TUESDAY,NOVEMBER12,2024
8:30 9:15 a 9:45 am: 10:15 am: 10:45 am 11:15 am: 12:00 pm: 12:45 pm: 1:00 pm: 2:15 pm: 3:15 pm: 4:00 pm
Case Study Speaker Presentation
Q&A Period
Coffee Break / Visit Information Tables
Expert Speaker Series
Networking Lunch / Visit Information Booths
BCI Survey Gift Card Draw
Panel A & C Discussion Breakouts - Garden 1
Panel B & D Discussion Breakouts - Garden 2
Closing Remarks, Networking / Information Tables
Event Ends
On behalf of the Brampton Board of Trade, welcome to L.E.A.P Brampton—Leading Equity, Advancement & Potential in the Workforce. Presented in collaboration with the City of Brampton Economic Development Office, this event is designed to support you in hiring and developing great individuals with your organization through skills development, innovation, and unlocking new opportunities.
As leaders we know that a strong workplace culture is essential not only to attract talented individuals but to retain them and empower them to thrive within your organization. In today’s competitive landscape, organizations that invest in cultivating a positive workplace culture are more likely to see sustained success, innovation, and a workforce that is engaged and driven to make an impact.
Today, we’re bringing together industry leaders, hiring managers, and subject matter experts from diverse sectors to address key workforce challenges and explore actionable solutions to help you build that winning culture.
We trust you’ll learn and be inspired today - thank you for joining us as we work to advance the potential of our workforce in Brampton!
9:15 am: Opening Remarks
Kate is a lawyer at Prouse, Dash & Crouch LLP, specializing in estate planning, property transactions, and estate administration. Known for her compassionate and strategic approach, she helps clients make informed decisions. A Brampton native, Kate began with PDC as an articling student in 2011, becoming an associate in 2012. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, yoga, and travel, bringing balance to her life.
9:20 am: Welcome Remarks
With over 14 years in economic development with Brampton, Denise drives growth, innovation, and job creation. She has led sector-focused teams and supported small business success Denise has a strong marketing background from the financial services industry and has a degree in business from Schulich.
9:25 am: CEO Remarks
Denise McClure, Acting Director, Economic Development & International Relations
Jaipaul Massey-Singh is the CEO of the Brampton Board of Trade, championing local businesses and economic growth. With a focus on innovation, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, he leads initiatives to strengthen Brampton’s business landscape and empower diverse industries. Jaipaul is committed to building a thriving, inclusive city on behalf of both businesses and residents
Jaipaul Massey-Singh, CEO, Brampton Board of Trade
9:45 am: Case
Brad Loiselle CEO, Skills Council of Canada
Brad Loiselle, CEO of Skills Council of Canada, is dedicated to driving social impact through innovative workforce development solutions. As an entrepreneur, Brad embraces challenges, continuously moving forward to build education and training programs that meet the needs of both industry and learners. His passion lies in creating opportunities for accessible, highquality education while supporting businesses that solve realworld problems. Brad's relentless focus on social impact and his commitment to delivering value to partners and communities define his leadership at Skills Council of Canada.
Marci Gray is the CEO of Gray Matter Health, a counseling and consulting firm specializing in therapy and diversity-focused psychological health With over 20 years in social services, Marci is also an author and mental health advocate She created The Empowerment Planner, a system for improving mindset and fostering resilience As a speaker, trainer, and consultant, she educates diverse audiences, including executives and nonprofits Marci's clinical work and PhD studies focus on anti-racism and mental health, and she regularly provides expert advice on media outlets like Cityline, Breakfast Television, and CTV News
My name is Matthew Lorentz and I describe myself as someone deeply passionate about motivating the participants I work with. I also enjoy conversations with like minded employers who are looking to improve inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in the workforce. As a partially sighted professional, I have a unique perspective surrounding identifying and negotiating conversations to help ease the process of breaking down barriers in the workplace At Come to Work I work with both our Talent Pool and Employer Partners to find synergies for both to benefit from what Come to Work does
Colin Druhan is Executive Director of Pride at Work Canada, a national nonprofit that drives positive employment outcomes for 2SLGBTQIA+ people He has been at the helm of the organization since 2014, steering it through significant growth A champion for community-led initiatives, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which funds grassroots efforts to fight HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa Formerly the President of Volunteer Toronto, Canada’s largest volunteer centre, Colin is committed to public service. InA 2020 he was named a DiverseCity Fellow by CivicAction, a recognition that underscores his dedication to inclusive civic engagement.
