As organizations struggle to navigate the challenging terrain related to understanding, addressing and confronting systemic racism, the HRPA is pleased to bring you this important interactive dialogue on Battling Systemic Racism in the Workplace.
Location:
ON24 Webinars
Dates
1:00 pm–2:30 pm ET
1:00 pm–2:30 pm ET
1:00pm – 2:30pm ET
1:00pm – 2:30pm ET
6 CPD Hours
Price:
Non-Members: $250 + tax
During registration, please consider the donation option. Donated funds collected through this event registration will go to Black Youth Helpline, a preferred charity identified by HRPA members in a recent survey.
Title Sponsors
Supporting Sponsor
Developed in partnership with
Developed in partnership with Williams HR Consulting Inc., the event will take place over several weeks and will examine the history of the Black Lives Matter movement and explore the root causes of systemic racism.
Over four live webcast sessions, panels of experts will share their lived experiences, perspectives and practical approaches to dealing with systemic racism in the workplace.
HRPA members are encouraged to continue the conversation between live webcasts and can share experiences and resources via the HRPA Community of Practice.
(Note: you must be a member of HRPA to access the Community)
When you participate, you will take away actionable items, tools and practical resources which you can take back to your workplace.
- Showcase relatable experiences and case studies
- Spark insights through discussions with experts in the field
- Explore root causes and common challenges
- Provide practical strategies, best practices, and actionable takeaways to help HR professionals navigate this area.
Agenda
Session 1
Awakening the Need for Change
Explore the history of the Black Lives Matter movement and uncover your personal motivation to implement change.
Speakers
Fireside Chat: Dr. Wesley J. Hall
Panellists: Dr. Notisha Massaquoi, Donna Pascal, Louise Taylor Green (HRPA CEO)
This session will explore issues surrounding negligent misrepresentation during the interview process, the risk relating to classifying someone as an independent contractor vs. an employee, and the most recent case law pertaining to employment agreements. Particular focus will be placed on the impact of COVID-19 and the ever-changing work requirements it creates.
Session 2
What is Systemic Racism?
Speakers
Fireside Chat: Orlando Bowen
Panellists: Ingrid Wilson, Shaheen Azmi
Through the exploration of specific workplace examples, discover how infrastructure can place minorities on unequal footing, and understand your role in identifying, eliminating and preventing systemic racism at work.
Session 3
Policies, Practices and Pitfalls
Speakers
Fireside Chat: Arleen Huggins
Panellists: Simon Parkin, Suzannah Kelly
Session 4
The Complexities of Triaging and Investigating Race-Based Complaints
Speakers
Fireside Chat: Amara Nwogu
Panelists: Asha Rampersad and Mihad Fahmy
Given our current emotionally-charged environment spawned by the recent public acts of racial injustice, organizations are facing more escalations of complaints related to workplace inequities than ever before. Inquiring into these complaints, including through workplace investigations, is complex for a variety of reasons that can’t be overlooked without risk. In this session, we will consider how to effectively navigate the complexities of dealing with race-based complaints and investigations within the workplace, which will include exploring why an anti-oppression lens is critical in this context.
Series Moderators
Laura Williams,
LL.B, CSP, Founder and Principal, Williams HR Law and Williams HR Consulting Inc.
Laura has over two decades of experience providing advice and representation as an HR Lawyer. As an entrepreneur, Laura has built two highly respected firms which respectively provide proactive HR law and HR consulting advice designed to minimize workplace law challenges, maximize employee engagement and boost bottom line performance.
Laura is a labour relations instructor at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies in the Human Resources Management Program. In 2018, Laura was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award—Business and Professional Studies by the School of Continuing Studies at U of T.
Laura is also a seasoned workplace investigator, routinely engaged to conduct complex workplace investigations, and is recognized for specific expertise in investigations related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
As a Certified Speaking Professional, Laura regularly delivers keynote talks on topics relevant to entrepreneurs, business leaders, HR professionals and lawyers. Laura has recently launched a podcast for business leaders and HR Professionals called, We Thrive Forward – Conversations with Laura Williams which is available on all major platforms.
