Team Category: Presenter

Rhodes Thompson-Chase is a dedicated legal professional and community advocate based in Toronto, Ontario. Currently serving as the Program Supervisor and Information and Referral Coordinator at mediate393, as well as Student Caseworker at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Legal Clinic, he plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to justice and connecting clients with essential legal and community resources. 

Pursuing his Juris Doctor at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Rhodes is committed to transforming the legal landscape to be more inclusive and equitable. As a Black transgender man, he brings a unique and vital perspective to the field, emphasizing the importance of representation and advocacy for marginalized communities. 

Beyond his academic and professional endeavours, Rhodes actively contributes to public legal education. He has authored informative pieces, for Toronto Family Mediation Service’s blog aiming to demystify legal processes for the public. His involvement with organizations like the Lincoln Outlaws and the Black Law Students’ Association at Toronto Metropolitan University further underscores his dedication to community engagement and support. Rhodes Thompson-Chase exemplifies the integration of lived experience with professional expertise, striving to make the legal system more accessible and just for all. 

Evelyn Bradley moved to Epetwitk (P.E.I.) in 2020 from the United States. A member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community, Evelyn believes that learning the importance of cultural competency through expanding one’s knowledge of unconscious bias is the first step to fostering an inclusive workplace.  

In the past Evelyn has filled such roles as; Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Kiona Technologies, and Instructional Design Consultant for the Queer Doula Network. Evelyn was also a founder and Managing Partner at Brim Consulting, leading the Professional Services and Training Delivery department. Evelyn’s experience has made her an expert in her field and the go-to source of knowledge in the Charlottetown community. 

She is recognized through her own consulting company, Bradley Consulting, for developing and facilitating workshops, strategic planning, policy revision, and coaching and mentoring.  

Outside of work, you can find Evelyn on CBC with her radio DEI segment, “Just Ask,” as well as her many opinion and first-person pieces. 

A passionate advocate for his community, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen has been proudly representing the residents of York South—Weston since 2015.

Minister Hussen is a firm believer that diversity is a fact and inclusion is a choice. During his time as the National President for the Canadian Somali Congress, he worked with national and regional authorities to advocate on important issues to Canadians of Somali heritage, which helped foster better civic engagement and integration.

We are thrilled to announce the keynote speaker for CCDI UnConference 2023, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

The first Indigenous governor general in Canada since Confederation, Ms. Simon has devoted her career to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation within the country, having engaged in public service through her roles as Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs and Canadian Ambassador to Denmark. She has attained national and international recognition for her work on Arctic and Indigenous issues and as an advocate for Inuit rights and culture. Ms. Simon brings with her a wealth of experience in nation-to-nation dialogue and fostering cross-cultural understanding. As former President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, she has also worked tirelessly to ensure that Indigenous voices are heard by government leaders across the country.

Ms. Simon’s commitment to human rights and championing of social justice initiatives make her an ideal keynote speaker for our CCDI UnConference theme, The future of DEI: Pause. Reflect. Project.

To be updated.

Barry is one of the original founders of the Asian Professional Network of Calgary (APNC), a volunteer organization with its mission to enhance the presence and influence of diverse and inclusive leaders who embrace cultural differences, succeed professionally, and positivelyimpactthe community.

With over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and a public accounting firm, and having worked in Edmonton, Denver, and Calgary, Barry has a wealth of experience interacting and working with diverse employers,colleaguesand peers in various roles.

He currently is a Director of Business Development at the multinational oil and gas company ConocoPhillips where he was also involved in creating the Asian Canadian Network, one of ConocoPhillips Canada’s employee affinity groups.He hasacquireda wide range of experience in various roles over his career including mergers andacquisitions, investment appraisal, risk analysis,taxand auditing.

Dan Zaiontz is a professional communicator and author based in Toronto. He brings more than 15 years of corporate communications and fundraising experience in the Canadian private and non-profit sectors.He’sa passionate storyteller and currently serves as manager,contentand communications atFuturpreneur, a national non-profit organization that serves diverse young entrepreneurs across Canada. Dan is also a proud father of three bright, inspiring kids, Rory, Max and Samantha, and husband to Rebecca. He holds aMaster of Communications Managementfrom McMaster University and Syracuse University and was previously named aCivicActionDiverseCityFellow.