2021 Agenda

Registration and virtual orientation

Opening remarks by Avetta

Maïa Foulis

Editor, Canadian Occupation Safety magazine

Laurie Knape

HSE Professional Regulatory and Industry Relations, Avetta

Opening keynote: Leadership at any level

In this empowering keynote presentation, a respected industry leader will discuss her experience as a woman in safety, the obstacles she has overcome to rise up, and ultimately how you can positively influence others in the workplace to improve the direction of a company, no matter your role.

• Building a supportive environment for women in safety: what does it take?
• Tangible ways you can influence work culture – including in the boardroom
• How to be a team player in challenging situations
• Your role as a leader in driving change – personally and professionally

Heather MacDougall

VP, Worldwide, Workplace Health and Safety, Amazon

Panel: How to be adaptable throughout your career in safety

Being able to adapt to changing environments and work processes enables you to grow faster in your career as it means you are open to learning new things, taking on new challenges and making adjustments to suit transitions in the workplace. This session will identify the skills you can learn that will ensure you climb up the career ladder.

• How to introspectively reflect on your current skills and where there's room for improvement
• Identifying changes you need to make in your career
• Planning and preparing yourself for potential changes to your situation that are required to achieve your goal

Moderator:

Samantha Frazer

WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program Manager, AEC Safety

Panelists:

Jennifer Dunaway

Safety Director, Naval Facilities Engineering Command

Prithy Madhoo, MBA

Risk & Safety Director, Goodwill

Sheri Wood Hanson

Safety and Environment Director, Schneider Electric

Networking and coffee break

Evolving in 2022: How safety leaders can make a difference in mental health

Workplace mental health has been catapulted to the top of the management agenda this year. What behaviors can employers incorporate to create a safer, more supportive workplace culture? How can the safety industry move the conversation on mental health from discussion to action so that it becomes the 'norm'? This session covers the best practices for creating a positive work environment that truly supports employees.

• 2022: where do we want to be?
• What can employers tangibly do to foster a healthy workplace culture?
• What kinds of mental health initiatives and resources are proving effective?
• Mindfulness, ERG groups and other tools to help find balance
• Creating psychological safety in the C-suite

Moderator:

Kimberlee Morrisey

Health and Safety Coordinator, Varcon Inc

Panelists:

Morgan Hager

Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment and Regulatory, Chesapeake Energy

Christina Warr

Director of Human Resources and Safety, Python Holding

Nellie Brown

Director of Workplace Health & Safety Programs, Cornell University

Conversation about leadership

• Take advantage of the features of the company you work in now – size, ability to move, organization, educational opportunities, rotations “Love the one you’re with”.
• Matter what people say, “job hopping”, overall, is a red flag
• Attain your designation as quickly as you can. Adds credibility inside and outside. Develop your technical and people skills through formal education.
• Let people know your goals – the position, levels of responsibility. The world will conspire to help you!

Mary Lou Sinclair

VP Health, Safety & Environment, North America, BGIS

Networking and lunch

How to Cultivate your Career

Break out session

• What is a SME and how to become one
• Professional designations and their importance
• The importance of networking, industry organizations
• Resources to locate designations and industry publications

Laurie Knape

HSE Professional Regulatory and Industry Relations, Avetta

Panel: Beyond Mentorship: Becoming allies, champions and advocates for the next generation

Mentors have always played a critical role in offering guidance, inspiration, and support for women in the profession. Yet their role is only part of the equation for driving change and achieving true equality in leadership roles. Advocates and champions in the safety profession are needed more than ever to ensure women flourish in leadership positions. What are some practical ways to effectively use mentors and champions to achieve your career objectives? How can one move from being a mentor to becoming a champion and advocate? What are some examples of concrete actions that have been effective in improving leadership opportunities?

• Mentor vs champion – what is the difference and where do they fit?
• Leveraging the right allies and constituencies to promote equity and inclusion
• What are some actions men can take to be better allies?
• Going beyond your organization – using external advocates and champions
• Tips for engaging potential champions to be your advocates

Moderator:

Crystal D. Turner

Moffatt, Chief Executive Officer,, CDT EHS Consulting LLC “Safety Diva" (TM)

Panelists:

Tamara Parris

V.P of Community Development, Safeopedia

Paula Campkin

Vice President, Operations & Safety Centre of Excellence, Energy Safety

Kelly Bishop

Director, HSE Client Services Canada, BGIS

Closing keynote: Achieving organizational alignment for safety through negotiation and influence

This topic would focus on the importance of influencing without authority to drive leader and employee engagement in safety and negotiating for adoption of your safety strategy when competing with other organizational priorities.

• What can we learn from the next generation’s approach to equity in the workplace?
• What do you say? How do you support others when you’re unsure

Moderator:

Nicole Thunich

Senior Vice President, Safety & Quality,, Centuri Group

Closing remarks

AOS Top Women in Safety Winner Announcement