Bridges of Belonging is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations on belonging and how it impacts our individual and collective journeys. Moderated by Andrea Carey, a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional, these sessions will feature two guests sharing their stories of belonging in their lived experiences. We are surrounded by diversity, and there is increasing appreciation that we need to create inclusive spaces and places in order to support the success of our diverse workforces and clients - but until we find ways to creates cultures where each person can belong, we will struggle to support people to thrive.

These conversations are an opportunity to think about our connections – and how we can be intentional in appreciating each other, listening to understand, acknowledging that we don’t know what we don’t know, and going on a learning journey together to share, learn, connect and create.

Featured guests for February 2nd, 2021 11:00 AM Pacific Time is:

Aly Virji, Vice President of People, Equity, and Culture at a tech start-up and Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP)

Regional Chief Kluane Adamek (She/her), Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Yukon Regional Chief

Aly Virji is currently the Vice President of People, Equity, and Culture at a tech start-up; he is also an Adjunct College Professor and a University Instructor. Aly has earned his designation as a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP) and teaches a variety of courses in leadership, communication, diversity, and career development.

As a Consultant and Leadership Coach, Aly helps leaders champion Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) initiatives within their respective organizations and also facilitates training on JEDI for Executives and frontline staff. Aly facilitates a wide variety of corporate training including; Managing Mental Health in the Workplace, Implicit Bias in Professional Decision Making, and Inclusive Leadership.

Aly has over 15 years of experience as a police officer, including various leadership roles in which he led organization-wide Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives. Aly was selected to be a member of the EDI Committee of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and appointed to the Toronto Police Services Board's Anti-Racism Advisory Panel. In addition to being a regular conference speaker, Aly teaches courses and facilitates training related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Aly earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and undergraduate degrees in both Kinesiology and Adult Education. Aly is a Harvard-trained negotiator and has successfully completed certificate programs in Change Management, Inclusive Leadership, Police Leadership, and Teaching Effectiveness. He is a lifelong learner and is currently enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching program at Royal Roads University.

Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, she/her/hers (traditional name in"Aagé"), has served as the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Yukon Regional Chief since January 2018. She is a proud northerner and citizen of Kluane First Nation. Regional Chief Adamek belongs to the Dakl’aweidi (Killerwhale) Clan and comes from a diverse background with Tlingit, Southern Tutchone, German and Irish origins.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian Studies from Carleton University in 2009, she returned home to work with Yukon First Nations and local communities in the areas of education, economic development and governance. In 2019, she completed her Master of Business Administration at Simon Fraser University. Throughout her career she has served on a number of boards and committees including the Yukon College Board of Governors, Kluane Dana Trust, Actua, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, and the Aboriginal Sport Circle.

She has proven experience in both the private and public sectors, and in Government. While pursuing her Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship with the Walter and Duncan Gordon Charitable Foundation, she led and founded "Our Voices," a collective of northern Indigenous emerging leaders and incredibly passionate about supporting youth and emerging leaders in the North and beyond.

Regional Chief Adamek currently holds the AFN National Portfolios for Climate Change and the Environment, Youth and Modern Treaties. She continues to press for changes in the ways young people and the next generation are included in decision-making forums, and she is committed to advancing solutions and approaching leadership from a place of values.