Leading with HEART Conference
October 5-7, 2025 at St Eugene Resort and Conference Centre
The Leading with HEART Conference brings together leaders, executives, HR/DEI professionals, and changemakers from across industries for three days of courageous conversations, practical tools, and collaborative learning, all designed to help you build workplaces where equity, belonging, and inclusion thrive.
Meet Your Host
With Passion and Purpose
Inez Ashworth(she/her)
As the founder of Inclusive Concepts Inc., a proudly women-owned business, Inez has dedicated her careers to creating spaces where organizations can come together, support one another, and create real change. Inez has seen firsthand how powerful it is when diverse voices are uplifted and when those committed to this work have a community to lean on.
Leading with HEART is more than a conference to me, it is a mission. It’s about bringing together leaders, visionaries, and advocates who are passionate about moving beyond performative actions and into real, systemic transformation. I understand the challenges that come with pushing for inclusion in corporate spaces, and this event is designed to equip, inspire, and energize those doing the work every day.
I believe in the power of connection, and know that when passionate people come together, they create waves of impact. I can’t wait to welcome you into this movement and continue building a future where belonging is the norm not the exception.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
OUR VENUE
This year, we are honored to host the Leading with HEART Conference at St. Eugene Resort in Cranbrook, BC a venue deeply rooted in history, healing, and Indigenous leadership. We deliberately chose St. Eugene Resort as an Indigenous-owned and operated venue to align with our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and equitable partnerships that foster long-term impact.
Speakers and Community Partners
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Alex Lutzko (she/her)
Community Partner
Independent
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Ash Howard (he/him)
Speaker
ATB Financial
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Denise Young (she/her)
Speaker
Tiger’s Eye Advisory Group
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Diana Dimmock (she/her)
Speaker
Accessibility 4 Every Body Consulting
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Erin Leonty (she/her)
Speaker
Leonty Consulting Inc.
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Heather Lister (she/her)
Speaker and Community Partner
Lister & Co Consulting
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Jesse Schewchuk (she/her)
Speaker
Modern Muse Media
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Juliet Turpin (she/her)
Speaker and Community Partner
Lean In Canada
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Karen Spanier (she/her)
Speaker
Working While Menopausal
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Kristopher Marks (he/him)
Speaker
VIV Mental Health
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Leanne Gawley (she/her)
Speaker and Community Partner
Leanne Gawley Executive Coaching
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Lionel Migrino (he/him)
Community Partner
Independent
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Lisa Gareau (she/her)
Community Partner
Candy Consulting
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Maya Toussaint (she/her)
Speaker
Clio
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Narissa Jessa (she/her)
Speaker and Community Partner
Inclusive Concepts Inc
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Roselle M. Gonsalves (she/her)
Speaker
ATB Financial
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Teisha Iglesias (she/her)
MC and Community Partner
AESO
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Terri Crooks (she/her/Iskwew)
MC and Community Partner
Finning International
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Tiffany Connauton (she/her)
Speaker and Community Partner
Beyond Diversity Inc
Hear from our Speakers, Attendees and Community partners
Why This Experience Matters for Attendees
By attending the Leading with HEART Conference, you are entering a space that is more than just a gathering, it’s a catalyst for real change. This conference isn’t about checking a box; it’s about deep learning, meaningful conversations, and actionable takeaways that will transform the way you lead, advocate, and build inclusive workplaces.
What You Will Experience
An Immersive Learning Environment
Hosted in the breathtaking mountains of British Columbia, this conference allows you to step away from the day-to-day noise and fully engage in thought-provoking discussions, networking, and self-reflection.
St. Eugene Resort, an Indigenous-owned and operated venue, provides the perfect setting for authentic dialogue and connection.
Action-Oriented Conversations
Learn from trailblazing leaders and changemakers who are shaping the future of workplace culture, equity, and leadership.
Engage in sessions that challenge the “check-the-box” mentality and provide real strategies for fostering psychological safety, belonging, and sustainable change.
Meaningful Connections
Build relationships with fellow executives, DEI practitioners, and leaders who share your commitment to creating inclusive, impactful workplaces.
Take part in cultural experiences, storytelling, and community-led initiatives woven throughout the conference.
This isn’t just another conference. It’s a gathering of bold, action-driven leaders who are ready to rethink how we create spaces where everyone thrives. By attending, you are not just investing in your own growth, you are contributing to a larger movement that bridges Indigenous knowledge, corporate leadership, and equity-deserving communities to drive real impact.
Join us for an unforgettable experience that will challenge, inspire, and equip you to lead with heart.
This program has been approved by CPHR Alberta for 11.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
