Explore our exhibit hall, enjoy refreshments and a welcome gift. Reconnect with colleagues and meet new friends before the conference gets underway. This is an opportunity for attendees to connect, share experiences, and discuss collaboration opportunities in an engaging and welcoming environment. Take advantage of this time to explore innovative initiatives, discover new partnerships, and set the stage for meaningful conversations throughout the conference.
Yat Li is a passionate advocate and leader in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across industries. With extensive experience bridging communities and fostering collaboration, he has dedicated his career to empowering equity-priority individuals and driving systemic change. Yat will share his insights on creating inclusive environments and breaking down barriers to success in skilled trades and beyond.
This session will delve into the current landscape of equity within skilled trades, emphasizing the critical role of data in understanding and addressing disparities. By exploring the latest data on diversity, inclusion, and representation in trades, this session will highlight the existing challenges faced by equity-priority groups and reveal emerging opportunities for creating a more inclusive workforce. Panelists will discuss key findings, data-driven strategies, and best practices that organizations can adopt to close equity gaps and support all individuals in accessing rewarding careers in the trades.
This session explores how understanding intersectionality helps employers create more inclusive workplaces by acknowledging diverse realities and fostering holistic approaches to equity.
W1: Build Your Brand for Trades Professionals (Part 1 of 2) (ONWARD)W2: Empowering Equity Priority Trades Professionals: Navigating Career Pathways and Building Resilience (Women Building Futures & Women in Construction (WiC) Labour Education Centre)
In this interactive workshop led by Maryam Monsef, trades professionals in attendance will explore how to build and refine their personal brand by crafting a compelling and unique value proposition. This session will guide participants through the process of incorporating their story into a variety of settings—whether presenting solo on stage, participating in a panel discussion, or networking with peers. The focus will be on enhancing existing presentations to maximize their impact, boosting both comfort and confidence in delivering a strong message. By the end of this workshop, participants will leave with a clearer sense of how to create and share a well-honed, impactful personal narrative that resonates in diverse professional settings—from interviews to casual networking events.
This 60-minute interactive workshop is designed to support trades professionals from equity-priority groups—including women, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, racialized individuals, and persons with disabilities—by providing the tools and strategies needed to thrive in their careers. Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and mentorship-driven insights, participants will gain practical skills to overcome barriers, build resilience, and foster leadership within the skilled trades sector.The session will delve into the unique challenges faced by equity-priority trades professionals, focusing on actionable solutions for navigating career pathways and advocating for oneself. A hands-on team activity will help participants develop both technical and leadership skills in a supportive and collaborative environment, while strategies will be shared for leveraging networks, accessing resources, and managing workplace challenges such as bullying and discrimination.By fostering an engaging, safe, and inclusive space, this workshop empowers participants to take charge of their careers, build confidence, and contribute to a more equitable and supportive trades environment.
S1: Recruiting & Retaining a Diverse Workforce (CAF-FCA)S2: Building Inclusive Pathways in Skilled Trades for Newcomers and Equity-Deserving Groups (YMCA of the National Capital Region)S3: Improving Diversity in NL Construction (Trades NL Indigenous Skilled Trades Office)S4: Building Trust on the Job Site: Enhancing Psychological Safety in Skilled Trades (Women Building Futures)
Participants will explore insights from the Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity (WORBE) project, a collaborative initiative by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) in partnership with Bison Transport and the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee. This project equips employers with tools to create inclusive workplaces and drive meaningful change, enhancing recruitment and retention efforts through proven practices and policies. Focusing on the transportation industry, we’ll discuss key challenges around recruitment and retention and offer practical strategies that have helped leading employers maintain a diverse workforce. From understanding obstacles to planning and implementing process changes, participants will gain a step-by-step overview of what it takes to meet and sustain workforce diversity goals.Attendees will also receive a comprehensive recruitment and retention guide, filled with recommendations from industry research, employer insights, and input from apprentices and stakeholders across Canada.
