Marni Panas is a champion spokesperson for the LGBTQ2S+ community, making strides as she actions meaningful change by working with governments, public schools and universities, and law enforcing bodies. A Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional, she is currently the Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ATCO and is also the Chair of Board of Members for the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Available to hire as a speaker at several events, Marni discusses topics like DEI, leadership courage, living authentically and LGBTQ+ cultural safety.
TEDx speaker of “Finding Courage, Conquering Fear”, Marni has worked with several high-profile clients such as Google, Harvard medical School, The Canadian Senate, and the Canadian Human Rights Commission to name a few. Marni was also a Member of the LGBTQ2S+ Apology Advisory Council that drafted the apology that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered in House of Commons in 2017 for discrimination and injustices faced by the community because of programs and policies. In 2020, she was one of the eleven members who were part of the Community Safety and Well-being Task Force for the City of Edmonton – a team that tackled racism, discrimination, poverty, and homelessness in the city. She has received the Human Rights Award by John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for extraordinary service in ensuring that diversity is celebrated in society.
Marni started out her career as a Payroll Officer at the Battle River School Division and then joined as a Senior Consultant of HR and Payroll at Bellamy Software where she worked for 13 years. She also led her own consulting firm called Marni Panas Consulting for seven years whilst working in several roles like Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion and Program Manager of Diversity and Inclusion at Alberta Health Services till 2023. An activist to her core, she provided a testimony to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in support of amending Canada’s Human Rights Act and Criminal Code. She was also a part of the panel that established policies and guidelines supporting school boards in Alberta making safe and welcome environments for LGBTQ students, staff and families.
Marni is a true expert in subjects like diversity & inclusion, health and community engagement. She was nominated as a Woman of Distinction by Edmonton YWCA and was also named as the Edmonton Global Woman of Vision. Frequently appearing on national television and channels like BBC and CNN to discuss issues faced in her community, Marni also frequents as a lecturer at many Edmonton universities. An active and involved member of society, Marni’s work proves that she cares and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to actioning much needed change in society. Excellent when it comes to addressing topics like DEI, LGBTQ+ cultural safety and courage in leadership, she will be the perfect choice for your next event. Hire Marni Panas today!
