Navigating Today, Shaping Tomorrow
Individuals: $249 + GST
Table of 8: $2,300 + GST
Non-Members:
Individuals: $349 + GST
Table of 8: $3,300 + GST
Non-profit Organisations/Students:
Individuals: $199 + GST
Program: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council invites you to our 4th annual EDI Forum, Navigating Today, Shaping Tomorrow. This year’s event is about progress—where we’ve been, where we are, and how future generations are redefining diversity and belonging.
At a time when our economy is facing significant headwinds, we need to do everything we can to bolster economic growth and ensure our economy is more resilient. This includes continuing to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion programming which has been proven to improve financial performance, increase innovation and reduce employee turnover. According to McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform on profitability.
While the conversation around EDI is shifting, the core principles remain the same. Now more than ever, we must work to open the doors of opportunity for all. Let’s move beyond barriers, embrace change, and recognize that diversity isn’t a threat—it’s a gift. Let’s go beyond conversation and take action to create a future where everyone belongs.
Join us as we navigate today and shape tomorrow—together.
KEYNOTE
The iconic athlete has been named Canadian Female Soccer Player of the Year 14 times, nominated seven times for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, and won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, adding to a pair of Olympic bronze medals from 2012 and 2016. Christine has also won the NWSL Championship three times with the Portland Thorns, where she has served as captain since their inaugural season in 2013. Her latest accomplishment was being awarded FIFA’s inaugural Best Award in 2022, alongside her male counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo, in recognition for their respective contribution to the sport of soccer.
Christine has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and a full list of her honors, including those earned during her collegiate career with the University of Portland Pilots, would fill pages. Sinclair, “Sinc” or “Sincy” to her teammates, is known for her grit and humble character as much as her exceptional talent. In 2011 she broke her nose in Canada’s opening match of the Women’s World Cup, refused treatment, and played the rest of the tournament wearing a face mask.
Off the soccer pitch, Christine is an ambassador for the MS Society of Canada and a vocal advocate for gender equity. Christine’s memoir, Playing The Long Game, was published in November 2022 and serves as a rallying cry for better support of women’s soccer and the creation of a women’s professional league in Canada.
The Case for EDI as an Economic & Social Good
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are more than a moral imperative—it’s a catalyst for innovation and sustainable economic growth. In this session, we’ll explore why organizations must continue embedding equity and belonging as a core strategy and why it is quite simply good for business and society. Leaders will be encouraged to actively use their influence in support of EDI efforts that can unlock new economic potential and drive systemic change.
Attendees will leave with data-driven insights on the national and global context of EDI, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to strengthen their EDI efforts in ways that fuel business impact and social transformation.
VP, People, Equity and Inclusion, Simon Fraser University
Organization Development Consultant & Facilitator, SLD Consulting Inc.
Bridging Generations
Different generations are redefining what workplace inclusion and belonging look like, challenging traditional leadership models and driving meaningful change. However, as workplaces evolve, gaps in understanding between emerging leaders and more established leadership can create barriers to progress – especially when it comes to mental health, well-being, and work-life balance.
This panel of trailblazers will share their perspectives on embedding inclusive values into business strategies, addressing generational differences in leadership approaches, and advocating for workplace cultures that prioritize psychological safety and mental wellness. The discussion will explore areas for growth, strategies for improving collaboration across generations, and how organizations can create environments that support both performance and well-being.
Abi Coman-Walker
Chief Operating Officer, Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc.
Adam McLeod
National Sales & Ops – Canada, Polestar
Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-Yeboah
Founder and Early Career Strategist, The Y Variable
Moderator
Sheh Shojaee
Founder & Chief Impact Officer, A Brave Thought
Building Stronger Communities: Intersectionality, Belonging, and the Workplace
A truly inclusive workplace requires acknowledging the diverse identities and lived experiences that employees bring to their organizations. By addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals at the intersections of race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities, employees feel valued, heard, and that they belong.
This panel will explore the power of intersectionality in shaping workplace culture and fostering a sense of belonging while shedding light on best practices for fostering collaboration across teams, leadership, and workplace communities. This discussion will include real-world examples of successful EDIAB strategies, approaches to ensuring inclusivity across multiple dimensions, and ways to cultivate an environment where employees experience a deep sense of belonging.
Dr. Matthew Chow
Chief Mental Health Officer, TELUS Health
Jonathan R. Pagtakhan
Regional Manager, Investment and Retirement Planning, RBC Financial Planning, RBC Royal Bank
Josh Vander Vies
Director, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Moderator
Jillian Frank
Partner, National Leader, Legal Transformation, Technology & Managed Services, KPMG in Canada
Presenting Sponsors:
Supporting Sponsors:
Preferred Venue Partner:
Official Chocolatier:
Event Partner:
Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Signature Partners:
Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Community Sponsors:
Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Partner:
This event is presented by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council (DLC) Program. The DLC, an evolution of the Women's Leadership Council program, is an inclusive program that champions and advocates for leadership that best reflects the diversity of the Greater Vancouver region. The DLC focuses on addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion to encourage allyship and enhance business innovation. The DLC is committed to investing in the participation and promotion of underrepresented groups, while supporting the business community to achieve their diversity and inclusion goals. Learn more boardoftrade.com/programs.
Individuals: $249 + GST
Table of 8: $2,300 + GST
Non-Members:
Individuals: $349 + GST
Table of 8: $3,300 + GST
Non-profit Organisations/Students:
Individuals: $199 + GST
Program: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
This event will have Closed Captioning and ASL interpretation.
Submit Your Questions
We want you to be part of the discussion. To participate, go to slido.com and use the password #EDI2025
Sponsor Resources
Pacific Blue Cross is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for both our employees and members. As BC’s largest Health Benefits Society serving 1 in 3 British Columbians, we recognize that DEI is an ongoing journey of learning and growth, not a fixed destination. We continue to evolve our benefit plans to be more inclusive and equitable, engage our teams in education and dialogue, and deepen our understanding of how cultural identifiers influence health and wellbeing.
As a proud sponsor of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, a member of the Canadian Centre of Diversity Inclusion, and through our partnerships with organizations such as Pride At Work, Indigenous Works, Accessible Employers and Trans Care BC, we are continuously learning and assessing our culture, products and processes to better reflect and uphold the principles of DEI. Learn more.