Day 1 – November 21, 2024
Noon – Doors Open and Registration Begins
St. Clair College Centre for the Arts – Alumni Skyline Ballroom.
1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. Welcome
We are proud to begin our conference with a Land Acknowledgment by Workforce WindsorEssex and a Welcome from Carrie Ann Peters, Culture & Language Coordinator of Caldwell First Nation. Located at the heart of their ancestral lands around Point Pelee and Pelee Island, Caldwell First Nation has long demonstrated a profound commitment to the air, waters, lands, and resources of the region. Carrie Ann will offer a traditional welcome and share teachings rooted in the principles of harmony, balance, and respect that guide Caldwell’s community and governance.
Carrie Ann Peters, Culture & Language Coordinator, Caldwell First Nation
Carrie Ann is proud of her Potawatomi heritage, a value instilled by her mother. Over the past 15 years, Carrie Ann has learned her Teachings, Ceremonies, and Language, wholeheartedly reconnecting with the lands of her Ancestors. Since 2010, she has worked for Caldwell First Nation, becoming the Culture & Language Coordinator in 2018. Carrie Ann believes sharing stories of Caldwell’s Ancestors journey on Turtle Island and Anishinaabe Culture with others helps cultivate understanding and awareness.
1:20 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Keynote – The Skills, Experience, Knowledge, & Mindset for Innovation, Blake Melnick
“How do we prepare students and future employees for the challenge of working with knowledge that doesn’t exist; using practices that don’t exist; in jobs that don’t exist?”
Session Learning Outcomes:
- A clear understanding of innovation and how to unlock the innovation dynamic within your organization
- The importance of the relationship between Innovation and Knowledge Management
- How to design a culture of employee-led innovation in the workplace
Keynote: Blake Melnick, Chief Knowledge Officer, Knowledge Management Institute of Canada / Principal Catalyst Workplace Partnerships, Workplace Innovation Network for Canada
Blake Melnick is a seasoned leader and innovator in the fields of Knowledge Management and Workplace Innovation, with over two decades of experience transforming organizations through strategic initiatives and innovative practices. As the Founder and Chief Knowledge Officer of the Knowledge Management Institute of Canada, Blake has been instrumental in advancing the practice of knowledge management across diverse industries, helping organizations harness their collective intelligence to drive sustainable innovation, business excellence, and competitive advantage.
Thank you to our Keynote Sponsor:
2:00 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. – Creating Skills-Aligned Opportunity for Newcomers
Workplace and Immigrant Network of Waterloo Region strives to support immigrants and employers differently – evidence-based, business-oriented, and needs-centred. Find out how we used a customized approach with global talent and employers to create better alignment and outcomes in the local labour market.
Jennie Di Girolamo (she/her), Talent Liaison Lead, Workplace and Immigrant Network of Waterloo Region
Jennie Di Girolamo is the Talent Liaison Lead at WINWR. With seven years of employment expertise and a background in disability studies, Jennie excels in promoting global talent’s unique skills to the local labour market and driving community growth through strategic partnerships.
Olusola Oladele (she/her), Employer Liaison Lead, Workplace and Immigrant Network of Waterloo Region
Olusola Oladele is the Employer Liaison Lead at WINWR. With over 15 years of HR experience in Nigeria and Canada, she leverages her expertise and lived experience as an immigrant to support employers in attracting, hiring, and retaining global talent.
2:20 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. – Rural Solutions to Bridging Program Gaps
How are we meeting the needs of newcomers in rural communities? English language training opportunities can be scarce, Set7 is meeting the needs of newcomers by offering training that is open to all adult learners in the Municipality of North Perth and neighbouring municipalities.
Erin Bewick (she/her), Training Coordinator – Set7 Skills and Technology, Municipality of North Perth
Erin Bewick is the Training Coordinator for Set7 Skills and Technology with the Municipality of North Perth. Erin is committed to driving positive change in her community while empowering individuals to reach their full potential through training and development opportunities.
