Following the launch and subsequent success of its first two outreach seminars toward the end of 2019, Vancouver’s Tacofino announced today that its monthly Speaker for Change initiative will resume throughout 2021.
The free virtual industry outreach series was developed to offer a platform for meaningful dialogue about prevalent issues that have become endemic within the hospitality community, such as mental health, substance dependency, inclusion, and diversity.
“We’ve been thrilled with the response to the first two Speakers for Change sessions and want to keep the momentum going in the new year,” says Taylor Chobotiuk, Head of People and Engagement for Tacofino and one of the founders of Shift Change. “We’re looking forward to continuing to provide Shift Change as a space for community leaders and industry professionals to engage in important conversations and exchange ideas to improve the current experience for the industry and its people."
During the first seminar of 2021, participants will gain insight from co-owner of Port Moody’s Gabi and Jules, Lisa Beecroft, through a discussion about Autism Spectrum Disorder and how to effectively engage workers within the industry. The second, led by Cree-Metis chef Heat Laliberte, will focus on challenges and opportunities that people who identify as LGBTQ2+ face while working in the back of house.
The two workshops will take place via Zoom on January 12 and February 9, respectively. As has been the case since its inception, Tacofino plans to donate $1,250 per session to the keynote speaker’s charity or cause of choice. Complimentary tickets can be acquired through Eventbrite.
