications. Commissioner Ward firmly believes that equity and inclusion are the foundation for sustainable economic prosperity.
Sponsors & Tradeshow
The HR Summit, Annual Meeting and Tradeshow will offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect in-person with an exclusive highly engaged audience of validated HR professionals and decision-makers.
Dialogue is Canada’s leading high-touch team health & well-being solution that enables you to extend tailored, measurable, quality clinical care to each team member at scale, with visibility and control over how programs work together. With the largest in-house care team, our Integrated Health Platform™ is a one-stop care hub that centralizes our programs in a single application, providing access to services 24/7/365 from the convenience of home.
Eventology is Canada’s premier team building company, providing unique, engaging, and inspiring experiences that bring teams together. With an exclusive partnership with Catalyst Global Team Building and over 30 years of experience, our diverse range of games and activities cater to both in-person and virtual environments. We focus on enhancing communication, collaboration, and overall enjoyment, resulting in stronger, more cohesive teams. Our team of expert Eventologists ensures a seamless event experience that exceeds clients’ expectations. Choose Eventology for a thrilling team building experience that drives success and motivates your team.
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing the diverse employee benefits community with objective, solution-oriented education, research and information.
The International Foundation delivers research findings, education and networking opportunities to thousands of benefits professionals throughout the U.S. and Canada who rely on us for objective and timely information.
Services include conferences, webcasts, e-learning courses, an information center, research reports, job and resumé posting services, magazines and the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) program.
Isarta is Canada’s #1 marketing and communications job board.
Over 60% of their 500,000 specialized candidates can’t be found on any other job site in Canada! Let them help you find your ideal candidate in marketing, sales, communication, digital, and IT using an AI matching tool.
More than a job board, Isarta also offer you tools to be as efficient as possible such as a salary search tool and 100% personalized corporate trainings.
Medavie Blue Cross offers a unique option—a healthy change in plan coverage and member care, providing flexible benefit plans customized to meet unique needs, even as they change. We are Canada’s only national all-in-one-carrier, providing health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits to 3.5 million cardholders. With a holistic and collaborative approach to benefit design, we leverage in-house expertise in health care and technology to improve the wellbeing of Canadians.
Discovering, developing and delivering
For more than 100 years, we have been translating the unmet medical needs of people living with a serious chronic disease into innovative medicines and delivery systems, like our insulin pens.
Our treatments today are benefiting millions of people living with diabetes, obesity, and rare blood and endocrine diseases.
From our labs to our factory floors, we are discovering and developing innovative biological medicines and making them accessible to patients throughout the world.
Progyny is a leading fertility and family building benefits solution serving 370+ clients, covering 5.4M lives in 40+ industries. Progyny launched in Canada in 2022, seeing a need for a managed fertility benefit to provide members wraparound care navigation and support, and help employers recruit and retain top talent. Created with diversity, equity and inclusion in mind, Progyny provides end to end reproductive health programs for the entire family building journey and serves self-insured and fully insured clients in the US, Canada and globally.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers.
We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm. Explore our talent solutions, research and insights at RobertHalf.ca.
Group insurance plans for your employees can be difficult to source, much less implement and manage. At Sterling Capital Brokers, we provide you with a far better solution. Our cutting-edge software integrates into your HRIS & Payroll platforms, brings down your rates, creates cost-effective, customized plans and dramatically reduces your administrative burden. At Sterling Capital Brokers, we operate on one core principle – your success is our success.
SuccessFinder decodes the behavioral DNA of your workforce – transforming how you identify, develop and retain top talent. Our award-winning platform delivers actionable data-driven insights, using proven and valid psychometric science, to empower employees, leaders and teams to reach their full potential.
Corporate meal perks to feed your team and fuel your business.
Skip For Business is a flexible, easy-to-use solution that will help you build company culture, attract top talent, and recognize your employees’ hard work, while saving you time and money. Skip has over 47,000 restaurants across Canada to choose from, so no matter where your team is, everything is on the menu — and we have an extensive network of couriers to deliver the goods.
Get started today!
We’re building something different. A new kind of staffing and recruitment agency. One that brings back a sense of depth to an industry that’s become more about speed and automation than people.
What makes us different?
- Unique training program for Recruiters, so they “think like Marketers”
- Proven Recruitment Marketing strategy with an Apply Rate that is double the industry average
- Client NPS: 62 & Candidate NPS: 93
Triton is a national pre-employment screening agency providing secure and easy-to-use online background checks. It’s our goal to help organizations of all sizes streamline their hiring process to make data-driven choices that foster long lasting relationships with their important assets – their employees.
We can prepare a fully customized pre-employment screening platform designed just for you, giving you the confidence you need to hire top candidates
Criminal background checks, employment, reference & education checks, credit check, driving record, social media check, ATS integration & more.
The University of Toronto, Canada’s largest and most accomplished university, is a proud leader in co-operative education with highly qualified and well-prepared students who are ready to make an impact in your organization. Discover the many ways to hire from 100+ arts, science, engineering and management co-op programs. We offer 4, 8, 12- or 16-month work terms with varied start dates to meet your recruitment needs.
Join world-class organizations who hire the best-in-class from U of T Co-op.