Jessica McLean (she/her), Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Municipality of North Perth
Jessica McLean is the Manager of Strategic Initiatives for the Municipality of North Perth, focusing on economic development, strategic planning, and special projects. As a long-time resident and employee of North Perth, Jessica is passionate about developing innovative solutions to community issues.
2:40 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Transforming Workplaces Through Disability Inclusion
Introducing, Ontario Corporate Training Centre (OCTC), a new project empowering business with the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to embrace disability inclusive hiring, and foster diverse workplaces.
Liz Gosse (she/her), Disability Awareness Trainer, Ontario Disability Employment Network
With over 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Liz Gosse excels in fostering relationships with businesses and community organizations. Liz has consistently demonstrated success in developing curriculum, facilitating, and delivering impactful programming.
3:00 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. – Break
Break Sponsor:
3:20 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. – Learning Must Be Greater Than the Rate of Change
Generations Y and Z understand their success in the workplace depends on their ability and quality of questions asked. This session emphasizes the importance of active listening and insightful questioning. An interactive demonstration on working with others to solve real business challenges is shared.
Dr. Ira Lawrence Cohen, Executive Director, Strategic Advantage Consulting
University of Windsor Professor of International Business, Strategy & Entrepreneurship. Awarded Global Leader in Transformational Change, Leadership Development, and Action-Learning. Director, Strategic Advantage Consultants: facilitates solving business challenges and developing leadership competencies.
3:40 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. – Live Recording of Mean Median Moose Podcast
A live recording of the Mean Median Moose Podcast! A podcast exploring data about Canada, how to visualize it, and what it all means.
Frazier Fathers
Frazier Fathers is the owner and lead consultant at Community Policy Solutions. An award-winning public policy researcher, he has worked in the non-profit sector for nearly a decade where he has led their research, community convening, program evaluation, advocacy, and strategic and systems work across multiple roles. Holding an MA from the University of Windsor and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, Frazier loves to tackle sticky problems, bringing a data-driven and strategic lens to his work.
John Haldeman
John Haldeman is an information security analyst and software developer who spends his day building systems to ship information security data back and forth. Part of his job is developing metrics and visualizations to help understand computer security issues. Visualization of open data is a hobby of his.
Katie Renaud
Katie Renaud has held roles in human resources, workforce research, and operations in the non-profit, higher education, and private sectors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Calgary and a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Human Resource Development from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is passionate about evidence-driven community development and helping people from all backgrounds access and understand data.
Doug Sartori
Doug Sartori is a professional consultant and software architect. His work in the community has included workforce advocacy and political organizing. A supporter of free software and open data, Doug is interested in making public information available and accessible to everyone in the community.
4:20 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Panel Session – AI and the Future Workforce: Navigating the New Age of Collaboration.
Presented in partnership with:
Yvonne Pilon (she/her), President/CEO, WEtech Alliance
Yvonne Pilon is the President and CEO of WEtech Alliance. She founded AD2IT at 24 and became the youngest female to lead a Regional Innovation Centre at 29. With over 15 years in tech, Yvonne was named a 2022 Emerging Leader by The Peak and serves on several industry boards, including TECNA and CTN.
Jordan Goure (Picsume)
Jordan Goure has been an entrepreneur throughout his entire career, launching his first business at just 19. Recently, he has expanded into software development, focusing on solving workforce challenges he’s encountered across various industries. With a track record of successfully launching over 10 startups in fields such as hospitality, beverage manufacturing, real estate, marketing, and technology, Jordan is now ready to embrace the exciting challenge of developing ethical AI.
Cam Crowder (Redstick Ventures)
Cam Crowder is General Partner and Co-Founder at Redstick Ventures, bringing a deep understanding of technology applications within the restaurant industry to the venture capital space. His hands-on experience includes owning and operating six Tim Hortons franchises, where he implemented cutting-edge AI camera vision technology to significantly improve drive-thru efficiency. At Redstick, Cam focuses on investments that drive productivity, reduce costs, and increase efficiencies across the food lifecycle, leveraging his operational expertise to identify and support transformative FoodTech ventures.
