Fireside Chat on Black Leadership and Representation at Avison Young’s ROOTS Event

During Black History Month, Board Diversity Network was proud to have our Co-Founder and CEO, Lori-Ann Beausoleil FCPA, FCA, host a fireside chat with Arlene Dedier, Principal and Executive Vice-President and BDN graduate, at the ROOTS Employee Resource Group event hosted by Avison Young | Canada.

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the leadership and contributions of Black professionals while acknowledging the ongoing barriers to access and advancement. Lori-Ann shared insights shaped by lived experience and decades of leadership, including that excellence should not require overperformance to be recognized, that careers are built through strong networks, and that true leadership lifts others as we climb.

At BDN, we focus on turning these principles into action. By building and supporting networks, connecting leaders to opportunities, and fostering spaces for dialogue and growth, we aim to create meaningful pathways that expand representation and strengthen boards and organizations for the future.