Kris Tierney,
CHRP, CHRL, Vice-President, HR and Learning, Human Resources Professionals Association
Kris’s approach as an executive leader is to achieve results by creating outstanding workplaces where people & culture are strategic priorities. She is a passionate and skilled business executive with 15 years’ experience leading HR in hi tech, high growth companies in automotive and financial services where she served as a trusted people and culture strategist, advisor and business partner to the C-Suite.
Kris started her career in hospitality where she held various leadership and management positions. For more than 20-years, Kris has served as a valued member of senior and executive leadership teams, where her skills in HR, leadership, strategy, and culture were honed and her passion for business and human resources were developed. She is periodically called upon by media, conferences and academia to contribute her experience and perspectives as an HR and business leader.
Kris has achieved the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations as awarded by the Human Resources Professionals Association in Ontario, Canada. As a lifelong learner, Kris is thrilled to bring professional development and learning opportunities to the HR community in her role as Vice-President, Human Resources and Learning at the HRPA.
Laura Williams,
LL.B, CSP, Founder and Principal, Williams HR Law and Williams HR Consulting Inc.
Laura has over two decades of experience providing advice and representation as an HR Lawyer. As an entrepreneur, Laura has built two highly respected firms which respectively provide proactive HR law and HR consulting advice designed to minimize workplace law challenges, maximize employee engagement and boost bottom line performance.
Laura is a labour relations instructor at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies in the Human Resources Management Program. In 2018, Laura was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award—Business and Professional Studies by the School of Continuing Studies at U of T.
Laura is also a seasoned workplace investigator, routinely engaged to conduct complex workplace investigations, and is recognized for specific expertise in investigations related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
As a Certified Speaking Professional, Laura regularly delivers keynote talks on topics relevant to entrepreneurs, business leaders, HR professionals and lawyers. Laura has recently launched a podcast for business leaders and HR Professionals called, We Thrive Forward – Conversations with Laura Williams which is available on all major platforms.
Kris Tierney,
CHRP, CHRL, Vice-President, HR and Learning, Human Resources Professionals Association
Kris’s approach as an executive leader is to achieve results by creating outstanding workplaces where people & culture are strategic priorities. She is a passionate and skilled business executive with 15 years’ experience leading HR in hi tech, high growth companies in automotive and financial services where she served as a trusted people and culture strategist, advisor and business partner to the C-Suite.
Kris started her career in hospitality where she held various leadership and management positions. For more than 20-years, Kris has served as a valued member of senior and executive leadership teams, where her skills in HR, leadership, strategy, and culture were honed and her passion for business and human resources were developed. She is periodically called upon by media, conferences and academia to contribute her experience and perspectives as an HR and business leader.
Kris has achieved the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations as awarded by the Human Resources Professionals Association in Ontario, Canada. As a lifelong learner, Kris is thrilled to bring professional development and learning opportunities to the HR community in her role as Vice-President, Human Resources and Learning at the HRPA.
Speakers Bios
Session 1 – Awakening the need for change
Dr. Wesley J. Hall,
Founder, Kingsdale Advisors
Wes Hall came from very humble beginnings in Jamaica to become one of the most influential business people in Canada. He has established himself as the preeminent leader in shareholder advisory services and contested investor situations. As the Founder of Kingsdale Advisors, Wes has delivered an unparalleled track record of success for North America’s biggest names including: Air Canada, Barrick, BHP Billiton, Citigroup, CN, CP, Encana, Goldcorp, Talisman, and Suncor.
He has been sought out to lead some of the highest profile deals and activist campaigns in North America. Wes is also the owner of QM Environmental, a leading national environmental and industrial services provider with over 700 employees; Titan Supply, a top manufacturer and distributor of rigging and wear products serving industries in the oil & gas, construction and transportation sectors; and Harbor Club hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, one of St. Lucia’s premier resorts.
In 2020, Wes was one of five individuals appointed to the Ontario government’s Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce, an advisory group of experts tasked to review and modernize the province’s capital markets regulations. In 2011, Wes received the designation ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors’ (ICD) in partnership with the Rotman School of Management of the University of Toronto.
Wes is Founder and Chairman of The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism and the BlackNorth Initiative, committed to the removal of anti-Black systemic barriers negatively affecting the live of Black Canadians.
