Kingston’s Economic Advantage: Dynamic Inclusion Talent Strategy

INNoVA, together with Kingston Economic Development Corp., is proud to host "Kingston’s Economic Advantage: Dynamic Inclusion Talent Strategy," aiming to ignite crucial conversations on diversity and inclusion within the workforce.

Discussion Highlights:

• Discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving productivity and economic growth.
  
• Share success stories and best practices from businesses that have prioritized diversity and inclusivity in their talent management strategies.
  
• Inspire and empower business leaders to take proactive steps towards building diverse and inclusive workplaces that unlock the full potential of talent within the community.
  
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and collective action to address talent attraction challenges and promote inclusive economic growth in Kingston.

Meet Our Panelists:

Wes Mann - Blue Collar Marketing
Title: Managing Partner
Wes is a key leader at Blue Collar Marketing, ensuring big ideas come to life and operations run smoothly. He manages finances, oversees internal marketing, collaborates with partnered agencies, and leads the accounts team. Wes’s strategic vision and balanced approach drive the company’s success and foster strong industry partnerships.

Kayla Kent - Novelis Kingston
Title: HR Manager
Kayla Kent has 18 years of HR experience and is the HR Manager at Novelis Kingston, leading strategy for a 300-person, multi-union team. Her efforts helped win the 2024 Social Impact Award from the Kingston Chamber of Commerce. She advocates for LGBTQIA2S+ rights across North American Novelis sites and served on the company’s Diversity Steering Committee. Previously, she chaired the Eastern Region HR Chapter of the HRPA for four years and is passionate about uniting communities through shared stories.

Zermaan Khan - Clarity Hiring/ Insight Personnel & Consulting Services
Title: Account Manager Eastern Ontario with Clarity hiring & Founder/Owner at Insight Personnel & Consulting Services
Zermaan has over 20 years of experience in HR and staffing within the recruiting industry. He holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Ottawa, where he briefly worked in government before transitioning to the private sector. Actively involved in the Kingston community, Zermaan participates in committees focused on the BIPOC community and inclusivity and takes leadership roles in various organizations, emphasizing the importance of volunteering for positive change.

INNoVA's standard is Accessibility first. We prioritize accessibility in all our work, from our consulting services to our internal processes and ensuring accessibility is integrated from the beginning and respectful of diverse needs. We invite you to let us know what you need to participate fully in our event.