Dr. Phillip Olla, Ph.D. (University of Detroit Mercy)
Dr. Phillip Olla, Ph.D., is an educator, innovator, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in academia, healthcare, and technology. He leads AI-driven initiatives at the Center for Augmenting Intelligence and is CEO of Study AI’D, revolutionizing AI in education and healthcare.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Evening Networking Event
Evening Networking Reception Add-On Ticket – $25
Enhance your conference experience by attending our exclusive welcome reception! In partnership with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, we invite you to the stunning River Room for an evening of delicious appetizers and locally crafted beverages. This is a perfect opportunity to connect and socialize with fellow attendees in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Your ticket includes a selection of appetizers, local wine sampling, and a complimentary drink. Don’t miss this chance to build valuable connections and create lasting memories. Tickets are limited, so secure your add-on ticket now and join us for an unforgettable evening!
Day 2 – November 22, 2024
8:00 a.m – Breakfast is Served
Breakfast is sponsored by:
8:30 a.m. – Welcome and Workforce WindsorEssex Presentation
9:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. – ApprenticeSearch & Experiential Learning in the Trades
Discover how ApprenticeSearch is transforming experiential learning in the skilled trades at both secondary and post-secondary levels. Learn how industry partnerships, mentorship programs, and employer networks are creating new, inclusive pathways to skilled trades careers.
Aisha Hussain (she/her) Job Coach, ApprenticeSearch.com
Aisha Hussain is an accomplished career development professional with over seven years of experience. She holds a diverse academic background, including a paralegal diploma from Humber College, a business administration and management specialization, and a degree in International and Global Studies from York University. Her dedication to her clients marks Aisha’s career. She has successfully guided individuals as a programs counselor at private career colleges and as a Business Development Specialist with Employment Ontario.
She excels in building strong community relationships and is known for her personalized, client-focused approach to career support.
9:20 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. – Bridge-Building from Campus to Career
This session highlights the Improving Employability Series, an experiential learning program for international graduate students at the University of Windsor. The series supported 90 students in Engineering and Computer Science to become more employable in Canada.
Dr. Victoria Abboud (she/her), Faculty of Engineering, University of Windsor
Dr. Victoria Abboud is faculty in Engineering at the University of Windsor. She engages international graduate students to translate their technical expertise for wide audiences. Her experience includes industry-community partner engagement, college administration, and STEM sector workforce development.
9:40 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. – Service System Managers (SSM) Panel
Leads from three Municipally-led Service System Managers will discuss successes, opportunities and adaptations of implementing Ontario’s new Integrated Employment Services model in their respective catchments within Southwestern Ontario. Panelists will reflect on their own how their own structures best support jobseekers, employers, communities, and the service providers they lead.
Kelsey Santarossa, Director of Community and Workforce Development, Workforce WindsorEssex
Kelsey Santarossa is the Director of Community and Workforce Development at Workforce WindsorEssex where she oversees the research, committee, and community engagement efforts of the Windsor Regional Employment Network, Windsor Essex Local Immigration Partnership and Local Board initiatives. With a keen focus for sector capacity building, adaptability, and iteration in program and service development, Kelsey brings perspective from front-line service, project management, entrepreneurship, and local government.
Rosanna Wilcox, Interim Director, London Regional Employment Services
Rosanna Wilcox is the Interim Director, London Regional Employment Services. An expert in strategic and organizational management, Rosanna has spent nearly two decades in local government, having led the development and implementation of an enterprise-wide continuous improvement and innovation program, and the City of London’s work to create a safe community for women, girls, gender-diverse and trans people.
