HRPA Ignite: IDEA Conference
November 17, 2025
Secure your spot at HRPA Ignite: IDEA and join a dynamic community of HR leaders shaping the future of work.
“I believe we need to clearly name the moment we’re in, recognize this as a breakaway point for equity and HR, and ask: What does it look like to design the future of equity-centred HR in Canada?”
- Dr. Sarah Saska
In today’s workplace, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) are more than just values - they are essential for business success and employee well-being. These values are being called into question and has required us to refocus our efforts on driving impact and integrating IDEA into company culture and wellbeing. Organizations that fully integrate IDEA are better equipped to attract top talent, foster innovation, and create meaningful connections with diverse communities.
Turning IDEA principles into action requires more than good intentions. Human Resources (HR) professionals must navigate structural barriers, outdated business models, and emerging challenges, such as AI, changes over the border, and return to office. Ensuring leadership accountability, while eliminating biases and cultivating a culture of transparency and belonging is key for long-term success.
Join HRPA, our sponsors and speakers at Ignite IDEA November 2025 to gain approaches and new tactics from organizations successfully embedding IDEA into their workplaces. Learn actionable strategies to drive meaningful change and create an environment where all employees can thrive. Become an HR professional that can integrate IDEA and liaise effectively with leadership on embedding it into the organizational strategy.
Event Details
📍 Location: The Quay & Virtual
🗓️ Date: November 17
🕛 Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing
👥 HRPA Members:
In-Person: Starting at $169 | Virtual: Select Content FREE
💼 Non-Members:
In-Person: Starting at $229 | Virtual: Starting at $159
Title Sponsor
Agenda
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Registration & Arrival
Kick off your day at HPRA’s Ignite IDEA and experience a warm welcome from the HRPA, our partners, and our sponsors. Arrive early to grab your badge, connect with peers, fill up your coffee, and get ready for an inspiring day ahead!
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM | Opening Ceremony: Igniting the IDEA of the Day
Our emcee, Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom, sets the tone with an energizing welcome on stage.
Speaker:
– Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom
– Jodi Kovitz, CEO, HRPA
– Javed Alam, Managing Director, EMD Serono
10:50 AM – 11:10 AM | Opening Keynote: Dismantling Stereotypes
Through her powerful, personal journey and captivating storytelling, Madison Tevlin reveals why diversity and accessibility aren’t just “nice to have” – they’re essential for innovation. Discover how including voices of individuals with disabilities fuels creativity, drives progress, and builds stronger teams. HR professionals will leave this talk inspired about the broader impacts of their work.
Speaker:
– Madison Tevlin, Canadian actress and broadcaster of CBC Gem talk show ‘Who Do You Think I Am?’ and film Champions.
11:10 AM – 11:50 AM | Power Panel: Diversity as a Competitive Edge
Prasanna Ranganathan leads a dynamic discussion with thought leaders and changemakers on leveraging diversity as a competitive edge. HR professionals can gain insights on how a variety of organizations are incorporating diversity as a way to gain competitive edge in today’s competitive market, through our panelists.
Moderator:
– Prasanna Ranganathan, Owner, Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting
Speakers:
– Ingrid Palmer, award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and social justice consultant featured on CBC, Global News, and Toronto Star
– Yat Li, Associate Director of Inclusive Employment Services, at Open Door Group
11:50 AM – 12:10 PM | Equity in Family Building
As family-building journeys are unique to every individual, it is essential for organizations to offer inclusive fertility benefits that support all employees. This session will highlight the importance of comprehensive fertility offerings, including elective egg freezing, as vital components of a modern employee benefits package. We will discuss how these benefits can enhance workplace culture, fostering a more inclusive environment that attracts and retains talent across the board. Implementing comprehensive fertility benefits is not merely about compliance; it is a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace. Join us to explore how inclusive fertility plans can create a supportive atmosphere for all employees seeking to build their families, ultimately enriching your organization and its culture.
Speaker:
– Michelle Chidley, Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy and Outreach Association | Principal, Aisling Communications Inc.
12:10 PM – 1:10 PM | Networking Lunch
Fuel up and forge new connections with industry peers, speakers, and IDEA leaders. The HRPA will provide a gourmet catered lunch onsite for all members, volunteers, sponsors, and speakers to enjoy. Please ensure to submit your dietary requirements or requests when purchasing a ticket.
1:10 PM – 1:50 PM | Rebuilding the Work: Equity as a Core Operating Discipline
Dr. Sarah Saska, CEO of Feminuity, highlights four key forces shaping the future: a changing workforce, global instability, rapid AI advancement, and shifting skills. She emphasizes that equity must be embedded across all business functions—not siloed. It becomes meaningful when present in decision-making. Dr. Saska will present a forward-thinking framework for leaders building inclusive, equitable workplaces, alongside other boundary-pushing voices. HR professionals can expect actionable insights that elevate IDEA’s strategic value at the executive level.
Speakers:
– Dr. Sarah Saska, CEO of Feminuity, Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2015, 2017, 2021), Bay Street Bull’s Women of the Year (2022), board advisor for Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship, and previously advised the Equality Fund
– Steph Rebello, Director of Design & Strategy, Feminuity
1:50 PM – 2:20 PM | IDEA Across the Generations
In today’s evolving workplace, the most successful organizations are those that embrace the strengths and perspectives of every generation. This dynamic panel brings together voices from across the generational spectrum. Each panelist will share lived experiences, workplace expectations, and insights into what drives engagement, innovation, and retention in their cohort. HR professionals will walk away with practical strategies to bridge generational differences, and create a culture where every voice is valued and empowered.
Moderator:
– Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom
Speakers:
– Priscilla Stephen, CHRL, Head of Human Resources at MyHealth Centre | Board of Directors, HRPA Toronto Chapter | Board of Directors, Karis Disability Services | Advisory Council at various Universities in Ontario
– Josie Lee, Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada)
– Kiethan Thevasegaram, City Cruises Tour Guide, Youth Climate Ambassador, HRPA Student Ambassador (Central East Chapter)
2:20 PM – 3:00 PM | Networking Break
Take a break to connect with industry peers, speakers, and IDEA leaders during our final break of the day.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Legal Lens: The Evolving Landscape of Inclusion
Our legal partners will explore emerging considerations in workplace inclusivity and what leaders need to know to stay ahead. HR professionals can expect to learn more about how legal plays a role in IDEA and leave the table with the knowledge of laws as it pertains to workplace inclusivity in Ontario.
Speaker:
– Nafisah Chowdhury, Partner, Miller Thomson LLP
3:30 PM – 4:10 PM | Open Forum Q&A
This exciting segment is back at Ignite. Our Open Forum Q&A, hosted by Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, is a chance to engage directly with the day’s speakers. Bring your most pressing questions for a dynamic exchange of ideas. Please submit your questions in advance via our Qualtrics Survey.
Moderator:
– Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom
Speakers:
– Dr. Sarah Saska, CEO of Feminuity, Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2015, 2017, 2021), Bay Street Bull’s Women of the Year (2022), board advisor for Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship, and previously advised the Equality Fund
– Steph Rebello, Director of Design & Strategy, Feminuity
– Nafisah Chowdhury, Partner, Miller Thomson
– Michelle Chidley, Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy
– Yat Li, Associate Director, Inclusive Employment Services, Open Door Group
– Ingrid Palmer, award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and social justice consultant featured on CBC, Global News, and Toronto Star
4:10 PM – 4:35 PM | Closing Keynote: Who I am is what I bring: The Power of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) for Transformative Change
In this closing keynote, Prasanna Ranganathan examines where we go from here, by introducing and exploring the never-ending cycle around IDEA work: the cycle of representation – obligation – suspicion. This cycle informs not only the commitment and approach of organizations to IDEA. It infuses public reaction. It informs media coverage. It bubbles under the surface of one on one conversations. If we are going to make transformative change a tangible reality when it comes to IDEA, we need to understand both how the cycle operates and how we can establish systems and processes in the representation phase so that the obligation and suspicion phases are less tumultuous and painful to navigate. Don’t believe the headlines: IDEA work continues to have a real impact and we all have a role to play in making real change happen.
Speaker:
– Prasanna Ranganathan, Owner, Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting
4:35 PM – 4:45 PM | Closing Remarks
A final word to inspire you to turn IDEA principles into action in your own workplace from our emcee.
Speaker:
– Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking Reception
End this incredible day at HRPA’s Ignite IDEA with relaxed networking over refreshments – the perfect setting to continue conversations and spark collaboration with peers!
Choose your own adventure – pick the option that works best for you!
| Virtual Keynote & Panel Pass | Virtual All Access Pass | In-Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keynote & Panel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| All 7 Sessions | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Actionable Insights | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Networking | ✅ | ||
| Mix & Mingle Reception | ✅ |
✅ In-Person – Limited spots available! Experience it live at The Quay and take advantage of the networking opportunities and reception to connect with industry experts and peers.
💻 Virtual All Access Pass – Join from anywhere! Tune in via live stream and engage in real-time discussions without leaving your desk.
No matter how you choose to attend, you’ll gain insights, strategies, and connections to elevate your HR expertise.
| Members | Non-Members | |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person | $225 | $299 |
| Virtual All Access Pass | $69 | $209 |
| Virtual Keynote & Panel Pass | FREE | Included in Virtual All Access Pass |
Javed Alam
Managing Director, EMD Serono
Javed Alam has served as the Country President and Managing Director of EMD Serono, Canada, since July 2022. In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing growth-oriented business strategies to enhance the company’s presence and reputation. EMD Serono Canada, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, views Canada as a crucial player in the global healthcare landscape. The Canadian affiliate aligns its business objectives with the parent organization’s vision, actively contributing to the advancement of the healthcare sector. Before his current position, Javed successfully led multiple Asian affiliates of Merck KGaA, including those in South Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. With over 27 years of experience in the healthcare industry, he has held leadership roles at renowned multinational companies such as Novartis, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Sanofi, gaining valuable multicultural exposure through his work in Asia, Europe, and North America. Javed has made significant contributions to industry associations, serving on various boards and workstreams. He is currently a Board member at Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) and previously held the position of Vice-Chairman at the Korean Pharmaceutical Industry Association (KRPIA). Additionally, he played a pivotal role as a board member and treasurer for the Vietnamese industry association (Pharma Group). Academically, Javed holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration along with postgraduate management qualifications in social sciences.
Michelle Chidley
Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy and Outreach Association | Principal, Aisling Communications Inc.
Michelle Chidley is the co-founder and Chair of Fertility Alberta, a non-profit advocating for improved access to fertility care. Inspired by her own IVF journey, she works with patients and partners to advance public and private funding solutions, helping more Albertans build families. In 2024, Fertility Alberta received the national Changemaker Award for Advocacy from Fertility Matters Canada.
With over 20 years of experience as a communications executive and consultant, Michelle leads Aisling Communications, specializing in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. Now based in Toronto with her husband and two sons, she continues to drive Fertility Alberta’s mission forward.