The skilled trades sector offers significant opportunities, yet systemic barriers continue to impede access for equity-deserving groups, including newcomers, women, and racialized individuals. YMCA Ottawa has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges through innovative programs designed to foster inclusivity and enhance workforce readiness.This session will highlight two flagship initiatives—Power of Trades and Pre-Apprenticeship Home Renovation—using them as case studies to showcase real-world solutions. Participants will explore strategies to attract and support equity-deserving individuals, build meaningful partnerships with employers and community organizations, and create impactful pathways to employment.The discussion will cover key challenges such as the barriers faced by equity-deserving groups in accessing skilled trades opportunities, misalignments between employer expectations and workforce readiness, and practical approaches to job-readiness training, ESL integration, and workplace certifications. Attendees will also learn how YMCA Ottawa collaborates with other YMCAs across Ontario to scale these initiatives, overcoming challenges and driving systemic change. This session will provide actionable strategies to bridge gaps and connect untapped talent with opportunities in the skilled trades sector.
Join Stan, the Manager of the Trades NL Indigenous Skilled Trades Office (ISTO), for an engaging session that highlights real-world actions and outcomes driving diversity, equity, and inclusion within Newfoundland and Labrador's resource development sectors. As industries such as mining, offshore energy, and renewable projects face growing pressures to meet DEI targets and strengthen relationships with underrepresented groups—particularly Indigenous communities—ISTO has taken a leading role in fostering inclusivity and delivering meaningful results. During the session, participants will hear success stories and best practices from ISTO's initiatives. They will learn how cultural competency training and strong community partnerships have been instrumental in promoting positive change. Additionally, the session will explore the steps ISTO has taken to build inclusive workplaces and track progress toward specific DEI targets. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical strategies for building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities and fostering inclusive practices in skilled trades workplaces.
This session will focus on the critical importance of psychological safety in the skilled trades industry. Attendees will learn practical strategies to create a work environment where employees feel safe to express their ideas, concerns, and mistakes without fear of retribution. By fostering trust and open communication, employers can enhance team collaboration, job satisfaction, and overall workplace safety.Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of psychological safety and its relevance to the skilled trades. They will explore how psychological safety impacts team performance, innovation, and employee well-being. The session will cover practical strategies for employers to build and maintain psychological safety, including regular safety huddles, anonymous feedback systems, and leadership training to create an inclusive and supportive environment. Real-world case studies will be shared to highlight successful initiatives, and attendees will learn how to overcome challenges and resistance to change. Tools and metrics for measuring and sustaining improvements in psychological safety will also be provided.
W1 continued (Part 2 of 2): Build Your Brand for Trades Professionals (ONWARD)W3: ‘Stepping Up’ Bystander Intervention (Punch List Consulting)
Empower yourself with "Stepping Up," a training session designed to equip participants with practical tools to support individuals facing harassment and foster safer, more inclusive workplaces. This session focuses on the 5-D method—Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct—providing a comprehensive approach to bystander intervention. Participants will explore techniques for indirectly de-escalating harassment situations by diverting attention through the Distract method. They will learn Delegate strategies, including how to involve coworkers or supervisors to address the situation collaboratively. The session also covers Document, offering guidance on safely recording incidents to ensure accurate reporting and accountability. Through Delay, attendees will gain insights into supporting those targeted by harassment after the incident, promoting recovery and solidarity. Lastly, the Direct approach will empower participants with effective tactics for speaking up and setting clear boundaries when harassment occurs. This training goes beyond theory by incorporating customized scenarios specific to the construction industry, enabling participants to practice and apply these methods in realistic contexts. Join us to develop the confidence and skills necessary to intervene effectively and contribute to a culture of respect and inclusion in the workplace
S5: Empowering Men to Navigate Change in the Skilled Trades (NextGenMen & CCWESTT)S6: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce (Irving Shipbuilding)S7: The Numbers Don’t Lie: Tracking Equity in Action (BC Infrastructure Benefits)S8: The Uncomfortable Journey through Allyship and Doing it Anyway (Government of Alberta)
This interactive session is designed to empower men in the skilled trades to take on a proactive role as allies in the movement to end gender-based violence (GBV). By increasing awareness and providing practical tools, the session helps participants challenge harmful behaviors and attitudes, ultimately contributing to a safer, more inclusive workplace.Participants will explore the impact of gender-based violence on individuals and communities and learn about the critical role men play in preventing and responding to GBV. They will also focus on identifying and addressing harmful stereotypes, behaviors, and language that perpetuate violence. Additionally, participants will gain bystander intervention strategies to safely intervene and support victims of violence. The session will also emphasize fostering a workplace culture built on respect, equality, and accountability. Join us to build the skills and confidence needed to create psychological safety and drive positive change in the skilled trades sector.
