THE AFFECTIONATE HANDS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Redefining
Leadership Through a
Gender-Inclusive Lens
- Oct. 2nd to Oct. 4th, 2026
- Courtyard by Marriott Hotel 90 Biscayne Crescent Brampton, Ontario L6W 4S1
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- ABOUT THE SUMMIT
Redefining Leadership Through a Gender-Inclusive Lens
Redefining Leadership Through a Gender Inclusive Lens is a three-day leadership conference dedicated to transforming how leadership is understood, practiced, and experienced across various sectors. We bring together educators, community leaders, professionals, and advocates who are committed to building workplaces and communities where all genders can lead with authenticity, visibility, and influence.
Our work centers on challenging outdated leadership norms, amplifying diverse voices, and creating spaces where equity, belonging, and representation are not just values but lived practices. Through dialogue, reflection, and skill building, the conference equips participants with the tools to lead inclusively, dismantle barriers, and cultivate environments where everyone can thrive.
What to Expect at Redefining Leadership Through a Gender Inclusive Lens:
- Engaging Keynotes & Interactive Sessions
- Practical Tools for Real World Leadership
- Meaningful Dialogue & Networking
- Reflective Learning & Personal Growth
- AIMS & OBJECTIVES
Essence of the Leadership Conference
Redefining Leadership Through a Gender Inclusive Lens aims to:
- Advance Gender Inclusive Leadership Practices by equipping participants with practical strategies that challenge traditional gender norms and promote equitable, collaborative, and inclusive leadership models.
- Amplify Underrepresented Leadership Voices by creating space for diverse leaders to share experiences, insights, and approaches that broaden our understanding of who can lead and how leadership can look.
- Build Skills for Equity-Driven Organizational Change through the provision of tools and frameworks that help participants identify systemic barriers and implement inclusive practices within their workplaces and communities.
- Foster Connection, Reflection, and Collective Action encourage meaningful dialogue, networking, and personal reflection that inspire participants to commit to ongoing growth and transformative leadership
- AGENDA
Information of Event Schedules
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Registration & Welcome Breakfast
- Attendee check-in
- Distribution of badges & welcome packages
- Light breakfast served
- Background music & networking
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
- Opening Ceremony
- Welcome remarks by Affectionate hands
- Land acknowledgment
- Introduction of conference theme & purpose
9:20 AM – 9:40 AM
- Opening Cultural Performance
- Music, dance, or spoken word
9:40 AM – 10:30 AM
- Keynote Address #1: “Leadership With Heart: Building Inclusive Futures”
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
- Coffee/Tea & Networking Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
- Panel Discussion: “Breaking Barriers: Gender, Power & Leadership Pathways”
- Gender bias in leadership
- Representation challenges
- Strategies for inclusive leadership pipelines
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Lunch Break
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Breakout Sessions (3 Rooms/areas)
- Building Inclusive Workplaces Through Positive Leadership
- Navigating Gender Bias in Leadership Pathways
- Leading With Emotional Intelligence: A Gender-Informed Approach
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
- Transition Break
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Interactive Workshop: “The Future of Work: Gender, Leadership & Digital Transformation”
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Reflection Circles
- Small-group guided reflections on Day 1 learnings
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Cultural Welcome Reception
- Light refreshments
- Cultural showcase
- Networking with speakers & delegates
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Morning Coffee & Networking
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Keynote Address: “Resilience & Burnout: Gendered Experiences in Leadership”
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Break
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Skill-Building Lab: “Practical Tools for Positive & Compassionate Leadership”
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Fireside Chat: “Women Leading in Crisis: Lessons from the Frontlines”
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Lunch Break
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Breakout Sessions:
- Creating Psychological Safety in Teams
- Mentorship & Sponsorship for Gender-Inclusive Leadership
- Cross-Cultural Leadership & Global Collaboration
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Transition Break
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Global Leadership Roundtable
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Coffee Break
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Action Planning Workshop: “From Insight to Impact: Your Leadership Action Plan”
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Farewell Networking Reception
Leadership Labs & Closing Ceremony
Theme: Integration, Application, and Forward Momentum
- Morning Leadership Labs (Hands-On Sessions)
Practical workshops where attendees apply what they’ve learned.
