Program Schedule

1. Senior Manager: Making Difficult Conversations Manageable Zach Cherian

   Making Difficult Conversations Manageable

   Difficult conversations are inherently challenging, but with the right approach, they don’t have to be overwhelming. By developing practical skills and applying them in real-life scenarios, you can approach these conversations with clarity and confidence.

   In this interactive three hour workshop, we’ll explore how to navigate difficult conversations in ways that lead to productive outcomes while maintaining positive relationships.

   Workshop Highlights:

   • What Makes a Conversation Difficult? Understand the common barriers and how to address them.
   • Practical Skills for Better Outcomes: Learn techniques to stay composed, foster collaboration, and find solutions.
   • Real-Life Practice: Work through case studies and apply strategies to scenarios from your personal or professional life.

2. New Manager: From Complaint to Conclusion: Managing the Investigation Process Jessica Gill, Kiran Gill, Sharde Long

   From Complaint to Conclusion: Managing the Investigation Process

   This session provides a practical guide to planning and conducting fair, thorough, and legally sound workplace investigations. We will cover preparing for an investigation, conducting interviews with procedural fairness, managing confidentiality, documenting findings, and determining appropriate outcomes. Attendees will also learn when to engage external investigators and how to prepare investigation files for arbitration. Real-world case examples will illustrate the risks of flawed investigations and the importance of due process.

Keynote Session: Walking the Path of Truth and Leadership Joyce Leppington

1. ED/CEO: Two-Eyed Seeing and Transformative Leadership Joyce Leppington

   Two-Eyed Seeing and Transformative Leadership

   This blended workshop invites participants into a learning space guided by Two-Eyed Seeing (2ES), the practice of bringing together Indigenous and Western ways of knowing. Centering Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and relationships, this session supports participants in respectfully integrating these teachings into their professional roles, policies and practices. Designed for leaders, including executive directors, team leads, managers, and HR professionals. This experience embeds principles of transformative leadership, encouraging equity-driven, culturally safe, and relational approaches. 

2. New Manager: Everything You Need to Know About CSSEA's JJEP Joanna May and Karen May

   Everything You Need to Know About CSSEA's JJEP

   This session will address everything JJEP and is essential for Managers and Human Resources practitioners. It will provide a deep dive into the creation and revision of job descriptions, new certifications, related collective agreement processes, exclusions and case law. It will also set aside plenty of time for a Q&A so bring your burning questions and be prepared for a practical and hands-on workshop.

3. Senior Manager: Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Dr. Ashley Spetch

   Addressing Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace

   Psychological health and safety is increasingly important in today’s workplaces. In recognition of the rise in psychological injuries impacting both individuals and organizations, psychological health and safety is just as important as physical safety. Join us for an insightful session led by Dr. Ashley Spetch, where we’ll explore the critical link between workplace health and safety and mental health.

   This session will introduce WorkSafeBC’s Framework for Success Guide, a practical resource designed to help leaders foster a culture of psychological health and safety. Participants will have the opportunity for dialogue during facilitated discussion. Leaders will learn how to implement key concepts into actionable strategies that prioritize prevention and support resilient, inclusive environments.

   Learning objectives include:

   • Understand psychological health and safety and how it impacts workplace culture
   • Explore strategies for managing psychological health and safety in the workplace
   • Learn practical steps to prevent psychological injuries and empower leadership
   • Explore resources available to support psychological health and safety in the workplace

   Whether you are a leader that is new to the topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this interactive session will equip you with the tools and resources to make a meaningful impact on your organization’s psychological health and safety culture.

4. All Levels: Indigenous Learning and Sharing Circle Aaron Rivard

   Indigenous Learning and Sharing Circle

   Returning for a second year, this intimate session will provide a safe space to discuss relationships, connection and belonging from a Truth and Reconciliation lens, exploring what genuine allyship and positive change looks like. This year’s session will encourage attendees to focus on exploring how to create meaningful connection and belonging in the workplace. It is open to individuals of all seniority levels and those who participated in 2024 are welcome to attend again.

1. ED/CEO: Human-Centred AI for our Mission-Driven Work Meena Das

   Human-Centred AI for our Mission-Driven Work

   AI is already changing the world—how can non-profits shape that change for good? This session offers a grounded, human-first look at artificial intelligence. We’ll explore how AI is evolving, discuss ethical implications for non-profits and share actionable ways to begin your journey responsibly and confidently.

   What you will learn:

   • What AI is and how it’s evolving in the nonprofit sector in 2025
   • How to align AI adoption with your mission and values
   • Key ethical concerns like data equity and community trust
   • Practical ideas to pilot AI in your programs
   • Answers to your questions in an open Q&A

2. New Manager: Managing with EQ Karen Bowen

   Managing with EQ

   This workshop is designed to enhance leadership through the power of emotional intelligence (EQ). By exploring key concepts such as emotional regulation, resilience and empathy, participants will learn how to apply EQ principles to improve decision-making, foster better interpersonal relationships and manage stress effectively. Attendees will learn practical strategies for navigating leadership challenges and building a resilient, high-performing team. Leaders will leave with actionable tools for improving their leadership impact and creating positive workplace dynamics.

3. Senior Manager: Organizational Performance Through The Lens of Safety and Wellness Tigran Bajgoric

   Organizational Performance Through The Lens of Safety and Wellness

   This presentation is ideal for supervisors and managers in the social services sector who are responsible for overseeing, directing staff or collaborating with health and safety committees in the workplace. It is suitable for those new to the role or experienced professionals seeking to enhance their health and safety knowledge and skills for their organization.

   This session will build a foundation of health and safety for anyone in a leadership position. Upon completion you will:

   • Understand roles and responsibilities for partnering with key partners in your organization
   • Learn how to integrate health and safety into everything you do
   • Learn your role in building a safe and healthy workplace
   • Learn tools and resources that are available to support you in building a safe and healthy workplace

4. All Levels (Repeat): Indigenous Learning and Sharing Circle Aaron Rivard

Plenary Session: A 2025 Legal Year in Review Matthew Cooperwilliams

Plenary Session: A 2025 Legal Year in Review Matthew Cooperwilliams