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We know that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is essential in the modern business world, with organizations implementing new environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies. Many companies are facing requirements around diversity disclosure, hiring practices and employee engagement strategies to reflect the expectations of the workforce and a growing, diverse population in Atlantic Canada.

Who's doing it well? And more importantly, how is diversity being integrated into organizational culture to have an impact and make meaningful change? Are Atlantic Canadian firms keeping up?

Diversity at Work: the Impact of DEI in Atlantic Canada's Workforce is a moderated panel discussion with our region's top employers and thought-leaders. Learn about the expectations of today's workforce, best practices and strategies that stick and what businesses need to start doing today to foster a successful approach to workforce diversity and an inclusive culture. 

About our Panelists

Dustin Bowers
Founder & CEO  | PLAEX Building Systems Inc. 

Dustin Bowers is the founder and CEO of PLAEX Building Systems Inc. With over 20 years involved in the construction industry and a lifetime nature-lover, he was motivated to create a solution to global waste issues after the birth of his first child. In 2017, Dustin began developing a first of its kind modular construction block-building system that is simple, innovative, and made from over 90% recycled waste materials. This system not only helps solve the plastic waste problem, but it allows for simplified building, saving builders time and money.

April Howe
Founder & CEO  | Crayon Strategies Inc. 

April has been an active voice for diversity and inclusion for many years. Through her Consulting firm Crayon Strategies Inc., she helps organizations create the conditions for authentic inclusiveness. She consults and coaches extensively with clients within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. April served the Province of Nova Scotia from 2018 – 2023, most recently as the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Before being appointed as Deputy, she was the Senior Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Justice.

Before joining the Department of Justice, April was Executive Director of People and Culture with the Public Service Commission. Former to joining government, April was a Partner with Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette leading their Career Services practice. April holds an Executive Master of Business from Saint Mary's University - Sobey School of Business and is also a Certified Career and Executive Coach. As a believer in community engagement, April co-chaired the successful 2020 Halifax Mayoral campaign for Mayor Mike Savage. She currently sits on the Boards of the Neptune Theater, the International Women’s Forum (IWF), and the Africville Heritage Trust. Previously, she served on the of boards of the North End Community Health Center, the IWK Foundation, the Halifax Partnership, the United Way Halifax, the Black Business Initiative, and Dress for Success. 

Dr. Dominique Roche
Senior Consultant  | Royer Thompson 

Dr. Roche (she/her/ella) is a Consultant at Royer Thompson, bringing expertise in executive search and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and over 15 years of national and international experience working with multinational and Fortune 500 companies.

Dominique holds a Doctorate in Education, majoring in Leadership, and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University. She is also trained in intercultural competence. Born and raised in Ecuador, Dominique identifies as a Latin mestiza (mixed-race) immigrant woman. She has experienced firsthand the hurdles and challenges of navigating and adapting to different countries and cultures while preserving her identity and succeeding in workplaces.