Secure your spot at HRPA Ignite: IDEA and join a dynamic community of HR leaders shaping the future of work.
In today’s workplace, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) are more than just values – they are essential for business success and employee well-being. These values are being called into question and has required us to refocus our efforts on driving impact and integrating IDEA into company culture and wellbeing. Organizations that fully integrate IDEA are better equipped to attract top talent, foster innovation, and create meaningful connections with diverse communities.
Turning IDEA principles into action requires more than good intentions. Human Resources (HR) professionals must navigate structural barriers, outdated business models, and emerging challenges, such as AI, changes over the border, and return to office. Ensuring leadership accountability, while eliminating biases and cultivating a culture of transparency and belonging is key for long-term success.
Join HRPA, our sponsors and speakers at Ignite IDEA November 2025 to gain approaches and new tactics from organizations successfully embedding IDEA into their workplaces. Learn actionable strategies to drive meaningful change and create an environment where all employees can thrive. Become an HR professional that can integrate IDEA and liaise effectively with leadership on embedding it into the organizational strategy.
Who Should Attend
HR Managers, HR Directors who lead the planning and execution of HR strategies and legal compliance.
HR professionals who need to understand legal rights and responsibilities in their work (HR Recruitment Specialists, HR Managers, HR Directors, HR Business Partners, HR Tech Specialist).
Organizational Development Professionals and others who lead or execute OD strategies and programs in their organizations.
Business Leaders who are responsible for leadership training and development, employee engagement and policy development.
HR Professionals who are involved with organizational effectiveness, psychological safety and change-management and DEIu0026amp;A principles.
Non-HR professionals who manage workplaces or worker affairs.
Other ancillary professions who have a requirement for legal awareness and compliance, including employment lawyers, students at law, EDI professionals, Health and Safety professionals, etc.
Faculty
Speakers
Henry Chak
Head of Patient Access and Government Affairs, EMD Serono
Michelle Chidley
Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy and Outreach Association, Principal, Aisling Communications Inc.
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh
Director of DEI & Operations, Bloom
Yat Li
Associate Director, Inclusive Employment Services at CAN WiN
Ingrid Palmer
Award-Winning Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Social Justice Consultant featured on CBC, Global News, and Toronto Star
Dr. Sarah Saska
Co-Founder & CEO, Feminuity
Madison Tevlin
Canadian actress and broadcaster of CBC Gem talk show ‘Who Do You Think I Am?’ and film Champions.
Dr. Sarah Saska
Co-Founder & CEO, Feminuity
“I believe we need to clearly name the moment we’re in, recognize this as a breakaway point for equity and HR, and ask: What does it look like to design the future of equity-centred HR in Canada?”
Agenda
10:00 a.m. Registration & Arrival
Kick off your day at HPRA’s Ignite IDEA and experience a warm welcome from the HRPA, our partners, and our sponsors. Arrive early to grab your badge, connect with peers, fill up your coffee, and get ready for an inspiring day ahead!
10:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony: Igniting the IDEA of the Day
Our emcee, Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom, sets the tone with an energizing welcome on stage.
Speaker:
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom
Henry Chak, Head of Patient Access and Government Affairs, EMD Serono
Through her powerful, personal journey and captivating storytelling, Madison Tevlin reveals why diversity and accessibility aren’t just “nice to have” – they’re essential for innovation. Discover how including voices of individuals with disabilities fuels creativity, drives progress, and builds stronger teams. HR professionals will leave this talk inspired about the broader impacts of their work.
Speaker:
Madison Tevlin, Canadian actress and broadcaster of CBC Gem talk show ‘Who Do You Think I Am?’ and film Champions.
11:10 a.m. Power Panel: Diversity as a Competitive Edge
IDEA moderator leads a dynamic discussion with thought leaders and changemakers on leveraging diversity as a competitive edge. HR professionals can gain insights on how a variety of organizations are incorporating diversity as a way to gain competitive edge in today’s competitive market, through our panelists (with more announcing shortly!):
Speakers:
Ingrid Palmer: award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and social justice consultant featured on CBC, Global News, and Toronto Star
Yat Li: Associate Director, Inclusive Employment Services at CAN WiN
11:50 a.m. Equity in Family Building
Speaker:
Michelle Chidley, Chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy and Outreach Association | Principal, Aisling Communications Inc.
12:10 p.m. Networking Lunch
Fuel up and forge new connections with industry peers, speakers, and IDEA leaders. The HRPA will provide a gourmet catered lunch onsite for all members, volunteers, sponsors, and speakers to enjoy. Please ensure to submit your dietary requirements or requests when purchasing a ticket.
1:10 p.m. Rebuilding the Work: Equity as a Core Operating Discipline
Dr. Sarah Saska, CEO of Feminuity, highlights four key forces shaping the future: a changing workforce, global instability, rapid AI advancement, and shifting skills. She emphasizes that equity must be embedded across all business functions—not siloed. It becomes meaningful when present in decision-making. Dr. Saska will present a forward-thinking framework for leaders building inclusive, equitable workplaces, alongside other boundary-pushing voices. HR professionals can expect actionable insights that elevate IDEA’s strategic value at the executive level.
Speaker:
Dr. Sarah Saska, CEO of Feminuity, Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2015, 2017, 2021), Bay Street Bull’s Women of the Year (2022), board advisor for Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship, and previously advised the Equality Fund
1:50 p.m. IDEA Across the Generations
In today’s evolving workplace, the most successful organizations are those that embrace the strengths and perspectives of every generation. This dynamic panel brings together voices from across the generational spectrum. Each panelist will share lived experiences, workplace expectations, and insights into what drives engagement, innovation, and retention in their cohort. HR professionals will walk away with practical strategies to bridge generational differences, and create a culture where every voice is valued and empowered.
Speaker: Priscilla Stephen, CHRL, Head of Human Resources at MyHealth Centre | Board of Directors, HRPA Toronto Chapter | Board of Directors, Karis Disability Services | Advisory Council at various Universities in Ontario
2:20 p.m. Networking Break
Take a break to connect with industry peers, speakers, and IDEA leaders during our final break of the day.
3:00 p.m. Legal Lens: The Evolving Landscape of Inclusion
Our legal partners will explore emerging considerations in workplace inclusivity and what leaders need to know to stay ahead. HR professionals can expect to learn more about how legal plays a role in IDEA and leave the table with the knowledge of laws as it pertains to workplace inclusivity in Ontario.
3:30 p.m. Open Forum Q&A
This exciting segment is back at Ignite. Our Open Forum Q&A, hosted by Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, is a chance to engage directly with the day’s speakers. Bring your most pressing questions for a dynamic exchange of ideas. Please submit your questions in advance via our Qualtrics Survey.
4:10 p.m. Closing Keynote: Transforming Culture at Scale
Hear how a leading organization is redefining workplace culture by blending people-first strategy.HR professionals will gain valuable insights on workplace culture considerations and how effective change management can have incredible impacts.
4:35 p.m. Closing Remarks
A final word to inspire you to turn IDEA principles into action in your own workplace from our emcee.
Speaker: Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Director of DEI and Operations at Bloom
4:35 p.m. Networking Reception
End this incredible day at HRPA’s Ignite IDEA with relaxed networking over refreshments – the perfect setting to continue conversations and spark collaboration with peers!
The HR Law Conference will be eligible for HRPA CPD hours, and an application will be submitted for Law Society of Ontario accredited CPD hours. Details will be announced as soon as they become available.
