The theme of the 2024 Building Inclusive Workplaces Seminar is "Welcoming New Canadians to Workplaces and Inclusive Leadership." Several internationally educated professionals will share their lived experiences as new Canadians, navigating a path to employment in public works. They, and a representative from the Toronto Regional Immigrant Council, will also share their views on how to be an inclusive leader. The seminar also features a panel discussion on employer initiatives, and a presentation on 2SLGBTQIA+ resources to emphasize the importance of creating welcoming spaces for all.
Public works employers are struggling to find skilled and experienced professionals. Canada's diverse population includes many new Canadians, immigrants educated abroad with international work experience, who struggle to get an interview and succeed through the interview process in their search for employment in Canada. Many of those who do find employment then face EDI related barriers in the workplace. Inclusive leadership is critical to creating a workplace culture of inclusion. A culture that respects and values everyone's views and differences, where everyone feels welcome and able to express/share their diverse perspectives and experiences in the performance of their work. Join us at this seminar to learn about being an inclusive leader to support new Canadians entering public works.
Venue:
Mississauga Grand Banquet & Event Centre
Free Parking Onsite
All internationally educated professionals (IEPs) seeking careers in Public Works are invited to enter for a chance to win one of 5 complimentary tickets to the OPWA Building Inclusive Workplaces Conference. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in your field!
Submit your form today.
| Time |
Details |
| 8:00 |
Registration, Networking, and Refreshments |
| 9:00 |
Opening Remarks: Max Ross, EDI Committee Chair and OPWA President Elect |
| 9:30 |
Beyond the Spotlight: Advancing DEI for Long-Lasting Change
Speaker: Ayo Owodunni, Kitchener City Councilor - Ward 5 | Management Consultant | Keynote Speaker
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10:15
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Networking Break
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11:00
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Embracing Immigrant Talent: Perspectives and Practices of Toronto Region Employers
Speaker: Gillian Mason, CEO, TRIEC
Resource: The Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) helps employers capitalize on the skills and experience of newcomers to the Greater Toronto Area and helps newcomers secure work in their field of expertise. |
|
11:30 |
2SLGBTQIA+ Resources for Professional Community Members, Newcomers, Allies and Leadership
Speaker: Emma Cabrera-Aragon, Engineering Designer, R.V. Anderson
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12:00 |
Lunch and Networking |
|
1:30 |
Innovative Approaches by Employers to Attract Internationally Educated Professionals in Public Works
Panelists: Shweta Pai, Project Manager, R.V. Anderson, Alice Lam, Director of Operations, City of Markham, Nandini Syed, Vice President Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Services, Workers’ Safety Insurance Board (WSIB), Private Sector Panelist (TBD)
Moderator: Indra Maharjan, Member OPWA DEI Committee
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2:30 |
Why being an inclusive leader in Canada is important and some tips on becoming an effective inclusive leader
Speaker: Mehemed Delibasic, M.Sc., P.Eng., Vice President of Transportation & Safety, 30 Forensic Engineering
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|
3:00 |
Closing Remarks: Denise McGoldrick, Treasurer, OPWA |
|
3:15 - 3:45 |
Networking and Refreshments |
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| 9:30
Beyond the Spotlight: Advancing DEI for Long-Lasting Change
Speaker: Ayo Owodunni, Kitchener City Councilor - Ward 5 | Management Consultant | Keynote Speaker
Session Description:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has moved to the forefront of organizational priorities, but the question remains: how do we push the momentum forward and ensure meaningful, lasting change? In this speech, Ayo will dive deep into the complexities of advancing DEI within organizations, particularly in municipal and consulting sectors. The session is designed for those who are seeking actionable strategies to challenge existing systems and inspire greater inclusion.
Once we’ve ignited the DEI conversation, what comes next? This session will explore how to sustain motivation and momentum, even when the initial enthusiasm fades. Whether you're feeling like you're preaching to the choir or struggling to implement DEI initiatives that lead to real change, this talk will provide you with practical tools and insights to stay motivated and make a lasting impact.
Through real-life examples and an open discussion, we’ll navigate how to ensure that DEI is not just a momentary spotlight but a sustained and central focus. Let’s work together to push our industries forward and be catalysts for a more equitable and inclusive future.
Learning Outcomes:
Challenging Systems: Learn strategies for identifying and dismantling organizational barriers to equity and inclusion, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Listening to the Quiet Voices: Understand the importance of creating space for underrepresented voices and actionable ways to include them in decision-making processes.
