Sept 17 - SEPT 18

Main Events

07:00 am - 08:30 am | Guests arrivals & registrations

We are ready to welcome you!

As delegates arrive at the Edmonton Convention Centre, they’ll be welcomed into an atmosphere buzzing with anticipation and possibility. Registration is more than just a formality—it’s the first step into a space where ideas, experiences, and perspectives come together.

While checking in, guests can enjoy light morning networking, meeting fellow attendees and reconnecting with familiar faces. These early conversations create a sense of belonging and excitement, sparking collaborations and friendships that often carry forward long after the conference ends. 

Wodil Fun Activity

Begin your morning at the WODIL Conference with a nourishing breakfast that brings people together. Enjoy a variety of options while connecting with peers, speakers, and delegates in a relaxed setting that sets the tone for an inspiring day ahead. Take your taste buds on a journey to one of the finest culinary scenes.

Alongside breakfast, join in a light and engaging fun activity designed to break the ice, spark creativity, and encourage meaningful conversations. It’s not just about starting the day with energy—it’s about building connections, sharing ideas, and stepping into the conference with fresh perspectives and a smile.

Wodil Conference Opening PrayerAs we begin the WODIL Conference, we gather in a spirit of unity, respect, and gratitude. Religious leaders from diverse faith traditions will lead us in prayer, setting the tone for two days of learning, reflection, and connection. This moment of blessing will honor the values of diversity, peace, and shared humanity, reminding us that our strength lies in our ability to come together as one community.

The opening prayer will not only mark the beginning of the conference but also inspire us to carry forward a spirit of inclusivity, compassion, and leadership in all that we do.  organizations, communities, and beyond.

As we kick off the WODIL Conference, we invite everyone to rise and join together in the Canadian National Anthem. This moment of reflection reminds us of the values that unite us as a nation—diversity, respect, and shared belonging—values that are at the heart of this conference.

Standing together in song, we celebrate the spirit of Canada and honor the land and people who make this country home. Let this anthem serve as a powerful reminder of our collective commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and hopeful future.

Welcome to WODIL 2026

Message from Dr. Hilda Fankah-Arthur, President/Founder of CeFIE Canada

Over the past four years, this conference has grown into a global platform where leaders, innovators, and communities unite to advance equity, leadership, and inclusion. From women and youth empowerment to global trade and cultural competency, WODIL has shown that diversity is not just a value—it is the engine of sustainable leadership and innovation.

This year, we turn our focus to the urgent frontier of inclusive artificial intelligence and automation. Together, we will explore how technology can expand equity rather than deepen divides, with sessions on reskilling the workforce, building equitable supply chains, and embedding cultural competence in innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we also recommit to shaping a future where technology and leadership grow stronger through inclusion.

Session Overview

Human-Centered AI Leadership: Aligning Technology with Human Values

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in decision-making across sectors, leaders must ensure that technological innovation remains aligned with human values such as fairness, accountability, and empathy. This session explores how organizations can adopt human-centered approaches to AI development and governance while maintaining ethical standards and social responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the principles of human-centered AI and why they are critical for responsible innovation.
  • Learn strategies for embedding ethics, transparency, and accountability into AI leadership and governance.
  • Explore how leaders can balance technological advancement with human well-being and societal impact.

Coming Soon

Wodil Coffee BreakThe coffee break offers delegates a refreshing pause to recharge midway through the day. It’s an ideal moment to reflect on earlier sessions, exchange key insights, and continue meaningful conversations sparked in the morning. With freshly brewed coffee, tea, and light refreshments on hand, attendees can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere that encourages both networking and informal dialogue.

This break is designed not only for rest but also for connection—creating space to strengthen new relationships, share perspectives across industries, and prepare for the engaging sessions still ahead. It’s a moment to step back, refuel, and return energized, ready to dive deeper into the conference experience.