Join Irving Shipbuilding as we share our journey of building and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce in the skilled trades. This session will reflect on where we started, the progress we’ve made, and our plans for fostering an equitable workplace moving forward. We will highlight the programs that provide underrepresented groups with pathways into the trades through apprenticeships, along with the in-house support systems we've developed, such as Employee Resource Groups, mentorship initiatives, virtual learning support, and mental health resources. Additionally, the session will offer insights into addressing internal biases and embracing education as a means to overcome challenges and celebrate successes. Participants will explore how simplifying equity and inclusion is essential, with a focus on the well-being of those around us. Special emphasis will be placed on mentorship, providing actionable strategies for using active listening and empathy to support apprentices. Discover how Irving Shipbuilding is creating meaningful change, and how your organization can apply these lessons to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.
Equity in the trades isn’t just a goal—it’s a measurable system that creates opportunities and fosters inclusivity, especially in a sector where underrepresented groups have historically faced barriers. BC Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB), a progressive Crown corporation and construction employer in British Columbia, is leading the charge in making this transformation a reality.Through its Priority Hiring model, BCIB ensures equitable access to employment opportunities for Indigenous peoples, women, apprentices, and other underrepresented groups. This dynamic, continuous model guarantees equity throughout the entire lifecycle of an infrastructure project, going beyond traditional quota systems.Participants will learn how BCIB uses data from its workforce database, affiliated union partners, and forecasting models to track and report equity outcomes in real-time. The session will cover how BCIB forecasts work hours, tracks apprenticeship progress, and identifies skill gaps, ensuring equitable distribution. Practical tools like deployment evaluations, quarterly reviews, and end-of-project assessments are key to holding stakeholders accountable and driving real-time improvements. By focusing on data-driven outcomes, BCIB is leading the way in making equity measurable and actionable in the skilled trades sector.
This session explores the uncomfortable and often isolating internal journey would-be allies must embrace to become true allies for equity-deserving individuals in apprenticeship. After a review of the concepts of diversity, inclusion, and equity, and defining “allyship” as a critical process of inclusion, the speaker shares experiments and theories on how individuals become allies to prepare session participants with awareness for the journey ahead, recommending supports and tools to help through the process. To become an ally, you must integrate an awareness of your social location into your personal identity. This process is an ongoing, life-long, self-reflexive exercise that can be unpleasantly emotional and downright frightening. It does, however, have massive implications for the success of your allyship, and for its potential to create harm to marginalized individuals. After walking participants through the integrative process, the speaker points to how workplace cultures in the skilled trades may distress and compound the uncomfortable journey, forcing would-be allies in the trades to abandon it altogether. The speaker shares her own intersectional identities, and humorously, but gently, unpacks ideas used in DEI theory and practice with an understanding that the primary agents of allyship in apprenticeship are white-cis-gendered-men. Finally, participants will embark on the journey through allyship through a live, anonymous social location exercise.
This session will explore the crucial role of Indigenous reconciliation in creating pathways to equity and inclusion within the skilled trades. With a focus on real-world stories, best practices, and actionable strategies, panelists will share how employers, educators, and industry leaders can engage with Indigenous communities to foster inclusive training environments, mentorship opportunities, and career pathways.Attendees will gain valuable insights into cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and the importance of reconciliation in breaking down barriers for Indigenous individuals in the trades.
Get ready for a night of sweet treats, dazzling entertainment, and vibrant energy at The Second City Toronto on May 25! Included with all SET 2025 delegate passes, this off-site social event is the perfect opportunity to connect, unwind, and celebrate. Indulge in a dessert-themed menu, enjoy a complimentary drink (1 per person) and a night of dazzling entertainment, interactive experiences, and vibrant energy.Want to bring a guest? Additional tickets are available for $99 each.
