Inclusion at the executive level: Using the 50/30 Challenge to create a welcoming environment

The Halifax Chamber has been part of the 50/30 Challenge since its inception, and thanks to funding from the Toronto Metropolitan University, we can pass on their knowledge and insights to support small and medium-sized businesses in the Challenge!

Join us for this FREE lunch and panel discussion with local experts on Board governance and inclusion. Now that your Board of Directors and Management team are diverse, how can we ensure a welcoming environment and true inclusion at all levels of the organization? Hear from board members and board governance experts on how they address inclusion at the executive level, what is needed to achieve that inclusion, and their advice on building a welcoming environment for all.

Speakers

Host & Panelist

Panelist

Joanne Bernard has been building communities for 25 years in Nova Scotia. In 2002, Joanne established the Margeurite Centre, the only residential facility for women recovering from addictions in Nova Scotia.
In 2005, she was tasked to lead Alice Housing, which offers second stage housing for women and children leaving abusive relationships. 
Elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2013, Ms. Bernard was appointed to the Executive Council of Nova Scotia where she served as Minister of Community Services and other high profile portfolios. Ms. Bernard was the first openly gay MLA/Cabinet Minister in the history of Nova Scotia government. 
She is currently President and CEO of Easter Seals Nova Scotia and since 2017 has grown the physical and operational footprint of the organization provincially.
In 2011, she was awarded the Peter F Drucker award for Non-Profit Management in Canada. In 2023, Joanne was named Business Leader of the Year by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. She was also awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the Mel Hebb Hourglass Award for Exceptional Service in the field of disabilities.
Joanne will be assuming the Vice Chair position of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce in 2024 and will bringing a focus on accessibility and inclusion to that work over the next 2 years.