Our team is made up of highly trained and knowledgeable specialists who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within aviation. We bring deep expertise in inclusive recruitment, employee engagement, and workplace culture transformation.
With a focus on the aviation industry, we offer tailored strategies that go beyond traditional training. Our industry-informed, people-centered approach helps organizations create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Emily Kutryk
Director, Industry Culture Development
Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Sociology, a Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Equity Studies. With more than a decade of experience in the aviation industry across both public and military sectors, she brings a grounded, data-informed perspective to workplace culture transformation. Emily leads the Workplace Culture Consulting (WCC) project, where she helps organizations embed representation, belonging, and leadership accountability into their operations. She is a skilled facilitator and strategist who works closely with clients to create inclusive environments that foster innovation, improve engagement, and support long-term success. Emily is certified in Change Management and designs tailored strategies that position inclusive workplace culture as a competitive advantage rather than a compliance requirement. Her expertise spans workplace culture development and communication efficiency, with a strong focus on sustainable, people-centered change. With a deep understanding of the regulated and operationally demanding aviation industry, Emily helps clients align cultural goals with business outcomes in industries where safety, structure, and performance are critical. Her work has been featured in the Canadian Military Journal and cited in national conversations on equity and workforce transformation. In her free time, Emily enjoys strength training, astronomy, and golf.
Jenna Johannsen
Administrative Assistant
Jenna combines her passion for aviation with a love for learning about the world around her. With a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a Private Pilot License, she has built a multifaceted career that includes roles as a Duty Officer/Medevac Dispatcher, Customer Sales and Service Agent, and Parts Coordinator. With over 9 years of administrative experience at the provincial and federal levels, Jenna brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her work. She has also devoted significant time to volunteering with aviation organizations, promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry. As a proud citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation, she is committed to creating pathways for underrepresented groups in aviation. Outside of work, she loves kayaking, exploring new destinations, and seeking out delicious treats from local bakeries.
Kristine Morris
Programs Manager, Elevate U
Consultants & Facilitators
Tolu Adesina
Consultant
Tolu Adesina is a seasoned HR professional with over 15 years of experience spanning the public, not-for-profit, and private sectors. She is renowned for her ability to implement innovative organizational initiatives that support leadership, inspire performance, improve engagement, and enhance the employee experience.
Tolu currently serves as the Principal Partner and Founder of Gibrawhite Services, a consulting firm specializing in HR strategy, Diversity and Inclusion, consulting, and training. She delivers cutting-edge solutions to drive organizational success.
She holds an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations. Tolu is also a candidate for the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation and actively volunteers with various immigrant organizations.
Bringing global and diverse perspectives to her work, Tolu is a firm believer in continuous individual development and supporting organizational leadership to create an inclusive workplace culture.
Litzy Baeza
Project Manager
Litzy has worked in the field of international education for the past 20 years managing a variety of projects overseas, primarily in Latin America. Presently, Litzy is a Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) consultant & educator. She teaches a variety of courses at different universities and colleges across Canada and also develops curricula and programs related to GEDI. Litzy has also helped to implement and develop GEDI strategies with various organizations across Canada and Internationally, being experienced in international development projects as a gender equity specialist.
Ogho Ikhalo
Facilitator
Ogho Ikhalo is an accomplished leader with over 18 years of academic and professional experience. She has a robust background in strategic communication and is an award-winning specialist in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has a strong background in human resources. As a human rights advocate, Ogho is privileged to reside on the Ancestral Traditional Territories within Upper Canada Treaty 13, in Turtle Island. She is the Founder and CEO of AFROdisiac Consulting and has held senior leadership positions across various sectors, including Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hydro One, and Director of Women’s and Human Rights at the Ontario Federation of Labour.
Alberto Jiménez Ponce
Human Resources Specialist
Alberto brings a wealth of experience in HR management and a deep commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Most recently, Alberto worked at WestJet as a Talent Acquisition Partner where he honed his expertise in recruitment and DEI initiatives within the aviation industry. With a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Strategy and several years of experience in leadership, HR, and DEI roles, Alberto has a proven track record of developing and implementing innovative strategies that foster inclusive work environments and support underrepresented groups.
With a collaborative work style and a strong commitment to driving positive change, Alberto is eager to contribute to Elevate Aviation’s goals and help shape the future of aviation by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Outside of work, you can find Alberto spending time with friends, being active outdoors, traveling, enjoying the sun, swimming, and trying all kinds of foods!
