Inclusion at the executive level: Using the 50/30 Challenge to create a welcoming environment
The Halifax Chamber has been part of the 50/30 Challenge since its inception, and thanks to funding from the Toronto Metropolitan University, we can pass on their knowledge and insights to support small and medium-sized businesses in the Challenge!
Join us for this FREE lunch and panel discussion with local experts on Board governance and inclusion. Now that your Board of Directors and Management team are diverse, how can we ensure a welcoming environment and true inclusion at all levels of the organization? Hear from board members and board governance experts on how they address inclusion at the executive level, what is needed to achieve that inclusion, and their advice on building a welcoming environment for all.
Joanne Bernard has been building communities for 25 years in Nova Scotia. In 2002, Joanne established the Margeurite Centre, the only residential facility for women recovering from addictions in Nova Scotia.
In 2005, she was tasked to lead Alice Housing, which offers second stage housing for women and children leaving abusive relationships.
Elected 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.
She is currently President and CEO of Easter Seals Nova Scotia and since 2017 has grown the physical and operational footprint of the organization provincially.
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.
Joanne 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.
Panelist
April has been an active voice for diversity and inclusion for many years. Through her Consulting firm, Crayon Strategies Inc., she helps organizations create the conditions for authentic inclusiveness. She consults and coaches extensively with clients within the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
April served the Province of Nova Scotia from 2018 – 2023, most recently as the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Prior, she was the Senior Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Justice. Before joining the Department of Justice, April was the Executive Director of People and Culture with the Public Service Commission, where she led the creation of the provincial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. Before joining government, April was a Partner with Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette leading their Career Services practice. April holds an Executive Master of Business from Saint Mary's University - Sobey School of Business and is also a Certified Career and Executive Coach.
As a believer in community engagement, April co-chaired the successful 2020 Halifax Mayoral campaign for Mayor Mike Savage. She currently sits on the Boards of the Neptune Theater, the International Women’s Forum (IWF), the Africville Heritage Trust, and the Tribe Network. Previously, she served on the of boards of the North End Community Health Center, the IWK Foundation, the Halifax Partnership, the United Way Halifax, the Black Business Initiative, and Dress for Success.
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM ADT
Wednesday, March 27
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
The Westin Nova Scotian
1181 Hollis St, Halifax, NS B3H 2P6
FREE for members - Lunch included*
$50.00 for Future Members - Lunch included*
*This event occurs during Ramadan. If you are observing Ramadan and will not be partaking in the meal, please indicate on the Dietary Notes section of your registration.
Please contact us here with questions regarding registration.
**Please note: your registration gives the Halifax Chamber permission to use the photographs taken during the event for any legal use.
Cailin Winters, Event Coordinator
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Printed courtesy of www.halifaxchamber.com – Contact the Halifax Chamber of Commerce for more information.
32 Akerley Blvd Suite 100, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1N1 – (902) 468-7111 – info@halifaxchamber.com