Sessions Overview

Triumphing Adversities in the Workplace
By Deketa Tranae

In her powerful session, “Triumphing Adversities in the Workplace,” Deketa Tranae highlights the transformative role of community-building through allyship and employee resource groups as essential tools for navigating professional challenges. Drawing from her own expertise, she underscores the importance of cultivating confidence in one’s skills, understanding how to strategically implement them, and overcoming barriers such as company politics or systemic inequities. Her insights serve as a roadmap for individuals from diverse backgrounds to not only recognize their worth but also harness it to drive meaningful contributions and impact in their organizations.

Takeaway: Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to strengthen resilience, embrace their value as changemakers, and foster inclusive workplace cultures where adversity becomes a catalyst for growth and empowerment.

Healing Racial Battle Fatigue and Reconnecting With Joy
By Janet Stickmon

“Healing Racial Battle Fatigue and Reconnecting With Joy” is a transformative wellness workshop designed for professionals of color seeking to restore their health and well-being by addressing the toll of racism-related stress and racial battle fatigue. The session provides a safe, healing space where participants explore the physical, emotional, and professional impacts of systemic inequities while also examining how emerging AI tools can perpetuate or mitigate racial inequities in the workplace. Through guided practices such as meditation, journaling, and interactive activities, attendees will learn practical strategies to intentionally center joy as a powerful tool for resilience and an abundance mindset.

Takeaway: Participants will leave with renewed energy, concrete tools for healing racial battle fatigue, and a personalized framework for integrating joy into their daily lives—empowering them to thrive personally and professionally while advocating for equity in AI-driven and human-centered systems.

Bridging Cultures: Unlocking Innovation Through Multicultural Leadership
By Irma Goosen

“Bridging Cultures: Unlocking Innovation Through Multicultural Leadership” explores how diverse cultural perspectives are not just valuable but essential to building innovative, resilient, and future-ready organizations. This keynote will address the challenges leaders face when navigating multicultural environments and provide practical strategies to turn diversity into a powerful driver of collaboration, creativity, and organizational success. Through compelling storytelling and real-world examples, participants will gain tools to embrace multicultural leadership as a catalyst for inclusive decision-making, improved problem-solving, and sustainable growth.

Takeaway: Attendees will leave with actionable approaches to champion diversity as a cornerstone of innovation, positioning themselves and their organizations to thrive in a globalized, multicultural landscape.

 

Speaker Coming Soon

Dr. Hilda Fankah-Arthur

President/Founder - CeFIE Canada
Moderator

Wodil Conference Lunch

The lunch break invites delegates to pause, recharge, and enjoy a delicious meal while continuing to build connections in a more relaxed setting. This midday gathering is more than just a chance to refuel—it’s an opportunity to share ideas, exchange perspectives, and reflect on the morning’s sessions with fellow attendees.

Whether strengthening new connections or engaging in deeper conversations with peers, the lunch break creates a welcoming space where networking feels effortless and collaboration begins to take shape. Delegates will return to the afternoon sessions refreshed, inspired, and ready to dive back into the conference experience.

Session Overview

Upskilling for the Future: Bridging Skills and Leadership for Workforce Success

This session explores the intersection of technology, leadership, and human connection, showing how AI can be leveraged not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a transformative bridge for inclusive, people-centered leadership. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience in tech and a transition into leadership and wellness, the speaker illustrates how AI can help leaders listen more intentionally, reduce bias, and personalize support, ensuring that every team member feels recognized, valued, and empowered. By reframing AI as a catalyst for belonging rather than just automation, this talk highlights the importance of fostering work environments where both innovation and empathy thrive.

Takeaway: Attendees will leave with practical strategies for using AI to enhance leadership, strengthen inclusivity, and build cultures where human well-being is prioritized—recognizing that the true future of leadership isn’t only about being smart with technology, but about being authentically human.

Session Overview

Automation and AI are reshaping how organizations operate and how teams collaborate. This session examines the evolving workplace where humans and intelligent systems work side by side. Leaders will explore how to navigate workforce transformation, manage change, and create environments where technology enhances productivity while preserving human creativity and collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

  • Identify leadership strategies for managing teams in an AI-driven work environment.
  • Understand the importance of reskilling, adaptability, and lifelong learning in the age of automation.
  • Learn how to foster a culture of innovation where humans and AI complement each other.

