SPEAKERS

Farzeen Mawji, National Practice Leader, Inclusion & Diversity at Gallagher

Farzeen Mawji (he/him/his) is the National Practice Leader, Inclusion and Diversity. Diversity, inclusion and belonging are core values of Farzeen and integral to who he is. Embracing and learning from different perspectives has broadened his understanding of other cultures and backgrounds and has shaped his own perspective into one that is much richer.

Farzeen’s work experience spans both publicly traded companies and private enterprise where he has strategically leveraged opportunities and built meaningful relationships to competently execute project initiatives. He has developed and implemented successful strategies that achieved their targets, as well as nurtured and promoted teamwork, all while fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and respect.

Farzeen’s expertise in unconscious bias and emotional intelligence allow him to see things from a broader vantage point. As an effective leader, he diligently works to understand what needs to be done and eliminates ambiguity, better equipping himself to articulate purpose and connect people to that purpose. Farzeen’s leadership style is one of teaching and empowering. He thrives when he can learn about what is in front of him, analyze it from an objective standpoint, and then impart his knowledge through a teaching lens intended to inspire, collaborate, and support.

Andrejka Massicotte, Head, Group Benefits, RBC Insurance

Andrejka Massicotte leads a team with responsibility for the product development, strategic direction, and overall performance of RBC Insurance’s Group Benefits business. The team is committed to differentiating RBC Insurance through a progressive and collaborative approach to group benefit solutions – to ensure every business and its employees get the support they need to lead a healthy lifestyle, manage their benefits, and return to health if faced with a serious medical condition.

Prior to RBC Insurance, Andrejka spent eight years with RBC’s Human Resources Pension and Benefits group where she was responsible for the oversight of RBC’s Canadian and US benefits programs covering 80,000 active employees and 20,000 retirees. She also led RBC’s Wellness+ program offered to 90,000 employees worldwide. Under her leadership, the Wellness+ program saw engagement grow to over 30% annually.

Prior to joining RBC in 2014, Andrejka spent over 10 years as a group benefits consultant at two Canadian consulting firms, working with large clients on a broad range of issues including active benefit plan design, pricing and financial management as well as post-employment and post-retirement benefit valuation and design.

Andrejka has a BSc from McMaster University and is a Fellow of both the Society of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. She’s an avid fitness and running enthusiast, with three world major marathons scheduled in 2024.

Nancy Cairns, DEI Specialist, Ladder HR Solutions

Nancy Cairns brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal commitment to her role in human resources. With a background spanning communications, business consulting, and advocacy, Nancy is dedicated to fostering inclusive workplace cultures where every individual can thrive. Her journey is marked by resilience, creativity, and a passion for positive change.

Nancy leverages her extensive experience to provide tailored solutions that optimize workplace dynamics, enhance employee wellness, and promote diversity and inclusion. Drawing on her background in internal communications and program coordination, she excels in developing strategies that cultivate morale, productivity, and retention rates.

For over a decade, Nancy served in various capacities within the City of Ottawa, where she demonstrated her ability to drive positive change at both organizational and community levels. From her time working in municipal politics, to program coordination to communications and championing equity, diversity and inclusion, she consistently sought to empower others and amplify marginalized voices.

Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, she brings a global perspective to her work, fostering connections across diverse communities.

Nancy Cairns is not just a professional; she is a passionate advocate, innovative thinker, and champion for positive change in the realm of human resources. With her diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, she continues to make meaningful contributions to the organizations and communities she serves.

Sarah Morden, BHSc, CLC, Right Path Advisor, Selectpath Benefits & Financial

With over 15 years experience in the group benefit industry, she comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of group benefits. Her passion is in building relationships and providing innovative solutions, while focusing on the wellbeing of her clients. She is a huge advocate of mental health in the workplace and her background in health sciences and as a certified life coach give her a unique perspective in this industry. She is a mom of 3, spends a lot of time at the hockey rink, and loves to travel.