When: Jun 10th @ 1 :00 PM
Where: Zoom
Sheridan Alumni from the LGBTQ+ community will join our Summer Engagement Team for a networking event you won’t want to miss! This event is a mix of panel discussion and Q&A session so come prepared to ask questions and make connections.
Meet with industry professionals that have ventured into the career world and thrived!
Learn more about their industry, trajectory, and challenges
Leave with some awesome tips, tricks and advice to help YOU navigate through your #SheridanLife and beyond.
You’ll even have the chance to enter a small breakout rooms with the panelist of your choice!
The first 20 attendees will receive an UberEats Gift Card and the SSU will make a donation to Rainbow Railroad. Reserve your spot asap!
Sheridan Student Union is committed to providing accommodations for our virtual events to everyone. If you require an additional support please feel free to contact danny.connelly@sheridancollege.ca.
This event supports your social, occupational and intellectual wellness. Learn more about our 8 Dimensions of Wellness Initiative and how events like these can enhance your mental health and well being.
Meet the Panelist
DONNIE BALLETA (he/him)
Founder of D’factor Design + Interiors
Donnie migrated to Canada from the Philippines in the late 90’s. Shortly after settling in Ontario, he became an active member in the Toronto LGBT+ community as a drag performer which he continues to do ‘til to this day for private events. He learned to apply make up for weddings, proms, beauty pageants and other special occasions to make a living. In 2009, he began his studies at Sheridan College, and graduated the Interior Decorating program with High Honours in 2011. Three years after, he continued to follow his passion for architecture and enrolled in the Advanced Architectural Technology program at Sheridan as well. He has worked at numerous interior design and architecture firms in the Greater Toronto Area. After his studies, he developed and founded D’Factor Interior + Design in 2016, specializing in residential and commercial projects. He has recently joined Brook McIlroy architecture firm in Toronto as an Architectural Technologist. He lives with his partner, Kevin Bieman, a teacher for Peel District School Board. They have been together for 14 years and now reside in Burlington, Ontario. They both celebrate PRIDE and are huge supporters of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
TERRENCE RODRIGUEZ (he/him/his)
Founder and Coordinator of REX Pride
Terrance is a Transgender Female to Male, Latinx/European, 1st Generation Immigrant, Social Worker, born and raised in the Rexdale/North Etobicoke community and the Founder and Coordinator of REX Pride. He has worked in the sector for over 14 years, 9 of which has focused on working to address the barriers faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Rexdale/North Etobicoke and surrounding areas through direct programming for the youth as well as community engagement and education.
ADAM BELL (he/him)
Director of Client Services (Managing Director), TAXI Canada.
Gay + Advanced Advertising Program Alumni
Graduated in 2009, Adam has spent his time working in the ad world on some of Canada's most prolific brands. Currently the Director of Client Service for TAXI, he works with some of the best clients in the country and leads an amazing team to forge strong relationships, create amazing work and contribute culturally to how brands show up in an ever changing world. He's a proud dog dad, cottager and is in search of the best slice of pizza this country has to offer.
JULIA BERTOLA (she/her)
Founder of Caledon Pride
Julia Bertola is the founder of Caledon Pride, a grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy group dedicated to creating an inclusive community for all in Caledon, Ontario. She became a passionate advocate while working for Sheridan College’s Student Union, where she worked to promote student wellness and to develop more LGBTQ+ resources. In 2019, Julia obtained her Bachelor’s of Film and Television degree where she specialized in screenwriting and producing live TV events (like esports and gameshows). Given her love for community engagement, Julia has decided to go back to school to receive her Social Service Worker diploma. When she’s not thinking about school or working, Julia spends her time playing video games, hanging out with her dog, and reading cheesy sci-fi books