Myles Soulliere, Manager – Integrated Employment Services – Windsor Regional Employment Network, City of Windsor
Myles Soulliere is the Lead of the Windsor Regional Employment Network, acting as the Service System Manager for Employment Ontario Transformation across Windsor/Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Sarnia-Lambton. He has consistently demonstrated success in leading complex programs, managing diverse teams, and delivering impactful outcomes, particularly in youth employment. With over 15 years of experience in government-funded programs and community organizations, Myles is committed to fostering partnerships and bridging gaps in employment for marginalized groups through innovative, client-centered strategies.
Aaron Stauch, Lead – Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Employment Services System Manager
Aaron Stauch is currently leading the implementation of the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Employment Services System Manager function with Bruce County (in partnership with Grey, Huron, and Stratford). Over the past 15+ years Aaron has led projects and service transformations across the environmental, employment, mental health, and social assistance sectors. Recently, Aaron ran the Project Management Office for the transformation of Ontario’s Social Assistance System. Aaron holds a Bachelor and Master’s in environmental studies from the University of Waterloo, and a Master’s in business administration from Athabasca University.
10:10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Growing a More Innovative Regional Workforce
Windsor-Essex is a leader in employee workplace innovation, with an Innovation Catalysts program (2018-21) and innovation for Quality of Work (2022-23). This group will share results and describe work in-progress toward integrating employee workplace innovation into the regional innovation ecosystem.
Barry Leavitt, Principal Consultant, Tinkovation Labs
Barry Leavitt is a Principal at Tinkovation Labs and co-lead for the Growing a More Innovative Workforce project. An engineer by training, Barry was previously Director of Corporate Operations & Innovation at Windsor’s ENWIN Utilities and also has broad project management experience across sectors.
Dr. Thomas Carey, Principal Catalyst — Academic Partnerships, Workplace Innovation Network for Canada
Dr. Thomas Carey is co-founder of the Workplace Innovation Network for Canada and former Professor and Associate Vice-President at the University of Waterloo. He has won awards for innovation in teaching and for research collaborations with industry, including a 15-year partnership with IBM Canada.
Adam Frye, Co-Founder, Basecamp Innovation
Adam Frye is a Business Development Manager at ViRTUS. a management and leadership consulting firm with a home base in Vancouver B.C. Previously, Adam was Director of Operations and Partnerships for the WEtech Alliance regional innovation centre, and the leader of their Innovation Catalysts program. Adam also has successful entrepreneurial experience with a start-up in the not-for-profit sector.
10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. – Break
Break Sponsor:
10:50 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – DisruptHR
“DISRUPT is an information exchange designed to energize, inform, and empower people in the HR field.”
Five speakers, five minutes each, and slides rotate every 15 seconds. “Teach us something, but make it quick.”
Talk Topics Include:
- Creating Authentic & Intentional Workplace Culture
- Don’t Throw Your Pen and Other WSIB Life Lessons
- Be a Chameleon
- Building Castles on Clouds: A Reality Check for DEI Strategies
- A Data-Driven Approach to Employee Benefits
Meighen Nehme, President, The Job Shoppe
Meighen Nehme, President of The Job Shoppe, has over 20 years of experience in helping businesses with their most valuable assets: their people. Passionate about connecting skilled candidates with leading companies, she provides development and growth opportunities while offering clients innovative solutions tailored to their needs.
Michelle Bonnici, Chief People Officer, ENWIN Utilities
Michelle Bonnici is an executive leader with over 25 years of international corporate experience across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. As a skilled strategist, she has led organizations through transformation initiatives, human capital and labour relations strategy, and crisis management. Michelle currently oversees the overall people strategy, brand, marketing, customer care, communications, and media relations at ENWIN Utilities.
Talk Title: Creating Authentic & Intentional Workplace Culture
Stephanie Savoni, Counsel, Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
Stephanie Savoni, a counsel at Hicks Morley’s Toronto office, specializes in workplace safety and insurance law. She advises and represents employers on claims entitlement, return-to-work negotiations, re-employment matters, and benefit issues. Stephanie has extensive experience representing employers at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Appeals Services Division and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal.
