Understanding Manitoba’s 2SLGBTQ+ Workforce | CODE Forum
ABOUT EVENT:
CODE Forum 2026
Speakers:
Noreen Mian, Executive Director, Rainbow Resource Centre
Mary Agnes Welch, Partner, Probe Research
Jillian Calais, Learning & Change Coordinator Rainbow Resource Centre
More than 270,000 Manitobans – about 20% of the province – identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, either personally, or through an immediate family member. Understanding the experiences and needs of this community is essential for organizations looking to build an inclusive workplace and serve Manitoba’s diverse population.
At this CODE Forum, Rainbow Resource Centre and Probe Research will present findings from their newly released State of Manitoba’s 2SLGBTQ+ Community Report. You’ll explore new insights on public attitude, lived experiences, and the realities many 2SLGBTQ+ Manitobans face in workplaces and communities across our province.
Following the presentation, you’ll take part in a 2SLGBTQ+ awareness, inclusion, and affirmation training session, giving you practical guidance and tools to help your organization strengthen workplace inclusion.
PROGRAM
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg, 350 St. Mary Ave.
8:30 a.m. Breakfast and Networking
9:00 a.m. Program begins
9:10 a.m. Rainbow Resource Presentation
– Noreen Mian
– Mary Agnes Welch
10:05 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. 2SLGBTQIA+ Awareness, Inclusion and Affirmation Training – Jillian Calais
11:25 a.m. Closing Remarks
REGISTRATION CLOSED
1 complimentary ticket for Chamber CODE Coalition Members
Regular Rate: $50 + tax
Exhibitor Booth:
Members: $175 + tax
Regular Rate: $200 + tax
To learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, including discounted ticket rates click here.
TITLE SPONSOR
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Noreen Mian believes in the power of community first and foremost. As Executive Director, Rainbow Resource Centre she supports the mission of nurturing inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ communities to thrive. In this role, she has been instrumental in the conception and launch of Place of Pride, Canada’s first of its kind community campus dedicated to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. She is an expert in relationship building, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with government, labour, and the private sector. Most of all, she is in community, leading change and growth through fundraising, sharing important stories, either through her exceptional public speaking or other tactics.
She has been a leader in the not-for-profit sector for over 15 years. The balance of community and work often intersect in her life and she has served both as the Executive Director of Volunteer Manitoba and Chair of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. In all her work, she champions best practices in governance and organizational development.
Mary Agnes Welch co-owns Probe Research where she helps associations, non-profits, unions and governments understand what people think about big policy issues, and why. She designs and leads public opinion surveys, focus groups and data-driven public and stakeholder engagement projects that help clients make their communities better. She has researched everything from how to implement Winnipeg’s long-planned curbside composting program to ways to grow Indigenous tourism to the best name for a cool new exhibit at the CMHR.