Sustaining DEI Initiatives: Explore how to maintain motivation and momentum after the initial excitement of DEI efforts, ensuring long-term impact.
Action-Oriented Leadership: Gain insights into turning DEI ideas into tangible actions that drive measurable change within municipalities and consulting organizations. |
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| 11:30
2SLGBTQIA+ Resources for Professional Community Members, Newcomers, Allies and Leadership
Speaker: Emma Cabrera-Aragon, Engineering Designer, R.V. Anderson
Session Description:
A 2023 Report written for the Office of Skills for Success, Employment and Social Development Canada (OSS) 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals still face barriers and discrimination at work on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity and concluded that “dedicated resources are necessary to address the specific employment-related needs and experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ people. Valuable supports and programming are already in place for other groups who experience barriers to employment; comparable investments need to be made within 2SLGBTQ+ communities.”
A number of resources exist for professionals, newcomers, allies and leaders in the public works sphere that can provide support, programming to the 2SLGBTQ+ community and education to allies and leadership to support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. I would like to walk through available resources and contacts, including those at Egale Canada, Engiqueers, the Canadian Center for Gender + Sexual Identity and the519, among others. I’d also talk about some efforts currently being undertaken to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the public works sphere and promising next steps for the OPWA community.
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_______________________________________________________________________________
| 1:30
Innovative Approaches by Employers to Attract Internationally Educated Professionals in Public Works
Panelists: Shweta Pai, Project Manager, R.V. Anderson,
Alice Lam, Director of Operations, City of Markham,
Nandini Syed, Vice President Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Services, Workers’ Safety Insurance Board (WSIB),
Moderator: Indra Maharjan, Member OPWA DEI Committee
Session Description:
This dynamic panel will explore how public and private sector employers are breaking new ground in attracting Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) to the field of public works. Join industry leaders as they share innovative strategies, best practices, and key insights on building inclusive recruitment pipelines and supporting IEPs to thrive in the workplace.
This session will provide actionable takeaways for employers looking to attract diverse talent and build more inclusive organizations.
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_______________________________________________________________________________
| 2:30
Why being an inclusive leader in Canada is important and some tips on becoming an effective inclusive leader
Speaker: Mehemed Delibasic, M.Sc., P.Eng., Vice President of Transportation & Safety, 30 Forensic Engineering
Session Description:
Diversity, equity, and inclusion have become increasingly important in the Canadian work environment. With a diverse population, including new Canadians (immigrants), from different backgrounds and cultures, there is importance of inclusivity and creating a workplace culture that is welcoming and supportive of all employees. Diversity alone is just not enough, inclusion is extremely important to creating a culture that respects and values differences, where everyone feels welcome and bring their diverse perspectives and experiences to work together. Inclusive leadership is critical to creating a workplace culture of inclusion.
In this presentation, Mehemed will discuss and share his experience, as internationally trained engineer/ professional, why being an inclusive leader in Canada is important and provide some tips on becoming an effective inclusive leader.
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SPEAKERS:
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Keynote Speaker:
Ayo Owodunni Kitchener City Councillor - Ward 5
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Ayo Owodunni is a seasoned keynote speaker and management consultant with over a decade of experience in coaching, training, and providing strategic direction to enterprise-level clients striving to attain ambitious goals and achieve remarkable business outcomes. His approach is a harmonious blend of expertise, personal anecdotes, and humor, all designed to break down barriers and facilitate effective communication. Consequently, Ayo has had the privilege of working with prestigious organizations such as Spotify, Canada Life, Microsoft, Thomson Reuters, CIBC, TMX Group, and Hydro One, among others.
In addition to his consulting work, Ayo serves as a professor at Conestoga College in Ontario, where he imparts his knowledge in Corporate Innovation and Organizational Behavior, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Ayo is also an author, having penned two insightful books. His first book, titled "Values, Culture, Period -Redefining the Value of Values to Drive Business Results," delves into the profound impact of values and culture on business outcomes. His latest book, "Inclusive Leadership: The Immigrant View - Helping Immigrants Thrive and Soar in Your Organization," has recently been released and is available on Amazon. This book explores the critical topic of inclusive leadership and its role in empowering immigrant professionals within organizations.
Education-wise, Ayo holds an MBA with a specialization in Entrepreneurship & Technology, showcasing his commitment to innovation and growth. He is a certified Life Coach and a member of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants.