Nafisah Chowdhury
Partner, Miller Thomson LLP
Nafisah Chowdhury practices in employment law and commercial litigation. She provides day-to-day strategic advice to businesses of all sizes on a broad range of matters, including navigating workplace issues, resolvingcorporate disputes, and addressing privacy law concerns. Nafisah’s litigation experience encompasses such areas as the enforcement of restrictive covenants, defending employers against wrongful dismissal proceedings, and recovery of confidential information taken by departing employees.Nafisah is a past executive member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Labour & Employment Section, as well as a past
executive member of The Advocates’ Society’s Labour & Employment Practice Group. She has been acknowledged with distinctions like the Lexpert Rising Star Award (recognizing Canada’s leading lawyers under 40) and as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Canada. She has also received praise from The Best Lawyers in Canada for her deep employment law knowledge. She regularly appears before various courts and tribunals.
Beyond her legal career, Nafisah is actively involved in various community projects. She serves on the board of directors for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), the operator of Pearson Airport, and has earned an ICD.D designation. She is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal,
recognizing her dedication, leadership and valuable contribution to Canada, her profession and her community.
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh
Director of DEI & Operations, Bloom
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh is a transformational change agent and global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) expert. She is currently the Director of DEI & Operations at Bloom, and the founder of SHM Consulting, where she partners with organizations to implement forward-thinking DEI strategies that foster environments of inclusion and belonging.
With over a decade of experience working with leading companies like Red Bull Canada, Shopify, and Wealthsimple, Shavonne has worked across HR, employee culture, people analytics, employee experience, learning and development, coaching, and facilitation. Through her consulting work, she has collaborated with brands such as Mejuri, Endy, Benchsci, and Mozilla, supporting them in embedding DEI into their organizational fabric. Her work is rooted in the belief that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to building inclusive cultures, which is reflected in her tailored strategies that help organizations attract and retain top talent.
In addition to her consultancy and leadership roles, Shavonne is a conference speaker and serves on boards and advisory committees focused on creating accessibility and innovation in technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Recognized as a community builder, disruptor of oppressive systems, and a champion for marginalized voices, she leads with purpose and passion. Her newest area of learning and exploration is grief work, where she hopes to one day help others navigate loss and the complex emotions that come with it with empathy and cultural awareness.
Josie Lee
Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada)
Josie is an energetic Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE), with over 16 years of experience. As Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada), she is responsible for all functional areas of HR across Canada. Prior to CNA, she worked at Deloitte and EY. With 25+ years of volunteering experience, Josie has had the opportunity to work with children, youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Josie graduated from Western University with a specialization in HR and French. Since joining the HRPA in 2009, she’s been both a mentee and mentor, was the recipient of HRPA York Region’s Rising Star Award in 2014, volunteered with the Relationship Management and Mentoring Committees, was part of the HRPA Board of Directors for York Region and currently sits on the Experience Assessment Committee (EAC) for CHRL designations. Outside of HR, Josie is a part-time Real Estate Salesperson and also coaches kids and teens Muay Thai.
Yat Li
Associate Director of Inclusive Employment Services, Open Door Group
Yat is an influential disability advocate, reshaping workplace culture across North America. Born with multiple disabilities, being Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Yat transformed early life challenges into a powerful message: disability does not define a person’s career path but rather an opportunity for innovation and authentic leadership.
At Open Door Group, Yat leads initiatives that bridge the gap between organizations and the untapped talent pool of professionals with disabilities. His work combines lived experience with strategic expertise to help businesses build accessible, equitable workplaces where all employees can be their authentic selves while meeting business goals.
Ingrid Palmer
Award-Winning Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Social Justice Consultant featured on CBC, Global News, and Toronto Star
Ingrid Palmer (she, her) is an award winning speaker, bestselling author, and social justice consultant. She is the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility Leading to Belonging *(IDEAL-2B) Chief Officer at Realize Canada.
As a visually impaired former foster kid Mrs. Palmer founded Focus On Ability to combat ableism, challenge bias, promote universal belonging, drive systemic change and debunking myths and stereotypes of stigmatized identities. Her acclaimed storytelling and writing highlights traditionally unheard perspectives of intersectionality, marginalized leadership, and community capacity.
Ingrid’s dedication to advancing EDI principle is deeply rooted in her living experiences of early childhood trauma, foster care, disability, and gender based violence. As an advocate, Mrs. Palmer has championed issues in the housing, poverty, education, disability, and child welfare sectors. She has been instrumental in initiatives of poverty reduction, decent work, and gender equity.
Ingrid is committed to participating in creating pathways to success and opportunities for communities and individuals facing adversity. Her background in service includes Board Chair of the Child Welfare PAC, and Vice Chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities.
As a social justice consultant Ingrid has supported government, corporate and community organizations with community outreach and equity development. Ingrid has appeared on CTV, Global News, Breakfast Television and in publications such as Toronto Life, the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail.
Prasanna Ranganathan
Owner, Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting
In his nearly 20 years as: a human rights lawyer; diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) advisor; filmmaker; speaker; and writer, Prasanna Ranganathan works tirelessly to build a more accessible, inclusive world for communities across all dimensions of diversity. As the founder of Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting (a DEIAB consultancy), the former Head of Diversity and Belonging at Shopify, and a human rights lawyer with experience at the Department of Justice Canada, Federal Judicial Affairs Canada, the Independent Street Checks Review, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, and the United Nations Development Programme, Prasanna has embedded DEIAB best practices into organizations, programs, and institutions in over 15 countries worldwide. His volunteer work as a Founding Board Member of the Disability Screen Office (which seeks to make Canada’s screen industry more accessible and inclusive), a past board member of Inside/Out Film Festival (Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ film festival), and his previous work on the Justice Canada Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities exemplify his commitment to DEIAB and inclusive storytelling. Recognizing the power of storytelling to drive change, Prasanna is a Consulting Producer on Born for Business, a 10-episode docuseries on disabled entrepreneurs (airing on Crave Canada and NBC Peacock) and the co-author of the cookbook Made with Prema raising funds for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Prasanna is a seasoned speaker, providing the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) inclusion and accessibility workshop, launching the Reimagine Lecture Series at the British Film Institute with a keynote on accessibility, delivering the Sundance Institute’s anti-bias and accessibility learning programming, speaking at the TIFF Industry Conference, and serving as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Southern California Annenberg Inclusion Initiative on inclusive storytelling. Prasanna is the recipient of various awards including, most recently, the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility presented during the 2024 Legacy Awards from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Stephanie Rebello
Director of Design & Strategy, Feminuity
Steph is a design researcher and strategy leader who has worked on addressing systemic challenges related to access, exclusion, and environmental and social impact in various sectors, including non-profit, corporate, and public institutions. Steph has extensive experience supporting clients in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Her practice focuses on inclusive design, and she has spent the last ten years developing community-centred co-design tools, research, and strategic frameworks to help clients balance equity and social impact with transformation and growth.
Steph holds a degree in Sociology from Western University and a Masters of Design for Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University. She has been featured in the Toronto Star, the Service Design Network, and the Academy for Social Innovation. Currently, Steph serves as a fractional executive at Feminuity, a consultancy that partners with technology startups to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion across their business, while simultaneously leading inclusive design research and client projects at OCADU CO, a futures design consultancy.
Dr. Sarah Saska
Co-Founder & CEO, Feminuity
Dr. Sarah Saska is an academic turned entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Feminuity. A globally recognized leader at the intersection of equity, innovation, and technology, she and her team have worked with more than 200 organizations across 20 countries, including global tech giants and grassroots movements, to embed equity into workplace cultures, products, and services.
During her PhD, she was among the first to identify how bias, exclusion, and harm were being hard-coded into emerging technologies, not only through technical decisions, but also through the limited perspectives of the teams building them. Her research helped establish equity-based frameworks for innovation, shaping what is now a widely adopted approach to identifying and addressing bias in technology. This work laid the groundwork for founding Feminuity.
She coined the concept of “diversity debt,” featured in her 2017 TEDx talk, which reframed diversity as a critical risk in the innovation economy and helped spark global conversations about tech’s social responsibility. She continues to advise organizations and research initiatives focused on the future of equity and innovation.
Sarah’s insights have informed national research and policy through advisory roles with the Harvard Business Review, NASA, and studies including “Who Are Canada’s Tech Workers?“, “Tech for All“, Canada’s Gender Equity Roadmap, and “Tech for Women’s Justice“. She also co-authored Inclusion, Intention, Investment with #MoveTheDial and contributed to the Sexual Assault Resistance Education (SARE) trial, later published in The New England Journal of Medicine, for its demonstrated impact in reducing campus sexual violence.
She has been named to Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2015, 2017, 2021), Bay Street Bull’s Women of the Year (2022), and The Peak’s Emerging Leaders (2022), and has been recognized by Culture Amp and Create & Cultivate. She currently serves on advisory boards for the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship and Western University’s School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities. She previously advised the Equality Fund and served on the board of Wen-Do Women’s Self-Defence.
Sarah is a sought-after speaker and trusted voice on equity, innovation, and the future of work. She has delivered keynotes in over 20 countries and regularly shares her insights with media, researchers, and policy leaders. Her commentary has appeared on CBC’s The National, Fast Company, The Globe and Mail, and podcasts such as Betakit and Girlboss.
Priscilla Stephen, CHRL
Head of Human Resources at MyHealth Centre | Board of Directors, HRPA Toronto Chapter | Board of Directors, Karis Disability Services | Advisory Council at various Universities in Ontario
Priscilla Stephen is a highly accomplished and resourceful HR professional with over 20 years of experience in driving Human Resource strategy, functions, initiatives, and programs for leading healthcare, technology, and business process providers. Passionate about creating positive people experiences and fostering a culture of strong leadership and empowerment, Priscilla currently serves in the HRPA Toronto Council and has been volunteering with HRPA on the board for over five years.
As the Head of Human Resources at WELL Health Diagnostic Centres, Priscilla provides strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the human resources function. She establishes a vision and direction for a comprehensive range of human capital programs, policies, and services, including HR transformation, talent acquisition, talent management, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organizational design and cultural development, employee education and development, compensation and benefits, HR operations and technology, employee relations, and HR analytics. Under her leadership, WELL Health Diagnostic Centres has experienced significant positive cultural change, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment that emphasizes employee well-being and engagement.
Previously, Priscilla held leadership roles overseeing Human Resource functions and played a key role in designing new HR programs, establishing HR best practices, streamlining HR processes, driving HR compliance, and reducing HR costs in various organizations, including Fortune 500 companies such as IBM and Genpact.
Priscilla is a Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) and holds a Master’s degree in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations.
Madison Tevlin
Canadian actress and broadcaster of CBC Gem talk show ‘Who Do You Think I Am?’ and film Champions.
Madison Tevlin was born with Down syndrome, though she’ll rightly tell you it’s the least interesting thing about her. She has dedicated her life to dismantling the stigmas associated with Down syndrome, proving from a young age that it does not define her capabilities, and that we all thrive when we reduce stigmas and lift each other up.
Her extensive credits include notable appearances on the television show “Mr. D,” and hosting her talk show “Who Do You Think I Am.” She received praise for a standout performance in “Champions,” a film directed by Bobby Farrelly and starring Woody Harrelson. Madison graced the red carpet as a host at the Canadian Screen Awards, where she also made history as the first person with Down syndrome to be nominated for Best Host in a Talk Show or Entertainment News category.
Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Madison is an active participant in initiatives that promote inclusivity. She is a member of Best Buddies International and has walked the runway for the Knix Confidence Tour and the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show. Her voice resonated deeply at the “Dear Mom” conference in Laguna Beach, where she served as the keynote speaker, and later in the year was honoured by the Global Down syndrome Foundation with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award in 2023 for her contributions to the community.
Through her speeches, performances, and engagements, Madison Tevlin inspires audiences globally, demonstrating unwaveringly that she is much more than her diagnosis—she is a true superstar changing the world one speech, one role, and one advocacy moment at a time.
Kiethan Thevasegaram
City Cruises Tour Guide, Youth Climate Ambassador, HRPA Student Ambassador (Central East Chapter)
Kiethan Theva is a community-builder, social entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate based in Toronto. He is the founder of Responsible Cafes TO, a grassroots initiative focused on reducing single-use coffee cup waste by partnering with local cafés, campuses, and community organizations to promote reusable culture across the city. Through this project, he has collaborated with youth climate networks, municipal partners, and student associations, helping to spark conversations around circularity and everyday environmental action.
Alongside his community work, Kiethan is completing his Bachelor of Human Resources Management at Seneca Polytechnic, where he also serves as a Vice-President with the Seneca Environmental Association. He was a Youth Climate Ambassador with Skills for Change and the City of Toronto, and his work has been featured at events such as EcoFair Toronto, HRPA Elevate, student showcases, and campus sustainability summits.
Outside of organizing and advocacy, Kiethan works as a tour guide on the Toronto Harbour, where he combines storytelling, local history, and environmental education for thousands of visitors each season. He is passionate about helping people feel connected — to place, to purpose, and to each other — and hopes to continue building impact-driven projects that bridge business, sustainability, and community leadership.
Javed Alam
Managing Director, EMD Serono
Javed Alam has served as the Country President and Managing Director of EMD Serono, Canada, since July 2022. In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing growth-oriented business strategies to enhance the company’s presence and reputation. EMD Serono Canada, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, views Canada as a crucial player in the global healthcare landscape. The Canadian affiliate aligns its business objectives with the parent organization’s vision, actively contributing to the advancement of the healthcare sector. Before his current position, Javed successfully led multiple Asian affiliates of Merck KGaA, including those in South Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. With over 27 years of experience in the healthcare industry, he has held leadership roles at renowned multinational companies such as Novartis, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Sanofi, gaining valuable multicultural exposure through his work in Asia, Europe, and North America. Javed has made significant contributions to industry associations, serving on various boards and workstreams. He is currently a Board member at Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) and previously held the position of Vice-Chairman at the Korean Pharmaceutical Industry Association (KRPIA). Additionally, he played a pivotal role as a board member and treasurer for the Vietnamese industry association (Pharma Group). Academically, Javed holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration along with postgraduate management qualifications in social sciences.
Michelle Chidley
Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy and Outreach Association | Principal, Aisling Communications Inc.
Michelle Chidley is the co-founder and Chair of Fertility Alberta, a non-profit advocating for improved access to fertility care. Inspired by her own IVF journey, she works with patients and partners to advance public and private funding solutions, helping more Albertans build families. In 2024, Fertility Alberta received the national Changemaker Award for Advocacy from Fertility Matters Canada.
With over 20 years of experience as a communications executive and consultant, Michelle leads Aisling Communications, specializing in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. Now based in Toronto with her husband and two sons, she continues to drive Fertility Alberta’s mission forward.
Nafisah Chowdhury
Partner, Miller Thomson LLP
Nafisah Chowdhury practices in employment law and commercial litigation. She provides day-to-day strategic advice to businesses of all sizes on a broad range of matters, including navigating workplace issues, resolvingcorporate disputes, and addressing privacy law concerns. Nafisah’s litigation experience encompasses such areas as the enforcement of restrictive covenants, defending employers against wrongful dismissal proceedings, and recovery of confidential information taken by departing employees.Nafisah is a past executive member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Labour & Employment Section, as well as a past
executive member of The Advocates’ Society’s Labour & Employment Practice Group. She has been acknowledged with distinctions like the Lexpert Rising Star Award (recognizing Canada’s leading lawyers under 40) and as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Canada. She has also received praise from The Best Lawyers in Canada for her deep employment law knowledge. She regularly appears before various courts and tribunals.
Beyond her legal career, Nafisah is actively involved in various community projects. She serves on the board of directors for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), the operator of Pearson Airport, and has earned an ICD.D designation. She is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal,
recognizing her dedication, leadership and valuable contribution to Canada, her profession and her community.
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh
Director of DEI & Operations, Bloom
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh is a transformational change agent and global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) expert. She is currently the Director of DEI & Operations at Bloom, and the founder of SHM Consulting, where she partners with organizations to implement forward-thinking DEI strategies that foster environments of inclusion and belonging.
With over a decade of experience working with leading companies like Red Bull Canada, Shopify, and Wealthsimple, Shavonne has worked across HR, employee culture, people analytics, employee experience, learning and development, coaching, and facilitation. Through her consulting work, she has collaborated with brands such as Mejuri, Endy, Benchsci, and Mozilla, supporting them in embedding DEI into their organizational fabric. Her work is rooted in the belief that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to building inclusive cultures, which is reflected in her tailored strategies that help organizations attract and retain top talent.
In addition to her consultancy and leadership roles, Shavonne is a conference speaker and serves on boards and advisory committees focused on creating accessibility and innovation in technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Recognized as a community builder, disruptor of oppressive systems, and a champion for marginalized voices, she leads with purpose and passion. Her newest area of learning and exploration is grief work, where she hopes to one day help others navigate loss and the complex emotions that come with it with empathy and cultural awareness.
Josie Lee
Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada)
Josie is an energetic Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE), with over 16 years of experience. As Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada), she is responsible for all functional areas of HR across Canada. Prior to CNA, she worked at Deloitte and EY. With 25+ years of volunteering experience, Josie has had the opportunity to work with children, youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Josie graduated from Western University with a specialization in HR and French. Since joining the HRPA in 2009, she’s been both a mentee and mentor, was the recipient of HRPA York Region’s Rising Star Award in 2014, volunteered with the Relationship Management and Mentoring Committees, was part of the HRPA Board of Directors for York Region and currently sits on the Experience Assessment Committee (EAC) for CHRL designations. Outside of HR, Josie is a part-time Real Estate Salesperson and also coaches kids and teens Muay Thai.
Yat Li
Associate Director of Inclusive Employment Services, Open Door Group
Yat is an influential disability advocate, reshaping workplace culture across North America. Born with multiple disabilities, being Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Yat transformed early life challenges into a powerful message: disability does not define a person’s career path but rather an opportunity for innovation and authentic leadership.
At Open Door Group, Yat leads initiatives that bridge the gap between organizations and the untapped talent pool of professionals with disabilities. His work combines lived experience with strategic expertise to help businesses build accessible, equitable workplaces where all employees can be their authentic selves while meeting business goals.
Ingrid Palmer
Award-Winning Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Social Justice Consultant featured on CBC, Global News, and Toronto Star
Ingrid Palmer (she, her) is an award winning speaker, bestselling author, and social justice consultant. She is the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility Leading to Belonging *(IDEAL-2B) Chief Officer at Realize Canada.
As a visually impaired former foster kid Mrs. Palmer founded Focus On Ability to combat ableism, challenge bias, promote universal belonging, drive systemic change and debunking myths and stereotypes of stigmatized identities. Her acclaimed storytelling and writing highlights traditionally unheard perspectives of intersectionality, marginalized leadership, and community capacity.
Ingrid’s dedication to advancing EDI principle is deeply rooted in her living experiences of early childhood trauma, foster care, disability, and gender based violence. As an advocate, Mrs. Palmer has championed issues in the housing, poverty, education, disability, and child welfare sectors. She has been instrumental in initiatives of poverty reduction, decent work, and gender equity.
Ingrid is committed to participating in creating pathways to success and opportunities for communities and individuals facing adversity. Her background in service includes Board Chair of the Child Welfare PAC, and Vice Chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities.
As a social justice consultant Ingrid has supported government, corporate and community organizations with community outreach and equity development. Ingrid has appeared on CTV, Global News, Breakfast Television and in publications such as Toronto Life, the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail.
Prasanna Ranganathan
Owner, Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting
In his nearly 20 years as: a human rights lawyer; diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) advisor; filmmaker; speaker; and writer, Prasanna Ranganathan works tirelessly to build a more accessible, inclusive world for communities across all dimensions of diversity. As the founder of Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting (a DEIAB consultancy), the former Head of Diversity and Belonging at Shopify, and a human rights lawyer with experience at the Department of Justice Canada, Federal Judicial Affairs Canada, the Independent Street Checks Review, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, and the United Nations Development Programme, Prasanna has embedded DEIAB best practices into organizations, programs, and institutions in over 15 countries worldwide. His volunteer work as a Founding Board Member of the Disability Screen Office (which seeks to make Canada’s screen industry more accessible and inclusive), a past board member of Inside/Out Film Festival (Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ film festival), and his previous work on the Justice Canada Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities exemplify his commitment to DEIAB and inclusive storytelling. Recognizing the power of storytelling to drive change, Prasanna is a Consulting Producer on Born for Business, a 10-episode docuseries on disabled entrepreneurs (airing on Crave Canada and NBC Peacock) and the co-author of the cookbook Made with Prema raising funds for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Prasanna is a seasoned speaker, providing the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) inclusion and accessibility workshop, launching the Reimagine Lecture Series at the British Film Institute with a keynote on accessibility, delivering the Sundance Institute’s anti-bias and accessibility learning programming, speaking at the TIFF Industry Conference, and serving as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Southern California Annenberg Inclusion Initiative on inclusive storytelling. Prasanna is the recipient of various awards including, most recently, the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility presented during the 2024 Legacy Awards from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Stephanie Rebello
Director of Design & Strategy, Feminuity
Steph is a design researcher and strategy leader who has worked on addressing systemic challenges related to access, exclusion, and environmental and social impact in various sectors, including non-profit, corporate, and public institutions. Steph has extensive experience supporting clients in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Her practice focuses on inclusive design, and she has spent the last ten years developing community-centred co-design tools, research, and strategic frameworks to help clients balance equity and social impact with transformation and growth.
Steph holds a degree in Sociology from Western University and a Masters of Design for Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University. She has been featured in the Toronto Star, the Service Design Network, and the Academy for Social Innovation. Currently, Steph serves as a fractional executive at Feminuity, a consultancy that partners with technology startups to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion across their business, while simultaneously leading inclusive design research and client projects at OCADU CO, a futures design consultancy.
Dr. Sarah Saska
Co-Founder & CEO, Feminuity
Dr. Sarah Saska is an academic turned entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Feminuity. A globally recognized leader at the intersection of equity, innovation, and technology, she and her team have worked with more than 200 organizations across 20 countries, including global tech giants and grassroots movements, to embed equity into workplace cultures, products, and services.
During her PhD, she was among the first to identify how bias, exclusion, and harm were being hard-coded into emerging technologies, not only through technical decisions, but also through the limited perspectives of the teams building them. Her research helped establish equity-based frameworks for innovation, shaping what is now a widely adopted approach to identifying and addressing bias in technology. This work laid the groundwork for founding Feminuity.
