On June 18, Mante Molepo Consulting, in partnership with Lianne Hannaway, hosted the first Be Program networking event. The evening brought together women in senior leadership roles from across the National Capital Region to connect, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships in a supportive community of peers.

June 2026

Mante spoke on a panel at the Canadian Bar Association’s Immigration Law Conference, where she examined how monochronic and polychronic cultures hold fundamentally different orientations to time, trust, and decision-making. She explored how communication styles that may read as ambiguous or evasive through a Western legal lens are often internally coherent and legitimate, and argued that recognizing this is not cultural accommodation but good lawyering. Mante framed adequate relationship-building and consultation as part of a durable risk management approach for clients from foreign jurisdictions.
June 2026

Mante attended the Canadian Bar Association’s IP Day conference as a panelist, where she was especially struck by the EDI panel’s discussion on EDI fatigue and the growing resistance to this work. The conversation on how to re-engage people who feel afraid of saying the wrong thing resonated with her ongoing work on navigating difficult conversations, including her Constructive Dialogue Framework — a practical, values-based guide to preparing, opening, and sustaining dialogue even when it’s uncomfortable.
May 2026

Mante is featured in The Honest Talk with an article examining how seemingly neutral workplace policies, like rigid return-to-office mandates, disproportionately impact women. Drawing on the Supreme Court of Canada’s recent decision in Quebec (Attorney General) v. Kanyinda, Mante argues that organizations must move beyond formal equality and adopt an intersectional approach that reflects how people actually live.
March 2026

Mante received the JDEC Award from Black History Ottawa during the city’s Black History Month opening ceremony, in recognition of her advocacy for the human rights of children in education. The award was presented with her daughters by her side — a meaningful moment given their experiences have been central to her work ensuring every child is protected, valued, and treated with dignity in schools.
February 2026

Mante moderated a panel at the Canadian Institute’s 21st Annual Conference on Crown Corporate Governance, the largest event for Crown professionals in Canada.
February 2026

Mante returned to ESDC’s Visible Minorities Network where she delivered a keynote, Showing Up Without Shrinking: A Conversation on Psychological Safety, Voice and Belonging.
November 2025

Mante moderated a panel at Ottawa’s inaugural Responsible AI Summit. The panel, Operationalizing AI Ethics: Lessons from the Field, explored how ethical AI principles can be effectively operationalized across sectors from design to deployment and what it takes to turn responsible AI from a concept into a practical framework that drives accountability and inclusion.
November 2025

Mante spoke at the annual CharityVillage conference panel on Navigating DEI Rollbacks and Funding Loss in Canadian Nonprofits.
November 2025

As part of the Law Society of Ontario’s annual Business Law Summit, Mante spoke alongside Stephen Pike, Partner at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP on the Current State of ESG: A Canadian Perspective. Mante discussed the legal landscape in Canada that is distinct from foreign jurisdictions, and why boards must treat ESG withdrawal as a risk governance issue.
November 2025

Mante joined host Mary Barroll on the CharityVillage Connects podcast episode, Safeguarding Equity: How Trump’s DEI Rollbacks Are Impacting Canadian Nonprofits. Mante spoke about the challenges and opportunities to address diversity, equity and inclusion in the current legal and regulatory landscape and how nonprofits can continue to advance this important work. Listen to the full episode here.
October 2025

Mante spoke at MÄVVIN CLASS, hosted by RÄNDĀ VO͞O Business Network on “What’s at Stake When We Avoid Difficult Conversations.” She explored why many leaders struggle with navigating challenging discussions and encouraged leaning into discomfort with vulnerability and humility. Mante shared how embracing imperfection can strengthen trust and connection, resonating deeply with participants who reflected on how these strategies could have transformed their leadership experiences.
September 2025

Mante spoke at the Bridging Borders: Canadian/US Legal Perspectives conference, hosted by the OBA, CBA, ABA, and CCCA. On a panel about polarization and division, she emphasized that addressing these challenges requires more than interpersonal dialogue—it also demands systemic and organizational change. Mante highlighted how leaders can foster safe and inclusive cultures by modeling accountability, addressing harmful behaviour, and creating spaces where people feel empowered to speak up without fear.
August 2025

Mante joined The Honest Talk podcast to discuss how we can communicate more effectively across differences in today’s polarized world. She emphasized the importance of leaning into difficult conversations with respect and honesty, uncovering shared values, and fostering meaningful dialogue around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Listen here.
August 2025

Mante joined a panel of lawyers hosted by the Government of Canada’s Black Executive Network. She spoke about procedural fairness in human resource complaints and investigative processes.
May 2025

The Black Employee Network at WAGE hosted a panel featuring Mante and renowned lawyer Dr. Rachel Zellars. The panelists shared insights and strategies for addressing workplace equity and improving inclusion for Black employees. The panel provided practical guidance on overcoming systemic barriers and fostering a more inclusive organizational culture.
February 2025

In recognition of Black History Month and the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Mante delivered a keynote to a federal government Women’s+ Network. She highlighted the resilience and contributions of Black women leaders in STEM and beyond, emphasizing the importance of DEI in creating inclusive workplaces. Mante also addressed the resistance to DEI efforts and shared actionable strategies for navigating these challenges.
February 2025

At the inaugural Rising 2025: Black Excellence and Canadian Policy Conference, Mante spoke on the panel Equity, Justice, and Black Self-Advocacy in Government. She discussed institutional bias in staffing processes and shared strategies to overcome systemic barriers in government hiring and promotion. The panel addressed how policy reforms can drive greater racial equity and justice within Canadian institutions. Conference details here.
February 2025

