Navigating Today, Shaping Tomorrow

EDI Forum 2025

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.

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.

Yabome Gilpin-Jackson
Yabome Gilpin-Jackson
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

Abi Coman-Walker

Chief Operating Officer, Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc.

Adam McLeod

Adam McLeod

National Sales & Ops – Canada, Polestar

Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-Yeboah

Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-Yeboah

Founder and Early Career Strategist, The Y Variable

Sheh Shojaee,

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.


Josh Vander Vies

Josh Vander Vies

Director, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Jillian Frank

Moderator

Jillian Frank

Partner, National Leader, Legal Transformation, Technology & Managed Services, KPMG in Canada

Additional speakers to be announced

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Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Signature Partners:

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DLC

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.