Marie-Daphné Laguerre
Bilingual Facilitator (English & French)
Marie-Daphné Laguerre founded Les consultations AfroQueen Consulting in January 2022, with the mission to open an ongoing dialogue on Diversity and Inclusion, in order to create a more equitable society. Her motto is Making Diversity and Inclusion a Reality in the Workplace.
A career Human Resources practitioner for the past 25 years, she also led an Anti-Racism Task Force as a Director at Public Services and Procurement Canada for a year. During this journey, her biggest success has been connecting employees with the concept of diversity and inclusion, by initiating deep, uncomfortable dialogues amid the social unrest stemming from George Floyd’s murder in May 2020.
Marie-Daphné studied Workplace Psychology at Université du Québec en Outaouais and French Literature at University of Ottawa before starting her public service career in October 1999. She began working various jobs as a clerk and administrative assistant before becoming an HR Advisor in 2001, gradually making her way up to senior executive positions. She is specialized in staffing, labor relations, strategic planning and more recently in diversity & inclusion.
Komal Kainth
Data Collection and Analysis Consultant
Komal Kainth is a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce student at the University of Ottawa, specializing in Management. Komal is particularly interested in strategy, change management, and sustainable innovation, driven by the belief that the next generation has a responsibility to shape workplaces that are ethical, inclusive, and built for the future. Komal is passionate about the role businesses can play as drivers of positive change, and how strong leadership can translate ideas into meaningful, lasting impact for both people and the planet. She recently completed a role as a Research and Data Intern with Elevate Aviation and is excited to continue developing her skills as a Research and Analysis Assistant, gaining hands-on experience in workplace culture consulting. Originally from Toronto, Komal enjoys expressing her creativity through photography and writing, and is also an avid follower of Formula One.
Krishna Mann
Facilitator
Krishna Mann (she/her) is a visionary social impact and communications strategist in the global tech and entertainment industries. With comprehensive DEI expertise spanning all organizational functions, Krishna creates impactful change from the inside out—building the infrastructure brands need to achieve long-term, sustainable change.
Her human-centered and data-informed approach provides pragmatic solutions to address systemic inequities. Krishna has led groundbreaking initiatives, from algorithmic audits to combat bias to ethical content strategies that authentically represent diverse groups.
Leveraging the power of storytelling for social change, Krishna’s transformative work has shaped DEI strategies for industry leaders such as TED, PBS, 9 Story Media, and Wattpad—creating lasting impact across the tech and media landscapes.
Specialists Across Canada
Acknowledging the Land Where they Reside
We invite you to explore our interactive map! Click the pins to see where Workplace Culture Consulting team members are located across Canada, along with their respective land acknowledgements.
Jenna Johannsen – Surrey, BC/Metro Vancouver
Jenna is located in Surrey, BC on the unceded territory of the Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo peoples.
Ogho Ikhalo – Clarington, Ontario/GTA
Ogho is located in Clarington, Ontario, on traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, which is part of the Williams Treaties Territory.
Emily Kutryk – Cold Lake, Alberta
Emily is located in Cold Lake, Alberta, on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, and Métis peoples, including the Cold Lake First Nations and Beaver Lake Cree Nation.
Alberto Jimenez Ponce – Calgary, Alberta
Alberto is located on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
Litzy Baeza – Edmonton, Alberta
To locate myself in the process of reconciliation and healing from ongoing legacies of settler colonialism, Litzy acknowledges that she is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux and Nakota Sioux. She acknowledges that this territory is home to the Métis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta and that we all live and work on these traditional homelands.
Krishna Mann – Vancouver, BC
Krishna lives in Vancouver, BC, on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The Coast Salish peoples have stewarded this land since time immemorial.
Tolu Adesina – Calgary Alberta
In the spirit of reconciliation, I honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. I acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, I acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
Marie-Daphné Laguerre – Gatineau, QC
Daphné live in Gatineau which is part of the National Capital Region, on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.. The traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe spans a vast area, encompassing the Ottawa Valley and surrounding lands in both Quebec and Ontario. It’s characterized by rivers, lakes, boreal forests, and diverse wildlife, extending across 48 million acres. The Anishinaabe people have historically lived in this area for millennia, and their presence is deeply intertwined with the land’s natural resources.
