Virtual Edition with Alberta Employment First Network & Gateway Association


On October 1st 2024 at 10 am MST, Alberta Employment First Network in collaboration with Gateway Association held their first Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) Virtual Kick-Off. 71 people registered for the event and the following speakers were featured: 

  • Judy Silito from Multicultural Health Brokers with the Land Acknowledgment 
  • Angela Flaman , Director of AEFN 
  • Mike Wing , a community member and on the AEFN’s DEAM AB Planning Committee
  • Olivia Adams, Manager from FOUR20
  • Mariebelle Sawma, Marketing and Communications of AEFN 

There were 3 videos featured during the virtual kick-off: 

The purpose of the kick-off is to begin the month of DEAM with intentional action items and to highlight speakers and organizations who are spearheading the work of inclusive employment for people with disabilities. Mike Wing is a person living with a disability and has been a disability rights advocate for nearly a decade. He is passionate about disability justice and runs a YouTube and TikTok channel called The Anti Ableist. He is also a member of the Self Advocacy Federation, Disability Action Hall, the Staying Connected Network and Albertans Advocating for Change Together. During his speaking segment, he touched on why being authentic when including people with disabilities in the workplace is the only sustainable way to ensure meaningful inclusion and employment. 

“Authenticity is not just important. It isn’t just an idea or a concept, especially when you’re dealing with people who might not have ever been given that opportunity to be themselves, to stand in the spotlight and show the world what they’re capable of. Authenticity isn’t just important, it’s paramount.” 

The second speaker was Olivia Adams, a store manager from FOUR20 in Calgary. She is a seasoned retail professional with over a decade of experience, currently serving as a store manager at FOUR20. In 2022, she was honored with the Inclusive Employer award by the Gateway Association for her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. She has also earned the Friendliest Budtender award and was featured in a centerfold interview for Cannabis Retailer magazine. With a personal connection to diversity and inclusion, Olivia’s passion stems from her own experiences with neurodiversity, which has driven her to advocate for individuals often overlooked due to disabilities or backgrounds. Having lived in seven countries, she embraces cultural diversity and is dedicated to creating environments where everyone is valued. Olivia has proudly collaborated with the Gateway Association for the past three years, working to promote equitable employment opportunities.

Attendees were very happy with the virtual option for the kick-off ; there are often regional kick-offs that happen in-person that may not always be accessible for everyone. 

A survey was sent to attendees after the event, and everyone voted yes to a virtual kick-off in the future. 

Other attendees provided specific feedback, which AEFN will be taking into consideration when planning the 2025 DEAM AB Kick-Off. 

AEFN’s goal for next year is to have dynamic representation from across the province, especially in the far north and south regions. Happy DEAM! Make sure to attend an event by checking out the AEFN Events Calendar

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