In celebration of Black History Month, Mante delivered a keynote to students and faculty at Ashbury College. She shared her South African roots and the significance of Ubuntu—the concept of “I am because we are.” Mante emphasized the connection between Ubuntu and Ashbury’s core values, encouraging students to embrace collective humanity and strengthen community.
February 2025

Mante recently moderated a panel at the International Cooperation Futures forum on The Future of Finance: Catalyzing Investment for Sustainable Growth in Africa. Together with leaders from Mastercard Foundation, Criterion Institute, Plan International, and MEDA, Mante led a discussion on the power of investing in African women-led enterprises to drive both returns and inclusion, highlighting ways to overcome barriers and shift dynamics in international cooperation.
November 2024

At The Women’s Summit, Mante expressed gratitude to the Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin for her groundbreaking role on the Supreme Court and as the first recipient of The Honest Talk Leadership Award. In her remarks, Mante emphasized the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), addressing the resistance these efforts often face. She reminded the audience that Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms upholds equal protection and supports affirmative action programs, inspiring initiatives like the 50-30 Challenge to increase representation of women, Indigenous, and equity-deserving groups in leadership.
November 2024

Mante is featured once again in The Honest Talk with an article that discusses how we can genuinely move past the DEI hire trope, and what strategies we can implement that affirm the value of diverse leaders beyond their demographic characteristics.
July 2024

The Honest Talk published an article by Mante about the challenges that DEI leaders face in their roles and practical ways for companies and organizations to support DEI leaders.
June 2024

Mante had the pleasure of mentoring the EmpowerHER cohort, discussing governance with an exceptional group of women leaders in the healthcare sector. She emphasized leveraging expertise to overcome imposter syndrome, refining skills in AI for board governance, and the importance of evaluating board culture by asking questions and consulting networks.
June 2024

Mante spoke at this year’s Institute of Corporate Directors conference on talent management and succession planning in the nonprofit sector. Mante explored the key components for boards to ensure that the talent pipeline and succession plans are aligned with the organization’s strategy.
June 2024

Mante participated on a panel during the launch of the Ontario Public Service’s Black Equity Branch, the first of its kind in Ontario. As the largest public sector employer in the province, the government has taken an important step to address racial equity for Black people and communities.
March 2024

Mante returned to speak at the ICD-Rotman Board Dynamics Program (BDP), where she discussed DEI approaches to governance, including succession planning. Mante also spoke at the BDP in November last year.
March 2024

Mante spoke to hundreds of professionals across Canada during a fireside chat hosted by Employment and Social Development Canada’s Black Employee Network entitled “Black History Month – Where are you ‘really’ from? Beyond the Underground Railroad: The unheard stories of Black Canadians”.
February 2024

At the annual Ottawa-Carleton Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario session, Mante facilitated an interactive workshop to a full room of educators on strategies to talk to students, staff and parents on hate and racism.
February 2024

The EmpowerHER Leadership Network proudly unveils its innovative networking platform, marking a transformative milestone in championing and supporting women within Canadian healthcare, with esteemed mentors such as Mante Molepo of Mante Molepo Consulting. Mante’s involvement underscores the network’s commitment to empowering women leaders in the sector.

At the Department of Justice Policy Sector’s annual Town Hall, Mante delivered a talk on Strategies for Advancing Racial Equality and Inclusion in the Workplace.
January 2024

Over 1,000 people registered for a free panel discussion, Palestine: International Humanitarian Law, The Rule of Law, and Trauma on December 18th, 2023. Mante, along with renowned author and trauma expert, Gabor Maté, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Dr. A. Kayum Ahmed, Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, and Ishat Reza, an employment lawyer facilitated the event.

Mante presented with Annie Laurenson, Director of Governance and Corporate Secretary at Lundin Mining, on advancing the representation of Black women in governance at the 6th annual Black Female Accountants Network Women in Leadership Summit.
21 October 2023

Mante delivered a session with the DOJ on Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace.
17 October 2023

Boards identify “diversity” as a key objective in succession planning and recruitment but don’t take the time to understand what it means to cultivate an environment where Indigenous and equity-deserving board members can thrive.

Mentorship and sponsorship are crucial for career advancement. This article discusses how mentorship has helped lawyers in their career progression.

Mante attended the Governance Professionals of Canada annual conference in Prince Edward Island. She was part of a panel where she talked about DEI approaches to board recruitment and retention.

Mante celebrated the commencement of the Ontario Bar Association’s (OBA) inaugural Career Accelerator program. Following her appointment as the OBA’s Innovator in Residence, Mante designed the program for Indigenous, Black and other Racialized lawyers to advance their participation in three emerging areas of law: artificial intelligence, ESG, and fintech.

Mante gave a keynote to BGC Ottawa’s Board of Directors and senior leaders where she spoke about DEI Governance with Purpose.
April 2023

Innovation and technology for gender equality in the legal profession.
8 March 2023

Mante Molepo, DEI consultant, joined BLG’s Ottawa office to kick off International Women’s Day and help raise the profile of Women’s Business Network

The Women’s Business Network is proud to present this year’s International Women’s Day Event – Joining us for a fireside chat is Mante Molepo, an award-winning community leader, speaker, and advocate for equity and inclusion in the workplace, and at every table.

OSSTF Keynote on February 17 on the Dangers of a Single Story in Education.

Black businesses can benefit from federal contracting opportunities.

Alternative careers have always existed in the legal profession. It’s just that lawyers have way more freedom today to do what they really want.

Keynote to the Public Services and Procurement Canada Small Business Expo on January 25th 2023

Mante Molepo has been named the 2022-23 Ontario Bar Association Innovator in Residence and will lead the association’s new career accelerator for Indigenous and racialized lawyers in emerging areas of law.

In June 2022, Mante was elected to the Board of Governors of the Ottawa Hospital.