June 21, 2022 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Canada’s Leading LGBTQ2S+ IT-Focused celebration during Pride Month
PRODUCED BY
IN COLLABORATION WITH
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Advancing LGBTQ2S+ Through Activism and Allyship
June 21, 2022 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
ITWC returns in its second annual event to celebrate the IT accomplishments and talent in Canada’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/ Questioning, Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) community. Focused on allyship, the event will highlight the importance of inclusion and diversity and explore its impact in the larger technology community.
This digital celebration will take place on June 21, 2022, during Pride Month. Presented by ITWC in collaboration with HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan).
The Format
Featuring panels, short presentations celebrating diversity within the IT space, personal storytelling, and the creation of a virtual checklist on creating a safe workplace and community, the event will speak to the LGBTQ2S+ journey in the IT workplace.
Who Will Attend
The LGBTQ2S+ Voices in IT is open to all of Canada’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) community in IT and allies to celebrate achievements, share stories and help advance LGBTQ2S+ development in the IT ecosystem.
Agenda
Welcome Remarks
Fawn Annan (She/Her) CEO, ITWC
Keynote Address: From Safe Space to Strength
In this opening session Michael Bach will share his insights first into how to create a workplace that is a safe space for members of the LGBRT2S+ community and how allyship can transform this safety into strength where everyone contributes to an inclusive workplace.
Michael Bach (He/Him), Author, Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work
Panel Session: Progress and the Path Ahead for the LGBTQ2S+Community in IT
In this panel, we will be doing a brief presentation on the findings from the research study QueerTech conducted and discuss the results with our panelists
Moderator: Amanda Cahlupa, McGill University
Panelists:
Ketra Schmitt, Centre for Engineering in Society, Concordia University
Robert-Paul Juster, Universite de Montreal
Katernine Lehmann, Concordia University
Samuel Villeneuve, Universite de Montreal
Breakout 1: Allyship is a Verb not a Noun
In a world that recognizes that you can’t solve for diversity by only focussing on one group, allyship has become a key driver of success for inclusive organizations. This session will discuss allyship in action and look at what the LGBTQ2S+ community needs from allies and how those outside the community can best support it.
Breakout 2: Creating Cultures of Belonging that Include the LGBTQ2S+ Community
Employers vary on where they are on the journey to true inclusivity. And while definitions may vary, the end goal is a culture where everyone has agency to “bring their whole selves to work” as they desire and where they can make a valued contribution.
This session will explore this idea of belonging and reflect on the components of culture that recognize and celebrate diversity and facilitate full participation by all.
ITWC Quiz
Closing Panel: Intersectionality and the LGBTQ2S+ Community
The closing panel will look at the concept of intersectionality and how the LGBTQ2S+ community can collaborate with members of other traditionally marginalized groups to further equity for all.
Concluding Remarks
Speakers
Amanda Chalupa
(She/Her) McGill University; Imagine Ideation
Ketra Schmitt
(She/Her) Concordia University in the Centre for Engineering
Robert-Paul Juster
(He/Him) l’Université de Montréal
Katerine Lehmann
(She/Her) Concordia University
Samuel Villeneuve
(He/Him) l’Université de Montréal
Tune in to the Virtual Platform
The virtual conference event will take place on ITWC’s proprietary TV, a platform that allows for the seamless integration of live and pre-recorded material. The platform also features live chat capabilities, the opportunity for downloadable assets and quizzes to facilitate networking opportunities.
