Ajax Diversity Xchange

1 day. 3 keynotes. 5 presentations. Bring your ideas, challenge your thinking.

The Ajax Diversity Exchange is a positive space created by the Town of Ajax to encourage our community to listen to stories, discuss and learn about inclusion issues impacting our community from many points of view.

The Town is proud to present the fourth annual idea exchange on Saturday, November 16, 2019, featuring distinguished speaker Hon. Jean Augustine, with special presentations from John Draper, Pamela Palmater and Elisa Hategan.

This event is free for residents!

Agenda:

9 a.m. Registration

9:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony

10 a.m. Keynote Speakers

Hon. Jean Augustine

Shares her journey as the first African-Candian female member of the House of Commons.

John Draper - We/Rock

Speaking about the growing challenges of accommodations in the workplace.

Pamela Palmater - Ryerson University

Speaking about the history of Canada's Indigenous People and why it matters more now than ever!

Elisa Hategan - Hearts of Hate: A Former Neo-Nazi's Journey from Hate to Hope

Speaking about her experience being a part of and overcoming Canada's White Nationalist movement.

12 p.m. Networking Lunch (free)

1 p.m. Spotlight on Durham Region:

Victim Services of Durham Region

Human Trafficking in Durham Region

Durham Region Accessibility Awareness Working Group (DRAAW)

Best Practices: Working with Accommodation

Ajax / Pickering Welcome Centre

City of Toronto / Durham Region Immigration Partnership

Durham College

Inclusion from a Post-Secondary Lens

2:40 p.m. Panel: Diversity and Inclusion in Durham Region - Featuring:

Monica Kendal, Diversity and Inclusion Officer

City of Oshawa

Kim Evans, Supervisor of Seniors’ Services

Town of Whitby

Erica Mittag, Community Development Coordinator, Diversity and Inclusion

Town of Clarington

Jesse St. Amant, Coordinator Cultural Services

City of Pickering

Moderator: Sarah Hickman - Region of Durham

3:30 p.m. Closing

*Please note that dialogue, questions and comments are welcome. However, we require that participants adhere to a strict code of conduct, which will be posted on site. Those in violation may be asked to leave.