The Power of Sponsorship: Navigating for Career Advancement

Diversity and Inclusion Office | LLMC 2024 | FR

Event Description

Join us for an enriching Masterclass on sponsorship, where we will delve into the essential roles of mentors and sponsors in one's professional journey and explore why everyone needs a mentor and a sponsor.

Our Masterclass Teacher will unravel the power of sponsorship, highlighting how it provides invaluable guidance and support to individuals seeking personal and career growth. They will outline the critical role of sponsors as influential advocates who open doors and provide opportunities. Whether you're just starting your career or striving to reach new heights, this Masterclass will equip you with the knowledge, hands-on tools, and insights you need to foster sponsorship relationships.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain a profound understanding of why everyone needs a mentor and a sponsor.

Masterclass Teacher - Gérard Étienne

Gérard Étienne, Keynote Speaker, Human Resource Consultant, Diversity and Inclusion Expert

Gérard Etienne is a Keynote Speaker, Human Resource Consultant and Diversity & Inclusion Expert. He is an outspoken supporter of human rights and employment equity. He has worked in human resources as a vice president in a large financial institution and as a director general in the public sector.

He is a sought-after expert on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) to boost innovation, leadership, technical excellence, and employee engagement. He has a wealth of experience working with senior executives.

Gerard's experience in and across many different sectors and settings has made him adaptable, sensitive, broad-minded, and extremely valuable to those he collaborates with.

Co-hosts

Samantha Moonsammy, Section Head Lead Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion, Materiel Group, National Defence

Samantha has spent over 20 years in the public service working in numerous communications, outreach and engagement initiatives that focus on the people side of business. But Samantha is much more than that. Her layers include being a woman, mother, partner, daughter, sister, community builder and immigrant.

As an Indo-Caribbean Canadian, she was born in Guyana, South America and immigrated to Canada as a toddler. From a young age, dating back to elementary school to the present, Samantha has been a leader in diversity, inclusion and equity, always helping to amplify the voice of others and create sustainable change in organizations to build deeper respect and understanding for all humans. Samantha lives in the Ottawa area and spent some time in Toronto and Barbados during her Master’s degree in Communications and Culture. She is a passionate world traveller who has worked and studied in India, China, France and the Caribbean. Her daily mantra:  Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Suzan Richards, Senior Program Advisor, Office of the ADM, Settlement, Integration and Francophone Affairs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Founder of The Cultural Arts Studio,  Suzan is also professional artist and a cultural knowledge keeper in the area of Afro-Caribbean dance. She is committed to preserving and sharing Afro-Caribbean culture to this day and currently providing workshops at the National Arts Center where dances from Africa & The Caribbean are shared and celebrated.

In addition, Suzan is on the Board of Directors with Multicultural Arts In Schools and Communities (MASC), a local non-profit organization that offers schools and communities artistic experiences that awaken the creative process, deepen cultural awareness, encourage engagement, and give a vivid demonstration of Canada's diversity. You can also find her on Rogers-22 as host of Caribbean Calendar as part of their Cultural Mosaic programming.

Suzan is a proud recipient of a 2022-100 Most Accomplished Black Canadian Women Award by the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine and Canada International Black Women Excellence (CIBWE) - Top 100 Black Women to Watch of 2022.