WiRE Celebrates Success and Inspiring Moments at EHRC's Agents of Change 2025 Summit
Toronto, ON – May 2025 – The 2025 edition of Electricity Human Resources Canada's (EHRC) Agents of Change summit, held on Wednesday, May 14th at Toronto's iconic Palais Royale, once again solidified its reputation as a pivotal event for driving progress in the Canadian workforce. Since its inception in 2018, Agents of Change has consistently provided an exceptional professional development platform, uniting employers, unions, academia, associations, non-profits, and government representatives. Attendees invariably depart inspired, armed with fresh knowledge and resources to champion underrepresented individuals within their workplaces – an impact felt not only in the electricity sector but across industries nationwide.
A Day of Powerful Voices and Diverse Perspectives
The day commenced with a warm and charming welcome from EHRC’s VP of Programs, Mark Chapeskie, setting the stage for a phenomenally inspiring lineup. Esteemed guest speakers captivated the audience, including Anishinaabe Traditional Grandmother Kim Wheatley, who shared profound ancestral wisdom; Global Speaker, Disabled Content Creator, Author, Entrepreneur, and Actor Spencer West, whose story of resilience resonated deeply; Meg Mathes, Founder & Principal Consultant at EquiMeg Consulting Inc., offering actionable strategies for equity; and Kimberly R. Murray, Queen’s National Scholar in Indigenous Legal Studies and former Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites, who provided critical insights in Indigenous culture and viewpoints. Interspersed with these powerful keynotes were dynamic and engaging panel discussions, each tackling diverse themes with panelists who generously shared their unique experiences and valuable perspectives.
“One of the most beautiful reminders for me after attending this conference is that each of our stories matters, and deserves to be heard. As we step forward as agents of change in our communities and workplaces, I hope we carry with us the wisdom shared by Grandmother Kim—the 4Rs of building meaningful relationships: Respect, Relevance, Reciprocity, and Responsibility.” - Anjula Antonis
WiRE Junior Ambassadors: Stealing the Show and Inspiring a Generation
Perhaps the most electrifying highlight of the summit was the panel discussion hosted by the Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) Junior Ambassadors Program. Moderated with remarkable poise by the first-ever WiRE Junior Ambassador, 7-year-old Rhea Gupta, the session was a beacon of future promise. Rhea skillfully navigated a thoughtful discussion with Haida Liu, Engineer at Toronto Hydro, and Anjula Mary Antonis, Power System Engineering Analyst at IESO. Both young professionals candidly shared their journeys in the energy sector, including the trials and tribulations they overcame and their aspirations for the future. This powerful and heartfelt exchange captured the hearts and minds of the entire audience, culminating in the first standing ovation of this year’s Agents of Change event. A special acknowledgement is due to Sushma Narisetty, Rhea’s mother and champion, whose support has ignited such passion in this young energy and environmental enthusiast.
“Agents of Change was truly inspiring and transformative. I was deeply moved by the openness of everyone involved—the stories shared by the speakers were powerful and profoundly touching. Meg Mathes’ introduction to the four stages of psychological safety left a lasting impression on me, and I’ve already started integrating those principles into my day-to-day work. What resonated most was the emphasis on elevating voices beyond the C-suite. Hearing from professionals who are still growing in their careers brought a refreshing and much-needed perspective. It was a powerful reminder that including younger voices in these conversations isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. They are, without a doubt, the future of our industry.” - Haida Liu
Honouring a Champion: The Agent of Change Award
Another significant moment was the presentation of the prestigious Agent of Change Award, which recognizes and celebrates exemplary leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within Canada’s electricity sector. This year, the honour was bestowed upon Susanna Zagar, CEO of the Ontario Energy Board. Ms. Zagar has been a transformative force at the OEB, championing impactful DEI initiatives that have significantly enhanced the organization’s culture and employee satisfaction. Her dedicated efforts have not only cultivated a more inclusive workplace but have also established a benchmark for the entire electricity industry.
Looking Forward: Innovation Through Inclusion
The electricity sector is inherently innovative, yet true innovation thrives only in environments that actively encourage and embrace diverse perspectives. EHRC’s Agents of Change summit is an unmissable event that powerfully showcases the sector's commitment to this principle.
Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) extends a heartfelt thank you to Michelle Branigan, CEO; Mark Chapeskie, VP of Programs; Muhammad Ahsan, DEI Specialist; Ryan Baan, Marketing and Communications Manager; Yoana Turnin, Program Manager, Careers and Education; Vilyen Pidgornyy, Business Development and Partnerships; and the entire dedicated EHRC team and its amazing Board of Directors. Our partnership with EHRC is one we deeply cherish, and we eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration in building a more inclusive and dynamic energy future.
“Agents of Change is truly a ‘can’t-miss’ event. It brings together passionate leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the electricity sector. The collaboration between EHRC and WiRE demonstrates the power of partnership in driving real, lasting change. Each session is a powerful reminder of the progress we’re making and the work that still lies ahead.” - Sushma Narisetty
