Ontario Construction News staff writer
Perdita Felicien, the former World Championship hurdler, will be the keynote speaker at Canada’s leading construction industry event, the Building Diversity Awards (BDA).
“We are delighted that Perdita Felicien will be joining us for what would be an exciting and dynamic speech at this event that will bring together people from across Canada,’’ said a spokesperson for the organizers, Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN).
The sixth annual BDA will be held over two days, May 20 and 21.
The event will be at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, 1133 Queen’s Plate Drive, Etobicoke.
Rosemarie Powell, TCBN’s executive director, promises a “huge’’ and “transformative’’ event that will celebrate “diversity, equity and inclusion across the construction industry.” As we draw closer to the event, our main focus is on increasing ticket sales and getting additional sponsors on board with us,” she said in a statement.
According to TCBN, “the awards honour individuals and organizations who rise above barriers, build pathways for others, and foster environments where people truly belong. More than a celebration, the Building Diversity Awards is a national movement focused on progress, equity, and a future built by everyone.’’
Since her retirement from track and field, Felicien – the 2003 World champion in 100 metres hurdles and a 2004 World indoor champion in the 60 metres hurdles – has established a successful career as a writer and reporter, and was a member of the broadcasting team for the 2015 PanAm Games in Toronto. She also covered the Olympic Games of 2018 and 2021.
“I love sharing my experiences of triumph and adversity as a public speaker,’’ said Felicien, a wife and mother and the author of “My Mother’s Daughter’’.
TCBN has built a strong community-labour partnership with a support base of workforce development agencies, learning institutions and funders. TCBN’s primary objectives include providing equitable economic opportunities that promote economic inclusion for all Toronto residents.
At the two-day BDA and 6th Annual Community Benefits Summit, construction industry leaders from across Canada will share knowledge, strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion best practices, and celebrate leadership and innovation.
