Jeff Abraham, Senior Manager of Volunteer Engagement, Diabetes Canada
Jeff Abraham is the Senior Manager of Volunteer Engagement at Diabetes Canada, where he leads national strategies for volunteer recruitment, recognition, and engagement. With over a decade of experience in volunteer and human resource management across major nonprofit organizations—including Yonge Street Mission and Habitat for Humanity GTA—Jeff has specialized in creating inclusive, mission-aligned volunteer programs that enhance organizational impact. He has designed and implemented long-term visions for volunteerism, integrated volunteer management software solutions, and developed award-winning recognition initiatives. A committed advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Jeff brings lived experience to his service on DEI committees at multiple organizations. His work often focuses on aligning people management with strategic goals, supporting both staff and volunteers in complex operational environments. As Past President of the Toronto Association for Volunteer Administrators (TAVA), Jeff continues to influence sector-wide conversations on HR governance, inclusive leadership, and the evolving role of volunteer engagement in charitable organizations.

Khadeeja Ahsan, Manager, Global Business Ethics and Compliance Investigator, Apotex Inc.
Khadeeja Ahsan is the Manager of Global Business Ethics and Compliance Investigations at Apotex Inc., where she leads workplace investigations and supports global ethics and compliance initiatives. With over a decade of experience in employment law, human rights, and workplace investigations, Khadeeja has worked across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to foster equitable and legally compliant workplaces. She has extensive expertise in conducting investigations into harassment, discrimination, and misconduct, as well as in advising on wrongful dismissal, severance, and workplace policy development. Prior to joining Apotex, Khadeeja spent several years providing legal advice and representation to marginalized communities and has appeared before numerous tribunals and courts. She has also contributed to policy and law reform through presentations to federal and provincial committees. A skilled trainer and advisor, Khadeeja is committed to supporting organizations in creating safe, inclusive, and well-governed work environments.

Dr. Wendy Cukier, Professor, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Ted Rogers School of Management; Founder & Academic Director, Diversity Institute
Wendy leads the Diversity Institute at the Ted Rogers School of Management with 10 hubs across Canada, 80 full time research staff and more than 350 partners developing evidence-based strategies to advance inclusive education, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation across sectors. For example, DiversityLeads has shaped policy and practice to help build inclusive and accountable workplaces. A globally recognized leader in innovation, equity, and organizational change, Wendy harnesses research to bring deep insight into how governance, strategy, and HR practices drive lasting change. A founder, executive director and/or board member of more than twenty nonprofits, she has also served as a consultant to more than 100 nonprofit across sectors. Formerly the Vice President of Research and Innovation, she has led many collaborative national programs advancing innovation and inclusion. A prolific author and active volunteer, she has received many awards for her contributions including two honorary doctorates and the Governor General's Meritorious Cross.

Sasha Hart, General Counsel, Public Service Alliance of Canada

Carlos Herrera Vacaflor, Senior Employment Law Consultant, Peninsula
Carlos Herrera Vacaflor is a legal scholar and consultant specializing in Canadian employment and human rights law. He currently serves as a Senior Employment Law Consultant with Peninsula, where he provides timely, compliant solutions to both high-risk and day-to-day HR challenges. Previously, he was a Research Assistant at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, contributing to scholarship on global health, social rights, and legal reform. Carlos has also served as a legal advisor in the Argentine National Congress, supporting legislative efforts on civil and commercial code reform. His experience includes work with NGOs such as Asociación Civil por la Igualdad y la Justicia and the InterAmerican Heart Foundation, focusing on tobacco control, Indigenous rights, and healthcare access. He has held a legal research fellowship at the O’Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law in Washington, D.C., and was an editor of the Revista Argentina de Teoría Jurídica.

Michelle Hurtubise, CEO, Centretown Community Health Centre
Michelle Hurtubise is the CEO of Centretown Community Health Centre, bringing over 30 years of leadership in community-based health and social services. With deep experience across the child and youth mental health, violence against women, and community health sectors, Michelle is a passionate advocate for health equity, access to care, and inclusive service delivery. Her work consistently focuses on supporting marginalized populations, including LGBT2SQ+ individuals, newcomers, Francophones, and those experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges. A seasoned executive, Michelle has led major organizational change, fostered high-impact partnerships, and built innovative programs responsive to community needs. She is a strong proponent of collaborative governance, working closely with boards, staff, and volunteers to align services with community priorities. Michelle also serves as Board Chair of the Canadian Centre for Accreditation and volunteers with multiple national organizations. Her leadership is grounded in community development, systems thinking, and a commitment to justice and organizational excellence.

