In this episode, we explore the transformative power of mentors and the profound impact they can have on individuals' lives. Joining us are esteemed guests Dr. Cranla Warren, with local Thought Leaders Blessing Akpan and TK Pritchard, you will hear their insights and experiences on mentorship and its significance in organizations and communities.

Hosted by Kimiko Shibata, this episode will uncover the key elements of a successful mentoring relationship and provide guidance for both mentors and mentees. So, whether you're a seasoned mentor or someone seeking guidance, get ready to gain valuable insights and tips on mentorship in this engaging and inspiring episode ‘Circle of Mentorship’ during a captivating and authentic discussion that could transform how you approach mentoring relationships and help you unleash your true potential.

Speaker BIos:
Dr. Cranla Warren - (she/her) A lifelong student of human behaviour, Dr. Cranla Warren holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Leadership. As a scholar-practitioner, she holds multiple graduate degrees across the disciplines of Social Work, Philosophy, and Psychology.

As a psychologist, business leader, mental health practitioner, former psychotherapist and family therapist, coach, and mentor, Dr. Warren aligns her knowledge and passions to help others “grow to where they want to go”. Grounded in her values of “people first, discover purpose, and express passions”, Cranla feels called to be of service to others in their pursuit of uncovering their values, purpose, and self leadership.

Cranla’s work has been recognized by the Institute for Health and Human Potential, Centennial College, Toronto Metropolitan University, Bowie State University, and 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women where she has been named to the distinguished list of 2022 honourees. Dr. Warren was also recently selected as a leadership development partner for one of the executives of a world renown government entity.

TK Pritchard - (they he) A graduate of Queen’s University, TK is a thoughtful, collaborative, strategic, and visionary leader. Most recently, the Executive Director of The Shore Centre TK has recently accepted a new role as the Executive Director at the National Abortion Federation of Canada (NAF). TK was the Public Education Manager at the Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) of Waterloo Region where they managed all public education initiatives, and led the team through significant growth. Prior to SASC, TK worked at SHORE Centre as a Sexual Health Educator.

Blessing Akpan (She/Her) is a certified Scrum Master and Human Resources Professional with over a decade experience from Nigeria and now Canada. Blessing holds an M.Sc degree in Finance and Economics from the University of East Anglia, UK, postgraduate certificate in Human Resources Management from Conestoga College and professional certificates in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from University of South Florida. Blessing has served in both private and public sectors mainly as a management consultant and learning facilitator. She is currently the Community Impact Director with Waterloo Region Community Foundation. Within her role, she supports the foundation’s mission of creating sustainable, equitable and thriving communities by granting, impact investing and convening conversations.

In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting an insightful discussion with incredible guests Kelly Brownbill, Melissa Ireland, and Heather Majaury. Together, we explored the important topic of cultural sensitivity and the urgent need to decenter Eurocentricity.

The conversation is rich and heartfelt and digs deep into how we reach Cultural Competency: Understanding different experiences goes beyond mere tolerance. Cultural competency is achieved when we truly allow others' experiences to guide our interactions. Building Allyship: Allyship starts with cultural safety and valuing all experiences equally.

Let's create safe spaces, educate ourselves, and support marginalized communities to determine who can truly be their ally. Learning and Unlearning: Society's progress begins with untangling the knowledge we've learned and being open to unlearning. Let's actively engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission work and the 94 calls to action, under the principles of allyship.

This episode prompts us to remember, that change starts with each one of us. Together, we can build relationships, promote understanding, and support Indigenous communities.

Guest Bios

Kelly Brownbill
Kelly Brownbill's spirit name, Wabunnoongakikwe, means Woman Who Comes from the East and she is proud to be WabizhashiDodem, Marten Clan. She is a member of the Flat Bay community of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Newfoundland. She currently lives near Barrie, Ontario and has been an active member of the Indigenous community in this area for the past 30 years.

One of Kelly's areas of interest is the recruitment, employment and retention of Indigenous persons working in non-Indigenous organizations. Having been employed in a human resources capacity for a decade, Kelly had opportunity to identify first hand the challenges faced by Indigenous employees and non-Indigenous management. She addressed these challenges through the development of tools and resources that effectively harmonized working relationships and enhanced employer/employee relationships. One such resource that she developed was the “Wellness and Work, Employment Assistance Programming in Canada” article, published by Canadian Scholars’ Press.

