Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah

Debbie is a Black feminist with over 8 years of local and international advocacy experience in a variety of roles ranging from programming and counselling to policy analysis and project management. She is the new Executive Director at the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD). She has had the pleasure of bridging her passion for social justice with international development at Oxfam Canada and volunteering with feminist organizations like the Ottawa Dyke March, Harmony House Women’s Shelter, and Planned Parenthood Ottawa. When Debbie isn’t yelling into a megaphone at protests or organizing events, she’s probably on a field somewhere playing rugby. Or baking a cake.

Kate Wood

Kate (she/her) is a proudly AuDHD trans woman working at Info-Tech Research Group in the London, Ontario office on Treaty 6 lands. She holds the position of AVP Research Development, sits on the corporate DEI Committee, co-leads the Pride ERG, and is a strong advocate for neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. An active member of London’s trans* community, Kate has done volunteer work for the local PFLAG branch and has spoken at Transgender Day of Remembrance. Kate holds a master’s degree in cyber security from the University of Essex.

Kathleen Sawdo

Kathleen Sawdo is an Anishinaabe Kwe from the Bear Clan and a proud member of Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory. With over 20 years of experience in human resources and business administration, Kathleen brings not only deep professional expertise, but also a strong commitment to Indigenous knowledge systems, leadership, and talent development.

Her relationship with Indigenous Works (formerly AHRC) began in 2009 when she was selected to participate in the National Inclusion Works Recruitment Fair and Leadership Skill Build. Since then, she has remained connected through roles as a webinar trainer and HR expert for Luminary’s innovation and research projects. Today, Kathleen continues to support the growth of inclusive, values-based workplaces through her leadership and mentorship.

Kathleen holds multiple professional designations, including Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP), Canadian Indigenous Human Resources Professional (CIHRP), and is a registered HR Practitioner with the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). Guided by a two-eyed seeing approach, she weaves together Indigenous and Western perspectives to build workplace cultures grounded in respect, relationship, and reciprocity.

Kathleen sees human resources not just as a function—but as the heartbeat of an organization. She invites others to walk alongside her in reimagining human resources as a relational and inclusive space—one where Indigenous voices are amplified, and Indigenous ways of knowing and being are not only respected but deeply integrated.

Beyond her professional life, Kathleen is a beadworker, artist and designer who values family, community, and cultural expression. Whether in the boardroom or around the kitchen table, she believes inclusion begins with genuine connection—and she welcomes you to walk with her—and with Indigenous Works—on this shared journey of inclusion, where meaningful partnerships, cultural understanding, and Indigenous-led solutions create pathways to shared prosperity and lasting impact

Trina Price

Mx Trina Prince (they/them) is a trans, non-binary, fat, disabled, neurodivergent, white person, who currently lives on the shared traditional territories of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Qayqayt, and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples also known as Coquitlam, BC, Canada. Trina is honoured to be the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities, the current Board Chair for Mabel League, Canada’s largest queer and trans softball league, and the Past Board Chair for Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre. Most importantly, Trina is a very proud Entie to their 10 niblings. Trina absolutely loves orcas, dragons, Star Wars, LEGO, Titanic facts, softball, dancing, and escape rooms. Trina loves sharing in laughter and joy with those around them and is excited to share space with others.