Frequently Asked Questions
This two-day event features the HR Summit, Annual Meeting and Tradeshow. There will be learning opportunities with CPD hours and networking with fellow HR professionals, sponsors and vendors as well as the HRPA Hybrid Annual Meeting. The full programming details can be found in the About menu tab above.
The HR Summit, Annual Meeting and Tradeshow pricing details can be found in the Pricing menu tab above.
All registration fees include access to the live, in-person sessions, all meals and activities throughout the conferences.
No. There is a separate (free) registration for the Annual Meeting. Only registered voting members can attend and participate in the Annual Meeting on May 17. All registered voting members will receive e-mails directly about the upcoming Annual Meeting and will be invited to register using the link provided in those e-mails.
For questions or further information, email annualmeeting@hrpa.ca.
Yes, you can save up to 10% per registrant when registering a group of 3 or more. Full pricing details can be found in the Pricing menu tab above.
Complete your registration as you normally would. When it comes to the question “Are you registering as part of a group?” select “Yes” and complete the “Group Name” field. By following these steps, your registration fees will automatically be adjusted to reflect group pricing.
NOTE: When entering your group name, please ensure your group enters the same group name. Example: HRPA vs Human Resources Professionals Association. While technically they are the same company, the registration system will recognize the two versions as separate entities.
No. The workshop is available for an additional fee to your registration, should you choose to participate, and has a limited capacity of 50 registrants.
Registration to the workshop includes access to the learning content and any resources provided.
This event will be held in-person at The Carlu, located at 444 Yonge St #7, Toronto, ON M5B 2H4.
We look forward to hosting you on May 16 and May 17! Event updates will be maintained on the event website here. An email with full event expectations and how to prepare for the event will be sent to all registrants one week prior to the event start.
In the meantime, if you have any questions:
For registration support, email: conferenceregistration@hrpa.ca
For general event inquiries, email: professionaldevelopment@hrpa.ca
With the exception of the hybrid Annual Meeting, the HR Summit, Annual Meeting and Tradeshow is an in-person event.
Yes. Details will be announced soon.
No, HRPA has not secured any preferred travel discounts.
You are welcome to join the wait list. If a space becomes available, you will be notified in order of registration. Unless you hear otherwise, assume that your registration continues to be waitlisted.
Registration will remain open as long as space permits. If registration reaches capacity, a waiting list will be enabled.
Yes, assuming that registration capacity has not been met yet.
We hope participants will be present and in the moment of learning and recognize that individuals learn in a variety of ways. Bring your own device – laptop, tablet, mobile device, whatever works best for you – or notebook and pen if that’s your preference.
Yes, complimentary Wifi will be available at the venue.
Day 1, May 16 will include breakfast, breaks and lunch. Upon arrival you will check in with the registration desk and participate in the learning program for the day as well as connect with our sponsors and vendors. We invite attendees to kick back and relax at our end of day networking reception.
Day 2, May 17 will feature a limited capacity workshop, open forum “Ask the Expert” session and Members’ spotlight presentation series. Day 2 lunch will be followed by the HRPA Hybrid Annual Meeting.
During the breaks and meals, we encourage you to stretch your legs and engage with fellow attendees.
Business casual.
No, the in-person workshop will not be recorded.
Yes. At this time the programming is still in development and CPD hours will be announced on the website when they become available.
CPD codes are only issued for sessions you attended live. No CPD code is provided for sessions viewed on-demand. Sessions you view on-demand do qualify for CPD Hours and will accumulate toward the total eligible CPD hours, however you will need to log those hours manually. Details can be found on the CPD FAQs page.
CPD codes will be issued to all attendees post-event via email.
Please complete our speaker submission form here.
To become a speaker at the Members’ Spotlight session at the HR Summit, please complete the speaker submission form here.
Please complete our sponsor submission form here.
Volunteer opportunities will be announced and available for application starting March 20.
For registration support, email: conferenceregistration@hrpa.ca
For general event inquiries, email: professionaldevelopment@hrpa.ca
Title Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Learning & Session Sponsors
Hospitality Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Please complete our sponsor submission form here.
Contact Adam Hart, Business Development Manager, to learn more about partnership or sponsorship opportunities.
Tel: 416.923.2324 ext. 353
Email: ahart@hrpa.ca
HRPA has reserved a limited room block for the HR Summit, Annual Meeting and Tradeshow. Book your room before the booking deadline to take advantage of preferred rates.
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z4
Preferred rate starting at $289 CDN/night
RESERVATIONS
Individual participants will be responsible for making their own reservations directly with the hotel.
There are two ways to make your reservation:
1) Online using this link here: Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
2) Call the hotel directly, toll free 1-800-CHELSEA (243-5732) or 416-595-1975.
Group name for reservations: Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) or Group ID: HUM051523
Cut-Off Date for booking: April 17, 2023. After this date, reservations will be handled on a rate availability basis.
CANCELLATIONS
All reservations must be cancelled by 4:00pm EST 48 hours (2 days) prior to arrival. Cancellations made within 48 hours of arrival will result in a charge of a 1 night stay plus taxes. A valid credit card is required at the time of booking.
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIMES
Check-in time is 3:00 P.M.
Check-out time is 11:00 A.M.