Kelly believes that enhanced knowledge is the key to successful Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal relationships, whether it be employee/employer relations or in collaborating with Aboriginal communities and organizations. She believes that it is important to provide balanced understanding of historical issues and is adept at enhancing the learner’s knowledge in a manner that utilizes humour, kindness and compassion.

Melissa ireland
Melissa Ireland is a devoted mother, social worker, clinician, and Indigenous outreach person residing in Waterloo. Since the recording of this conversation Melissa became the new director of Indigenous relations at the University of Waterloo. Prior to this post (at the time of this recording) Ireland worked as part of the Indigenous relations and outreach team at Qualia Counselling Services and as director of Indigenous initiatives at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Heather Majaury
Heather Majaury is a local actor and theatre creator of Anishinabeg and Euro Settler descent. She co-ordinates the Festival of Neighbourhoods for the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region. Heather recently created The Housing Project: Two Minute Plays, a theatre-devising project that results in a series of forum theatre re-enactments about homelessness and housing precariousness.Heather is also the force behind the Neighbours Quilt Project which is an interarts response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 93

In this episode Kimiko Shibata, a multilingual language educator for the Waterloo Region District School Board is both Host and Thought Leader. She is joined by Natalie Royer, ECE and Belonging/EDI consultant and Ian Mark Kamanjie, a TV producer director.

They explore how our upbringing and education shape our reactions to others, the ongoing battle against misidentification and misrepresentation, and the groundbreaking projects aimed at uplifting our communities.

We have the pleasure of hearing personal stories, powerful quotes, and practical insights that will leave a lasting impact. Delving into the importance of representation, language preservation, and the impact of colonial languages on our identities. Together, they will guide our discussion towards compassionate change and the essential role we all play in creating conditions for everyone to flourish. Join us in this thought-provoking and heartwarming conversation as we uncover the rebellious resources that are reshaping our perspectives for the better. Buckle up and get ready to send those positive ripples into the community, because the journey towards compassionate change starts right here, right now.

Host & Guest:

Kimiko Shibata, Multilingual Resource Co-ord, WRDSB

Kimiko Shibata is a multilingual learner (MLL) resource teacher with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB). She has been an educator in childcare settings, as well as a classroom teacher in Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior divisions. She holds ESL Specialist Qualifications and Special Education qualifications, and is currently an ESL/ELD Resource Teacher for K-8 for the Waterloo Region District School Board, in Ontario, Canada. Kimiko was honoured to receive a 2021 Leading Women, Leading Girls – Building Communities Recognition Award

Guests:

Natalie Royer, Facilitation, Belonging & EDI Consultant, RECE

Natalie Royer is a belonging consultant, strategist and coach at Saroy Group Inc. She provides training sessions primarily in the education sector and consults with companies and organizations on how to promote a space of belonging using an equity, diversity and inclusion lens. She has worked in the healthcare sector (i.e. Hospital For Sick Children) and she has taught at colleges and universities for over10 years. With a background in early childhood education, she advocates for the next generations and hopes as leaders we can create an inclusive space where everyone can thrive. Natalie Royer, speaks specifically to creating belonging, inclusion and anti-racism in the Early Childhood realm.

Ian Mark Kimanje, Producer, Director, Diversity promoter

Ian Mark Kimanje is a director/producer, with a multitude of experience. Over his years in the industry, having worked in Africa, Australia, Europe and North America, Ian has directed and produced content for Mnet Africa, Facebook, Microsoft and many broadcasters such as National Geographic, PBS, TVO, Knowledge Network, Arte France and Canal D. Ian is the Founder/Producer of Film Garage North Inc, a production company that operates in Canada and Africa. He is also co-founder of Africa Children's Television and Film Foundation. He loves partnerships with other producers to create content world-wide.

In this episode, Dr. Jean Clinton dives deep into the transformative potential of truly listening, amplifying unheard voices, and challenging the power dynamics that exist in our society perpetuating marginalization and inequality. Our guests, Fitsum Areguy, along with WRDSB Director of Education jeewan chanicka, take us on an inspiring journey, urging us to prioritize children's voices and revolutionize our systems for true change. They share profound insights on the concept of "opacity" and resisting the urge to always understand others. We'll explore the power of storytelling, art, and creative practices in fostering empathy and inspiring change. Our guests also make a compelling case for the reallocation of resources, defunding harmful systems, and redirecting funding to communities to support their needs and expertise.