She coined the concept of “diversity debt,” featured in her 2017 TEDx talk, which reframed diversity as a critical risk in the innovation economy and helped spark global conversations about tech’s social responsibility. She continues to advise organizations and research initiatives focused on the future of equity and innovation.
Sarah’s insights have informed national research and policy through advisory roles with the Harvard Business Review, NASA, and studies including “Who Are Canada’s Tech Workers?“, “Tech for All“, Canada’s Gender Equity Roadmap, and “Tech for Women’s Justice“. She also co-authored Inclusion, Intention, Investment with #MoveTheDial and contributed to the Sexual Assault Resistance Education (SARE) trial, later published in The New England Journal of Medicine, for its demonstrated impact in reducing campus sexual violence.
She has been named to Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2015, 2017, 2021), Bay Street Bull’s Women of the Year (2022), and The Peak’s Emerging Leaders (2022), and has been recognized by Culture Amp and Create & Cultivate. She currently serves on advisory boards for the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship and Western University’s School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities. She previously advised the Equality Fund and served on the board of Wen-Do Women’s Self-Defence.
Sarah is a sought-after speaker and trusted voice on equity, innovation, and the future of work. She has delivered keynotes in over 20 countries and regularly shares her insights with media, researchers, and policy leaders. Her commentary has appeared on CBC’s The National, Fast Company, The Globe and Mail, and podcasts such as Betakit and Girlboss.
Priscilla Stephen, CHRL
Head of Human Resources at MyHealth Centre | Board of Directors, HRPA Toronto Chapter | Board of Directors, Karis Disability Services | Advisory Council at various Universities in Ontario
Priscilla Stephen is a highly accomplished and resourceful HR professional with over 20 years of experience in driving Human Resource strategy, functions, initiatives, and programs for leading healthcare, technology, and business process providers. Passionate about creating positive people experiences and fostering a culture of strong leadership and empowerment, Priscilla currently serves in the HRPA Toronto Council and has been volunteering with HRPA on the board for over five years.
As the Head of Human Resources at WELL Health Diagnostic Centres, Priscilla provides strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the human resources function. She establishes a vision and direction for a comprehensive range of human capital programs, policies, and services, including HR transformation, talent acquisition, talent management, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organizational design and cultural development, employee education and development, compensation and benefits, HR operations and technology, employee relations, and HR analytics. Under her leadership, WELL Health Diagnostic Centres has experienced significant positive cultural change, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment that emphasizes employee well-being and engagement.
Previously, Priscilla held leadership roles overseeing Human Resource functions and played a key role in designing new HR programs, establishing HR best practices, streamlining HR processes, driving HR compliance, and reducing HR costs in various organizations, including Fortune 500 companies such as IBM and Genpact.
Priscilla is a Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) and holds a Master’s degree in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations.
Madison Tevlin
Canadian actress and broadcaster of CBC Gem talk show ‘Who Do You Think I Am?’ and film Champions.
Madison Tevlin was born with Down syndrome, though she’ll rightly tell you it’s the least interesting thing about her. She has dedicated her life to dismantling the stigmas associated with Down syndrome, proving from a young age that it does not define her capabilities, and that we all thrive when we reduce stigmas and lift each other up.
Her extensive credits include notable appearances on the television show “Mr. D,” and hosting her talk show “Who Do You Think I Am.” She received praise for a standout performance in “Champions,” a film directed by Bobby Farrelly and starring Woody Harrelson. Madison graced the red carpet as a host at the Canadian Screen Awards, where she also made history as the first person with Down syndrome to be nominated for Best Host in a Talk Show or Entertainment News category.
Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Madison is an active participant in initiatives that promote inclusivity. She is a member of Best Buddies International and has walked the runway for the Knix Confidence Tour and the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show. Her voice resonated deeply at the “Dear Mom” conference in Laguna Beach, where she served as the keynote speaker, and later in the year was honoured by the Global Down syndrome Foundation with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award in 2023 for her contributions to the community.
Through her speeches, performances, and engagements, Madison Tevlin inspires audiences globally, demonstrating unwaveringly that she is much more than her diagnosis—she is a true superstar changing the world one speech, one role, and one advocacy moment at a time.
Kiethan Thevasegaram
City Cruises Tour Guide, Youth Climate Ambassador, HRPA Student Ambassador (Central East Chapter)
Kiethan Theva is a community-builder, social entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate based in Toronto. He is the founder of Responsible Cafes TO, a grassroots initiative focused on reducing single-use coffee cup waste by partnering with local cafés, campuses, and community organizations to promote reusable culture across the city. Through this project, he has collaborated with youth climate networks, municipal partners, and student associations, helping to spark conversations around circularity and everyday environmental action.
Alongside his community work, Kiethan is completing his Bachelor of Human Resources Management at Seneca Polytechnic, where he also serves as a Vice-President with the Seneca Environmental Association. He was a Youth Climate Ambassador with Skills for Change and the City of Toronto, and his work has been featured at events such as EcoFair Toronto, HRPA Elevate, student showcases, and campus sustainability summits.
Outside of organizing and advocacy, Kiethan works as a tour guide on the Toronto Harbour, where he combines storytelling, local history, and environmental education for thousands of visitors each season. He is passionate about helping people feel connected — to place, to purpose, and to each other — and hopes to continue building impact-driven projects that bridge business, sustainability, and community leadership.
Please read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here’s a short list of timely DEI resources and articles in case anyone is looking for recent insight or inspiration from a range of perspectives:
- Project Include – DEI Now: Leading With Integrity and Inclusion (June 2025)
- Harvard Business Review – How to Assess the New Legal Risks of Your DEI Policies (Feb 2025)
- Paradigm – 2025 DEI Benchmarking Study
- Fearless Futures – DEI Disrupted: The Blueprint for DEI Worth Doing
- Harvard Business Review – What Comes After DEI by Lily Zheng (Jan 2025)
- Chief x New Era of Leadership – DEI & Social Issues: A New Era of Leadership
- Harvard Business Review – Continuing the Work of DEI, No Matter What Your Company Calls It (Dec 2024)
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- Any creature comforts required for a day of learning and networking
Please reach out to our team at: events@hrpa.ca
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EMD Serono, Canada, is the Canadian biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. EMD Serono, Canada has integrated cutting-edge science, innovative products and devices, and industry-leading patient support and access programs. EMD Serono, Canada has deep expertise in neurology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as a robust pipeline of potential therapies in neurology, oncology, immunology and immuno-oncology.
Brand Blvd Inc., is a leading-edge promotional marketing firm in Southern Ontario. We take a proactive and fresh approach to providing quality, branded merchandise. We’re so much more than your usual promo vendor, we’re your creative branding partner. – All things swag to help your brand brag!
Canadian Partners in Workforce Innovation (CAN WiN) is a federally funded program operated by Open Door Group that helps employers meet workforce needs in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. Comprised of a team of Inclusive Workforce Specialists, CAN WiN provides inclusive recruitment, training, retention, and consulting services to support employers in hiring and retaining job seekers with disabilities.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion is a national charity established in 2013 with the mandate of building a more inclusive Canada. CCDI offers a comprehensive suite of bilingual services including webinars and conferences, communities of practice events, research and resources on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace, the Canadian Certified Inclusion Professionals (CCIP) certification, the See Different youth education and ambassador programs, and networking opportunities throughout the year. We are committed to educating workplaces, schools and communities on DEIA and to shape the national dialogue towards a more equitable and just society for all. Learn more at ccdi.ca.
We are your strategic partner, helping to enhance your meetings and events!
From audio-visual equipment & support, to fantastic décor & entertainment options, We will elevate your event, engage your audience, and ultimately create an unforgettable experience!
Dialectic is a learning company that helps organizations transform leadership and culture through solutions grounded in the science of adult learning.
Our flagship product, Learning Snippets, is a scenario-based microlearning tool that makes soft skills stick through spaced practice and the power of social consequences.
Organizations and learners love Learning Snippets because they take just two minutes to complete, yet they drive engagement, spark conversations, and build the skills and confidence people need to lead, collaborate, and foster belonging.
Come see how two minutes can change the way your team learns.
Since 2015, Feminuity has partnered with over 150 organizations globally, from Fortune 500s to fast-growing startups, helping them prepare for the future of work. Founded by Dr. Sarah Saska and Dr. Andrea Rowe, Feminuity is a consultancy where equity meets innovation. We support organizations in addressing biases, closing equity gaps, and building inclusive cultures. Through a suite of data-driven tools and services, we empower companies to drive measurable, lasting impact and thrive in an evolving workplace landscape.
Inclusive Kind helps modern and progressive organizations build workplace cultures where everyone thrives. As a trusted partner to some of the world’s largest organizations, we are a one-stop partner for DEI, using data to guide strategy, training, and implementation. Our business approach delivers measurable results in growth, retention, and innovation, and we guarantee you’ll see the outcomes you need.
Mentimeter is a platform dedicated to transforming group learning and communication into inclusive and engaging experiences. Used by 95% of Fortune 500 companies, Mentimeter simplifies the process of gathering live feedback and encouraging active participation to help business professionals achieve better outcomes and increased productivity in meetings, training sessions, and classrooms.
At Mercer, we believe in building brighter futures.
Together, we’re redefining the world of work, reshaping retirement and investment outcomes, and unlocking real health and well-being. We do this by meeting the needs of today and tomorrow. By understanding the data and applying it with a human touch. And by turning ideas into action to spark positive change.
For more than 70 years, we’ve been providing trusted advice and solutions to build healthier and more sustainable futures for our clients, colleagues and communities.
Welcome to a world where economics and empathy make a difference in people’s lives.
Welcome to brighter.
OnePack Plan™ is Canada’s new employer-offered pet insurance offering a flat group rate that helps provide affordable, payroll-deductible coverage for pet parents to ease the financial burden of eligible veterinary costs.
As over half of Canadian households own at least one pet, OnePack Plan empowers employers by providing one of today’s most requested employee benefits to help pet parents provide the best care for their cats and dogs. Our unique approach seamlessly integrates with benefits administration software for easy onboarding, enrollment, and payroll deduction, making it easy for HR leaders to include this benefit offering.
Realize brings together the traditionally separate worlds of HIV, disability, and rehabilitation.
Through leadership in research, education, and cross-sector partnerships, Realize is working to address the rehabilitation needs of people living with HIV – and changing the future of HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support.
Ryley Learning delivers creative, impactful, and engaging workplace eLearning and compliance training courses to help organizations maintain safer workplaces, minimize their legal and financial risks, and avoid reputational harm.
Ryley Learning is recognized for quality and credibility. We have been awarded a silver award in the Brandon Hall Group’s HCM Excellence Award for: “Best Learning Program for Unconscious Bias Awareness.”
Our courses have been accredited for professional development by: the Law Society of Ontario, the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), CPHR (BC & Yukon), Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
We are Canadian, women-owned and led: certified as a Canadian Women Business Enterprises (WBE). Our courses are produced in Canada and voiced by Canadian actors in English and French.
President Bay Ryley is an employment and human rights lawyer with expertise in workplace discrimination and harassment.
The Personal is an industry leader in client experience.
