Agents of Change 2021: Forward Together

The theme of 2021’s event, “Forward Together”, was inspired by the need to prompt larger conversations about how efforts to build inclusive workplaces must consider diversity from a holistic perspective. Participants had the opportunity to hear from a range of inspiring speakers and engage with their industry colleagues at our unique Tea-Time networking event, where frank discussions and knowledge sharing were encouraged!

Agents of Change 2021: Forward Together was hosted virtually from 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM EDT on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.

Agenda

The event featured a full day of panel sessions covering the why, what and how of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Panelists from across the Canadian electricity sector and from outside the industry discussed personal experiences, best practices and lessons learned.

This year’s keynotes were Julia Middleton, Founder, Common Purpose and Women Emerging from Isolation; and Paula R. Glover, President, Alliance to Save Energy.

Keynote Speakers:

Julia Middleton

Julia is passionate about helping people from all backgrounds to develop as leaders and make an active and tangible contribution to their communities and to wider society.

Julia is the author of two bestselling books: Beyond Authority and Cultural Intelligence.

In the autumn of 1989, Julia founded Common Purpose, which has grown to be one of the biggest leadership development organizations in the world. Julia stepped down from the position of Chief Executive in 2019.

In April 2020, she launched Women Emerging from Isolation which she now leads. Julia is also a member of the Advisory Groups of both Common Purpose in Pakistan and the Sky Blue founders Group and is a Patron for Common Purpose of the Europe101 initiative.

Paula R. Glover

Paula R. Glover started as President of the Alliance to Save Energy in January 2021. A dynamic leader with more than 25 years of experience in the energy industry, Ms. Glover is the seventh president in the Alliance’s 43-year history.

Ms. Glover previously served as President and CEO of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, a non-profit professional association whose focus is to ensure that African Americans and other minorities have input into the discussions and development of energy policy, regulations, and environmental issues. In this role, she was responsible for managing the national office, and providing strategic direction and leadership for the organization. Prior to this role, Ms. Glover served as AABE’s Vice President of Operations and as the organization’s Director of Communications.

Ms. Glover’s other experiences include 15 years in the energy industry for both electric and natural gas distribution companies. During that time, she built a stellar reputation working with state legislators and regulators in her roles as Manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs. Ms. Glover commands a clear understanding of the consumer and community sides of the business as well having held industry positions in Community Outreach and Economic Development.

The winner of the 2021 Agent of Change Award is Nirav Patel, Vice President of Human Resources, Ontario Power Generation.

Nirav embodies the spirit of diversity, equity and inclusion in everything he does at Ontario Power Generation and his capacity as Vice Chair of the EHRC Board of Directors. His thoughtful and innovative leadership in this area has produced great results and we are thrilled to be able to recognize his contributions to our sector with this award.

Thank you to the organizations that made Agents of Change 2021 possible!