Safia J. Lakhani, Iler Campbell LLP
Safia J. Lakhani is a Partner at Iler Campbell LLP, where she practices employment, housing, construction, and governance law with a focus on serving progressive, equity-seeking organizations. With over a decade of litigation experience, Safia brings both technical expertise and a deep understanding of the values that drive the nonprofit and charitable sectors. She advises clients on workplace rights, board responsibilities, and organizational risk, always centering social justice and equity in her legal practice. Safia has supported numerous community-based entities in navigating sensitive employment issues, developing fair workplace policies, and strengthening governance frameworks. A former Chair of the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights and current pro bono advisor with the Muslim Legal Support Centre, she is deeply engaged in access to justice initiatives across Ontario. Safia’s approach is informed by her academic background in feminist thought and her commitment to legal advocacy that promotes inclusive and accountable organizational cultures.

Erin Leeann LeBlanc, MTF Consulting
Upon her retirement after 34 years at Queen’s University specializing in International Trade Law, Erin Leeann LeBlanc, a nationally recognized advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace, is now founder and Principle of MTF Consulting. With over 15 years of experience coaching hundreds of executives across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Erin brings deep expertise in leadership development, organizational change, and resilience. A certified executive coach, she specializes in helping organizations build inclusive environments through policy development, training, and one-on-one support. Erin was the driving force behind the creation of transgender transitioning guidelines at Queen’s University and was recognized with the university’s prestigious Tri-Award for accessibility, equity, and human rights. Her work focuses on identifying and removing systemic barriers, especially for those navigating gender identity and expression in professional settings. Frequently sought after by media for her insights, Erin combines academic grounding in economics, psychology, and law with lived experience to help organizations create workplaces that are authentic, equitable, and aligned with their values. She has 35 years of board experience, having served on five boards of Directors with the last 15 years focusing in the education sector including as Chair of the Board of Governors of Albert College. A graduate of Queen’s Law including a Masters in International Trade Law, she also holds a Master of Education (higher education strategy) from University of Toronto.

Benjamin Miller, Staff Lawyer and Policy Advisor, Ontario Non Profit Network
Benjamin Miller has worked on the Nonprofit Law Ontario project since 2017 where he has tried to meet the legal needs of nonprofits and charities through clear, practical, and accurate education and information. In this capacity, Benjamin has developed and delivered dozens of workshops and answered thousands of nonprofit law questions. Benjamin articled with and has worked as a policy officer for the Government of Canada in the past. His first book on long-term strategic communications “The 100-Year PR Plan: A Guide for Advocates” was published in January 2021 by Civil Sector Press. His other writings on topics ranging from dark money to campus clubs have appeared in publications such as The Philanthropist, Policy Options, University Affairs, Canadian Lawyer, Slaw, and the Globe & Mail. Benjamin holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Public Policy from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in political theory from the University of Ottawa.

Stuart Rudner, Managing Partner, Rudner Law
Stuart Rudner is the Managing Partner of Rudner Law and a leading Canadian employment lawyer and mediator with a deep commitment to empowering HR professionals and nonprofit leaders. Recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada for over a decade, Stuart is known for combining legal expertise with practical business insight to support organizations in building fair, compliant, and resilient workplaces. He is the architect of the HR Law for HR Professionals certificate and co-director of its advanced program, equipping practitioners with the tools to manage evolving legal and governance challenges. Under his leadership, Rudner Law was awarded Gold for Best Labour & Employment Boutique Law Firm at the 2023 Canadian HR Awards. A published author, frequent media commentator, and host of the Fire Away podcast, Stuart offers accessible, forward-thinking legal guidance. His firm’s innovative billing models reflect his focus on long-term relationships and strategic decision-making for mission-driven organizations.

Jessica Wuergler, Borden Ladner Gervais
Jessica Wuergler is a labour, employment, and human rights lawyer at BLG, representing public and private sector employers across a range of industries, including education, transportation, IT, and energy. A skilled advocate, she regularly appears before labour arbitrators, tribunals, and courts, including at the appellate level. Jessica is a core member of BLG’s National School Boards Practice. She helps her clients find innovative and practical solutions to complex workplace issues, including issues related to workplace accommodations, pay equity, performance management, and incentive compensation. Her legal insight is informed by her earlier career as an HR professional. Jessica holds a J.D. from Western University, a Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources from the University of Toronto, and an Honours Psychology degree from the University of Waterloo. She was named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada (2023) for Labour and Employment Law.