On November 6–7, 2025, at the Novotel Hotel in North York, over 140 people came together for the ASPIRE National ‘I Belong, You Belong’ Employment Conference. This powerful gathering brought community leaders, researchers, policymakers, employers, and advocates together to explore bold, practical solutions to the systemic employment barriers faced by Muslim and racialized women in Canada.
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Conference Program & Highlights
Over two impactful days the ASPIRE ‘I Belong, You Belong’, National Employment Conference brought together attendees for a program full of learning, connection, and action. Participants engaged with a variety of sessions designed to explore equity, leadership, and employment opportunities for Muslim and racialized women.
- Plenary Sessions & Panels: Attendees heard from leading voices on equity and employment, including keynote speakers and expert panelists, who shared insights, research, and strategies to advance inclusive workplaces. You can take a look at our speaker lineup here.
- Concurrent Workshops: Multiple concurrent workshops allowed participants to dive deep into topics such as leadership, workplace rights, belonging, and professional growth, facilitating rich discussions and practical takeaways.
- Skill-Building Sessions: In partnership with ACCES Employment, participants gained hands-on skills for job seekers and equity-focused employers, including tools to navigate employment barriers and foster inclusive workplaces.
- Networking Opportunities: This conference provided ample space for networking with professionals, changemakers, and peers, fostering new connections and collaborations that will extend beyond those two-days.
- Vibrant Marketplace: On the evening of Thursday 6th November, attendees explored a marketplace featuring 17 vendors! Showcasing Muslim women entrepreneurs, supporting local talent and connecting with unique, community-rooted businesses
Launching Tools for Change
At the conference, CCMW officially launched the ASPIRE Toolkits and Workshop Modules — actionable resources grounded in findings from the national ASPIRE employment study. These resources equip both employers and Muslim women with practical strategies to address barriers, foster inclusion, and strengthen career pathways.
The modules cover key themes such as:
Equitable leadership and promotion development
Cultural safety and religious accommodation
Career confidence and advancement
Creating safe, inclusive work environments