Partners in Project Green’s Annual Forum is a yearly opportunity for our members and community to come together to learn from fellow practitioners, hear from inspiring keynote speakers and to network with like-minded peers working to advance social and environmental sustainability initiatives.
This year, our conference theme is Stories that Matter: Building Buy-in for a Sustainable Future. Throughout the day, we will hear from keynote speakers, engage in panels with industry experts, explore Centennial College’s sustainability building features and participate in a hands-on storytelling workshop designed to equip attendees with new frameworks to guide their businesses’ impact narratives.
Location: Centennial College Event Centre (937 Progress Avenue, Toronto, ON M1G 3T8)
Date: June 12, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Networking event to follow)
Post-forum networking: 4:45 PM – 6:30 PM
Ticket Prices
Dates | Member Pricing | Non-member Pricing | |
Super Early Bird | To December 31st, 2024 | $50 | $75 |
Early Bird | To March 31st, 2025 | $75 | $100 |
Regular | To conference date | $100 | $125 |
Table (10 Seats) | To conference date | $500 | $750 |
Program
8:30am – 9:00am
REGISTRATION & NETWORKING
9:00am – 9:15am
9:15am – 10:00am
MORNING KEYNOTE – Neil Ever Osborne
10:00am – 10:15am
Break
10:15am – 11:00am
11:00am – 11:45am
PANEL #2 – Sustainability That Resonates: Engaging External Audiences with Authentic Narratives
Moderator: Wesley Gee (Works Design)
11:45am – 12:50pm
LUNCH
12:50pm – 1:00pm
AFTERNOON WELCOME – Jonathan Hack (Dean, Centennial Innovates: Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship)
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Group A: CENTENNIAL COLLEGE A-BUILDING TOUR
Group B: WORKSHOP
2:00pm – 2:10pm
Switch groups
2:10pm – 3:10pm
Group B: CENTENNIAL COLLEGE A-BUILDING TOUR
Group A: WORKSHOP
3:10pm – 3:30pm
Break
3:30pm – 4:15pm
FIRESIDE CHAT – Jenn Harper (Founder & CEO of Cheekbone Beauty)
Moderator: Darryl Gray (Director of Education and Training, TRCA)
4:15pm – 4:30pm
CLOSING REMARKS
4:45pm – 6:30pm
Meet Our Speakers
Opening Remarks
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Chris Rickett
Executive Director, Stakeholder Relations and Social Impact, Toronto Pearson
(Click here to learn more)
Chris is a passionate community builder and civic innovator known
for developing strong collaborations to solve complex
challenges, Chris has had diverse leadership roles in
economic development, arts and culture, stakeholder and
government relations, and environmental sustainability.
These distinct experiences have shaped his unique
perspective and approach to problem-solving. During the pandemic, Chris was recognized as one of Toronto Life’s Most Influential Torontonians for his work in saving and revitalizing Canada’s main streets, having
developed and delivered impactful programs such as Digital
Main Street and My Main Street.
Driven by a deep commitment to positively impacting the
places we live, work, and play, Chris’s passion for urban
planning, economic development, and community-building
has translated into contributions to creating thriving and
sustainable communities across Canada.
As the Executive Director of Stakeholder Relations and Communications at Toronto Pearson, he leads a dedicated team that fosters collaboration among partners and stakeholders to maximize
the economic and community benefits of being home to Canada’s largest and busiest airport.
Fireside Chat
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Jenn Harper
Anishinaabe woman and Founder & CEO of Cheekbone Beauty
(Click here to learn more)
Jenn Harper is the award-winning founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics, a B Corp Certified brand known for its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and supporting Indigenous communities. Since its launch in 2015, Cheekbone Beauty has grown into a powerhouse, now featured in Sephora Canada and 550 JC Penney locations across the USA.
Jenn’s leadership has driven over $250,000 in philanthropic donations while setting new standards for ethical beauty. Her 2019 appearance on Canada’s Dragon’s Den showcased her resolve, leading to significant growth and partnerships with major retailers.
A sought-after speaker on social entrepreneurship, representation, and sustainability, Jenn has earned accolades such as Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Women of Influence (2022), an Honorary Doctorate from Brock University (2023), and recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2024).
Jenn Harper, with Cheekbone Beauty, brings forth a narrative of passion, resilience, and authenticity. Her biography is not just about the ascent of a brand; it’s the story of a vision brought to life, of barriers broken, and of a future envisioned where commerce and charity coalesce seamlessly, all painted with the strokes of an eco-friendly brush.
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Darryl Gray
Director of Education and Training at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
(Click here to learn more)
Darryl Gray is the Director of Education and Training at TRCA leading a large and diverse team of highly skilled education, museum and sustainability professionals and practitioners working to build a vital, vibrant and sustainable Greater Toronto Area.
With over 25 years of experience, Darryl leads transformative multi-sectoral partnerships in the areas of education, cultural heritage and sustainability. These partnerships ensure that students and schools have equitable access to nature-based, out-of-classroom learning experiences; that industry professionals are equipped with the leading-edge research and training necessary to tackle complex challenges related to urban sustainability; and that a renewed vision for The Village at Black Creek is realized through community and institutional collaboration, including a modernized funding model.
Darryl provides senior leadership support to TRCA’s Natural Science and Education Committee and Partners in Project Green Executive Management Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and a Diploma in Municipal Administration.
Panels
Panel #1 (10:15am – 11:00am) – From Vision to Action: Engaging Internal Stakeholders in Sustainability
Our opening panel will delve into the art of effectively communicating your sustainability story to gain support from internal stakeholders. We’ll explore key strategies, tools, and best practices to help you clearly articulate your purpose, objectives, and outcomes, ensuring alignment with those at the core of your organization. Join us to discover how to inspire action and secure vital buy-in for your sustainability initiatives.
Panel #2 (11:00am – 11:45am) – Sustainability That Resonates: Engaging External Audiences with Authentic Narratives
This panel will focus on how to craft your sustainability story to connect with external audiences, from customers to community partners. We’ll discuss the key strategies and practical tools you need to effectively communicate your environmental and social initiatives. How do you turn detailed sustainability results into compelling narratives that resonate? And how do you ensure your messaging speaks to the values and priorities of those outside your organization? Join us for an engaging session that will help you strengthen relationships and foster support for your sustainability efforts.
Centennial College A-Building Tour
Centennial College‘s A-Building has intentionally woven sustainability elements into the building’s design. It is one of Canada’s first mass-timber post-secondary education facilities, designed to meet Zero Carbon Building Standard, LEED Gold, and WELL Silver certifications.
More than just a building, it serves as a gateway to Centennial’s flagship Progress Campus in Scarborough, integrating and supporting Indigenous ways of being and teaching.