Coming Soon

Session Overview

AI with a Human Touch: Why Leadership Still Matters in the Age of Automation

As artificial intelligence and automation continue to transform industries, the role of human leadership remains more critical than ever. This session explores how leaders can ensure that technology enhances rather than replaces human judgment, creativity, and ethical responsibility. Participants will examine how effective leadership can guide organizations through digital transformation while keeping people, values, and societal impact at the center of innovation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand why human leadership is essential in guiding responsible AI adoption.
  • Learn strategies for integrating technology with human creativity, ethics, and collaboration.
  • Discover how leaders can balance efficiency from automation with meaningful human engagement.

Sessions Overview

WODIL Conference Coffee BreakThe coffee break at WODIL is more than just a pause in the schedule—it’s a refreshing moment that blends relaxation with connection. Delegates can recharge with coffee, tea, and light refreshments while reflecting on the ideas and insights shared during the sessions. At the same time, this break provides a welcoming space for meaningful networking, where conversations flow naturally, new relationships are formed, and collaborations begin to take shape. By combining a chance to rest with the opportunity to engage, the coffee break ensures participants return to the program energized, inspired, and more deeply connected to the vibrant WODIL community.

Session Overview

Bias in Algorithms: Building Fair and Inclusive AI Systems

AI systems are only as fair as the data and assumptions behind them. Without careful oversight, algorithms can reinforce systemic biases and deepen social inequalities. This session explores the origins of algorithmic bias, the risks it poses to organizations and communities, and practical strategies for building inclusive AI systems that promote equity and trust.

Key Takeaways:

  • Recognize how bias can enter AI systems through data, design, and decision-making processes.
  • Learn practical methods for identifying and mitigating algorithmic bias.
  • Understand how inclusive design and diverse perspectives can improve fairness in AI development.

Coming Soon

Session Overview

Leading with Empathy in a Data-Driven World

In an era where data and algorithms increasingly shape decisions, leaders must ensure that empathy and human understanding remain core to organizational culture. This session examines how leaders can use data responsibly while maintaining compassion, trust, and inclusivity in the workplace. It highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating technological change and fostering environments where both people and innovation can thrive.

Key Takeaways:

  • Recognize the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in technology-driven organizations.
  • Learn how to balance data-driven insights with human-centered leadership.
  • Explore practical approaches to building trust, inclusivity, and strong team relationships in digital workplaces.
 
 

Coming Soon

07:00 am - 09:00am | Breakfast & Check In

🌍 Our Registration Team is Ready to Welcome the World!
Get ready for a seamless experience at the WODIl Conference! Our dedicated registration team is excited to welcome participants from around the globe with warm hospitality, efficient service, and all the information you need to make your summit experience unforgettable. Whether you’re arriving in person or joining virtually, we’re here to support every step of your journey. Let the connections begin!

Session Overview

Leadership: The Bridge to Purposeful Growth

Leadership is both an art and a science—it is the path that connects people to vision, purpose, and resilience. Drawing on years of experience in Military Special Operations and academic development, the speaker shares eight powerful leadership principles centered on people, emotional intelligence, communication, continuous learning, and holistic well-being. These principles form a practical framework for guiding organizations not only through crises but also in cultivating environments where individuals can thrive. With stories of leading thousands, mentoring underrepresented communities, addressing trauma, and inspiring future leaders, this session emphasizes leadership as a transformative journey that ignites passion, builds capacity, and strengthens purpose.

Takeaway: Attendees will leave equipped with actionable strategies and timeless principles that empower them to lead with clarity, compassion, and conviction—bridging personal growth with organizational success.

