What actions do you take to create inclusive environments in your own life? 

In my life, I focus on making inclusion a daily practice, and living these values day to day. That means being intentional about making space at the table, understanding the environmental impact of my actions, aligning with businesses and organizations that share my values, and focusing on supporting my communities. For me, it is about taking actions to create a world that I would like to see when I am teaching about inclusion. It also means actively listening, learning, and being willing to change — whether that’s rethinking a decision, acknowledging my own biases, or creating opportunities for others to lead. I also try to build relationships across differences. That means maintaining relationships with people who do not share my worldview or the same perspectives as me. I think that having different points of view and engaging in discourse or conversation is a healthy way to work together towards inclusive environments. 

“DEI” is under attack in the US and the Conservative Party has come out against it here in Canada. As someone working in this field, what is your view of the situation, and what do IDEA professionals need to do to combat the negatives?

It is disheartening but not surprising. Progress has always been met with pushback – it is part of the cycle. What concerns me the most is the misinformation. Firstly, I think that people confuse DEI with employment equity programs in Canada, or affirmative action programs in the US, and there are already a number of misconceptions around those types of programs. The assumption is that they are not fair or that “the most qualified person should get the job” – however, this fundamentally does not acknowledge systemic bias and the impact that it has on Indigenous and Equity-deserving groups who are not given a fair shot. I feel like the expansion of DEI over the past 5 years has meant that there has been room for this misinformation, along with resistance to growth. 

One of the interesting dynamics I’ve observed is that opposition to DEI is often rooted in the belief that it is solely about anti-racism. As someone who uses a Critical Race Theory (CRT) framework in anti-racism work, I absolutely believe in centering race in our analysis. However, DEI encompasses far more than race. What’s notable is that while many people may have strong reactions to conversations about race, they tend to respond more openly when presented with the tangible workplace benefits that have emerged from DEI efforts.

For example, DEI initiatives have expanded parental leave policies beyond just maternity leave to include paternity, adoption, and caregiver leave. Workplace accommodations for disabilities have improved accessibility and ensured fuller participation of employees with disabilities. DEI efforts have also led to pay equity measures such as salary transparency laws and pay audits, as well as culturally inclusive holidays and religious accommodations through floating holidays, prayer spaces, and flexible scheduling. Mental health is another critical area—DEI has helped expand mental health benefits, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and burnout prevention strategies, all of which support employee well-being.

The role of IDEA professionals is no different from what is required in any organization facing misinformation and resistance: respond directly, and meet confusion with clarity. In my work, I’ve been sharing these specific, concrete examples to demonstrate how DEI is already making workplaces more just, inclusive, and supportive for everyone.

What gives you hope for a more Inclusive, Equitable and Anti-Racist Canada?

What gives me hope is people – more specifically young people. I enjoy the opportunity to do DEI education especially in schools and postsecondary as I see how it impacts people, how they see themselves in this, and they aren’t content with the status quo. They are asking harder questions – challenging me sometimes, and showing up for each other across communities.

Change is slow – but I am encouraged with what I am seeing. This works ebbs and flows, but what we are doing is laying a foundation for a more equitable world, and once we have a taste, it becomes a harder thing for someone to take away. As long as people keep believing that a more inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist Canada is possible, and are willing to fight for it, then there is a reason to hope.