Partnered with over 650 organizations, The Personal provides home and auto group insurance to members and employees of participating organizations. It now also offers recreational vehicle and pet insurance products.
Participating professions include the Canadian military community, engineers, firefighters, accountants, health care professionals and many others.
University of Niagara Falls Canada is an innovative and digitally oriented institution that prepares graduates for leadership in a digital world.
Academic programs are aligned to meet the demands of business and industry, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed now and for the future.
UNF believes that for graduates to succeed and be adaptable and resilient, they need to achieve a digital mindset, combining a growth mindset with digital fluency. The educational model has been designed to be accessible, digitally focused, and relevant.
This technology-centred approach puts students first, offering a cutting-edge learning framework that is adapted as technology changes and new processes emerge. Students learn from industry leaders and highly experienced faculty, gain experience through real-world learning components, and build a solid foundation that sets them on the right path for success in their careers.
Agenda
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Registration & Arrival
Kick off your day at HPRA’s Ignite IDEA and experience a warm welcome from the HRPA, our partners, and our sponsors. Arrive early to grab your badge, connect with peers, fill up your coffee, and get ready for an inspiring day ahead!
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM | Opening Ceremony: Igniting the IDEA of the Day
Our emcee, Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom, sets the tone with an energizing welcome on stage.
Speaker:
– Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom
– Jodi Kovitz, CEO, HRPA
– Javed Alam, Managing Director, EMD Serono
10:50 AM – 11:10 AM | Opening Keynote: Dismantling Stereotypes
Through her powerful, personal journey and captivating storytelling, Madison Tevlin reveals why diversity and accessibility aren’t just “nice to have” – they’re essential for innovation. Discover how including voices of individuals with disabilities fuels creativity, drives progress, and builds stronger teams. HR professionals will leave this talk inspired about the broader impacts of their work.
Speaker:
– Madison Tevlin, Canadian actress and broadcaster of CBC Gem talk show ‘Who Do You Think I Am?’ and film Champions.
11:10 AM – 11:50 AM | Power Panel: Diversity as a Competitive Edge
Prasanna Ranganathan leads a dynamic discussion with thought leaders and changemakers on leveraging diversity as a competitive edge. HR professionals can gain insights on how a variety of organizations are incorporating diversity as a way to gain competitive edge in today’s competitive market, through our panelists.
Moderator:
– Prasanna Ranganathan, Owner, Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting
Speakers:
– Ingrid Palmer, award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and social justice consultant featured on CBC, Global News, and Toronto Star
– Yat Li, Associate Director of Inclusive Employment Services, at Open Door Group
11:50 AM – 12:10 PM | Equity in Family Building
As family-building journeys are unique to every individual, it is essential for organizations to offer inclusive fertility benefits that support all employees. This session will highlight the importance of comprehensive fertility offerings, including elective egg freezing, as vital components of a modern employee benefits package. We will discuss how these benefits can enhance workplace culture, fostering a more inclusive environment that attracts and retains talent across the board. Implementing comprehensive fertility benefits is not merely about compliance; it is a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace. Join us to explore how inclusive fertility plans can create a supportive atmosphere for all employees seeking to build their families, ultimately enriching your organization and its culture.
Speaker:
– Michelle Chidley, Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy and Outreach Association | Principal, Aisling Communications Inc.
12:10 PM – 1:10 PM | Networking Lunch
Fuel up and forge new connections with industry peers, speakers, and IDEA leaders. The HRPA will provide a gourmet catered lunch onsite for all members, volunteers, sponsors, and speakers to enjoy. Please ensure to submit your dietary requirements or requests when purchasing a ticket.
1:10 PM – 1:50 PM | Rebuilding the Work: Equity as a Core Operating Discipline
Dr. Sarah Saska, CEO of Feminuity, highlights four key forces shaping the future: a changing workforce, global instability, rapid AI advancement, and shifting skills. She emphasizes that equity must be embedded across all business functions—not siloed. It becomes meaningful when present in decision-making. Dr. Saska will present a forward-thinking framework for leaders building inclusive, equitable workplaces, alongside other boundary-pushing voices. HR professionals can expect actionable insights that elevate IDEA’s strategic value at the executive level.
Speakers:
– Dr. Sarah Saska, CEO of Feminuity, Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2015, 2017, 2021), Bay Street Bull’s Women of the Year (2022), board advisor for Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship, and previously advised the Equality Fund
– Steph Rebello, Director of Design & Strategy, Feminuity
1:50 PM – 2:20 PM | IDEA Across the Generations
In today’s evolving workplace, the most successful organizations are those that embrace the strengths and perspectives of every generation. This dynamic panel brings together voices from across the generational spectrum. Each panelist will share lived experiences, workplace expectations, and insights into what drives engagement, innovation, and retention in their cohort. HR professionals will walk away with practical strategies to bridge generational differences, and create a culture where every voice is valued and empowered.
Moderator:
– Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom
Speakers:
– Priscilla Stephen, CHRL, Head of Human Resources at MyHealth Centre | Board of Directors, HRPA Toronto Chapter | Board of Directors, Karis Disability Services | Advisory Council at various Universities in Ontario
– Josie Lee, Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada)
– Kiethan Thevasegaram, City Cruises Tour Guide, Youth Climate Ambassador, HRPA Student Ambassador (Central East Chapter)
2:20 PM – 3:00 PM | Networking Break
Take a break to connect with industry peers, speakers, and IDEA leaders during our final break of the day.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Legal Lens: The Evolving Landscape of Inclusion
Our legal partners will explore emerging considerations in workplace inclusivity and what leaders need to know to stay ahead. HR professionals can expect to learn more about how legal plays a role in IDEA and leave the table with the knowledge of laws as it pertains to workplace inclusivity in Ontario.
Speaker:
– Nafisah Chowdhury, Partner, Miller Thomson LLP
3:30 PM – 4:10 PM | Open Forum Q&A
This exciting segment is back at Ignite. Our Open Forum Q&A, hosted by Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, is a chance to engage directly with the day’s speakers. Bring your most pressing questions for a dynamic exchange of ideas. Please submit your questions in advance via our Qualtrics Survey.
Moderator:
– Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom
Speakers:
– Dr. Sarah Saska, CEO of Feminuity, Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2015, 2017, 2021), Bay Street Bull’s Women of the Year (2022), board advisor for Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship, and previously advised the Equality Fund
– Steph Rebello, Director of Design & Strategy, Feminuity
– Nafisah Chowdhury, Partner, Miller Thomson
– Michelle Chidley, Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy
– Yat Li, Associate Director, Inclusive Employment Services, Open Door Group
– Ingrid Palmer, award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and social justice consultant featured on CBC, Global News, and Toronto Star
4:10 PM – 4:35 PM | Closing Keynote: Who I am is what I bring: The Power of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) for Transformative Change
In this closing keynote, Prasanna Ranganathan examines where we go from here, by introducing and exploring the never-ending cycle around IDEA work: the cycle of representation – obligation – suspicion. This cycle informs not only the commitment and approach of organizations to IDEA. It infuses public reaction. It informs media coverage. It bubbles under the surface of one on one conversations. If we are going to make transformative change a tangible reality when it comes to IDEA, we need to understand both how the cycle operates and how we can establish systems and processes in the representation phase so that the obligation and suspicion phases are less tumultuous and painful to navigate. Don’t believe the headlines: IDEA work continues to have a real impact and we all have a role to play in making real change happen.
Speaker:
– Prasanna Ranganathan, Owner, Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting
4:35 PM – 4:45 PM | Closing Remarks
A final word to inspire you to turn IDEA principles into action in your own workplace from our emcee.
Speaker:
– Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking Reception
End this incredible day at HRPA’s Ignite IDEA with relaxed networking over refreshments – the perfect setting to continue conversations and spark collaboration with peers!
Choose your own adventure – pick the option that works best for you!
| Virtual Keynote & Panel Pass | Virtual All Access Pass | In-Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keynote & Panel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| All 7 Sessions | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Actionable Insights | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Networking | ✅ | ||
| Mix & Mingle Reception | ✅ |
✅ In-Person – Limited spots available! Experience it live at The Quay and take advantage of the networking opportunities and reception to connect with industry experts and peers.
💻 Virtual All Access Pass – Join from anywhere! Tune in via live stream and engage in real-time discussions without leaving your desk.
No matter how you choose to attend, you’ll gain insights, strategies, and connections to elevate your HR expertise.
| Members | Non-Members | |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person | $225 | $299 |
| Virtual All Access Pass | $69 | $209 |
| Virtual Keynote & Panel Pass | FREE | Included in Virtual All Access Pass |
Javed Alam
Managing Director, EMD Serono
Javed Alam has served as the Country President and Managing Director of EMD Serono, Canada, since July 2022. In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing growth-oriented business strategies to enhance the company’s presence and reputation. EMD Serono Canada, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, views Canada as a crucial player in the global healthcare landscape. The Canadian affiliate aligns its business objectives with the parent organization’s vision, actively contributing to the advancement of the healthcare sector. Before his current position, Javed successfully led multiple Asian affiliates of Merck KGaA, including those in South Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. With over 27 years of experience in the healthcare industry, he has held leadership roles at renowned multinational companies such as Novartis, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Sanofi, gaining valuable multicultural exposure through his work in Asia, Europe, and North America. Javed has made significant contributions to industry associations, serving on various boards and workstreams. He is currently a Board member at Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) and previously held the position of Vice-Chairman at the Korean Pharmaceutical Industry Association (KRPIA). Additionally, he played a pivotal role as a board member and treasurer for the Vietnamese industry association (Pharma Group). Academically, Javed holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration along with postgraduate management qualifications in social sciences.
Michelle Chidley
Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy and Outreach Association | Principal, Aisling Communications Inc.
Michelle Chidley is the co-founder and Chair of Fertility Alberta, a non-profit advocating for improved access to fertility care. Inspired by her own IVF journey, she works with patients and partners to advance public and private funding solutions, helping more Albertans build families. In 2024, Fertility Alberta received the national Changemaker Award for Advocacy from Fertility Matters Canada.
With over 20 years of experience as a communications executive and consultant, Michelle leads Aisling Communications, specializing in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. Now based in Toronto with her husband and two sons, she continues to drive Fertility Alberta’s mission forward.
Nafisah Chowdhury
Partner, Miller Thomson LLP
Nafisah Chowdhury practices in employment law and commercial litigation. She provides day-to-day strategic advice to businesses of all sizes on a broad range of matters, including navigating workplace issues, resolvingcorporate disputes, and addressing privacy law concerns. Nafisah’s litigation experience encompasses such areas as the enforcement of restrictive covenants, defending employers against wrongful dismissal proceedings, and recovery of confidential information taken by departing employees.Nafisah is a past executive member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Labour & Employment Section, as well as a past
executive member of The Advocates’ Society’s Labour & Employment Practice Group. She has been acknowledged with distinctions like the Lexpert Rising Star Award (recognizing Canada’s leading lawyers under 40) and as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Canada. She has also received praise from The Best Lawyers in Canada for her deep employment law knowledge. She regularly appears before various courts and tribunals.
Beyond her legal career, Nafisah is actively involved in various community projects. She serves on the board of directors for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), the operator of Pearson Airport, and has earned an ICD.D designation. She is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal,
recognizing her dedication, leadership and valuable contribution to Canada, her profession and her community.