Lab Options (participants choose one):
- Leadership in Action Lab
Applying inclusive leadership frameworks to real-world scenarios. - Personal Leadership Blueprint Workshop
A reflective session where attendees build their own leadership roadmap.
- Peer Coaching Circles
Small facilitated groups where participants:
- Share insights from the labs
- Receive structured peer feedback
- Identify next steps for their leadership journey
- Lunch & Networking Showcase
A relaxed but purposeful networking lunch featuring:
- Sector based tables
- A space for attendees to exchange contacts and opportunities
- Action Planning & Accountability Session
A guided session where participants:
- Translate learning into a 90-day action plan
- Identify accountability partners
- Commit to one leadership behaviour shift
- Closing Keynote: “Leading Forward.”
- Closing Ceremony
- GUEST SPEAKERS
Meet Our Speakers
Yvonne Igbinosa Osagie
Neuroscientist (M.B.A, Bsc.)
Yvonne Igbinosa Osagie is founder and CEO of Med Melanin. She will speak on gendered burnout and resilience, drawing on health equity advocacy, initiatives, and leadership experience, including serving as Carleton University’s first Black female student governor.
Yvonne Igbinosa Osagie
- NEUROSCIENTIST (M.B.A, Bsc.)
Br. Mary Grogan
Author, Coach, & Counsellor
Dr. Mary Grogan is an educator, counsellor, and leadership scholar with a PhD in Educational Leadership. She will share insights on gender, leadership, digital transformation, and leadership in crisis, drawing on teaching experience and book 7 Cs of Global Leadership.
DR. MARY GROGAN
- AUTHOR, COACH, & COUNSELLOR
H.E Dr. Amb Isoken
Founder, ISK Consulting
Dr. Isoken Ibieorutomwen is founder of ISK Consulting, family and mental health counsellor, mediator, filmmaker, and UN Global Peace Ambassador. She will discuss gender-inclusive leadership and breaking gender bias, drawing on global advocacy, community leadership, and award-winning creative work.
H.E Dr Amb. Isoken
- FOUNDER, ISK CONSULTING
- PARTICIPANTS
Who Should Attend?
The Redefining Leadership Through a Gender Inclusive Lens Conference welcomes current and emerging leaders who are committed to building workplaces and communities grounded in equity, inclusion, and shared power. Whether you are already leading teams or preparing to step into leadership roles, this conference provides tools, insights, and connections that enhance your ability to lead with intention and impact.
Participants include:
- Established Leaders: who want to strengthen their capacity to lead with empathy, equity, and cultural awareness.
- Emerging & Aspiring Leaders: Professionals preparing to step into leadership roles and seeking the tools, confidence, and networks to lead with authenticity and impact.
- Equity Driven Professionals: HR practitioners, educators, community organizers, and sector leaders committed to advancing inclusive practices within their organizations.
- Change Agents & Advocates: Individuals working to challenge systemic barriers, elevate underrepresented voices, and build workplaces and communities where everyone can thrive.
- SPONSORSHIP
Call for Sponsorship
We invite organizations, brands, and institutions committed to equity, inclusion, and leadership development to partner with us as sponsors of Redefining Leadership Through a Gender-Inclusive Lens.
Sponsoring this conference offers a unique opportunity to align your organization with a high-impact international gathering focused on inclusive leadership, social innovation, and meaningful change. Sponsors will gain visibility among a diverse audience of leaders, educators, policymakers, and community advocates while supporting conversations that shape more equitable workplaces and societies.
Our sponsorship opportunities are designed to provide strong brand exposure, meaningful engagement with delegates, and long-term value beyond the event
- Spaces are limited and demand is high !
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- EXHIBITION
Call for Exhibition
The conference exhibition space provides a valuable platform for organizations, service providers, social enterprises, and advocacy groups to showcase their work, products, and initiatives to a highly engaged audience.
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to connect directly with delegates, share resources, and build relationships with leaders and changemakers interested in gender-inclusive practices and community impact. The exhibition area is designed to encourage interaction, learning, and collaboration throughout the conference.
Whether you are launching a new initiative, promoting services, or expanding your network, the exhibition offers meaningful exposure and engagement.
Redefining Leadership Through a Gender Inclusive Lens is a three-day leadership conference dedicated to transforming how leadership is understood, practiced, and experienced across various sectors.
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