Colin Druhan, Executive Director Pride at Work Canada
It is Sydney’s understanding that their professional purpose must be to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be successful regardless of barriers and that they must as a professional remove these barriers Sydney conducts training and consulting for other companies on how to be more Accessible and Inclusive from a Human approach and how to recruit and retain more diverse individuals through the lens of Intersectionality/Human Resources as well as other areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in an authentic manner at the company they founded called Accessible Creates due to understanding the barriers that exist within the workplace for diverse individuals.
Sydney Elaine Butler, Founder, HR & DEIA Consultant Accessible Creates
1:00
Rowena, a proud Bramptonian, is dedicated to changing the culture of politics and building a prosperous, sustainable future. Elected in 2018 as Brampton's first Filipino Councillor, she was honored as a 2023 Woman of Influence by Municipal World and a Municipal Trailblazer by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. She holds an HBBA from Schulich School of Business and a Master’s in Sustainable Development from LSE. Rowena previously worked at the Ontario legislature, mentoring youth and holding roles at Magna, RBC, and more. Raised in Brampton, she enjoys the arts, outdoor activities, and playing with her local band, “Point of Order.”
Kelsey Annan is a Red Seal Certified Tool and Die Maker who has risen through the ranks from Pre-Apprentice to become the first female Lead Hand at Massiv-Die Form, a division of Magna International Currently, she is dedicated to promoting opportunities in skilled trades for women at Sheridan College, where she conducts hands-on workshops In addition to her teaching efforts, Kelsey is actively building a network to empower and support women in achieving success in the trades
With over 20 years in the sports and entertainment industry, Josie is a seasoned leader in project management, business development, and relationship building As Vice President of the Brampton Honey Badgers, she drives strategic growth and community relations Josie’s career includes roles at Ticketmaster, Toronto Blue Jays, MLSE, and USPORTS, and she has contributed to major events like the FIFA Women's World Cup A key figure in the Canadian Elite Basketball League since 2018, Josie’s leadership and passion for impactful results are evident An avid former softball player, she brings competitive spirit and teamwork to every endeavor
Debbie Slater is the Director of Manufacturing at Maple Leaf Foods and the Plant Manager of their Brampton Facility. With over 35 years of experience, Debbie started her career in manufacturing at Catamaran Sail/Power Boats before entering the food industry over 10 years ago. As Co- Chair of Maple Leaf Food’s Women in Manufacturing employee resource group, Debbie is deeply committed to mentoring and empower women Her passion lies in fostering opportunities for women to have “a voice at the table” and driving change to see more women in manufacturing positions
Vijai Kumar Singh is a seasoned public policy enthusiast with diverse experience at international, national, and local levels. He led the MP Exit Interview project at the Samara Centre for Democracy and contributed to the award-winning podcast "Humans of the House," revealing internal political dynamics Currently, as Manager of Policy and Government Relations, he focuses on local economic development and community wealth building
Over 18 years, Dr Imre has assumed various roles at Algoma University, demonstrating his adeptness in leadership In his most recent role as the Associate Vice President, Academic and Continuing Education, Dr Imre has been instrumental in expanding Algoma University’s Professional and Continuing Education Division into a global enterprise His leadership has been pivotal in fostering international partnerships and steering initiatives with a strong emphasis on social impact, further solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in higher education
Joel Jeremy Munilal is the Operations Manager at Designed Precision Castings, an aerospace investment casting foundry in Brampton, Ontario He holds a BEng Tech Honours degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of South Africa and is a certified CTech with OACETT, currently pursuing his C E T designation With extensive experience in automotive manufacturing and planning, Joel demonstrates strong leadership and multi-tasking skills He has a proven ability to improve production operations, reduce the seven wastes, and lower costs, driving operational excellence in the aerospace sector
Sumana is an accomplished leader and Manager at COSTI Brampton Employment Services, bringing over 15 years of transformative experience in the non-profit sector. With a Master’s in Business Administration, she specializes in serving diverse populations, including newcomers, youth with high support needs, women, marginalized communities, and seniors Sumana is highly skilled in building strategic partnerships with employers and stakeholders, ensuring the delivery of high-impact employment programs Her leadership drives tangible results, fostering opportunities that empower individuals and contribute to the broader community’s growth and success
