NAVIGATE
A BLACK TALENT INITIATIVE
SUMMIT
Charting the path forward
October 2, 2025
Financial District, Downtown Toronto
APPLY NOW!
What is
What is
What is
What is
NAVIGATE?
NAVIGATE is a one-day, innovative, action-driven Corporate Leaders Summit for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) designed to accelerate the growth, impact, and sustainability of ERGs within corporate spaces.
‍As a catalyst for change, NAVIGATE fosters an environment where Black and allied ERG leaders, champions, and executive sponsors come together to share strategies and explore emerging trends. Together, they drive measurable progress that strengthens engagement, builds inclusive workplace cultures, and advances organisational success.
Through insightful discussions, showcases of effective prctices interactive sessions, participants will gain actionable tools to scale ERG programs, align them with core business priorities, and elevate the leadership of diverse talent communities.
*Please note: NAVIGATE is an exclusive ERG Corporate Leaders Summit with limited capacity and will require a formal invitation. Interested in participating? Submit your interest below to be considered for attendance approval.
Starlene MacDonald-Ifill
Director EDI, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)
Shari Keen
HR and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor at The Globe and Mail
Paula Parekh
Human Capital Leader at Deloitte Canada
Michael Luces
Training Lead, TD Securities
Meghayu Dave
Director of Talent Acquisition at Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
Mark Harrison
Founder, MH3 Collective & Co-founder, Black Talent Initiative
View Full Lineup
Why Navigate?
Why Navigate?
Why Navigate?
Why NAVIGATE?

EDUCATE
Deliver actionable insights, proven strategies, and practical knowledge to help ERG leaders strengthen engagement, build sustainable programs, and align their initiatives with organizational priorities.
EMPOWER
Equip ERG champions, executive sponsors, and program managers with the tools and resources to drive measurable progress, cultivate leadership capacity, and activate positive change within their companies.
ELEVATE
Amplify the voices and perspectives of Black talent and other equity-deserving communities, ensuring their leadership and experiences guide the future of inclusive workplaces.
ENGAGE
Foster a dynamic network of ERG leaders and corporate allies committed to collaboration, shared learning, and advancing innovative approaches that build stronger, more connected organizations.
2025 FOCUS
2025 FOCUS
2025 FOCUS
2025 FOCUS
Pathways to Inclusive Futures

In a world where diversity is valued but inclusion defines success, senior executives, ERG leaders, talent professionals, and culture champions come together to explore innovative approaches and practical strategies for building belonging, driving engagement, and empowering employees to thrive.
WHERE ELEVATION BEGINS
WHERE ELEVATION BEGINS
WHERE ELEVATION BEGINS
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHAT to EXPECT
WHAT TO EXPECT
08:30 AM - 10:00 AM EST
REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
10:00 AM - 10:10 AM EST
Opening pLENARY AND WELCOME
Mark Harrison, Founder, MH3 Collective
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
10:10 AM - 10:30 AM EST
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Pascal Duffaut, Director, Partnerships, Pinterest
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM EST
Fireside Chat: Inclusive Leadership in Action: Lessons From the C-Suite
Harriet Ekperigin – Vice President, People Success and Transformation, GreenShield
Shari Keen - Human Resources & DEI Advisor at The Globe and Mail
Abhishek Sarathy - Associate Vice President - Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging - Canadian Tire Corporation
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
INTERACTIVE SESSION
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
11:30 AM - 12:10 PM EST
Panel Discussion: Future-Proofing ERGs: From Affinity to Enterprise Impact
Marcos Persaud - Program Lead, ERG Program, Senior Manager, Bank of Montreal (BMO)
Gena Sherwood – Lead Client Partner and Global Inclusion & Belonging ERG Lead of Blackboard, Pinterest
Giléne Graham – Associate, Investing Operations and Co-Lead of Black ERG, Wealth Simple
Joanna Forde - Manager, Learning Solutions – Advice Canada and Co-chair of BPOC ERG, Canada Life
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM EST
LUNCH
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
1:10 PM - 1:30 PM EST
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Starlene MacDonald-Ifill - Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, OLG
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM EST
Fireside Chat: From Advocacy to Accountability - The Role of Leaders in Embedding DEI
Meghayu Dave - Director of Talent Acquisition, OLG
Starlene MacDonald-Ifill - Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, OLG
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
2:00 PM - 2:30 AM EST
INTERACTIVE SESSION
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
INSPIRING KEYNOTES
Gather wisdom from industry leaders and trailblazers shaping the future of inclusive workplaces. These powerful sessions will illuminate new pathways, spark fresh thinking, and energize your vision for what’s possible.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Immerse yourself in vibrant conversations and thought-provoking exchanges on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing ERG leaders today. Hear diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and leave with actionable ideas to drive meaningful progress.
INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
Roll up your sleeves in hands-on breakout sessions designed to equip you with practical tools, proven strategies, and real-world insights. Walk away with clear next steps and resources you can implement to strengthen your ERG’s impact.
KEYNOTE SESSIONS
Our keynotes will be dynamic sessions featuring leaders who ignite the atmosphere. They are high-energy performances that will spark inspiration, set the tone, and fuel excitement for what lies ahead.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Our panel discussions will be forums where experts and ideas collide, and where sparks fly. From rapid-fire insights, diverse perspectives, and a collective brainstorm, the audience will leave buzzing with new perspectives and a thirst for more knowledge. 
WORKSHOP SESSIONS
Our workshops will be hands-on thrill rides of learning, where you’ll have the opportunity to dive deep into practical skills and interactive sessions. They’re immersive experiences where ideas come to life, creativity takes the wheel, and everyone leaves ready to conquer new challenges.