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh
Director of DEI & Operations, Bloom
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh is a transformational change agent and global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) expert. She is currently the Director of DEI & Operations at Bloom, and the founder of SHM Consulting, where she partners with organizations to implement forward-thinking DEI strategies that foster environments of inclusion and belonging.
With over a decade of experience working with leading companies like Red Bull Canada, Shopify, and Wealthsimple, Shavonne has worked across HR, employee culture, people analytics, employee experience, learning and development, coaching, and facilitation. Through her consulting work, she has collaborated with brands such as Mejuri, Endy, Benchsci, and Mozilla, supporting them in embedding DEI into their organizational fabric. Her work is rooted in the belief that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to building inclusive cultures, which is reflected in her tailored strategies that help organizations attract and retain top talent.
In addition to her consultancy and leadership roles, Shavonne is a conference speaker and serves on boards and advisory committees focused on creating accessibility and innovation in technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Recognized as a community builder, disruptor of oppressive systems, and a champion for marginalized voices, she leads with purpose and passion. Her newest area of learning and exploration is grief work, where she hopes to one day help others navigate loss and the complex emotions that come with it with empathy and cultural awareness.
Josie Lee
Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada)
Josie is an energetic Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE), with over 16 years of experience. As Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada), she is responsible for all functional areas of HR across Canada. Prior to CNA, she worked at Deloitte and EY. With 25+ years of volunteering experience, Josie has had the opportunity to work with children, youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Josie graduated from Western University with a specialization in HR and French. Since joining the HRPA in 2009, she’s been both a mentee and mentor, was the recipient of HRPA York Region’s Rising Star Award in 2014, volunteered with the Relationship Management and Mentoring Committees, was part of the HRPA Board of Directors for York Region and currently sits on the Experience Assessment Committee (EAC) for CHRL designations. Outside of HR, Josie is a part-time Real Estate Salesperson and also coaches kids and teens Muay Thai.
Yat Li
Associate Director of Inclusive Employment Services, Open Door Group
Yat is an influential disability advocate, reshaping workplace culture across North America. Born with multiple disabilities, being Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Yat transformed early life challenges into a powerful message: disability does not define a person’s career path but rather an opportunity for innovation and authentic leadership.
At Open Door Group, Yat leads initiatives that bridge the gap between organizations and the untapped talent pool of professionals with disabilities. His work combines lived experience with strategic expertise to help businesses build accessible, equitable workplaces where all employees can be their authentic selves while meeting business goals.
Ingrid Palmer
Award-Winning Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Social Justice Consultant featured on CBC, Global News, and Toronto Star
Ingrid Palmer (she, her) is an award winning speaker, bestselling author, and social justice consultant. She is the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility Leading to Belonging *(IDEAL-2B) Chief Officer at Realize Canada.
As a visually impaired former foster kid Mrs. Palmer founded Focus On Ability to combat ableism, challenge bias, promote universal belonging, drive systemic change and debunking myths and stereotypes of stigmatized identities. Her acclaimed storytelling and writing highlights traditionally unheard perspectives of intersectionality, marginalized leadership, and community capacity.
Ingrid’s dedication to advancing EDI principle is deeply rooted in her living experiences of early childhood trauma, foster care, disability, and gender based violence. As an advocate, Mrs. Palmer has championed issues in the housing, poverty, education, disability, and child welfare sectors. She has been instrumental in initiatives of poverty reduction, decent work, and gender equity.
Ingrid is committed to participating in creating pathways to success and opportunities for communities and individuals facing adversity. Her background in service includes Board Chair of the Child Welfare PAC, and Vice Chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities.
As a social justice consultant Ingrid has supported government, corporate and community organizations with community outreach and equity development. Ingrid has appeared on CTV, Global News, Breakfast Television and in publications such as Toronto Life, the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail.
Prasanna Ranganathan
Owner, Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting
In his nearly 20 years as: a human rights lawyer; diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) advisor; filmmaker; speaker; and writer, Prasanna Ranganathan works tirelessly to build a more accessible, inclusive world for communities across all dimensions of diversity. As the founder of Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting (a DEIAB consultancy), the former Head of Diversity and Belonging at Shopify, and a human rights lawyer with experience at the Department of Justice Canada, Federal Judicial Affairs Canada, the Independent Street Checks Review, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, and the United Nations Development Programme, Prasanna has embedded DEIAB best practices into organizations, programs, and institutions in over 15 countries worldwide. His volunteer work as a Founding Board Member of the Disability Screen Office (which seeks to make Canada’s screen industry more accessible and inclusive), a past board member of Inside/Out Film Festival (Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ film festival), and his previous work on the Justice Canada Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities exemplify his commitment to DEIAB and inclusive storytelling. Recognizing the power of storytelling to drive change, Prasanna is a Consulting Producer on Born for Business, a 10-episode docuseries on disabled entrepreneurs (airing on Crave Canada and NBC Peacock) and the co-author of the cookbook Made with Prema raising funds for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Prasanna is a seasoned speaker, providing the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) inclusion and accessibility workshop, launching the Reimagine Lecture Series at the British Film Institute with a keynote on accessibility, delivering the Sundance Institute’s anti-bias and accessibility learning programming, speaking at the TIFF Industry Conference, and serving as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Southern California Annenberg Inclusion Initiative on inclusive storytelling. Prasanna is the recipient of various awards including, most recently, the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility presented during the 2024 Legacy Awards from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Stephanie Rebello
Director of Design & Strategy, Feminuity
Steph is a design researcher and strategy leader who has worked on addressing systemic challenges related to access, exclusion, and environmental and social impact in various sectors, including non-profit, corporate, and public institutions. Steph has extensive experience supporting clients in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Her practice focuses on inclusive design, and she has spent the last ten years developing community-centred co-design tools, research, and strategic frameworks to help clients balance equity and social impact with transformation and growth.
Steph holds a degree in Sociology from Western University and a Masters of Design for Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University. She has been featured in the Toronto Star, the Service Design Network, and the Academy for Social Innovation. Currently, Steph serves as a fractional executive at Feminuity, a consultancy that partners with technology startups to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion across their business, while simultaneously leading inclusive design research and client projects at OCADU CO, a futures design consultancy.
Dr. Sarah Saska
Co-Founder & CEO, Feminuity
Dr. Sarah Saska is an academic turned entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Feminuity. A globally recognized leader at the intersection of equity, innovation, and technology, she and her team have worked with more than 200 organizations across 20 countries, including global tech giants and grassroots movements, to embed equity into workplace cultures, products, and services.
During her PhD, she was among the first to identify how bias, exclusion, and harm were being hard-coded into emerging technologies, not only through technical decisions, but also through the limited perspectives of the teams building them. Her research helped establish equity-based frameworks for innovation, shaping what is now a widely adopted approach to identifying and addressing bias in technology. This work laid the groundwork for founding Feminuity.
She coined the concept of “diversity debt,” featured in her 2017 TEDx talk, which reframed diversity as a critical risk in the innovation economy and helped spark global conversations about tech’s social responsibility. She continues to advise organizations and research initiatives focused on the future of equity and innovation.
Sarah’s insights have informed national research and policy through advisory roles with the Harvard Business Review, NASA, and studies including “Who Are Canada’s Tech Workers?“, “Tech for All“, Canada’s Gender Equity Roadmap, and “Tech for Women’s Justice“. She also co-authored Inclusion, Intention, Investment with #MoveTheDial and contributed to the Sexual Assault Resistance Education (SARE) trial, later published in The New England Journal of Medicine, for its demonstrated impact in reducing campus sexual violence.
She has been named to Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2015, 2017, 2021), Bay Street Bull’s Women of the Year (2022), and The Peak’s Emerging Leaders (2022), and has been recognized by Culture Amp and Create & Cultivate. She currently serves on advisory boards for the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship and Western University’s School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities. She previously advised the Equality Fund and served on the board of Wen-Do Women’s Self-Defence.
Sarah is a sought-after speaker and trusted voice on equity, innovation, and the future of work. She has delivered keynotes in over 20 countries and regularly shares her insights with media, researchers, and policy leaders. Her commentary has appeared on CBC’s The National, Fast Company, The Globe and Mail, and podcasts such as Betakit and Girlboss.
Priscilla Stephen, CHRL
Head of Human Resources at MyHealth Centre | Board of Directors, HRPA Toronto Chapter | Board of Directors, Karis Disability Services | Advisory Council at various Universities in Ontario
Priscilla Stephen is a highly accomplished and resourceful HR professional with over 20 years of experience in driving Human Resource strategy, functions, initiatives, and programs for leading healthcare, technology, and business process providers. Passionate about creating positive people experiences and fostering a culture of strong leadership and empowerment, Priscilla currently serves in the HRPA Toronto Council and has been volunteering with HRPA on the board for over five years.
As the Head of Human Resources at WELL Health Diagnostic Centres, Priscilla provides strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the human resources function. She establishes a vision and direction for a comprehensive range of human capital programs, policies, and services, including HR transformation, talent acquisition, talent management, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organizational design and cultural development, employee education and development, compensation and benefits, HR operations and technology, employee relations, and HR analytics. Under her leadership, WELL Health Diagnostic Centres has experienced significant positive cultural change, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment that emphasizes employee well-being and engagement.
Previously, Priscilla held leadership roles overseeing Human Resource functions and played a key role in designing new HR programs, establishing HR best practices, streamlining HR processes, driving HR compliance, and reducing HR costs in various organizations, including Fortune 500 companies such as IBM and Genpact.
Priscilla is a Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) and holds a Master’s degree in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations.
Madison Tevlin
Canadian actress and broadcaster of CBC Gem talk show ‘Who Do You Think I Am?’ and film Champions.
Madison Tevlin was born with Down syndrome, though she’ll rightly tell you it’s the least interesting thing about her. She has dedicated her life to dismantling the stigmas associated with Down syndrome, proving from a young age that it does not define her capabilities, and that we all thrive when we reduce stigmas and lift each other up.
Her extensive credits include notable appearances on the television show “Mr. D,” and hosting her talk show “Who Do You Think I Am.” She received praise for a standout performance in “Champions,” a film directed by Bobby Farrelly and starring Woody Harrelson. Madison graced the red carpet as a host at the Canadian Screen Awards, where she also made history as the first person with Down syndrome to be nominated for Best Host in a Talk Show or Entertainment News category.
Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Madison is an active participant in initiatives that promote inclusivity. She is a member of Best Buddies International and has walked the runway for the Knix Confidence Tour and the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show. Her voice resonated deeply at the “Dear Mom” conference in Laguna Beach, where she served as the keynote speaker, and later in the year was honoured by the Global Down syndrome Foundation with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award in 2023 for her contributions to the community.
Through her speeches, performances, and engagements, Madison Tevlin inspires audiences globally, demonstrating unwaveringly that she is much more than her diagnosis—she is a true superstar changing the world one speech, one role, and one advocacy moment at a time.
