We're excited to learn with you.

HOST

Janelle Abela

CEO/GROWTH STRATEGIST, DIVERSE SOLUTIONS STRATEGY FIRM

Janelle is a former K-12 educator who recognized the importance of nurturing identity for student success. Building on this foundation, she expanded her work by founding Diverse Solutions Strategy Firm Inc., an organization dedicated to building stronger workplaces learning across North America. As a consultant, Janelle has collaborated with a wide range of industries, including financial organizations, law enforcement, professional athletics associations, educational institutions, non-profits, and trades organizations. She is committed to driving meaningful change by developing practical, sustainable strategies for leadership, communication, and culture development. In her training sessions, Janelle prioritizes relationship-building and transformative learning to promote psychological safety and well-being for all. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Master of Education and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Windsor, where her research focuses on improving professional development training.

GUEST

Dr. Amber Godwin

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Amber Godwin is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Sam Houston State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University. Her research aims to develop critical thinking experiences for learners and explore interventions that enhance Social Studies education. Prior to entering higher education, she taught AP World History. She has contracted with National Geographic Learning and has written many books, most recently Teaching World History through Wayfinding, Art, and Mindfulness and Connecting World Geography to World History Through Storytelling, Eco-feminism, and Mindfulness.

GUEST

Dr. Kelsey Evans-Amalu

FOUNDER/CEO, THE MINDFUL PROF

Dr. K., based in the greater Central Florida area, provides holistic healing services to individuals, businesses, and educational institutions. She is a researcher, yoga and meditation instructor, and somatic educator, she has worked with diverse clients, including high-performance athletes (WWE, Orlando City Soccer, Orlando Pride) and mental health organizations (NAMI, NEDA). She offers courses on mindfulness, breathwork, trauma-informed response, mental health, DEI, teacher development, and resilience training. Dr. K. holds a PhD and Master’s in Education and multiple certifications: 5 E-RYT, Trauma Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, and Professional Life Coaching.

GUEST

Reta Youhana

RECRUITMENT MANAGER, E3 WORKS

Reta has four years of experience in human resources, specializing in talent acquisition, workforce development, and organizational strategy. She earned an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources from the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor. Reta has worked with executives across industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and IT, providing tailored HR solutions that drive success. As a proud member of Windsor’s Chaldean community, she brings a unique perspective to her work, fostering collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking workplace cultures.

GUEST

Keshea Martineau

TECHNICAL RECRUITER, MICROSOFT

With nearly two decades of experience in talent acquisition, Keshea is a highly collaborative leader specializing in sourcing top talent across industries, including IT and software. A passionate advocate for workplace equity, she integrates DEI into recruitment strategies, ensuring equitable hiring practices and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. She served as Co-Vice President of BOLDforce Canada during her time with Salesforce and continues to support inclusion initiatives at Microsoft. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, and is skilled in multiple ATS and HR technologies.

GUEST

Cathy Monchamp

VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, LIBRO CREDIT UNION

With over two decades of HR leadership, Cathy is a values-driven executive known for fostering high-performance cultures and aligning HR strategy with business goals. She drives employee engagement, talent development, and operational excellence. Her expertise spans HR operations, labour relations, recruitment, compensation, and workforce planning across financial services, healthcare, broadcasting, and non-profits. Previously, she held leadership roles at London Health Sciences Centre, optimizing recruitment and HR operations. A champion of DEI, Cathy is committed to creating workplaces where employees thrive.

GUEST

Christine Bandy

INCLUSION & WELL-BEING SPECIALIST, LIBRO CREDIT UNION

Christine is currently the Inclusion & Well-Being Specialist at Libro Credit Union. She is currently supporting medical leaves, DEI work, and Health and Safety, but has had the pleasure of working in many areas of HR throughout her career. She is a Certified Human Resources Leader, a Psychological Health & Safety Advisor and recently became certified in the Psychologically Safe Leader method by Mindful Employer Canada. She is a nerd at heart and can often be found reading books about mental health and social justice in her free time.

GUEST

Saleha Khan

FOUNDER/CEO, SJK SOLUTIONS

Since 2002, Saleha Khan has created safe, inclusive, and psychologically secure workplaces across Ontario. Her expertise in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIA-B) enhances employee engagement, leadership sustainability, and organizational growth. With 20+ years of experience, she specializes in policy development, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and human rights advocacy. She has established Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and led strategic projects and compliance efforts. Fluent in English, Arabic, and Urdu, she is committed to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive workplaces.