Associate Spotlight: Q&A with Samiha Sharif
Why is inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism (IDEA) important in your personal and professional life?
I realized early that people’s ability to have more choices was often influenced by their identity and that a society is only as adept at addressing adversity as meeting the physical, physiological, mental and emotional needs of people. That is what led me to social work: micro-level work as a psychotherapist, helping people access support and have more tools in their toolbox to access…
Artemis II Reflects the True Spirit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Full disclosure: I’m a bit of a space and science fiction nerd. I enjoy reading about space and an imagined future where humans discover ourselves by meeting other beings from other worlds. So it’s no surprise that I, along with millions of other television viewers, watched with amazement and nervous anticipation as the crew of Artemis II blasted off on a column of fire and smoke on its way to the moon.
DiversiPro Selected as Secretariat of Canadian Blood Services’ New ACB Advisory Group
DiversiPro is honoured to serve as the Secretariat and co-chair of the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) Advisory Group established by Canadian Blood Services. This role reflects a shared commitment to advancing equity, rebuilding trust, and embedding community-informed leadership within Canada’s healthcare system…
Canada’s Black History Month: Jean Augustine Remembers the Past, Envisions the Future
How it Began
In December 1995, the House of Commons of Canada unanimously adopted a motion recognizing February as Black History Month. The motion was introduced by Member of Parliament Jean Augustine, a former teacher, school principal, and long-time advocate of advancing the visibility and dignity of Black Canadians.
Disrupting Resistance to DEI
An American DEI practitioner digs beneath the surface of the devaluing of DEI in organisations
If your organization is feeling the tension around DEI right now, don’t mistake it as a reason to pause or, worse, to quit. That tension is a sign the system is being stretched. And in that discomfort, real transformation is possible…. So, what will you do? Will you retreat or reimagine? Will you perform or transform? Will you protect your comfort, or practice courage?
Looking Ahead: Choosing Purpose in a Year of Disruption
“The challenge before us is not simply to react, but to respond with intention. To hold the line on equity and inclusion even when it is uncomfortable. To strengthen social cohesion by … refusing narratives that pit communities against one another. And to remember that progress, especially in turbulent times, is shaped by the choices we make.”
Bridging the Gaps: Improving Access to Culturally Specific Care
We sat down with Joefin Peter to discuss the lack of representation of BIPOC providers in sexual and reproductive health. Joefin emphasizes the importance of culturally specific care for racialized individuals and highlights how initiatives like the BIPOC Maternal Professionals Database are helping make this care more accessible…
Associate Spotlight: Q&A with Kennedy Schultz
Why is IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism) important in your personal and professional life?
I have always had a desire to learn about different cultures. After studying abroad in college, I realized that learning about other cultures helped me gain new perspectives on my own culture and our connection to the wider world. I started my career in language and culture education as a way to teach others about the richness of world cultures and the benefits of developing skills to broaden one’s perspective and create connections across global boundaries…
In Conversation With The Mental Health Commission of Canada
The mental health of employees is foundational to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) organizational culture because psychological well-being enables individuals—especially those from marginalized or underrepresented groups—to engage fully and safely at work. Likewise, strong DEI programs can positively influence mental health by addressing systemic stressors and creating conditions for all employees to thrive.
Associate Spotlight: Q&A with Adam Benn
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…