Eldon White

Army Veteran & Founder - Xponential Growth Academy
Speaker

Dr. Laurine LeBlanc-White

Co-Founder - Xponential Growth Academy
Speaker

Session Overview

Reskilling for the AI Economy: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine the skills required for success, leaders must prioritize reskilling and lifelong learning. This session explores how organizations, educational institutions, and policymakers can equip the next generation of leaders with the competencies needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. It highlights strategies for developing adaptive leadership, digital literacy, and human-centered skills that complement technological advancement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the critical skills future leaders will need in an AI-powered economy.
  • Explore strategies for reskilling and upskilling workforces to remain competitive and adaptable.
  • Learn how organizations can cultivate leadership that integrates technology, innovation, and human insight.

Coming Soon

Session Overview

The keynote session will set the tone for the conference by exploring the transformative impact of emerging technologies, leadership, and innovation in shaping the future of organizations and societies. The speaker will share insights on how leaders can navigate rapid technological change while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical decision-making, inclusive growth, and human-centered leadership. Drawing from real-world experiences and global perspectives, this session will inspire participants to think critically about the role of leadership in fostering collaboration, resilience, and responsible innovation in a rapidly evolving world.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gain insights into the evolving role of leadership in an era of rapid technological and social change.
  • Understand how to balance innovation with ethical responsibility and inclusive practices.
  • Be inspired with practical ideas and strategies to lead organizations and communities toward sustainable and impactful change.
 
 

Coming Soon

Session Overview

The fireside chat offers an engaging and informal conversation with an industry leader or expert who will share personal insights, experiences, and perspectives on leadership, innovation, and navigating change in a rapidly evolving world. Through thoughtful dialogue and audience engagement, the discussion will explore real-world challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities for building inclusive and forward-thinking organizations. This interactive session encourages reflection and open conversation about the future of leadership and responsible innovation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gain practical insights from real-world leadership experiences and challenges.
  • Learn how leaders are adapting to technological, social, and organizational change.
  • Discover strategies for fostering innovation, collaboration, and inclusive leadership.

Coming Soon

WODIL Conference Coffee Break☕ WODIL Coffee Break
Take a moment to recharge, refocus, and reconnect. Our coffee breaks are more than just refreshments—they’re intentional spaces designed for informal networking, idea exchange, and building meaningful connections with fellow attendees. Whether you’re reflecting on the last session, sparking new collaborations, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, these breaks ensure you return energized and ready to dive into the next conversations on inclusive leadership and AI innovation.

Sessions Overview

Decolonizing Professionalism
By Nora Rahim

This session challenges the deeply rooted, socially constructed ideas of professionalism that often reinforce systems of oppression in workplaces. Traditional notions of “professional” behavior and success—shaped by colonial, patriarchal, and exclusionary norms—can marginalize women, queer individuals, BIPoC communities, and others by pressuring them to conform rather than empowering them to lead authentically. With the rise of AI and automation, these dynamics become even more complex, as algorithmic systems may further entrench biased standards. Through real-life examples, interactive dialogue, and self-reflection, participants will be invited to separate professional expectations from outdated norms and replace them with inclusive, forward-thinking approaches that prioritize innovation, creativity, and equity.

Takeaway: Attendees will walk away with practical insights and strategies to redefine professionalism in ways that dismantle barriers, foster belonging, and unlock the full potential of diverse talent in evolving workplaces.

The “F-word” … FEEDBACK
By Ama Agyapong

A Gallup survey shows that employees who receive meaningful feedback are nearly four times more engaged at  work—yet feedback often becomes challenging across differences of race, gender, or culture. This interactive training equips participants with the skills to provide feedback that is not only constructive and actionable but also culturally competent and respectful. Through role-playing, exercises, and self-reflection, attendees will practice building trust, strengthening relationships, and delivering feedback with empathy and clarity in diverse workplaces. Participants will also learn and apply the GIFT feedback framework, gaining strategies for initiating conversations that foster rapport and professional growth.

Takeaway: By the end of the session, attendees will be confident in giving and receiving feedback that promotes open communication, enhances collaboration, and supports talent development across teams, while ensuring that differences are acknowledged and valued as strengths.