This session provides an opportunity for trades professionals to share their personal stories and experiences, offering invaluable insights into the realities of apprenticeship and skilled trades careers. Panelists will discuss the challenges, successes, and lessons learned throughout their journeys, highlighting the importance of mentorship, resilience, and adaptability in overcoming barriers. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of trades professionals and learn how to better support and uplift future generations in the skilled trades.
W4: Breaking Barriers: A Town Hall Discussion (CAF-FCA & CCRW)W5: The Lifelong Learner – How to Build Connections & Open Doors Through Mentoring (CWB Foundation)W6: Self Care through the Lens of Rest (Vukiza)
An inspiring and engaging town hall discussion, where apprentices share their lived experiences navigating accessibility challenges in the workplace. Hear first-hand stories that highlight the resilience and talent of individuals when barriers are removed and learn how effective support systems can empower apprentices to thrive and shine.This event will also explore the diversity within disability, highlighting how various lived experiences intersect with identity, culture, and community to shape unique workplace journeys. This is an opportunity to spark meaningful dialogue, gain valuable insights, and discover actionable strategies to foster accessibility and inclusion.
Is career advancement truly about who you know, not what you know? In this session, attendees will join Fanshawe College’s ConnectHER and the CWB Foundation to explore how to balance skill-building with networking to create a fulfilling career in the skilled trades. Using the CWB Foundation’s WeldHER+ pre-employment program, delivered in partnership with Fanshawe College’s ConnectHER Skilled Trades Community, as a case study, this session provides practical guidance on seeking mentorship through both traditional and unconventional approaches. With an emphasis on maintaining curiosity and fostering a lifelong learner mindset, participants will reflect on their career goals and identify resources and networks to help achieve them, including an inside look at the virtual, nation-wide ConnectHER community. Together, we will explore what “deconstructed mentorship” means and how taking a holistic approach to learning and career advancement can foster a stronger sense of community and belonging while leading to more sustainable professional development.
This Healing Circle invites participants to reflect on and discuss the ways in which rest is defined through a generational lens and to acknowledge its impact on our daily lives. Hosted by Vukiza, these intimate retreats create a supportive space where like-hearted women can gather to embrace healing and vulnerability without judgment.The session aims to provide clarity around the concept of rest and its importance, offering practical tools to integrate rest into daily routines. Participants will explore mindfulness and relaxation techniques designed to foster mental clarity, emotional balance, and a renewed sense of well-being. Through community healing, this experience encourages open exploration of self-care practices and their transformative potential.
S9: Shaping a Stronger Workforce: Best Practices for Pregnancy and Parental Leave in the Trades (UA Canada)S10: Community Benefits 101: Building Equitable Pathways through Community Benefits Agreements (Toronto Community Benefits Network)S11: Anti-Racism Principles (EDIA Insights Solutions)
This workshop highlights best practices for supporting pregnancy, maternity, and parental leave in the skilled trades, with UA Canada leading the way as one of the first construction trade unions in Canada to develop a program offering benefits for members during pregnancy, as well as additional supports for maternity and parental leave. Participants will learn about UA Canada’s groundbreaking program as a model for best practices and explore how such initiatives promote inclusive and diverse workplaces. We will discuss the impact of these programs on recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce, and participants will gain insights into developing similar programs to support trades professionals expanding their families. Join this session to discover how investing in supportive programs not only ensures worker well-being but also strengthens the skilled trades industry for a sustainable future.
Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) have become a powerful mechanism for advancing equity in public infrastructure and urban development projects across Canada. By ensuring that large-scale initiatives provide direct benefits to local communities, CBAs help mitigate project impacts while opening pathways to apprenticeship and skilled trades careers for underrepresented groups. Notable examples, such as the Gordie Howe Bridge in Windsor and the Finch West LRT in Toronto, demonstrate how these agreements can drive meaningful change by fostering workforce inclusion and economic opportunities.This session will highlight the Toronto Community Benefits Network’s (TCBN) Building Diversity through Community Benefits Agreements: Best Practices and Standards project. It will explore the key outcomes and lessons learned from bringing together practitioners, employers, unions, and community organizations to co-develop best practices. Participants will gain insights into how TCBN has facilitated collaboration between communities, labour, and industry since 2014 to implement CBAs effectively. The discussion will also showcase TCBN’s success in supporting over 2,000 individuals from diverse communities in accessing apprenticeship and construction opportunities in Toronto.By examining real-world applications of CBAs, this session will provide valuable perspectives on how they can be leveraged to create equitable career pathways, strengthen local communities, and enhance workforce diversity in the skilled trades.
