How we can help you.
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Access to networks

Through virtual mentorship programming, annual events and flagship conferences, and sponsored activities; students and professionals get access to an exclusive community of likeminded individuals.

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Access to opportunities

Together with our 100+ sponsors and partners, we serve as one of the largest conduits for hiring queer individuals in Canada.

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Access to development

Get the skills you need to be successful in any career through a series of events, development programs, mentorship activities, and partner collaborations; all designed to build your confidence, upskill your development, and ace any career goal you might have.

View our programs
Our mission

Start Proud facilitates the professional development of 2SLGBTQ+ students as they transition from school to career through a national network within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. In our 18th year, Start Proud has developed a strong record of supporting 2SLGBTQ+ students and young talent and has built meaningful partnerships with leading employers in Canada.

We do this through our four core strategy pillars:

Modular Sections
Our objective
Inspire Students

Inspire students to utilize their confidence, skills and knowledge that will enable them to distinguish themselves and act as leaders of the Canadian community.

Connect Students

Connect students with fellow peers, professionals and members from pro-LGBTQA organizations to establish their network.

Foster Mentorship

Foster mentorship by exposing students to strong leaders and role models that have paved the way for the LGBTQA community.

Establish

Establish a positive public profile of the advancement of the LGBTQA community in the Canadian workforce and communities within which we operate.

President and Chair of the Board of Directors

Our Senior Leadership is spearheaded by the President and Chair of the Board, who provide strategic direction and oversight for Start Proud. Their leadership ensures our mission aligns with our actions, driving our initiatives to support 2SLGBTQ+ professionals and students nationwide.

Mathias Memmel
President
Litigation and Dispute Resolution - Fasken
Trevor Fairlie
Chair of the Board of Directors
Counsel, Corporate & Securities
Thomson Reuters
Our Executive Leadership Team.

The Executive Leadership Team consists of dedicated leaders who manage the day-to-day operations and long-term strategies of Start Proud. This team works tirelessly to implement programs, foster partnerships, and enhance our impact within the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Owen Berry
Vice-President, Operations
Consultant, Strategy & Technology
Konrad Group
Natalie Bravo
Vice-President, Special Events
Lawyer
Renno & Co
Jemin Patel
Vice-President, Finance
Accountant
EY
Olivia Trojko
Vice-President, Corporate Relations
Lawyer
McCarthy Tétrault
Rachel Allen
Vice-President, Learning & Development
Lawyer
Adair Goldblatt Bieber
Hanson Feng
Vice-President, Member Engagement
Student
University of Toronto
Oscar Bejarano
Vice-President, Marketing
Marketing
RBC
Shiv
Vice-President, Advocacy & Community Relations
Extended Portfolio Leadership Team

The Extended Portfolio Leadership Team comprises dedicated functional team leaders who operate within the executives’ portfolios. These leaders work in close collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team to implement key initiatives, manage diverse portfolios, and drive innovation. Their expertise and efforts are crucial in expanding our reach, enhancing our programs, and strengthening our engagement with the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Together, they ensure the seamless integration and execution of strategic goals across all areas of our organization.

Aidan Bonner
Director of Marketing
Assistant Marketing Manager, Enterprise Marketing and Content
BMO
Ryan Carlsen
Business Manager
Project / Program Manager
Carlsen Professional Services
Sarah Bonner-Proulx
Assistant Vice-President of Corporate Relations
Legal Caseworker
Family Justice Centre
Board of Directors & Governance.

The Board of Directors & Governance team is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of accountability and integrity at Start Proud. They oversee governance practices, financial stewardship, and compliance, ensuring our organization remains transparent and effective in achieving its goals.

Brooke Robinson
Board Member
Deals Value Creation
PwC
Alexander Wichmann
Board Member
Strategy, Financial Planning Delivery Excellence
TD
Chris Bos
Board Member
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Global Banking & Markets
Scotiabank
Albert Lam
Board Member
Product Manager
Borealis AI
Brie Lacey
Board Member
Commercial Financial Services
RBC
Rachel Jurgens
Board Member
National Leader, DEIA Services
Deloitte
Shana-Kay Wright
Corporate Secretary
Legal Counsel
Sobeys
Jonathan Généreux
Corporate Treasure
Senior Manager
KPMG
Help us create a world where equality is simply the norm.
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