Dr. Notisha Massaquoi,
Founder and Principal Consultant, Nyanda Consulting
Dr. Notisha Massaquoi is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Nyanda Consulting. She holds a BA in psychology from Western University, an MSW from the University of Toronto and a PhD in Sociology and Equity Studies from University of Toronto/OISE. She has consulted globally for UNAIDS, WHO, and the United Nations Social Development Council on the subject of racism and its impact on health outcomes and workforces. Notisha is one of Canada’s leading experts in developing equity responsive organizations. Most notably she spearheaded the development and served as the Executive Director of Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre in Toronto, Canada.
Notisha has served as an expert advisor in many sectors such as the Ontario Premier’s Advisory Council on Violence Against Women and the City of Toronto Anti-Black Racism Strategy Work Group on Race-Based Data Collection. Notisha is the Co-Chair of the Anti-Racism Advisory Panel of the Toronto Police Services Board, which was recently responsible for producing the first mandatory race-based data collection policy for a police service in Canada.
Donna Pascal,
Vice President Human Resources, Communications, Public Relations, Dynacare
Donna currently leads the human resources function at Dynacare, a leading health and wellness solutions provider. As Vice President Human Resources, Communications and Public Relations, Donna leads a team of 33 professionals. Donna oversees organizational effectiveness, diversity and inclusion, communications, public relations, learning and development, talent management, talent acquisition and wellness, and health and safety. Donna and her team are focused on creating an internal culture that inspires employees, grows talent and allows people to thrive at work and at home.
Donna possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario as well as professional certifications in Advanced Human Resource Management from the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Business, and Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Windsor Law, in addition to professional training in Executive Coaching. Donna holds the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation from the Human Resources Professionals Association.
Louise Taylor Green,
Chief Executive Officer, Human Resources Professionals Association
Louise Taylor Green is Chief Executive Officer of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).
Louise is one of those rare Chief Human Resources Officers who has transitioned in and out of HR and into running a line of business. In fact, she’s done this several times in multi-billion dollar corporations in aviation, financial services, property & casualty insurance and healthcare.
Over the course of her career, Louise has held an unwavering belief that an organization’s talent is the key to unlocking organizational performance. By advocating for a talent-first agenda, she believes that the HR leadership must assume responsibility as the architect of optimal organizational effectiveness through intentional culture design, a dynamic HR operating model and an HR team that have real skin-in-the-game for their clients success. She believes that HR has never been more influential than they are right now in the corporation’s success but also in the lives of the organization’s leaders and employees and broader stakeholders.
Louise is a certified HR professional (CHRP, CHRL, CHRE), an ICF certified coach (PCC), a certified management consultant with CMC Canada, an accredited director with ICD (ICD.D).
Dr. Wesley J. Hall,
Founder, Kingsdale Advisors
Wes Hall came from very humble beginnings in Jamaica to become one of the most influential business people in Canada. He has established himself as the preeminent leader in shareholder advisory services and contested investor situations. As the Founder of Kingsdale Advisors, Wes has delivered an unparalleled track record of success for North America’s biggest names including: Air Canada, Barrick, BHP Billiton, Citigroup, CN, CP, Encana, Goldcorp, Talisman, and Suncor.
He has been sought out to lead some of the highest profile deals and activist campaigns in North America. Wes is also the owner of QM Environmental, a leading national environmental and industrial services provider with over 700 employees; Titan Supply, a top manufacturer and distributor of rigging and wear products serving industries in the oil & gas, construction and transportation sectors; and Harbor Club hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, one of St. Lucia’s premier resorts.
In 2020, Wes was one of five individuals appointed to the Ontario government’s Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce, an advisory group of experts tasked to review and modernize the province’s capital markets regulations. In 2011, Wes received the designation ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors’ (ICD) in partnership with the Rotman School of Management of the University of Toronto.
Wes is Founder and Chairman of The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism and the BlackNorth Initiative, committed to the removal of anti-Black systemic barriers negatively affecting the live of Black Canadians.