2:15 pm:
Dr. Suzanne Cook is an adult educator and learning specialist. Through her business, Carpe Vitam, she provides consulting and learning programs to enhance talent management and engagement She obtained her doctorate in Adult Education and Community Development from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto She taught Sociology of Aging at York University and Foundations of Social Gerontology and Social Policy and Gerontology at the University of Guelph and Guelph-Humber Her scholarly research interests include career development, older workers, intergenerational connections and health and well-being
Erin is a Senior Research Associate on the Conference Board of Canada’s Education and Skills team Before joining the Education and Skills knowledge area, she worked with the Conference Board’s Immigration team She has recently led research on social and emotional skills in the workplace and international college students’ study-to-work transitions Erin has ten years of multidisciplinary research experience and holds an MA in Globalization Studies and BA (Honours) in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, both from McMaster University
Ashley has earned numerous accolades, including the Harry Jerome Diversity Award, Beyond Diversity Award, Bob Marley Award, Metropolis Research Award, CATA Alliance, Sara Kirke Award for Entrepreneurship, and has been named among WXN's 100 Most Powerful Women and 25 Women of Influence Recognized as a YWCA Woman of Distinction and one of the "100 Alumni who shaped the Century" by the University of Toronto, she also received the International Women’s Forum 2020 Women Who Make a Difference. Holding a PhD, MBA, MA, and honorary doctorates, she also received Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross and founded multiple startups and nonprofits.
Dr. Wendy Cukier is a professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Founder of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Academic Director of WEKH and the Future Skills Centre The Diversity Institute, with over 130 staff and 200 partners, focuses on workplace diversity, future skills, and entrepreneurship She has led innovative research on transitioning to net zero and employment strategies Recognized with numerous awards, including the Harry Jerome Diversity Award and named among WXN’s 100 Most Powerful Women, she holds a PhD, MBA, and honorary doctorates Cukier is also a founder of various startups and nonprofits
Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute; Academic Research Director, Future Skills Centre
2:15 pm:
Usha Srinivasan is the Founding Director of Brampton Venture Zone at Toronto Metropolitan University, leading the TMU-led incubator in Brampton’s Innovation District. She also founded BReady Talent, helping BIPOC and new Canadians find meaningful employment. With 15 years of experience in the Canadian innovation sector, Usha has built unique startup services and previously served as VP of Partnerships and Talent at Elevate Tech Fest An entrepreneur and angel investor, she co-founded startups in foodtech and other industries Usha holds a PhD in environmental sciences and is a graduate of Stanford’s LEAD Corporate Innovation program
Usha Srinivasan PhD, Director, Brampton Venture Zone & BReady Talent Program
Zak leads strategic planning, partnerships, and high-impact initiatives at Magnet, an innovation centre housed at Toronto Metropolitan University, focused on the future of work He oversees the development and implementation of cross-organizational priorities, advisory board management, and organizational impact strategy Zak plays a pivotal role in driving Magnet’s long-term vision, facilitating high-level strategy conversations, and actively seeking opportunities for collaboration and thought leadership across Canada’s employment and training landscape. He is committed to fostering strong partnerships at the forefront of innovation and sustainability for the future of work.
Zachary Rose, Director, Strategic Initiatives Magnet
Malay is a Generative AI enthusiast innovating in experience technology with human like conversation AI platform called Vaato “Vaato can speak to you and speak to world for you Vaato enhances hiring and training practices for participants and organization
Malay Shodhan, CEO – Founder Comet Venture Technologies Inc
Tony Plaha, Director of Enterprise Sales at Poka Inc., brings over 18 years of experience in sales, business development, and manufacturing. Previously at Shoplogix, he advanced from Professional Services Engineer to Director of Presales, contributing significantly to client solutions and sales growth. With a BEng from Toronto Metropolitan University (formally known as Ryerson University), an MBA from Wayne State, and Lean Six Sigma certification, Tony’s expertise spans productivity enhancement, client relations, and operational improvement across various industries
Tony Plaha, Director, Enterprise Sales Poka
3:15 pm: Closing Remarks
Mayor Patrick Brown City of Brampton
3:20 pm: Closing Remarks
Jaipaul Massey-Singh CEO, Brampton Board of Trade