Bios

Series Host:
Kimiko Shibata, Parent, Multilingual Resource Co-ord, WRDSB

Kimiko Shibata is a multilingual learner (MLL) resource teacher with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB). She has been an educator in childcare settings, as well as a classroom teacher in Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior divisions. She holds ESL Specialist Qualifications and Special Education qualifications, and is currently an ESL/ELD Resource Teacher for K-8 for the Waterloo Region District School Board, in Ontario, Canada. Kimiko was honoured to receive a 2021 Leading Women, Leading Girls – Building Communities Recognition Award


Generator Host

Dr. Jean Clinton Child Psychiatrist, Author, Knowledge Translator

Dr. Jean Clinton is a Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster, and Child Psychiatry, division. She has cross appointments in Pediatrics and Family Medicine and an Associate in the Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Sick Children’s Hospital. She is a member on the MindUP Scientific Advisory Board as well as a MindUP for Families Advisor. She is a Fellow of the Child Trauma Academy and a Zero to Three Academy Fellow since 2013. Dr. Clinton was appointed as an education advisor to Ontario’s Premier and the Minister of Education 2014 – 2018. Dr. Cinton is renowned nationally and internationally as an advocate for children’s issues. Dr. Clinton’s special interest lies in brain development and the crucial role relationships and connectedness play therein. Jean champions the development of a national, comprehensive child well-being strategy, including a system of early learning and care for all young children and their families. She is equally committed to ensuring that children’s and youths’ needs and voices are heard and respected. Dr. Clinton has also authored her first book, Love Builds Brains which can be ordered online through Tall Pines Press, on Amazon and in book stores everywhere.

Guests:

jeewan chanicka Director of Education & Secretary of the Board, WRDSB

chanicka’s education career began in early childhood education and adult literacy. During his 20 years as an educator, he has held a variety of roles, including support worker, teacher, administrator, principal, and superintendent. His work spans several districts in Ontario, including YRDSB and Canada's largest school board, the TDSB,where he served as the superintendent of equity, anti-racism, and anti-oppression and superintendent of schools. chanicka also worked at the Ontario Ministry of Education. In 2019, he assumed the role of CEO in Dubai to develop the blueprint model for a growing district of schools across the Middle East anchored in innovation and curriculum design.

chanicka speaks several languages and is recognized provincially, nationally, and internationally for his work in social justice advocacy, curriculum, anti-racism, human rights, and innovation. He is one of a select group of global senior education leaders highlighted as a TED-Ed Innovative Educator and delivered his TED-Ed talk at TEDSummit 2019 in Scotland. He currently serves approximately 65,000 students and 10,000 staff across more than 130 schools and sites as the director of education, where his work focuses on challenging historically entrenched outcomes for the most marginalized learners and moving systems and structures out of the 19th century and toward the 22nd.

Fitsum Areguy Student (Community Psychologist Laurier) / Youth & Community Worker / Journalist (Textile Magazine & InsideWaterloo)

Fitsum has a diverse and rich history of work in the social service sector and advocacy/activism for youth rights, disability communities, and Black, Indigenous, and racialized people. His work as a community-based researcher, independent facilitator, and early career journalist is guided by commitments to social justice, relationship-building, and creative practices. I’m currently studying to become a Community Psychologist (MA Candidate, Wilfrid Laurier University). My research interests focus on child and youth development, coping and adaptation across the lifespan, and family carers/caregiving. As an emerging community-based researcher, I value participatory action approaches, inter/multi-disciplinary collaboration, and creative analytic practices. I use knowledge exchange/mobilization to communicate data clearly, ethically, and equitably.

He is also Youth and Community Worker with 10 years of experience and a background in Therapeutic Recreation and has worked as an Independent Facilitator for the last 7 years.