Dr. Notisha Massaquoi,
Founder and Principal Consultant, Nyanda Consulting
Dr. Notisha Massaquoi is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Nyanda Consulting. She holds a BA in psychology from Western University, an MSW from the University of Toronto and a PhD in Sociology and Equity Studies from University of Toronto/OISE. She has consulted globally for UNAIDS, WHO, and the United Nations Social Development Council on the subject of racism and its impact on health outcomes and workforces. Notisha is one of Canada’s leading experts in developing equity responsive organizations. Most notably she spearheaded the development and served as the Executive Director of Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre in Toronto, Canada.
Notisha has served as an expert advisor in many sectors such as the Ontario Premier’s Advisory Council on Violence Against Women and the City of Toronto Anti-Black Racism Strategy Work Group on Race-Based Data Collection. Notisha is the Co-Chair of the Anti-Racism Advisory Panel of the Toronto Police Services Board, which was recently responsible for producing the first mandatory race-based data collection policy for a police service in Canada.
Donna Pascal,
Vice President Human Resources, Communications, Public Relations, Dynacare
Donna currently leads the human resources function at Dynacare, a leading health and wellness solutions provider. As Vice President Human Resources, Communications and Public Relations, Donna leads a team of 33 professionals. Donna oversees organizational effectiveness, diversity and inclusion, communications, public relations, learning and development, talent management, talent acquisition and wellness, and health and safety. Donna and her team are focused on creating an internal culture that inspires employees, grows talent and allows people to thrive at work and at home.
Donna possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario as well as professional certifications in Advanced Human Resource Management from the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Business, and Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Windsor Law, in addition to professional training in Executive Coaching. Donna holds the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation from the Human Resources Professionals Association.
Louise Taylor Green,
Chief Executive Officer, Human Resources Professionals Association
Louise Taylor Green is Chief Executive Officer of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).
Louise is one of those rare Chief Human Resources Officers who has transitioned in and out of HR and into running a line of business. In fact, she’s done this several times in multi-billion dollar corporations in aviation, financial services, property & casualty insurance and healthcare.
Over the course of her career, Louise has held an unwavering belief that an organization’s talent is the key to unlocking organizational performance. By advocating for a talent-first agenda, she believes that the HR leadership must assume responsibility as the architect of optimal organizational effectiveness through intentional culture design, a dynamic HR operating model and an HR team that have real skin-in-the-game for their clients success. She believes that HR has never been more influential than they are right now in the corporation’s success but also in the lives of the organization’s leaders and employees and broader stakeholders.
Louise is a certified HR professional (CHRP, CHRL, CHRE), an ICF certified coach (PCC), a certified management consultant with CMC Canada, an accredited director with ICD (ICD.D).
Session 2 – What is Systemic Racism?
Orlando Bowen,
Founder of One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization
Orlando Bowen used a life-altering racially motivated tragic incident to connect with his purpose to uplift and empower business leaders and youth. He is a highly sought after speaker and trainer who works with corporations and non-profits. Orlando has been motivating audiences for years through keynotes, workshops and community service activities. He equips people to get off the sidelines and become GameChangers in business and life. His passion for developing leadership led to his founding of a charity called One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization that engages over 25,000 youth each year. The charity helps people see people as people. He has been honoured with numerous local and national awards including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and a national Harry Jerome Award.
Ingrid Wilson,
Senior Human Resources Executive and Co-Founder HR Strategy Council
Ingrid has organizational experience with private and public companies and boards, in regulatory environments, with global expertise working for organizations with diverse operations. Her subject matter expertise is in Organizational Development and Re-alignment Strategies; Culture Transformation and Change Management programs; Equity and Inclusion charters, steering committees strategies and program development for organizations and board of directors. Ingrid has also led facilitation of forums and panel discussion and served as a certified mediator in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program for youth organizations working with vulnerable and marginalized communities. Ingrid also currently volunteers as a Mentor in the C- Suite Mentorship program for Black Mentorship Inc. Ingrid has pursued excellence in strategic human resources and leadership through the CHRP and CHRL designation, and through programs at Queens University and the Rotman School of Management, where she currently serves on the HR Advisory Committee for Executive Programs for HR.
