TD: Our founding partner, 19 years and counting

When five MBA students turned a class assignment into an event in 2007, they had a vision: create a space where 2SLGBTQIA+ business students could see themselves reflected in Canada's corporate leadership. From the very beginning, TD Bank Group believed in that vision — and invested in it.

Nearly two decades later, TD remains our longest-standing and most deeply engaged corporate partner. Their support has never been just financial. TD's people have served on our board, keynoted our conferences, mentored our community members, and helped shape the very infrastructure of Start Proud. This is a partnership built on shared values, authentic commitment, and a belief that when 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals thrive, everyone benefits.

There from day one

TD became a presenting sponsor of Out on Bay Street in our earliest days, long before we had the reach or recognition we have today. When we were still a student-run event, TD saw the potential in what we were building and stepped forward as a lead partner. That early confidence helped us grow from a single conference into Canada's largest 2SLGBTQIA+ professional development network, now working with over 100 sponsors and organizations across the country.

TD's own journey in 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion is a story of firsts. In 1994, they became the first Canadian bank to offer same-sex spousal benefits — more than a decade before marriage equality became law. In 2005, they became the first major Canadian bank to sponsor a Pride festival. In 2008, they were the first to feature same-sex couples in advertising and to offer gender affirmation coverage. This is a company whose values were not a reaction to changing times, but an engine driving those changes forward.

A defining presence at Out on Bay Street (OOBS)

Our flagship Out on Bay Street conference has become one of the most anticipated events on the Canadian professional calendar for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and early-career talent. Each year, hundreds of attendees gather in Toronto to spark creative ideas, create connections, enhance skills, and build community, all leading up to the signature closing event — the legendary TD Bank Gala Dinner.

For many attendees, the gala is the moment the conference becomes unforgettable. It is an evening of networking, celebration, and connection, supported by TD as lead sponsor. Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne delivered the closing keynote at the 2023 gala. Our 2024 conference sold out entirely — a milestone that reflected the growing demand for the community we've built together.

TD's involvement at OOBS goes well beyond a name on the banner. Year after year, TD sends senior leaders to speak on panels, host sessions, and sit across from students at the career fair. At OOBS 2025, we're honoured to welcome Jennie Platt, Chief Marketing Officer of TD Bank (Americas) and Chair of TD's ForeverProud Executive Steering Committee, to deliver a keynote on authenticity, mentorship, and inclusive leadership. She joins other TD professionals including Sabrina Ng (AVP, Business Banking Analytics & AI) and Erin Tahir (Credit Application Analyst) as speakers — reflecting the full spectrum of TD talent, from the C-suite to emerging professionals.

Celebrating TD's leaders through our awards

Ed Clark (2014) - Leading Executive Ally Award
As Group President and CEO of TD Bank Group, Ed Clark was one of the most powerful executives in Canadian finance to stand up publicly as an ally.

Japneet Kaur (2025) - President's Leadership Award
Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at TD, Japneet was personally selected by Start Proud President Mathias Memmel for her significant role in our post-pandemic revitalization.

Tim Thompson (2016) - Professional Leadership Award
COO of TD Asset Management, Tim came out to colleagues in 2007 and went on to chair TD's LGBTQ2+ Executive Steering Committee.

Scott Mullin (2017) - Lifetime Achievement Award
VP of Corporate Citizenship and Community Relations, Scott's career-long dedication to inclusion earned our highest honour.

Al Ramsay (2021) - Professional Excellence Award
As VP of 2SLGBTQ+ and Black Customer Experience at TD, Al spent over 20 years championing inclusion at the bank.

The 2025 gala itself was held at TD Centre in downtown Toronto, with Al Ramsay delivering welcoming remarks. TD is confirmed as our presenting partner for the L2BPO 2026 Gala on April 17, 2026.

Building careers and opening doors

At its heart, Start Proud exists to help 2SLGBTQIA+ students and early-career professionals build fulfilling careers in inclusive workplaces. TD is an essential part of that mission. Through the OOBS career fair, TD recruiters sit down with students for one-on-one conversations, review résumés, and share what it's like to work at an organization that has made inclusion a core value. The Start Proud job board regularly features TD internship and full-time postings, connecting our community with real opportunities.

TD also invests in developing queer talent internally through a dedicated two-month mentorship program for 2SLGBTQ+ employees and a dedicated 2SLGBTQ+ talent recruiter — ensuring that the pipeline of diverse talent doesn't just enter the bank, but thrives within it.

A partner whose values run deep

Our partnership with TD is strengthened by the fact that inclusion isn't a side project for the bank — it's woven into how they operate. TD's Employee Pride Network has grown to approximately 3,000 members across chapters in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, and London. The bank supports over 175 2SLGBTQ+ initiatives in Canada and more than 230 organizations across North America. Over 1,100 TD employees, family members, and friends participate in more than 31 Pride events annually.

TD has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for 15 consecutive years and has been named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for over 13 years running. These aren't just accolades — they reflect a sustained, enterprise-wide commitment that makes TD a credible and impactful partner for our community.

Looking ahead together

As we prepare for Out on Bay Street 2026 and the L2BPO 2026 Gala, TD is once again by our side. We are proud to continue building something meaningful together: a future where every 2SLGBTQIA+ student and professional in Canada can find community, build their career, and see themselves reflected in the leaders around them.

To TD Bank Group: thank you. For showing up in 2007 before anyone else did. For staying when it mattered. For putting your people, your resources, and your voice behind our mission for 18 years and counting. We are proud to call you our partner.