Emotional Intelligence Mastery: 3 Steps to Leading High-Performing Teams
By Ivette Flower

In this empowering session, participants will learn strategies to strengthen their mental resilience, equipping themselves not only to avoid self-sabotage but to thrive even in high-pressure and uncertain environments. The session emphasizes practical tools to manage stress, reduce negative emotions, and prevent burnout, while fostering emotional balance and overall well-being. By exploring the habits and mindsets that sustain peak performance, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to stay grounded, focused, and motivated in both personal and professional contexts.

Takeaway: Participants will leave with actionable techniques to cultivate resilience, enhance performance under pressure, and maintain sustainable success without compromising their health or emotional well-being.

Wodil Conference Lunch🍽️ WODIL Lunch Break Activity
Lunchtime at WODIL is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to refuel while expanding your network and ideas. The lunch break activity is designed to create intentional connections, pairing participants across industries, sectors, and countries to spark meaningful conversations. Guided prompts and light networking activities will encourage attendees to share insights, reflect on morning sessions, and explore collaborative opportunities. It’s a refreshing blend of nourishment, connection, and inspiration to carry into the afternoon sessions.

Wodil Fun Activity🎉 WODIL Fun Activity
Step away from formal sessions and spark your energy with our interactive Fun Activity! Designed to break the ice, foster collaboration, and spark creativity, this session blends play with purpose. Through lighthearted challenges and team-based exercises, participants will engage with new peers, strengthen connections, and recharge their minds in a joyful, relaxed environment. It’s a chance to laugh, connect, and remind ourselves that innovation and inclusivity thrive when people feel energized and inspired.

Session Overview

The Trust Factor: Building Confidence in AI Systems and Leadership Decisions

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into organizational processes, building trust in AI systems and leadership decisions is essential. This session explores how transparency, ethical governance, and responsible leadership can strengthen confidence among employees, stakeholders, and the public. Participants will examine strategies for ensuring AI systems are fair, accountable, and aligned with organizational values.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the importance of transparency and accountability in AI-driven decision-making.
  • Learn strategies for building trust among stakeholders when implementing AI technologies.
  • Explore leadership practices that promote responsible and ethical use of AI systems.

Coming Soon

Session Overview

AI and Decision-Making: Balancing Data, Judgment, and Human Insight

Artificial intelligence has transformed how organizations gather insights and make decisions, but data alone cannot replace human judgment. This session examines how leaders can effectively integrate AI-driven analytics with human intuition, ethics, and contextual understanding. Participants will explore how to leverage AI as a strategic tool while maintaining accountability, critical thinking, and responsible leadership.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the strengths and limitations of AI in organizational decision-making.
  • Learn how to combine data-driven insights with human experience and ethical judgment.
  • Discover best practices for responsible and transparent AI-assisted decision processes.

Coming Soon

Session Overview

The New Leadership Blueprint: Skills Leaders Need in the AI Economy

The rise of AI and automation is redefining leadership and the competencies required to lead effectively in a digital economy. This session highlights the evolving leadership blueprint needed to navigate technological disruption, drive innovation, and manage diverse teams in an AI-powered workplace. Participants will explore the critical human and technical skills leaders must develop to remain effective and forward-thinking.

Key Takeaways:

  • Identify the key leadership skills required in an AI-driven economy.
  • Understand how adaptability, digital literacy, and strategic thinking shape future-ready leadership.
  • Learn how to cultivate teams that combine technological expertise with human-centered collaboration.
 

Coming Soon

Sessions Overview

Patrick Arthur

Executive Director - CeFIE Canada

Coffee Break and networking in WodilBrew & Build Connections

Unwind and recharge with a coffee break after the Day 2 conference sessions at WODIL 2025. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, connect with fellow participants, and expand your professional network. Whether it’s exchanging ideas, building collaborations, or simply getting to know one another, this informal setting fosters meaningful conversations that continue the spirit of inclusion and leadership beyond the sessions.

07:30 pm - 08:00 pm | Guest Arrivals and Red Card Event
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