Shaheen Azmi,
Director of Policy, Education, Monitoring and Outreach Ontario Human Rights Commission
Shaheen Azmi has worked at the Commission for over 21 years and for the last eleven years has been Director of Policy, Education, Monitoring, and Outreach at the Ontario Human Rights Commission. He worked on the development of many Commission Policies and Guides that provides guidance on the understanding and response to prominent forms of discrimination, including the Policy and Guidelines on Racism and Racial Discrimination and the recently released Policy on Eliminating Racial Profiling in Law Enforcement. He has led the Commission’s many initiatives to address systemic discrimination including multi-year human rights organizational change initiatives in the law enforcement sector. Prior to coming to the Commission, he obtained his Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Toronto, where his focus was on challenges of diversity and equity in human services, particularly as it affected racial and religious minorities in Canada.
Orlando Bowen,
Founder of One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization
Orlando Bowen used a life-altering racially motivated tragic incident to connect with his purpose to uplift and empower business leaders and youth. He is a highly sought after speaker and trainer who works with corporations and non-profits. Orlando has been motivating audiences for years through keynotes, workshops and community service activities. He equips people to get off the sidelines and become GameChangers in business and life. His passion for developing leadership led to his founding of a charity called One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization that engages over 25,000 youth each year. The charity helps people see people as people. He has been honoured with numerous local and national awards including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and a national Harry Jerome Award.
Ingrid Wilson,
Senior Human Resources Executive and Co-Founder HR Strategy Council
Ingrid has organizational experience with private and public companies and boards, in regulatory environments, with global expertise working for organizations with diverse operations. Her subject matter expertise is in Organizational Development and Re-alignment Strategies; Culture Transformation and Change Management programs; Equity and Inclusion charters, steering committees strategies and program development for organizations and board of directors. Ingrid has also led facilitation of forums and panel discussion and served as a certified mediator in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program for youth organizations working with vulnerable and marginalized communities. Ingrid also currently volunteers as a Mentor in the C- Suite Mentorship program for Black Mentorship Inc. Ingrid has pursued excellence in strategic human resources and leadership through the CHRP and CHRL designation, and through programs at Queens University and the Rotman School of Management, where she currently serves on the HR Advisory Committee for Executive Programs for HR.
Shaheen Azmi,
Director of Policy, Education, Monitoring and Outreach Ontario Human Rights Commission
Shaheen Azmi has worked at the Commission for over 21 years and for the last eleven years has been Director of Policy, Education, Monitoring, and Outreach at the Ontario Human Rights Commission. He worked on the development of many Commission Policies and Guides that provides guidance on the understanding and response to prominent forms of discrimination, including the Policy and Guidelines on Racism and Racial Discrimination and the recently released Policy on Eliminating Racial Profiling in Law Enforcement. He has led the Commission’s many initiatives to address systemic discrimination including multi-year human rights organizational change initiatives in the law enforcement sector. Prior to coming to the Commission, he obtained his Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Toronto, where his focus was on challenges of diversity and equity in human services, particularly as it affected racial and religious minorities in Canada.
Session 3 – Policies, Practices and Pitfalls
Arleen Huggins
Partner at Koskie Minsky LLP
Ms. Huggins is a Partner at Koskie Minsky LLP and the head of the firm’s Employment Law Group. She has expertise in employment law, human rights law, with an emphasis on discrimination on the basis of race and anti-Black racism. Ms. Huggins also practices general and commercial litigation.
In the employment law area, Arleen acts on behalf of both employers and employees to provide opinions and to litigate all types of employment-and human rights related disputes at various court levels, including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal and before various administrative tribunals. She has extensive experience drafting and negotiating complex employment contracts and related documents for employers and employees. She also represents both employer and employees in long term disability claims.
Ms. Huggins won a 2016 Lexpert Zenith Award: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion for her work as a long time Board Member and former President of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers. She was a five year member and Former Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Standing Committee on Equity and a former committee member and Chair of the Ontario Bar Association Equal Opportunity Committee (for which she won an OBA Linda Adlam Manning Award for Volunteerism)
Ms. Huggins was named the recipient of the 2018 Women’s Law Association of Ontario (WLAO) President’s Award for her work throughout her career relating to the promotion and advancement of racialized women in the law and a 2020 recipient of the Law Society of Ontario’s prestigious Law Society Medal for her significant contribution to the profession.