This session provides a deep dive into racism, anti-racism, and systemic racism, emphasizing the transformative impact of adopting an anti-racist approach. Led by EDIA Insight Solutions, participants will explore the 5 Anti-Racist Principles Framework—Action, Investigation, Involvement, Advocacy, and Data—to uncover practical strategies for fostering change in both personal and professional environments.Through engaging discussions, participants will gain a clear understanding of racism, anti-racism, and systemic racism while exploring what it truly means to be anti-racist and how it applies to daily actions. The session will also offer guidance on implementing anti-racist principles to develop a simple yet effective strategy for promoting equity and inclusion.With interactive learning and actionable insights, attendees will leave equipped with a step-by-step framework for building equitable environments and driving meaningful change within their communities and workplaces.
W7: Empowering Leadership in Trades: Building Skills with the TRADES Model (Finning & Erin Davis Co.)W8: A Tool Kit for Building Community (Construction Foundation of BC & BCIT)W9: SMART Goals Workshop: Empowering Success in Skilled Trades (Electrical Joint Training Committee)
This hands-on workshop is designed for trades professionals, providing them with the skills, tools, and strategies to excel in their careers. Using the TRADES Model—Trust, Resiliency, Authenticity, Dialogue, and Empathy—the session focuses on developing essential leadership capabilities while fostering a sense of belonging within the skilled trades sector. Participants will engage in interactive exercises that promote professional growth, enhance workplace confidence, and strengthen personal and organizational resilience.Throughout the workshop, attendees will learn actionable strategies for leading with authenticity, empathy, and resilience in their work environments. Practical exercises will empower participants to advocate for themselves, navigate workplace challenges effectively, and leverage mentorship opportunities to advance their careers. Additionally, the session offers tools for expanding support systems, building meaningful professional relationships, and cultivating a strong network within the trades community.By integrating these insights, trades professionals will gain the confidence and resources needed to thrive in their careers while contributing to more inclusive and supportive workplaces. This workshop provides a transformative opportunity to develop leadership skills and create lasting impact within the skilled trades industry.
Join Anna and Lisa for an engaging discussion on their experiences organizing grassroots workshops and events for equity-priority trades professionals across British Columbia. These events have proven deeply meaningful to participants, providing opportunities to share the challenges and satisfactions of working in the skilled trades. By connecting with others who share similar experiences, participants have been able to build informal networks critical for finding employment and advancing their careers in the skilled trades sector.This session will highlight the different approaches required for events focused on retention versus those centered on recruitment. Anna and Lisa will share real-world insights, including images from past events, as well as a practical template for creating successful gatherings. The template will emphasize respect, authenticity, and the importance of personal connections, while also addressing key aspects like resilience, adaptability, funding opportunities, and simple workshop plans. Attendees will also explore next steps for maintaining momentum and support after events conclude. By the end of this 60-minute workshop, participants will be equipped to discuss best practices for equity-focused events, identify potential funding opportunities, and adapt workshop plans to meet local needs. Whether your focus is recruitment, retention, or fostering a sense of community, this session provides the tools and inspiration needed to make a meaningful impact.*This session is for delegates who identify as women.
Success in the skilled trades doesn’t happen by chance—it is built on a foundation of clear planning, disciplined execution, and adaptability. Whether you are an electrician, welder, carpenter, plumber, or professional in any skilled trade, setting actionable and realistic goals is essential for advancing your career, completing projects on time, and achieving personal fulfillment.This SMART Goals Workshop is tailored to empower skilled trades professionals by teaching them how to establish and achieve meaningful objectives using the proven SMART framework. The SMART method focuses on creating goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.During this practical and interactive session, participants will gain a deep understanding of how to apply the SMART framework to their daily tasks and long-term career aspirations. Through guided exercises and discussions, you’ll learn to set clear objectives, measure progress effectively, and align your goals with personal and professional priorities.By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with actionable strategies, a personalized goal-setting plan, and the confidence to tackle challenges head-on, ensuring success in the ever-evolving skilled trades landscape.