Dr. Angel Acosta works to bridge the fields of leadership, social justice & mindfulness. His healing-centred work is illuminating ancient wisdom that just might be the guide to human flourishing. Armed with his insights Dr. Clinton, Ojibway Elder and retired educator Elaine Garner and University student and spoken word artist Madiha Syed model the process of healing-centred work. Their honest and profound connection takes our listeners full circle through human connection, to sharing pain and insights, and the path to healing and ultimately flourishing. Our alliance was born out of the idea of cooperation. We host events like the Generator to spark conversations about the fundamental importance of intergenerational learning, language, and sharing stories in service of healthy growth and development. This conversation will touch your mind and your heart. Response to conversation between Dr. Jean Clinton and Dr. Angel Acosta Episode Thought leaders:

• Elder Elaine Garner, Retired
• Madiha Syed, University student

Episode Host Adan Imran, Youth Connector on the CYPT backbone team

Dr. Dan Siegel calls them VUCA times (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) and during his conversation with Dr. Jean Clinton he spoke about the freedom and possibility that they held for us as a society. The discussion with local thought leaders that followed explored identity, belonging and so much more. You do not want to miss this conversation it will change the way you see yourself in community. Host Sanjay Govindaraj asks us to reflect on how we might avoid othering as our community works towards belonging for all. We invite everyone to join the conversation. Check out the Discussion Guide with it’s resources and dive in. As you will hear we truly are in this together. Response to conversation between Dr. Jean Clinton and neurobiologist Dr. Dan Siegel Thought leaders:

• Dr. Dillon Browne, Professor, Whole Child Lab, University of Waterloo
• TK Pritchard, Executive Director, SHORE Centre

Host Sanjay Govindaraj, Dir of Indigenous Initiatives, Anti-Racism, Accessibility and Equity, City of Waterloo

How We Read Now talks, yes, about screens vs. paper - but so much more. How you read to your children could very well be changed by listening to this discussion. It affected our guests too - Moraa Mochama, a local app developer/writer and Marjorie Knight of the Friendship Centre as they brought their own insights to the table that left them and Dr. Jean Clinton with new ways of thinking - the best kind of discussion. And Host Olga Vigil Letang from the City of Cambridge brought yet another lens to the conversation. Response to conversation between Dr. Jean Clinton and linguist Dr. Naomi Baron Thought leaders:

• Moraa Mochama, app developer, writer, mom
• Marjorie Knight, family outreach worker, House of Friendship, mom & grandma

With Host Olga Vigil Letang, Supervisor EDIA for City of Cambridge

Our third episode of the Thought Leaders podcast is inspired by the work of Dr. Bruce Perry. Dr. Perry’s work on trauma and the developing brain was recently captured in the bestselling book ‘What Happened to You?’ coauthored with Oprah Winfrey. Local thought leaders Kimiko Shibata and Sheri Roberts in conversation with Dr. Clinton bring insights gained from personal and professional experience to a conversation that is both illuminating and thought provoking. Thought leaders:

• Kimiko Shibata. MLL Resource teacher, WRDSB
• Sheri Roberts, Community Resource Coordinator, Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region

Host Colleen James, CEO & Principal Consultant at Divonify adds another lens to the discussion as she considers adult learners and the business world.

In our 2nd Thought Leaders podcast Dr. Jean Clinton speaks with one of the world’s most pre-emminent cognitive neuroscientists Dr. Adele Diamond about the developing brain. She brings the conversation home to talk about how kids are coping in our region these days - with family physician Dr. Mekalai Kumanan and settlement worker Ana Luz Martinez who have been on the front lines of what stress looks like in our community. Thought leaders:

• Dr. Mekalai Kumanan, Family Physician, Two Rivers Family Health Team, Chief of Family Medicine, Cambridge Memorial Hospital
• Ana Luz Martinez, Settlement Worker, KW Multicultural Centre

Region of Waterloo's Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Fauzia Baig hosts this fascinating conversation

Sparked by a conversation between child psychiatrist, author & knowledge translator Dr. Jean Clinton with Mohawk Elder, wisdom keeper & author Tom Porter ‘The Way of the Human Being’ explores what it means to be human and how Indigenous culture and ways of knowing foster belonging that is fundamental to human wellness.  Episode Thought leaders:  jeewan chanicka, Director of Education from WRDSB  Charity Fleming, CEO of Qualia Counseling Episode Host Olivia Maine, Urban Indigenous Communications Assistant WellbeingWR and Volunteer at O;se LandBack Camp.