Suzannah Kelly
Vice President, Global Talent Management, Apotex Inc.
Suzannah Kelly is an accomplished HR Leader with a 25+ year track record of success in leading enterprise-wide HR initiatives that support critical organizational growth and transition goals with broad experience across the financial services, pharmaceutical and consumer packaged goods industries. Over the course of her career, she has been called on to build and deploy new programs and drive transformation that deeply impact and improve organizational development, employee engagement and customer experience. Starting her career in financial services at CIBC, Suzannah has enjoyed senior HR Business Partnering roles including having led the Novartis Consumer Health Canada business as Head of Human Resources and more recently as Global Director Human Resources for Apotex’s Specialty Pharma and Global Quality and Compliance functions. As Vice President of the Global Talent Management Centre of Excellence for Apotex Inc., Suzannah has responsibility for Leadership Development, Learning, Organizational Development, Change Management and Talent Acquisition. Suzannah has also had line management experience, having held the position of Compliance Officer at Novartis Consumer Health. Suzannah is passionate about coaching as an enabler of personal, professional and organizational growth. She holds an Associate Certified Coach designation, accredited through the International Coaching Federation and has demonstrated experience in moving organizational culture change forward and fostering dynamic personal transformation. Suzannah obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) at the University of Staffordshire in the United Kingdom. In addition to her CHRL and Coaching designation she has a certification in Adult Education – Instruction and Design, has completed the Queens School of Business Advanced Human Resources Management Program and also has a Healthcare Compliance Certificate from Seton Hall University, NJ.
Simon Parkin
Founder of the Talent Company, a Career Partners International Firm.
Simon Parkin is the Founder of The Talent Company, a Career Partners International Firm. With a team of over 80 Human Resources, Talent, Leadership, Total Rewards and Career Transition experts with proven track records in consulting and organizational success, The Talent Company is a leading management consulting firm specializing in human resources consulting services and solutions. We help organizations FIND the right talent, KEEP the right talent, REWARD talent through effective compensation and total rewards programs, and TRANSITION employees out of organizations and into new career opportunities. We deliver practical solutions with exceptional results. Simon is recognized as a global thought leader in the acquisition and management of talent with over 20 years of diverse recruitment, talent and human resources leadership experience. Most recently, Simon was the Global Recruitment and Talent leader for a Fortune 100 company, developing and leading largescale recruitment and talent teams around the globe. Simon is currently an advisor to several of the top organizations around the globe, Simon works closely with clients to identify and provide solutions to their current and future HR, Talent and Recruitment challenges. Simon’s new book “Hiring Right: How to Turn Recruiting into Your Competitive Advantage” is a #1 International Best Seller and is available on Amazon and Chapters Indigo.
Arleen Huggins
Partner at Koskie Minsky LLP
Ms. Huggins is a Partner at Koskie Minsky LLP and the head of the firm’s Employment Law Group. She has expertise in employment law, human rights law, with an emphasis on discrimination on the basis of race and anti-Black racism. Ms. Huggins also practices general and commercial litigation.
In the employment law area, Arleen acts on behalf of both employers and employees to provide opinions and to litigate all types of employment-and human rights related disputes at various court levels, including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal and before various administrative tribunals. She has extensive experience drafting and negotiating complex employment contracts and related documents for employers and employees. She also represents both employer and employees in long term disability claims.
Ms. Huggins won a 2016 Lexpert Zenith Award: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion for her work as a long time Board Member and former President of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers. She was a five year member and Former Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Standing Committee on Equity and a former committee member and Chair of the Ontario Bar Association Equal Opportunity Committee (for which she won an OBA Linda Adlam Manning Award for Volunteerism)
Ms. Huggins was named the recipient of the 2018 Women’s Law Association of Ontario (WLAO) President’s Award for her work throughout her career relating to the promotion and advancement of racialized women in the law and a 2020 recipient of the Law Society of Ontario’s prestigious Law Society Medal for her significant contribution to the profession.
Suzannah Kelly
Vice President, Global Talent Management, Apotex Inc.