Kiethan Thevasegaram
City Cruises Tour Guide, Youth Climate Ambassador, HRPA Student Ambassador (Central East Chapter)
Kiethan Theva is a community-builder, social entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate based in Toronto. He is the founder of Responsible Cafes TO, a grassroots initiative focused on reducing single-use coffee cup waste by partnering with local cafés, campuses, and community organizations to promote reusable culture across the city. Through this project, he has collaborated with youth climate networks, municipal partners, and student associations, helping to spark conversations around circularity and everyday environmental action.
Alongside his community work, Kiethan is completing his Bachelor of Human Resources Management at Seneca Polytechnic, where he also serves as a Vice-President with the Seneca Environmental Association. He was a Youth Climate Ambassador with Skills for Change and the City of Toronto, and his work has been featured at events such as EcoFair Toronto, HRPA Elevate, student showcases, and campus sustainability summits.
Outside of organizing and advocacy, Kiethan works as a tour guide on the Toronto Harbour, where he combines storytelling, local history, and environmental education for thousands of visitors each season. He is passionate about helping people feel connected — to place, to purpose, and to each other — and hopes to continue building impact-driven projects that bridge business, sustainability, and community leadership.
Javed Alam
Managing Director, EMD Serono
Javed Alam has served as the Country President and Managing Director of EMD Serono, Canada, since July 2022. In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing growth-oriented business strategies to enhance the company’s presence and reputation. EMD Serono Canada, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, views Canada as a crucial player in the global healthcare landscape. The Canadian affiliate aligns its business objectives with the parent organization’s vision, actively contributing to the advancement of the healthcare sector. Before his current position, Javed successfully led multiple Asian affiliates of Merck KGaA, including those in South Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. With over 27 years of experience in the healthcare industry, he has held leadership roles at renowned multinational companies such as Novartis, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Sanofi, gaining valuable multicultural exposure through his work in Asia, Europe, and North America. Javed has made significant contributions to industry associations, serving on various boards and workstreams. He is currently a Board member at Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) and previously held the position of Vice-Chairman at the Korean Pharmaceutical Industry Association (KRPIA). Additionally, he played a pivotal role as a board member and treasurer for the Vietnamese industry association (Pharma Group). Academically, Javed holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration along with postgraduate management qualifications in social sciences.
Michelle Chidley
Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy and Outreach Association | Principal, Aisling Communications Inc.
Michelle Chidley is the co-founder and Chair of Fertility Alberta, a non-profit advocating for improved access to fertility care. Inspired by her own IVF journey, she works with patients and partners to advance public and private funding solutions, helping more Albertans build families. In 2024, Fertility Alberta received the national Changemaker Award for Advocacy from Fertility Matters Canada.
With over 20 years of experience as a communications executive and consultant, Michelle leads Aisling Communications, specializing in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. Now based in Toronto with her husband and two sons, she continues to drive Fertility Alberta’s mission forward.
Nafisah Chowdhury
Partner, Miller Thomson LLP
Nafisah Chowdhury practices in employment law and commercial litigation. She provides day-to-day strategic advice to businesses of all sizes on a broad range of matters, including navigating workplace issues, resolvingcorporate disputes, and addressing privacy law concerns. Nafisah’s litigation experience encompasses such areas as the enforcement of restrictive covenants, defending employers against wrongful dismissal proceedings, and recovery of confidential information taken by departing employees.Nafisah is a past executive member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Labour & Employment Section, as well as a past
executive member of The Advocates’ Society’s Labour & Employment Practice Group. She has been acknowledged with distinctions like the Lexpert Rising Star Award (recognizing Canada’s leading lawyers under 40) and as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Canada. She has also received praise from The Best Lawyers in Canada for her deep employment law knowledge. She regularly appears before various courts and tribunals.
Beyond her legal career, Nafisah is actively involved in various community projects. She serves on the board of directors for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), the operator of Pearson Airport, and has earned an ICD.D designation. She is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal,
recognizing her dedication, leadership and valuable contribution to Canada, her profession and her community.
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh
Director of DEI & Operations, Bloom
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh is a transformational change agent and global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) expert. She is currently the Director of DEI & Operations at Bloom, and the founder of SHM Consulting, where she partners with organizations to implement forward-thinking DEI strategies that foster environments of inclusion and belonging.
With over a decade of experience working with leading companies like Red Bull Canada, Shopify, and Wealthsimple, Shavonne has worked across HR, employee culture, people analytics, employee experience, learning and development, coaching, and facilitation. Through her consulting work, she has collaborated with brands such as Mejuri, Endy, Benchsci, and Mozilla, supporting them in embedding DEI into their organizational fabric. Her work is rooted in the belief that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to building inclusive cultures, which is reflected in her tailored strategies that help organizations attract and retain top talent.
In addition to her consultancy and leadership roles, Shavonne is a conference speaker and serves on boards and advisory committees focused on creating accessibility and innovation in technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Recognized as a community builder, disruptor of oppressive systems, and a champion for marginalized voices, she leads with purpose and passion. Her newest area of learning and exploration is grief work, where she hopes to one day help others navigate loss and the complex emotions that come with it with empathy and cultural awareness.
Josie Lee
Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada)
Josie is an energetic Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE), with over 16 years of experience. As Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada), she is responsible for all functional areas of HR across Canada. Prior to CNA, she worked at Deloitte and EY. With 25+ years of volunteering experience, Josie has had the opportunity to work with children, youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Josie graduated from Western University with a specialization in HR and French. Since joining the HRPA in 2009, she’s been both a mentee and mentor, was the recipient of HRPA York Region’s Rising Star Award in 2014, volunteered with the Relationship Management and Mentoring Committees, was part of the HRPA Board of Directors for York Region and currently sits on the Experience Assessment Committee (EAC) for CHRL designations. Outside of HR, Josie is a part-time Real Estate Salesperson and also coaches kids and teens Muay Thai.
Yat Li
Associate Director of Inclusive Employment Services, Open Door Group
Yat is an influential disability advocate, reshaping workplace culture across North America. Born with multiple disabilities, being Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Yat transformed early life challenges into a powerful message: disability does not define a person’s career path but rather an opportunity for innovation and authentic leadership.
At Open Door Group, Yat leads initiatives that bridge the gap between organizations and the untapped talent pool of professionals with disabilities. His work combines lived experience with strategic expertise to help businesses build accessible, equitable workplaces where all employees can be their authentic selves while meeting business goals.
Ingrid Palmer
Award-Winning Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Social Justice Consultant featured on CBC, Global News, and Toronto Star
Ingrid Palmer (she, her) is an award winning speaker, bestselling author, and social justice consultant. She is the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility Leading to Belonging *(IDEAL-2B) Chief Officer at Realize Canada.
As a visually impaired former foster kid Mrs. Palmer founded Focus On Ability to combat ableism, challenge bias, promote universal belonging, drive systemic change and debunking myths and stereotypes of stigmatized identities. Her acclaimed storytelling and writing highlights traditionally unheard perspectives of intersectionality, marginalized leadership, and community capacity.
Ingrid’s dedication to advancing EDI principle is deeply rooted in her living experiences of early childhood trauma, foster care, disability, and gender based violence. As an advocate, Mrs. Palmer has championed issues in the housing, poverty, education, disability, and child welfare sectors. She has been instrumental in initiatives of poverty reduction, decent work, and gender equity.
Ingrid is committed to participating in creating pathways to success and opportunities for communities and individuals facing adversity. Her background in service includes Board Chair of the Child Welfare PAC, and Vice Chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities.
As a social justice consultant Ingrid has supported government, corporate and community organizations with community outreach and equity development. Ingrid has appeared on CTV, Global News, Breakfast Television and in publications such as Toronto Life, the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail.
Prasanna Ranganathan
Owner, Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting
In his nearly 20 years as: a human rights lawyer; diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) advisor; filmmaker; speaker; and writer, Prasanna Ranganathan works tirelessly to build a more accessible, inclusive world for communities across all dimensions of diversity. As the founder of Prasanna Ranganathan Consulting (a DEIAB consultancy), the former Head of Diversity and Belonging at Shopify, and a human rights lawyer with experience at the Department of Justice Canada, Federal Judicial Affairs Canada, the Independent Street Checks Review, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, and the United Nations Development Programme, Prasanna has embedded DEIAB best practices into organizations, programs, and institutions in over 15 countries worldwide. His volunteer work as a Founding Board Member of the Disability Screen Office (which seeks to make Canada’s screen industry more accessible and inclusive), a past board member of Inside/Out Film Festival (Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ film festival), and his previous work on the Justice Canada Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities exemplify his commitment to DEIAB and inclusive storytelling. Recognizing the power of storytelling to drive change, Prasanna is a Consulting Producer on Born for Business, a 10-episode docuseries on disabled entrepreneurs (airing on Crave Canada and NBC Peacock) and the co-author of the cookbook Made with Prema raising funds for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Prasanna is a seasoned speaker, providing the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) inclusion and accessibility workshop, launching the Reimagine Lecture Series at the British Film Institute with a keynote on accessibility, delivering the Sundance Institute’s anti-bias and accessibility learning programming, speaking at the TIFF Industry Conference, and serving as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Southern California Annenberg Inclusion Initiative on inclusive storytelling. Prasanna is the recipient of various awards including, most recently, the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility presented during the 2024 Legacy Awards from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Stephanie Rebello
Director of Design & Strategy, Feminuity
Steph is a design researcher and strategy leader who has worked on addressing systemic challenges related to access, exclusion, and environmental and social impact in various sectors, including non-profit, corporate, and public institutions. Steph has extensive experience supporting clients in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Her practice focuses on inclusive design, and she has spent the last ten years developing community-centred co-design tools, research, and strategic frameworks to help clients balance equity and social impact with transformation and growth.
Steph holds a degree in Sociology from Western University and a Masters of Design for Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University. She has been featured in the Toronto Star, the Service Design Network, and the Academy for Social Innovation. Currently, Steph serves as a fractional executive at Feminuity, a consultancy that partners with technology startups to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion across their business, while simultaneously leading inclusive design research and client projects at OCADU CO, a futures design consultancy.
Dr. Sarah Saska
Co-Founder & CEO, Feminuity
Dr. Sarah Saska is an academic turned entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Feminuity. A globally recognized leader at the intersection of equity, innovation, and technology, she and her team have worked with more than 200 organizations across 20 countries, including global tech giants and grassroots movements, to embed equity into workplace cultures, products, and services.
During her PhD, she was among the first to identify how bias, exclusion, and harm were being hard-coded into emerging technologies, not only through technical decisions, but also through the limited perspectives of the teams building them. Her research helped establish equity-based frameworks for innovation, shaping what is now a widely adopted approach to identifying and addressing bias in technology. This work laid the groundwork for founding Feminuity.
She coined the concept of “diversity debt,” featured in her 2017 TEDx talk, which reframed diversity as a critical risk in the innovation economy and helped spark global conversations about tech’s social responsibility. She continues to advise organizations and research initiatives focused on the future of equity and innovation.
Sarah’s insights have informed national research and policy through advisory roles with the Harvard Business Review, NASA, and studies including “Who Are Canada’s Tech Workers?“, “Tech for All“, Canada’s Gender Equity Roadmap, and “Tech for Women’s Justice“. She also co-authored Inclusion, Intention, Investment with #MoveTheDial and contributed to the Sexual Assault Resistance Education (SARE) trial, later published in The New England Journal of Medicine, for its demonstrated impact in reducing campus sexual violence.
