Description

The Job Resource Centre in collaboration with the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting a Panel & Networking Event.

Join us for Rethinking Retention: Strengthening Diversity, Building Community Belonging—a panel discussion and networking event designed for business owners, supervisors, HR professionals, service providers and leaders in the workforce. We invite you to bring your team! This event focuses on strategies for fostering a supportive environment that not only attracts but also retains diverse talent, helping to create workplaces where everyone can thrive & well-being is prioritized. The event is intended to connect local service providers & employers, to increase community connection and collaboration in the realm of employee supports. We hope that our event will expand both the learning and connection of the Bow Valley employer/service provider networks.

Our expert panel will share actionable insights on how to improve retention and belonging for diverse employees through connection, communication, and support. Attendees will leave with valuable connections & new ideas to bring to their own organizations, creating an inclusive, long-lasting impact on the workplace culture. This is a great opportunity for employers and service providers to network, learn from experts, and connect with like-minded professionals who are committed to creating workplaces where diverse talent stays and thrives.

5PM: Doors Open/Registration

5:30 – 6:30PM: Panel Discussion

6:30 – 7:30PM: Networking & Food/Drink

7:30 – 7:45PM: Event Closing/Departure From Venue

Dietary options including Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian & Vegan will be available. Drink options will include both alcoholic & non-alcoholic selection. One free alcoholic drink ticket will be provided per guest. Non-alcoholic beverages will be accessible throughout the event for free.

If you have any questions about the event regarding schedule, dietary needs, setting & environment, accessibility of the event or beyond, please reach out to katie@jobresourcecentre.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The focus of the panel will include the following general topics:

• Strategies for hiring and retaining employees with diverse backgrounds and abilities
• Success stories and best practices for overcoming barriers
• Collaborative approaches between HR teams and social service providers to create stronger workplace support systems

Moderator and Panelists

Sarah Freeman (she/her) - Moderator

Executive Director, Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce

Founder, Sarah Freeman Coaching

Sarah Freeman is the Executive Director of the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce, a leader dedicated to empowering businesses, fostering meaningful connections, and creating collaboration that extends beyond the Chamber, helping entrepreneurs and organizations thrive together. As a competitive swimmer and endurance open water athlete, she brings the same resilience, determination, and mindset training to both her leadership and her coaching. Through Sarah Freeman Coaching, she helps women build confidence in the water and in life, using swimming as a catalyst for personal growth, connection, and transformation. She also hosts the RAWW (Rad Active Water Women) Podcast, sharing stories of women from around the world who love water—athletes, coaches, and changemakers—who are building community, championing inclusivity, and inspiring others through their passion for the water.

Rebekah Gerber (she/her) - Panelist

Director, Talent & Culture, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Rebekah Gerber is the Director of Talent & Culture at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and has been a resident of the Bow Valley for 15 years. Her role at Lake Louise has allowed for significant involvement in creating a diverse workforce and ensuring that all levels and backgrounds of employees feel welcome, and included in their community of Lake Louise. Growth and Development are a particular passion, as well as providing a safe environment for individuals who are struggling with various aspects of their personal or professional life. Rebekah is passionate about inclusion in the workplace, and understands that mental health is a primary area of focus for individuals who are either new to Canada, or new to the mountains and it has been the driving force behind many of the initiatives that FCLL has implemented over the last few years.

Sarah Darrell (she/her) - Panelist

Inclusive Workforce Specialist, Sinneave Family Foundation

Sarah is an Inclusive Workforce Specialist at the Sinneave Family Foundation. With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a minor in Business, and extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, Sarah brings a well-rounded perspective to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. Combining academic knowledge with lived experience, she is passionate about advancing inclusion in work and learning environments. She works to equip employers and stakeholders with the tools and insights needed to understand the critical importance of fostering inclusive workplaces, specifically for neurodivergent workers.

Katherine Thompson (she/her) - Panelist

(CPHR, SHRM-SCP, M.Ed)

Consultant, Engagement Station

Katherine (Kitty) is a passionate HR professional with over 20 years' experience leading the people side of business. As an HR professional, she has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that a sense of belonging can have on employee engagement and overall well-being. Deeply invested in the power of people, Katherine leverages HR experience, leadership development and change management to create meaningful and profitable impact. In addition to her professional experience, Katherine holds multiple qualifications including a Masters in Adult Education (UofC), specializing in workplace learning, certification as an Organizational Coach (UBC), Prosci Change Management Practitioner, Organizational Development Practitioner and DiSC personality assessment facilitator. Katherine is a Chartered Professional of Human Resources (CPHR) and a Senior Human Resources Professional (US-SHRM-SCP).

Natasha Lay (she/her) - Panelist

Coordinator, Bow Valley Immigration Partnership

Natasha is the Coordinator of the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP), where she brings together diverse partners to develop a collaborative, multi-year strategy to advance immigrant integration for a more inclusive community. With over 15 years of experience in community engagement and strategic partnerships, she has led national programs at organizations like Oxfam Australia, directed a microfinance mentoring program for refugee entrepreneurs, and held leadership roles in local economic development. Since joining BVIP in 2020, Natasha has led the expansion of the Workplace Inclusion Charter, equipping Bow Valley employers with tools to create more inclusive workplaces. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she now calls Banff home and is working to build a stronger, more inclusive, and connected community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

A collaboration between BVCC and the Job Resource Centre