Suzannah Kelly is an accomplished HR Leader with a 25+ year track record of success in leading enterprise-wide HR initiatives that support critical organizational growth and transition goals with broad experience across the financial services, pharmaceutical and consumer packaged goods industries. Over the course of her career, she has been called on to build and deploy new programs and drive transformation that deeply impact and improve organizational development, employee engagement and customer experience. Starting her career in financial services at CIBC, Suzannah has enjoyed senior HR Business Partnering roles including having led the Novartis Consumer Health Canada business as Head of Human Resources and more recently as Global Director Human Resources for Apotex’s Specialty Pharma and Global Quality and Compliance functions. As Vice President of the Global Talent Management Centre of Excellence for Apotex Inc., Suzannah has responsibility for Leadership Development, Learning, Organizational Development, Change Management and Talent Acquisition. Suzannah has also had line management experience, having held the position of Compliance Officer at Novartis Consumer Health. Suzannah is passionate about coaching as an enabler of personal, professional and organizational growth. She holds an Associate Certified Coach designation, accredited through the International Coaching Federation and has demonstrated experience in moving organizational culture change forward and fostering dynamic personal transformation. Suzannah obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) at the University of Staffordshire in the United Kingdom. In addition to her CHRL and Coaching designation she has a certification in Adult Education – Instruction and Design, has completed the Queens School of Business Advanced Human Resources Management Program and also has a Healthcare Compliance Certificate from Seton Hall University, NJ.
Simon Parkin
Founder of the Talent Company, a Career Partners International Firm.
Simon Parkin is the Founder of The Talent Company, a Career Partners International Firm. With a team of over 80 Human Resources, Talent, Leadership, Total Rewards and Career Transition experts with proven track records in consulting and organizational success, The Talent Company is a leading management consulting firm specializing in human resources consulting services and solutions. We help organizations FIND the right talent, KEEP the right talent, REWARD talent through effective compensation and total rewards programs, and TRANSITION employees out of organizations and into new career opportunities. We deliver practical solutions with exceptional results. Simon is recognized as a global thought leader in the acquisition and management of talent with over 20 years of diverse recruitment, talent and human resources leadership experience. Most recently, Simon was the Global Recruitment and Talent leader for a Fortune 100 company, developing and leading largescale recruitment and talent teams around the globe. Simon is currently an advisor to several of the top organizations around the globe, Simon works closely with clients to identify and provide solutions to their current and future HR, Talent and Recruitment challenges. Simon’s new book “Hiring Right: How to Turn Recruiting into Your Competitive Advantage” is a #1 International Best Seller and is available on Amazon and Chapters Indigo.
Session 4 – The Complexities of Triaging and Investigating Race-Based Complaints
Amara Nwogu
Chief Operating Officer, 8 Til faint
Amara Nwogu is an entertainment business professional with experience in politics, corporate, and the non-profit sector. With the ability to translate large organizational goals into business objectives, Amara has successfully bridged the gap between grassroots organizations and corporate to create impact.
Leading the Music City and Film strategy for Toronto as the Entertainment & Special Projects policy advisor for Mayor John Tory, Amara was able to empower community organizations, emerging musicians, and support entertainment businesses such as MLSE, AEG, Bell Media, NBCU Universal, Universal Music, Motion Pictures Association of America, and more. She was determined to do the same at RBC, in partnership with Live Nation developing brand strategies, partnerships, and funding opportunities such as MVP Project, RBC Launchpad, and OVO Summit.
Recently, Amara has worked with the international advocacy group, Global Citizen on their One World: Together At Home, which aired April 18th in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). The historic, cross-platform global special that celebrated and raised $127.9 million (USD) for health care workers and coronavirus relief with performances and appearances from Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Jimmy Fallon, Usher and more.
Asha Rampersad
Lawyer & Human Resource Advisor, Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP
Asha joined Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP in 2015 and her main areas of practice include human rights litigation and accommodation issues, advising employers and employees on all facets of employment and labour law, and conducting workplace investigations.
Asha is a highly sought-after speaker who has been selected to speak at a number of employment and labour conferences across Canada and has significant expertise in the practice areas of disability management, diversity and inclusion training, human rights and accommodation issues and advising employers on all facets of labour and employment law. She has also been part of the faculty for the Osgoode PD Mental Health and Labour Certificate Programs.
