Keynote & Panel
Our 2021 Keynote Speaker
Randy Lewis
Keynote Address: Why I Hired a Workforce No One Else Would
Randy Lewis is an American businessman, a disability employment advocate, and author. Randy is the former senior vice president of a Fortune 500 company. He was the head of supply chain and logistics for Walgreens for 17 years until his retirement in 2013. Over his last 10 years there, he created a program in its distribution centers to integrate large numbers of people with disabilities as equals into its workforce.
Recognized as a "visionary of disability employment advocacy" domestically and internationally. Randy is a sought-after speaker on the lessons learned that apply to all business and community leaders who seek to make a difference. His book, No Greatness without Goodness, was named by Fast Company as one of its "Ten New Books You Need To Read This Year."
Breakout Sessions
First Session: A panel of forward-thinking Manitoba business leaders will talk about their experiences hiring employees with disabilities, including:
- Why they believe in fostering a diverse workforce
- What their experiences have been
- Words of wisdom for other businesses seeking to diversify their workforce
- Words of wisdom for jobseekers with disabilities
– Sandy Whitesell, Human Resources Manager at Dimatec Inc.
– Enrique Cruz, Plant Manager (Winnipeg Plant) at Cascades Recovery+
– Chef Cameron Tait, Metropolitan Kiwanis Courts
Second Session: Manitoba's Accessibility Law – Creating Accessibility and Inclusion in Employment
The Manitoba Accessibility Office (formerly the Disabilities Issues Office) will provide an overview of Manitoba's Accessibility Standard for Employment. The presentation will focus on how your business can create accessibility at all stages of employment and how to ensure a safe return to work following COVID-19.
