SPARK Vancouver 2025

is a transformative half-day symposium bringing together Senior Executives, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leaders, and Human Resources professionals for shared learning, networking, and innovation.

Queer and trans communities bring extraordinary creativity, resilience, and innovation to the workforce. Yet, job seekers and employees from these communities—especially those who are newcomers or migrants—often face systemic barriers that limit their recognition and advancement. Too often, they are perceived as “unconventional” hires or encounter stalled career growth despite their capabilities.

SPARK is a celebration and a call to action. This event is dedicated to dismantling those barriers and highlighting the immense, underrecognized potential of 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and migrants. By creating space for visibility, dialogue, and connection, SPARK aims to amplify voices, empower careers, and drive change across workplaces and industries.

• Inspiring Insights: Dive deep into the talent acquisition process, exploring attraction, selection, and development strategies.
• Dynamic Discussions: Engage in lively keynote presentations and thought-provoking discussions led by driven 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomer and migrant leaders.
• Strategic Networking: Foster intentional connections to fuel organizational change and create workplaces where everyone, including 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and migrant individuals, thrives.

BDC Square and Hall

1133 Melville Street, Suite 1500 (15th Floor)

Vancouver, BC V6E 4E5

• 1:30pm – 2:45pm: Welcome and Opening Keynotes
• 2:45pm – 3:00pm: Networking Session / Break – Enjoy lively discussions and engage with other DEI and talent acquisition leaders!
• 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Roundtable Discussions: Supporting Refugees, Creating Your Newcomer Strategy, Attracting and Developing Newcomer Talent
• 4:00pm – 4:15pm: Networking Session / Break – Enjoy lively discussions and engage with other DEI and talent acquisition leaders!
• 4:15pm – 5:00pm: Key Reflections and Closing
• 5:00pm – 7:00pm: Networking Reception with 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomer and migrant leaders and talent

Discussion Groups

• Supporting Refugees with Norma Lize Rhayem, Rainbow Refugee Society

• Creating Your Newcomer Strategy with Adeline Huynh, The Commons Consulting
• Attracting and Developing Newcomer Talent with Valerie Raghoebier and Joshna Hirani, Sher Vancouver

• Understand how to attract, and retain 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomer talent.
• Discover the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomer and migrant talent.
• Cultivate a relationship with fellow DEI leaders, and 2SLGBTQIA+ talent.

• Senior Leaders
• DEI Professionals
• Talent Acquisition Professionals

LIMITED SEATS – Purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Registrations will be open on Eventbrite soon, and the participation fees are:

Partner tickets: Senior leaders of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners & Community Partners

• $345.00 (+ tax) – Early Bird Price (until September 30)
• $445.00 (+ tax) – Regular Price

General tickets: For senior leaders of other companies & organizations (non-partners)

• $545.00 (+ tax) – Early Bird Price (until September 30)
• $645.00 (+ tax) – Regular Price

On Eventbrite, participants will be asked to provide some personal & professional details, accessibility requests, food restrictions and allergies. For any additional questions, reach out to us at [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

BDC Square and Hall, 1133 Melville Street, Vancouver, Canada