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With over 30 years of visionary leadership in the non-profit sector, Gillian Mason is recognized for driving systems change and delivering impactful solutions hyper-locally, nationally and internationally. Since joining TRIEC in 2023, she has spearheaded initiatives that connect
employers with the rich immigrant talent at their doorstep, ensuring they tap into the full potential of this diverse workforce.
Her career includes 13 years with the Commonwealth and high-level collaborations with leaders in South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, among others in the 54 member countries, where she gained deep insights into global markets and orchestrated transformative change. At TRIEC,
Gillian channels this expertise to champion policies that position immigrant professionals as key contributors to Canada’s economy, aligning with TRIEC’s mission to foster inclusive labour markets.
Gillian is a Registered Professional Planner (RRP) in Ontario and member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. Passionate about creating equitable communities, Gillian works closely with employers, policymakers, and community leaders to shape a future where immigrant
talent thrives and drives economic growth. A proud Scarborough resident, she is also a strong advocate for environmental sustainability and community engagement, embodying her belief in the power of individuals to make lasting, positive change.
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Shweta is a project manager at R.V. Anderson Associates, bringing nearly a decade of experience in the engineering and construction industry. She holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's in business administration, both from India.
Shweta began her career in procurement for construction projects and has transitioned into municipal consulting over the past five years. As a newcomer to Canada and this sector, she has dedicated significant time to learning from her colleagues and mentors. Eager to give back, Shweta looks forward to volunteering her time to support programs for newcomers.
Her work involves managing multi-year programs, project controls, and overseeing budget, schedule, and scope management.
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Nandini Syed
Vice President Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Services, Workers’ Safety Insurance Board (WSIB)
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Nandini Syed is a dedicated public servant with a career spanning close to two decades serving both provincial and municipal government. She is currently employed at the Workers’ Safety Insurance Board (WSIB), the largest Crown agency in Ontario, as Vice President responsible for Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Services. Before joining the WSIB in 2023, she held various progressive executive roles including Treasurer and CAO during her sixteen-year tenure in local government serving five municipalities across the province of Ontario.
Nandini is passionate about diversity and inclusion and believes in the power of shared learning. “In a diverse and inclusive environment, everyone brings unique skills and perspectives, broadening our horizons. We learn from each other, improve our critical thinking skills, and become more empathetic.” She has recently been appointed to the City of London’s Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee (DIACAC). She is also an appointed member of the WSIB’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Council where her area of focus is “embracing neurodiversity at work.”
In addition to teaching Financial Management in the MPA program at UWO, she is also a faculty member at Seneca’s Public Administration Program (PAD), where she teaches municipal Finance, Law, and Governance. An enthusiastic educator, Nandini’s biggest achievement is her ability to teach complex and technical concepts in a way that makes learning approachable and fun.
Nandini has won multiple international awards for sustainable and strategic financial management including the prestigious GFOA award for budget. She served on multiple boards and committees including Ontario Municipal Insurance Exchange (OMEX) and Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario (MFOA). She obtained her undergraduate degree in Accounting and Economics from York University, and Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from Western. She is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA), and a Certified Municipal Manager (CMM III).
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Alice Lam, Director of Operations, City of Markham
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Alice is a Professional Engineer in Ontario with diverse and extensive technical and leadership experience. She began her career with private consulting specializing in traffic engineering and planning. Shortly after, Alice joined the Ministry of Transportation and worked in many different transportation discipline such as structural, traffic, intelligent transportation system, highway engineering and urban design. Currently, Alice is the Director of Operations with the City of Markham overseeing Roads, Parks, Fleets and other Operations to ensure the City is operating seamlessly. She has led many innovative initiatives to continue industry advancement.
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Mehemed is a Professional Engineer with over 26 years of comprehensive experience in the fields of transportation engineering, project and program management, and business development in the public and private sectors. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Traffic/ Transportation Engineering. As Vice President of Transportation and Safety, currently Mehemed is employed with 30FE (30 Forensic Engineering), in Toronto.
His recent senior management/ leadership roles in major consulting firms, as well as significant mentorship of new graduates and internationally trained/educated professionals, gives him firsthand experience and perspective on hiring that focus on diversity, inclusion and equity, and creating a workplace culture that values and respects differences.
Mehemed’s significant volunteer contribution is providing mentorship and guidance to the new engineering graduates and internationally trained engineers through their professional licensure application and looking for the job opportunities in the engineering field.
Mehemed is a long-time advocate and volunteer in the engineering community and professional associations, including Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), Ontario Traffic Council (OTC), Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) Ontario, Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers (CITE), Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), and Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO).