Asha has been trained on and has used a trauma-informed and anti-oppression lens when conducting investigations.
Mihad Fahmy
Human Rights Lawyer & Workplace Investigator
Mihad Fahmy is a human rights lawyer and workplace investigator based in London, ON. In her investigations practice, she has conducted a wide range of complex investigations into allegations of sexual harassment, human rights infractions, workplace bullying and other forms of workplace misconduct. She works with clients to develop a clear mandate at the outset and prioritizes the transparency of the investigation process for all parties involved. Mihad is guided by a strong sense of empathy, balanced with a commitment to maintaining objectivity and procedural fairness.
As Human Rights Advisor to the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) for over a decade, Mihad advised the advocacy organization on human rights and anti-discrimination issues, oversaw human rights research and policy development, and represented individual complainants being assisted by NCCM.
Building on her passion for human rights and education, Mihad is also a part-time Adjunct Professor at Huron, Western University, teaching a course on Freedom of Religion and Religious Accommodation. Her current research focuses on addressing abuses of power, including those involving sexual violence, within faith communities.
A graduate of Queen’s University Faculty of Law, Mihad was called to the Ontario Bar in 1997 and went on to obtain her LL.M. in 1999 with a focus on minority rights and constitutional law.
Amara Nwogu
Chief Operating Officer, 8 Til faint
Amara Nwogu is an entertainment business professional with experience in politics, corporate, and the non-profit sector. With the ability to translate large organizational goals into business objectives, Amara has successfully bridged the gap between grassroots organizations and corporate to create impact.
Leading the Music City and Film strategy for Toronto as the Entertainment & Special Projects policy advisor for Mayor John Tory, Amara was able to empower community organizations, emerging musicians, and support entertainment businesses such as MLSE, AEG, Bell Media, NBCU Universal, Universal Music, Motion Pictures Association of America, and more. She was determined to do the same at RBC, in partnership with Live Nation developing brand strategies, partnerships, and funding opportunities such as MVP Project, RBC Launchpad, and OVO Summit.
Recently, Amara has worked with the international advocacy group, Global Citizen on their One World: Together At Home, which aired April 18th in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). The historic, cross-platform global special that celebrated and raised $127.9 million (USD) for health care workers and coronavirus relief with performances and appearances from Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Jimmy Fallon, Usher and more.
Asha Rampersad
Lawyer & Human Resource Advisor, Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP
Asha joined Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP in 2015 and her main areas of practice include human rights litigation and accommodation issues, advising employers and employees on all facets of employment and labour law, and conducting workplace investigations.
Asha is a highly sought-after speaker who has been selected to speak at a number of employment and labour conferences across Canada and has significant expertise in the practice areas of disability management, diversity and inclusion training, human rights and accommodation issues and advising employers on all facets of labour and employment law. She has also been part of the faculty for the Osgoode PD Mental Health and Labour Certificate Programs.
Asha has been trained on and has used a trauma-informed and anti-oppression lens when conducting investigations.
Mihad Fahmy
Human Rights Lawyer & Workplace Investigator
Mihad Fahmy is a human rights lawyer and workplace investigator based in London, ON. In her investigations practice, she has conducted a wide range of complex investigations into allegations of sexual harassment, human rights infractions, workplace bullying and other forms of workplace misconduct. She works with clients to develop a clear mandate at the outset and prioritizes the transparency of the investigation process for all parties involved. Mihad is guided by a strong sense of empathy, balanced with a commitment to maintaining objectivity and procedural fairness.
As Human Rights Advisor to the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) for over a decade, Mihad advised the advocacy organization on human rights and anti-discrimination issues, oversaw human rights research and policy development, and represented individual complainants being assisted by NCCM.
Building on her passion for human rights and education, Mihad is also a part-time Adjunct Professor at Huron, Western University, teaching a course on Freedom of Religion and Religious Accommodation. Her current research focuses on addressing abuses of power, including those involving sexual violence, within faith communities.
A graduate of Queen’s University Faculty of Law, Mihad was called to the Ontario Bar in 1997 and went on to obtain her LL.M. in 1999 with a focus on minority rights and constitutional law.