Talk Title: Don’t Throw Your Pen and Other WSIB Life Lessons
Tal Czudner, Manager of People, CEO Windsor Detroit Tunnel, Windsor Detroit Borderlink
Tal Czudner is a high-energy people person and lover of all Detroit sports teams. With a background in hospitality, he applies these foundational skills across various industries. As the leader of the Windsor Detroit Tunnel team, Tal is dedicated to promoting the region and fostering a strong community spirit.
Talk Title: Be a Chameleon
Janelle Abela, Growth Strategist, CEO at Diverse Solutions Strategy Firm Inc.
Janelle Abela, CEO at Diverse Solutions, empowers individuals and organizations through leadership, communication, and culture programming. Using a human-centred, holistic approach, Janelle facilitates audits, strategic planning, and professional development training across various industries, ensuring authentic and sustainable growth for inclusion and belonging.
Talk Title: Building Castles on Clouds: A Reality Check for DEI Strategies
Frank Piazza, Health and Benefit Consultant
Frank Piazza is a seasoned Health and Benefits Consultant with over 10 years of experience, specializing in fostering thriving workplaces and enhancing organizational well-being. He is a trusted advisor to businesses seeking to optimize their internal dynamics, helping both employees and organizations flourish through tailored strategies and support.
Talk Title: A Data-Driven Approach to Employee Benefits
Video recording generously provided by:
11:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. – The Future of Talent and Economic Development in the Electric Vehicle (EV) Industry
This panel will bring together leading professionals and experts from across the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry to explore the rapidly evolving talent, recruitment, and workforce development needs that are critical to supporting growth in this sector. As EV adoption accelerates and technological advancements continue, panelists will discuss the urgent demand for skilled workers—from engineers and technicians to software developers and production specialists—needed to sustain innovation and manufacturing.
This conversation will offer valuable insights for employers, policymakers, and educators, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to future-proof the workforce and ensure Canada remains a global leader in the electric vehicle industry.
Moderator: Justin Falconer – Workforce WindsorEssex
Justin Falconer, CEO of Workforce WindsorEssex, has over 20 years of experience in government, community engagement, and workforce development, with more than 15 years in leadership. Since joining the organization in 2016 and becoming CEO in 2020, he has driven initiatives like the WE Data Tools platform, a key resource for jobseekers and workforce planning widely adopted across Ontario. Previously, he organized volunteer efforts for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2015 campaign and served as political staff to Ontario leaders, gaining deep expertise in communications and outreach.
Chinweizu Okeke, Research Associate, Smart Prosperity Institute
Chinweizu Okeke is a Research Associate at the Smart Prosperity Institute, where he works in the zero-emissions vehicle and battery manufacturing economic cluster trying to understand the sector’s labour and supply chain needs.
Ed Dawson, Executive Director, Automobility and Innovation Centre, Invest WindsorEssex
Ed is the Executive Director at the Automobility and Innovation Centre for Invest WindsorEssex. With degrees in Political Science and Economics from the University of Windsor, he joined the organization eight years ago as a Business Attraction Specialist, helping to bring new companies and jobs to the region. Ed later became the region’s first Mobility Analyst under the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN). Today, he leads a team supporting Ontario’s Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and Automobility entrepreneurship programs, including managing Canada’s largest VR CAVE supporting C/AV testing, Digital Twinning, and Virtual Training. Ed is committed to advancing zero-emission vehicle development in Windsor-Essex.
Erin Harrison, National Representative, Unifor
Erin Harrison is a National Representative in Unifor’s Membership Mobilization and Political Action Department. She began at GM as an active member of Unifor (formerly CAW) Local 222. Before rejoining Unifor in 2018, she held roles at the Canadian Labour Congress, including National Rep for Young Workers and Ontario Director.
12:10 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Closing, Thank You, and Lunch
Lunch Sponsor:
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