Registration Closed
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\nSURGE NETWORKING: Pride in Entrepreneurship
\n\n\nJoin us for an afternoon of PRIDE! Presented by TD Insurance and hosted \;in partnership with the Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)\, \;this event is dedicated to celebrating Pride \;and empowering 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and professionals to thrive in their businesses.
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\n\nFinish the afternoon with a \;drag performance by the award-winning drag queen\, \;Deva Station!
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\nYour registration to this event includes entry to our Business After Hours \;networking event from 4:30 - 6:30PM \;on the beautiful patio of The Prince George Hotel. Stick around to connect with your fellow attendees.
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Speakers\n\n
Laura Whiteland\, \;CFP®\;\, CIM®\;
\nOwner &\; Financial Planner\, \;Inclusive Financial Planning
\nLaura began working in the financial services industry in 2014\, after completing a business administration program from NSCC\, completing the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®\; Designation in 2017\, and the Chartered Investment Manager®\; Designation in 2018. Throughout her career Laura has worked in a multitude of roles beginning with personal and business banking\, into the wealth management industry eventually becoming a derivatives licensed portfolio manager. Laura is the first openly transgender financial planner and portfolio manager in Canada\, which has garnered a moniker as Canada'\;s trans financial planner.
In 2022 Laura started Inclusive Financial Planning with a goal of making financial advice accessible for everyone. Having the freedom to develop her practice to meet the needs of a growing clientele\, she has expanded what it means to be a personal financial planner and now works with entrepreneurs and organizations to better understand and execute their financial decision making. Beyond that Laura is an entrepreneur several times over with businesses in diverse industries which gives her personal experience to the challenges of business ownership and entrepreneurism.
\n\nLaura has a strong belief in supporting people and communities\, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community in rural communities with a focus on trans inclusion and empowerment. Laura is a Co-Founder and past Chair of the Truro Pride Society. As well as a former co-chair of The Youth Project Society of Nova Scotia. Laura also serves as a Commissioner on the Truro Police Service Board and is a member of the Town of Truro&rsquo\;s Diversity Advisory Committee. As well Laura is a Media Ambassador with FP Canada and educates on the importance of financial planning nationally.
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Chris Cochrane\nChris Cochrane is a Trans Black activist and public speaker. She speaks and educates about her lived experience through her intersectionality . Chris works toward creating spaces for QTBIPOC people\, as well as working with 2SLGBTIQIA+ youth to ensure those spaces will be upheld for years to come. Chris is the former Vice Chair of Halifax Pride (2020-2022) where she uses that platform to ensure equity for the community\, while focusing on our marginalized and racialized folks. Chris is also the Recipient of The YMCA Peace Medal for Equity\, Diversity &\; Inclusion.
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\nPerformer\n\n
Deva Station\nAn evening with Deva Station (Thats Dev Ah\, \; not Diva!) is an evening that celebrates glamour and her own personal brand \;of Girl Power. \; \;
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\nAn award winning actress as the host of Apocalyptic Kitchen which is currently in its third season of production. Her no-nonsense humour gives both men and women permission to celebrate beauty\, confidence and above all Love. \; \;
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\nDeva \;is an Elder of the Halifax Drag Community and loves to recognize and help new and upcoming talent as the Ultimate Drag Auntie. Seven feet tall in hair and heels\, and an attitude through the roof\, \;Deva \;is a polished\, experienced and seasoned performer who has seen it all over the years\, appearing regularly on television and in movies. \; \; \;
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\nWith her own production company StationDRG Media Productions she is currently working on multiple projects as she continues to leave her mark on the world. Professional to the core\, she and her pit crew work seamlessly with producers and event planners to ensure every detail is as flawless as her hair and makeup.
\nHost
Hon. \;Joanne Bernard\, ECNS \;
\nCEO\, \;Easter Seals NS
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\nElected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2013\, Ms. Bernard was appointed to the Executive Council of Nova Scotia where she served as Minister of Community Services and other high profile portfolios. \;Ms. Bernard was the first openly gay MLA/Cabinet Minister in the history of Nova Scotia government. \;
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\nShe is currently President and CEO of Easter Seals Nova Scotia \;and since 2017 has grown the physical and operational footprint of the organization \;provincially.
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\nMs. Bernard holds of Bachelor of Arts (Political Science with Distinction) from Mount Saint Vincent University and a Masters of Arts (Political Science) from Acadia University. \;In 2011\, she was awarded the Peter F Drucker award for \;Non-Profit \;Management in Canada. In 2023\, Joanne was named Business Leader of the Year by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. She was also awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the Mel Hebb Hourglass Award for Exceptional Service in the field of disabilities.
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\nJoanne will be assuming the Vice Chair position of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce in 2024 and will bringing a focus on accessibility and inclusion to that work over the next 2 years.
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\nJoanne is married to Annette\, mother to son Taylor and her greatest joy is granddaughter Kalliope.
\nTHANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
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Inclusion Partners
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