She has been named to Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2015, 2017, 2021), Bay Street Bull’s Women of the Year (2022), and The Peak’s Emerging Leaders (2022), and has been recognized by Culture Amp and Create & Cultivate. She currently serves on advisory boards for the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship and Western University’s School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities. She previously advised the Equality Fund and served on the board of Wen-Do Women’s Self-Defence.
Sarah is a sought-after speaker and trusted voice on equity, innovation, and the future of work. She has delivered keynotes in over 20 countries and regularly shares her insights with media, researchers, and policy leaders. Her commentary has appeared on CBC’s The National, Fast Company, The Globe and Mail, and podcasts such as Betakit and Girlboss.
Priscilla Stephen, CHRL
Head of Human Resources at MyHealth Centre | Board of Directors, HRPA Toronto Chapter | Board of Directors, Karis Disability Services | Advisory Council at various Universities in Ontario
Priscilla Stephen is a highly accomplished and resourceful HR professional with over 20 years of experience in driving Human Resource strategy, functions, initiatives, and programs for leading healthcare, technology, and business process providers. Passionate about creating positive people experiences and fostering a culture of strong leadership and empowerment, Priscilla currently serves in the HRPA Toronto Council and has been volunteering with HRPA on the board for over five years.
As the Head of Human Resources at WELL Health Diagnostic Centres, Priscilla provides strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the human resources function. She establishes a vision and direction for a comprehensive range of human capital programs, policies, and services, including HR transformation, talent acquisition, talent management, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organizational design and cultural development, employee education and development, compensation and benefits, HR operations and technology, employee relations, and HR analytics. Under her leadership, WELL Health Diagnostic Centres has experienced significant positive cultural change, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment that emphasizes employee well-being and engagement.
Previously, Priscilla held leadership roles overseeing Human Resource functions and played a key role in designing new HR programs, establishing HR best practices, streamlining HR processes, driving HR compliance, and reducing HR costs in various organizations, including Fortune 500 companies such as IBM and Genpact.
Priscilla is a Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) and holds a Master’s degree in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations.
Madison Tevlin
Canadian actress and broadcaster of CBC Gem talk show ‘Who Do You Think I Am?’ and film Champions.
Madison Tevlin was born with Down syndrome, though she’ll rightly tell you it’s the least interesting thing about her. She has dedicated her life to dismantling the stigmas associated with Down syndrome, proving from a young age that it does not define her capabilities, and that we all thrive when we reduce stigmas and lift each other up.
Her extensive credits include notable appearances on the television show “Mr. D,” and hosting her talk show “Who Do You Think I Am.” She received praise for a standout performance in “Champions,” a film directed by Bobby Farrelly and starring Woody Harrelson. Madison graced the red carpet as a host at the Canadian Screen Awards, where she also made history as the first person with Down syndrome to be nominated for Best Host in a Talk Show or Entertainment News category.
Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Madison is an active participant in initiatives that promote inclusivity. She is a member of Best Buddies International and has walked the runway for the Knix Confidence Tour and the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show. Her voice resonated deeply at the “Dear Mom” conference in Laguna Beach, where she served as the keynote speaker, and later in the year was honoured by the Global Down syndrome Foundation with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award in 2023 for her contributions to the community.
Through her speeches, performances, and engagements, Madison Tevlin inspires audiences globally, demonstrating unwaveringly that she is much more than her diagnosis—she is a true superstar changing the world one speech, one role, and one advocacy moment at a time.
Kiethan Thevasegaram
City Cruises Tour Guide, Youth Climate Ambassador, HRPA Student Ambassador (Central East Chapter)
Kiethan Theva is a community-builder, social entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate based in Toronto. He is the founder of Responsible Cafes TO, a grassroots initiative focused on reducing single-use coffee cup waste by partnering with local cafés, campuses, and community organizations to promote reusable culture across the city. Through this project, he has collaborated with youth climate networks, municipal partners, and student associations, helping to spark conversations around circularity and everyday environmental action.
Alongside his community work, Kiethan is completing his Bachelor of Human Resources Management at Seneca Polytechnic, where he also serves as a Vice-President with the Seneca Environmental Association. He was a Youth Climate Ambassador with Skills for Change and the City of Toronto, and his work has been featured at events such as EcoFair Toronto, HRPA Elevate, student showcases, and campus sustainability summits.
Outside of organizing and advocacy, Kiethan works as a tour guide on the Toronto Harbour, where he combines storytelling, local history, and environmental education for thousands of visitors each season. He is passionate about helping people feel connected — to place, to purpose, and to each other — and hopes to continue building impact-driven projects that bridge business, sustainability, and community leadership.
Please read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here’s a short list of timely DEI resources and articles in case anyone is looking for recent insight or inspiration from a range of perspectives:
- Project Include – DEI Now: Leading With Integrity and Inclusion (June 2025)
- Harvard Business Review – How to Assess the New Legal Risks of Your DEI Policies (Feb 2025)
- Paradigm – 2025 DEI Benchmarking Study
- Fearless Futures – DEI Disrupted: The Blueprint for DEI Worth Doing
- Harvard Business Review – What Comes After DEI by Lily Zheng (Jan 2025)
- Chief x New Era of Leadership – DEI & Social Issues: A New Era of Leadership
- Harvard Business Review – Continuing the Work of DEI, No Matter What Your Company Calls It (Dec 2024)
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EMD Serono, Canada, is the Canadian biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. EMD Serono, Canada has integrated cutting-edge science, innovative products and devices, and industry-leading patient support and access programs. EMD Serono, Canada has deep expertise in neurology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as a robust pipeline of potential therapies in neurology, oncology, immunology and immuno-oncology.
Brand Blvd Inc., is a leading-edge promotional marketing firm in Southern Ontario. We take a proactive and fresh approach to providing quality, branded merchandise. We’re so much more than your usual promo vendor, we’re your creative branding partner. – All things swag to help your brand brag!
Canadian Partners in Workforce Innovation (CAN WiN) is a federally funded program operated by Open Door Group that helps employers meet workforce needs in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. Comprised of a team of Inclusive Workforce Specialists, CAN WiN provides inclusive recruitment, training, retention, and consulting services to support employers in hiring and retaining job seekers with disabilities.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion is a national charity established in 2013 with the mandate of building a more inclusive Canada. CCDI offers a comprehensive suite of bilingual services including webinars and conferences, communities of practice events, research and resources on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace, the Canadian Certified Inclusion Professionals (CCIP) certification, the See Different youth education and ambassador programs, and networking opportunities throughout the year. We are committed to educating workplaces, schools and communities on DEIA and to shape the national dialogue towards a more equitable and just society for all. Learn more at ccdi.ca.
We are your strategic partner, helping to enhance your meetings and events!
From audio-visual equipment & support, to fantastic décor & entertainment options, We will elevate your event, engage your audience, and ultimately create an unforgettable experience!
Dialectic is a learning company that helps organizations transform leadership and culture through solutions grounded in the science of adult learning.
Our flagship product, Learning Snippets, is a scenario-based microlearning tool that makes soft skills stick through spaced practice and the power of social consequences.
Organizations and learners love Learning Snippets because they take just two minutes to complete, yet they drive engagement, spark conversations, and build the skills and confidence people need to lead, collaborate, and foster belonging.
Come see how two minutes can change the way your team learns.
Since 2015, Feminuity has partnered with over 150 organizations globally, from Fortune 500s to fast-growing startups, helping them prepare for the future of work. Founded by Dr. Sarah Saska and Dr. Andrea Rowe, Feminuity is a consultancy where equity meets innovation. We support organizations in addressing biases, closing equity gaps, and building inclusive cultures. Through a suite of data-driven tools and services, we empower companies to drive measurable, lasting impact and thrive in an evolving workplace landscape.
Inclusive Kind helps modern and progressive organizations build workplace cultures where everyone thrives. As a trusted partner to some of the world’s largest organizations, we are a one-stop partner for DEI, using data to guide strategy, training, and implementation. Our business approach delivers measurable results in growth, retention, and innovation, and we guarantee you’ll see the outcomes you need.
Mentimeter is a platform dedicated to transforming group learning and communication into inclusive and engaging experiences. Used by 95% of Fortune 500 companies, Mentimeter simplifies the process of gathering live feedback and encouraging active participation to help business professionals achieve better outcomes and increased productivity in meetings, training sessions, and classrooms.
At Mercer, we believe in building brighter futures.
Together, we’re redefining the world of work, reshaping retirement and investment outcomes, and unlocking real health and well-being. We do this by meeting the needs of today and tomorrow. By understanding the data and applying it with a human touch. And by turning ideas into action to spark positive change.
For more than 70 years, we’ve been providing trusted advice and solutions to build healthier and more sustainable futures for our clients, colleagues and communities.
Welcome to a world where economics and empathy make a difference in people’s lives.
Welcome to brighter.
OnePack Plan™ is Canada’s new employer-offered pet insurance offering a flat group rate that helps provide affordable, payroll-deductible coverage for pet parents to ease the financial burden of eligible veterinary costs.
As over half of Canadian households own at least one pet, OnePack Plan empowers employers by providing one of today’s most requested employee benefits to help pet parents provide the best care for their cats and dogs. Our unique approach seamlessly integrates with benefits administration software for easy onboarding, enrollment, and payroll deduction, making it easy for HR leaders to include this benefit offering.
Realize brings together the traditionally separate worlds of HIV, disability, and rehabilitation.
Through leadership in research, education, and cross-sector partnerships, Realize is working to address the rehabilitation needs of people living with HIV – and changing the future of HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support.
Ryley Learning delivers creative, impactful, and engaging workplace eLearning and compliance training courses to help organizations maintain safer workplaces, minimize their legal and financial risks, and avoid reputational harm.
Ryley Learning is recognized for quality and credibility. We have been awarded a silver award in the Brandon Hall Group’s HCM Excellence Award for: “Best Learning Program for Unconscious Bias Awareness.”
Our courses have been accredited for professional development by: the Law Society of Ontario, the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), CPHR (BC & Yukon), Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
We are Canadian, women-owned and led: certified as a Canadian Women Business Enterprises (WBE). Our courses are produced in Canada and voiced by Canadian actors in English and French.
President Bay Ryley is an employment and human rights lawyer with expertise in workplace discrimination and harassment.
The Personal is an industry leader in client experience.
Partnered with over 650 organizations, The Personal provides home and auto group insurance to members and employees of participating organizations. It now also offers recreational vehicle and pet insurance products.
Participating professions include the Canadian military community, engineers, firefighters, accountants, health care professionals and many others.
University of Niagara Falls Canada is an innovative and digitally oriented institution that prepares graduates for leadership in a digital world.
Academic programs are aligned to meet the demands of business and industry, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed now and for the future.
UNF believes that for graduates to succeed and be adaptable and resilient, they need to achieve a digital mindset, combining a growth mindset with digital fluency. The educational model has been designed to be accessible, digitally focused, and relevant.
This technology-centred approach puts students first, offering a cutting-edge learning framework that is adapted as technology changes and new processes emerge. Students learn from industry leaders and highly experienced faculty, gain experience through real-world learning components, and build a solid foundation that sets them on the right path for success in their careers.
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