• Building 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Businesses

Building 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Businesses

Course 1: “Building 2SLGBTQIA+ Friendly Workplaces”

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 – 3pm to 5:30

Course Summary:
This session focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees. Participants will learn about the importance of cultivating an inclusive culture, fostering allyship, and a basic foundation of community competency. The session will also cover strategies for seeking and engaging diverse staff and suppliers, including using directories and other resources. By the end of this course, attendees will have practical tools and insights to enhance their workplace inclusivity and actively support 2SLGBTQIA+ team members.

Learning Outcomes:

    1. Introduction to Inclusivity in the Workplace
    2. Building Inclusive Cultures
    3. Engaging Diverse Staff and Suppliers
    4. Practical Steps for Creating Inclusive Workspaces

Course 2: “Engaging the 2SLGBTQIA+ Market”

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 – 3pm to 5:30

Course Summary:
This session provides essential insights into effectively engaging the 2SLGBTQIA+ market. Participants will explore market trends, learn about common sensitivities to avoid, and gain marketing advice tailored to this community. Additionally, the session will cover how to achieve business accreditation to demonstrate commitment to inclusivity. By the end of the course, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of how to connect authentically with 2SLGBTQIA+ clients and enhance their business’s reputation within this market.

Learning Outcomes:

    1. Understanding the 2SLGBTQIA+ Market
    2. Marketing to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community
    3. Engaging with 2SLGBTQIA+ Clients
    4. Business Accreditation and Recognition

A series of 2 classes designed to take together or individually with a focus on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees. Participants will learn about the importance of cultivating an inclusive culture, fostering allyship, and a basic foundation of community competency. The session will also cover strategies for seeking and engaging diverse staff and suppliers, including using directories and other resources. By the end of this course, attendees will have practical tools and insights to enhance their workplace inclusivity and actively support 2SLGBTQIA+ team members.

Class Length: 2.5 Hours Each

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Lauren Semple

Lauren Semple (she/they) is a dynamic force at the crossroads of inclusion, advocacy, project management, and the arts. In her professional life, Lauren has a reputation for delivering impact-driven results, with a talent for creating uniquely knowledgeable and collaborative teams. Lauren carries this ethos into her work as President of the Nanaimo Pride Society, where she focuses on improving the representation and status of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and promoting vibrant and diverse communities that thrive.

Lauren’s work spans various sectors, primarily focusing on arts, culture, inclusion, tourism, and special projects. Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, she played a pivotal role in architecting the Vancouver Island and BC Tourism Resiliency Network, demonstrating resilience and foresight over three successful years. This work paved the way for subsequent achievements, including Lauren’s development and delivery of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network in partnership with Destination BC’s Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative. Additionally, she leads the impactful Tourism Nanaimo 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion initiative, seamlessly blending her successes in tourism and inclusion.

In addition to her project management, strategy, event, and inclusion work, Lauren provides training facilitation and business accreditation services for Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and its Rainbow Registered program. Lauren is passionate about her work in tourism, inclusion, events, arts, and culture – including the act of creation. Lauren has spent over a decade as a professional artist, creating and producing in both the performing and visual realms. Through her partnership art business Humanity in Art, Lauren paints murals to brighten and uplift urban landscapes.