HRPA Meeting Details

Global Leader and Senior Vice President, Research and Total Wellbeing, LifeWorks Paula Allen is a recognized global expert in workplace mental health and in diversity, equity, and inclusion. At LifeWorks, she manages the company’s research agenda, leads thought leadership and co-chairs the product and innovation strategy. With more than 20 years of experience, Paula’s scope includes all areas of wellbeing, focusing on current and emerging issues that impact health and productivity and related costs. Paula is a member of the Women’s College Hospital Board of Directors; the Virtual Learning Advisory Board; the International Women’s Forum; the Canadian Club Toronto; the One Mind@Work Guiding Council and is a Civic Action DiverseCity Fellow mentor. She graduated from the University of Toronto in psychological research and neuropsychological testing and clinical intervention.

Miranda McKie is a People Analytics Consultant that specializes in Inclusion and Diversity. She helps her clients leverage data as a corporate asset through the development of solution architecture and the implementation of advanced analytics that supports organizations Inclusion and Diversity strategic objectives. Miranda has worked at top-tier consulting firms in data architecture, data engineering, data analytics and data strategy. Previously, she also led the People Analytics function for Accenture Applied Intelligence Canada Miranda is passionate about advancing women, and women of colour in the workplace. She has worked on various initiatives focused on utilizing artificial intelligence capabilities to gain insights on systemic barriers that impact marginalized groups. Her work has led her to be the 2020 recipient of Catalyst Canada’s Emerging Leader Award. Miranda believes in giving back to the community. She currently lectures at Canadian Universities teaching People Analytics. Miranda previously sat on the Toronto Board of Trade's Young People’s Committee. She has led various Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) at previous organizations and was also the co-founder and President of a non-profit, Young Women in Business (YWiB) Toronto, which provides over a thousand Toronto women with a strong and sustainable network of support to enable their professional development.

As the National Lead for Partner Relations at the Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion (CCDI), Pangus builds and manages the organization’s relationships with its partners and consulting clients. With a decade of experience in partner relations working for two of the largest chambers of commerce in Canada, Pangus has a wealth of experience interacting with diverse business communities across the country. Originally from Vancouver, Pangus is a graduate of the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business. Personally, he is an avid sports fan (Go Canucks!) with a love of travel and great food.

Allison Hector-Alexander is an equity and inclusion specialist with over 15 years experience of creating and leading policy, education and training in anti-racism, anti-oppression, allyship and equity. Allison’s most recent work experience is as the director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at Durham College where she has oversight for the College’s Diversity & Inclusion services, the Ontario Access and Inclusion program (RISE), and the Sexual Violence mandate. She is also responsible for the First People’s Indigenous Centre and Orientation & Transitions programming for all new students. Allison has also worked with a number of community organizations to support the development of their EDI framework. These include the Canada Border Services Agency, Ministry of the Attorney General, Ministry of Education, Lakeridge Health, Scarborough Health Network, and local municipalities. In 2018, Allison co-presented at the Black Portraiture Conference at Harvard University on Critical Race Theory, specifically, anti-Black Racism. Earlier in 2018, Allison led a group of colleagues to launch the Black Student Success Network on campus. This initiative continues to provide opportunities for mentoring, networking, and overall support to Black students and employees. In 2019, Allison co- chaired the first Social Justice Week at the College which provided opportunities for students, staff, and community members to engage in relevant equity-related topics. She was also the first coordinator of the Women’s Centre and Campus Food Centre on the campuses of Durham College and Ontario Tech University. She works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. Her work also included designing, developing and facilitating skills development programs for women in transition from violence to independence. She has also worked with a wide range of clients including youth at risk and street involved youth, Ontario Works recipients, and new immigrants. Allison has also been recognized with Champion Award by PFLAG Canada Durham Region for her work in creating inclusive spaces. Through her work in all areas of diversity on campus, the Region of Durham (Local Diversity & Immigration Partnership Council) has recognized her with the Diversity Champion award and in 2019, Allison was awarded the Madiba award. Allison completed her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Adult Education and Digital Technologies and a Masters of Education degree with a focus on anti-oppressive practices, access, and equity in Higher Education.