ABOUT EVENT:
CODE Workshop – DEI in the Community: Real Stories, Real Impact
Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Speakers:
- Aaron Pollock, Associate & Architect, Number Ten Architectural Group
- Linda Bulka, Program Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
- Veronica Valenzuela, Admin & HR Services Manager, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
Join us for an inspiring workshop where three dynamic organizations from the CODE Coalition will share their remarkable journeys in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within their workplaces. This session offers a unique opportunity to learn firsthand from organizations that are at the forefront of driving positive change. Through engaging discussions and real-life examples, participants will gain valuable insights into how these businesses have successfully implemented DEI initiatives, overcome challenges, and created more inclusive environments for their employees. Whether you are just beginning your DEI journey or looking to deepen your commitment, this session will provide practical takeaways to help you make a meaningful impact in your organization.
REGISTER HERE
Free for CODE Coalition Members*
Free for Food and Beverage Members and Partners*
Member Ticket: $25 +GST
Regular Rate: $50 +GST
*Discount codes have been sent to your organization leads. If you are a CODE Coalition Member or a Food and Beverage member requesting the discount code, please email [email protected].
To learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, including discounted ticket rates click here.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Accessibility: We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. If you require accommodation please let us know when purchasing tickets.
Refund Policy: Refunds will only be issued with a minimum of 72 hours of notice before the event. Should you require a change of your ticket after that time, we kindly ask that you find a replacement for your ticket. If you have further questions, please direct them to [email protected]
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Aaron Pollock is an Associate and Architect with Number TEN Architectural group. With over a decade of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to cultural, community and multi-use projects in Winnipeg and beyond. He is an active member of the Winnipeg design community and a proud advocate for social change through his volunteer work with Rainbow Resource Centre and Victoria Hospital Foundation.
Linda Bulka is a highly respected educator, leader, and advocate for community engagement, with a career spanning over 40 years. From 1984 to 2012, she held various roles within the Winnipeg School Division, teaching history, English, and Women’s Studies, and serving as Principal at several schools across the city. Her commitment to curriculum development and educational equity led to a provincial secondment as Manitoba’s Social Studies Consultant, where she contributed to national curriculum work through the Western Canadian Protocol.
Linda’s leadership extended into the post-secondary sector, including her role as Manager of Quality Programs and Services at Red River College, and consulting engagements with the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, the University of Manitoba, and the University of Winnipeg. She concluded her educational career as Senior School Principal at St. John’s-Ravenscourt, one of Manitoba’s leading independent schools.
Since 2021, Linda has served as Program Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. In this role, she has led impactful initiatives that help to create a sense of belonging, break down barriers, and build strong community partnerships. Her visionary leadership continues to shape a more inclusive workplace and broader societal change.
Deeply committed to community service, Linda founded the Gowns for Grads Program and launched the Empowering Young Women’s Support Group for survivors of sexual abuse in Winnipeg’s North End. Her work has earned widespread recognition, including the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History, the Government of Manitoba Award for Outstanding Service in Education, the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Veronica Valenzuela is the Admin & HR Services Manager at The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. She joined The Chamber in 2023 as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, supporting initiatives such as CODE and the Newcomer Employment Hub. A proud newcomer to Canada, Veronica arrived in 2022. She completed her studies in Human Resources and Learning & Development at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology in 2023.
Before moving to Canada, Veronica worked for the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. During her time there, she participated in the Mission Mexico Leadership Lab, a program dedicated to developing champions of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her efforts in advancing career opportunities for locally employed staff were recognized with a Franklin Award.