DAY BREAKDOWN

Immerse yourself in conversations that challenge and inspire, experience rich cultural expression, and connect with others committed to collective progress.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
Kick off your day by checking in, grabbing a meal, and mingling with fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
1:00 PM - 1:10 PM EST
Opening Plenary
Welcome: Faith-Ann-Allision (Host & MC), FaithWithTheJokes
Opening Remarks: Mark Harrison, Founder at MHC Collective and Black Talent Initiative
Join us for an inspiring introduction to IGNITE Winnipeg. Hear from event leaders and partners as we set the tone for a day of empowerment, connection, and celebration.
1:10 PM - 1:15 PM EST
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
Performer: Shalom Blue, Singer
Be inspired by the powerful stories and perspectives of trailblazing Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Engage in thought-provoking panel discussions on topics like racial equity, community resilience, and pathways to success. Enjoy dynamic entertainment performances that celebrate Black culture and creativity, adding energy and excitement to the experience.
1:15 PM - 1:35 PM EST
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Reflection on Emancipation
‍
Speaker: Kike Ojo-Thompson, Partner at Deloitte
Wrap up the day with an energizing closing session. Celebrate shared ideas and experiences and seize the opportunity to expand your network with other changemakers and leaders in the community.
1:50 PM - 2:30 PM EST
PANEL DISCUSSION
‍Carrying the Flame – Black Leadership for the Next Generation
‍
Moderator: Faith-Ann Allison
‍Panelists: Garrison Thomas, Kike Ojo-Thompson, Nadine Williams
Wrap up the day with an energizing closing session. Celebrate shared ideas and experiences and seize the opportunity to expand your network with other changemakers and leaders in the community.
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM EST
DANCE PERFORMANCE
Performer: Riddim Fit Dancers
Wrap up the day with an energizing closing session. Celebrate shared ideas and experiences and seize the opportunity to expand your network with other changemakers and leaders in the community.
2:35 PM - 2:45 PM EST
CLOSING PLENARY
Final reflections and thank you from BTI leadership by Mark Harrison
Wrap up the day with an energizing closing session. Celebrate shared ideas and experiences and seize the opportunity to expand your network with other changemakers and leaders in the community.
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM EST
Celebration & community connection
Wrap up the day with an energizing closing session. Celebrate shared ideas and experiences and seize the opportunity to expand your network with other changemakers and leaders in the community.
Sponsors
Sponsors
Sponsors
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Media Sponsor
VISIONARY
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BE PART OF SOMETHING TRANSFORMATIVE
BE PART OF SOMETHING TRANSFORMATIVE
BE PART OF SOMETHING TRANSFORMATIVE
Sponsor
Champion progress. Partner with us to elevate NAVIGATE as a premier platform for advancing the growth, impact, and sustainability of ERGs across corporate spaces.
CONTACT US
Promote
Help expand our reach. Share NAVIGATE’s mission and inspire more organizations and leaders to build inclusive, thriving workplaces.
PROMOTE NAVIGATE
APPLY TO ATTEND
Join the experience. Engage with senior leaders, ERG champions, and peers in a dynamic environment designed to spark actionable insights and meaningful connections.
SUBMIT INTEREST
BECOME A MEMBER
Stay connected. Access exclusive updates, resources, and opportunities to continue your ERG leadership journey beyond the summit.
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DONATE
Fuel the impact. Contribute to the growth of this important work and help shape more inclusive futures for diverse talent communities.
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ABOUT US
Collaborations
Community
Connections
Join Us
Ignite Toronto
Ignite Winnipeg
Juneteenth
Unbounded
Friday Meetups
Collaborations
Talent
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