S12: Leading Change in Construction Culture: a BC Perspective (BCCA)S13: Expanding Access: Supporting People with Intellectual Disabilities in Skilled Trades (Inclusion Alberta)S14: Echoes from this Land: Integrating Reconciliation into Workforce Culture (Carmel Whittle)S15: New Boots - Building Retention for Tradeswomen of New Brunswick
The BC Construction Association (BCCA) delivers several workforce development programs aimed at solving the workforce shortage and fostering diversity and inclusivity within the construction industry. Through initiatives such as the Building Builders mentorship program, Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) and the Integrated Newcomers program, BCCA actively recruits and supports underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, and youth, helping them gain access to training, mentorship, and employment opportunities in construction.A key focus of BCCA's efforts is to shift the cultural landscape of construction worksites. The Builders Code offers a variety of resources for construction industry employers to establish and communicate a standard code of conduct for all workers. It defines an “Acceptable Worksite” as the starting point for reducing risk and ensuring a safe and productive work environment. By sharing program information, case studies and best practices, BCCA inspires other organizations to adopt similar approaches, contributing to a broader cultural shift across the construction industry.
Participants will learn about the innovative approaches Inclusion Alberta uses to collaborate with six institutions, integrating students with intellectual disabilities into programs of study that offer skilled trades education. The session will focus on how these initiatives help develop essential skills, build confidence, and lead to meaningful employment. Real-life case studies will demonstrate the successful transition of individuals into skilled trades careers, showcasing the social and economic benefits of inclusion. Additionally, the presentation will offer practical strategies for employers, educators, and community organizations to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in the workforce, including fostering inclusive workplace cultures, offering mentorship, and understanding the role of intersectionality in building truly inclusive teams.
Reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires active engagement, learning, and commitment at both the individual and organizational levels. This session will explore how initiatives like Echoes from This Land are fostering meaningful conversations and driving change in workplace culture. Through creative collaboration, Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, creators, and communities reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, offering valuable insights into embedding reconciliation into professional environments.
Our study aims to retain more tradeswomen in the construction and manufacturing Red Seal skilled trades across New Brunswick by identifying the barriers to retention, building a three-way partnership with some key union and private employers, and offering long-term sustainable solutions to tradeswomen, their employers, and unions. Identifying the barriers, Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2024 with tradeswomen and employers/union representatives. Barriers as well as solutions were discussed.The main barrier to retaining tradeswomen that was identified by both tradeswomen and employers/union representative participants was workplace culture and environment. This included sub-themes of negative attitudes of males towards tradeswomen, unequal treatment, culture, discrimination because of their gender, behaviour (lack of respect, harassment, etc), having to prove themselves, and lack of support. The solution for retaining tradeswomen most suggested by the research participants came under the theme of ‘career’. Sub-themes in this category included education about the realities of working in the trade, career development, mentorship, representation, and support.We have begun implementing some solutions for the industry and tradeswomen. These have been led by suggestions gathered from research participants. We will focus on outreach events held, including industry consultations and networking events for tradeswomen.
This dynamic and interactive session will offer attendees an opportunity to connect one-on-one with speakers, panelists, and individuals with lived experience in the skilled trades. Through conversations in small groups, participants will engage directly with stories of equity, resilience, and transformation. The goal is to foster deeper connections, share actionable insights, and leave attendees inspired to influence change within their circles.
In this interactive plenary session, participants will engage in small group roundtable discussions focused on critical equity challenges in the trades. Each group will address key topics, share insights, and collaboratively develop actionable solutions and strategies that can be implemented within their organizations and communities.The session aims to foster a deep sense of ownership and collective responsibility in advancing equity by encouraging cross-sector dialogue and idea exchange. By the end of the session, attendees will have clear, actionable plans that they can take back to their teams, with a focus on immediate next steps and long-term strategies.