Free to Grow in Forestry - A podcast working to move #ForestryForward

Welcome to the twenty-first episode of the Free to Grow in Forestry Podcast series where our host, Kelly Cooper, President and Founder of the Centre for Social Intelligence, is joined by three guests: Dr. Peggy Smith. Professor Emerita in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management at Lakehead University; Isabelle Allen, Project Forester with Wahkohtowin; and Dean Assinewe who is an Indigenous Opportunities Consultant, Forest Management Auditor, and the current 2nd Vice President of the Canadian Institute of Forestry. As Indigenous peoples working in the forest sector, each guest brings their unique perspectives while discussing both the challenges and triumphs that Indigenous peoples experience in the workplace and beyond, and how the forest sector is continuing to evolve.

Dr. M.A. (Peggy) Smith (Miskwaanakwadook—Red Cloud Woman) is of Cree ancestry from Treaty #9 in Ontario. She has worked on Indigenous engagement in natural resources management since enrolling in Lakehead's Honours Bachelor of Forestry program in 1987. She completed her PhD in Forestry at the University of Toronto in 2007.  Professor Emerita in Lakehead University’s Faculty of Natural Resources Management (lakeheadu.ca), she is also a retired Registered Professional Forester. She is working with the Ontario Professional Foresters Association (opfa.ca) to develop learning tools for RPFs to meet the competencies outlined in the OPFAs Indigenous Standard. She serves on the boards of two international non-governmental organizations that defend Indigenous land rights. 

Isabelle Allen is the Project Forester at Wahkohtowin Development (wahkohtowin.com), specializing in Forest Management Plans and Indigenous involvement. She received her Registered Professional Forester (RPF) designation in Ontario in 2019, recently graduated from the Master of Sustainable Forest Management program at the University of British Columbia, and has a BSc in Environmental Sciences and Resource Management from the University of Guelph. Isabelle is a member of Timiskaming First Nation, and is grateful to live and work in her traditional territory since starting with Wahkohtowin in 2018, where she specializes in building relationships with Indigenous communities and forest professionals in Northeastern Ontario.

Dean Assinewe is an Indigenous Opportunities Consultant for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) (forests.org) where he plays a key role in the development and implementation of programs, resources, and initiatives with a specific aim to enhance the number, relevancy and accessibility of opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in the forest and conservation sectors. He is also the current 2nd Vice President of the CIF-IFC (cif-ifc.org). With 20+ years experience in the Ontario Professional Foresters Association, Dean’s work promotes sustainable and capacity development in a diversity of sectors including the renewable energy sector, mining, forestry as well as the federal and provincial governments. Dean also operates his own consulting business. Dean is a graduate of the Sault College Forestry Technician Program and obtained his Forestry Degree at Lakehead University. In his spare time, Dean is a co-owner of Green Legacy Farm in Bonfield, ON. 

Together, we can move #ForestryForward. Learn more at freetogrowinforestry.ca

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This podcast series is brought to you by the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) and the Centre for Social Intelligence (CSI). 

CIF (cif-ifc.org) is the national voice of forest practitioners with an interdisciplinary membership across Canada working to ensure our forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.

CSI (centreforsocialintelligence.ca) empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Free to Grow in Forestry - A podcast working to move #ForestryForward

Welcome to the twentieth episode of the Free to Grow in Forestry Podcast series where our host, Kelly Cooper, President and Founder of the Centre for Social Intelligence, is joined by guest Tracey Ramsey, Director of Women’s Department at Unifor. As a grassroots activist with a strong focus on social justice, Tracey talks to us about her role in working with women and the value and impact that unions have on workplace culture and diversity. She also shares how education and asking the right questions can be essential to attracting more diversity in the forest sector, and what it means to have an inclusive workplace. 

Tracey Ramsey is the new Director of Women’s department of Unifor (unifor.org). Tracey is a Unifor Local 200 member and strong trade union activist. She is an autoworker, and has worked at Ford engine plants in Windsor since 1996. Tracey is a grassroots activist with a strong focus on social justice.She is a former union Discussion Leader and Women’s Committee Chairperson. She currently serves as Co-Chairperson of the Windsor Health Coalition Chapter, fighting for better publicly delivered healthcare. She has been an advocate for publicly delivered child care since her children were young and is currently serving on the Board of Child Care Now, a National Child Care Advocacy organization. While laid off in 2008, she graduated from Practical Nursing at St. Clair College. Tracey is also a former Member of Parliament for the Riding of Essex, where she served as the NDP Trade, Justice and Deputy Labour Critic. She describes herself as a passionate working class feminist, policy wonk, and community advocate. After spending a few years as a National Organizer, she accepted the position of  Director of Women’s department for Unifor. She enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, enjoying summers at their family cottage on Lake Erie and being crafty when not working.  Tracey lives with her husband Germaine and sons Max and Maliq in Puce, Ontario. Germaine and Max are also Local 200 members while Maliq is in his third year of college.

Together, we can move #ForestryForward. Learn more at freetogrowinforestry.ca

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This podcast series is brought to you by the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Centre for Social Intelligence. 

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (cif-ifc.org) is the national voice of forest practitioners with an interdisciplinary membership across Canada working to ensure our forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.

The Centre for Social Intelligence (centreforsocialintelligence.ca) empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Free to Grow in Forestry - A podcast working to move #ForestryForward

Welcome to the nineteenth episode of the Free to Grow in Forestry Podcast series where our host Kelly Cooper, CEO and Founder of Centre for Social Intelligence is joined by guest Marie-Evelyne François, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer of L’Oreal Canada. Marie-Evelyne talks to us about what it means to be an inclusive leader, what progress has been made at L’Oreal so far, and how they’re working towards creating a culture where everyone can be their authentic self and offer experiences that reflect and recognize diversity and individuality.

Marie-Evelyne François (she/her) is the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at L’Oreal Canada (loreal.com). Marie-Evelyne began her career in Health Care Management in Montreal before joining the L’Oréal Group 23 years ago as a financial controller in Germany. Throughout her varied career within L’Oréal both in Germany and in Canada, she has held various positions in Industrial Logistics, Operations and Supply Chain Management. With strong, thoughtful, and sincere convictions, she has been a passionate advocate from the very beginning of L’Oréal Canada’s DEI journey, first playing the role of DEI Pillar co-Lead, then moving into the role of Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. Recognized for her pragmatic, measured and collaborative approach, Marie-Evelyne has demonstrated cross-functional leadership qualities and an ability to instigate transformative change, with emotional intelligence and the ability to rally key players. As an inclusive manager-coach with high ethical standards, she is a firm believer in the contribution of each individual to the collective success of the organization. Marie-Evelyne is proud to contribute to L’Oréal’s goal of becoming the leader in inclusive beauty. Her mission is to create an ecosystem/culture where everyone dares to be their authentic self, realizes their highest potential, and truly feels that they belong. Leveraging the richness of L’Oréal Canada’s diversity, she constantly strives to amplify the connections it has with its consumers and with the communities it operates in.

Together, we can move #ForestryForward. Learn more at freetogrowinforestry.ca

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This podcast series is brought to you by the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Centre for Social Intelligence.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (cif-ifc.org) is the national voice of forest practitioners with an interdisciplinary membership across Canada working to ensure our forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.

The Centre for Social Intelligence (centreforsocialintelligence.ca) empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Free to Grow in Forestry - A podcast working to move #ForestryForward

Welcome to the eighteenth episode of the Free to Grow in Forestry Podcast series where our host Kelly Cooper, CEO and Founder of Centre for Social Intelligence is joined by guests, Kathy Andrews, Managing Director of Cinga Leadership and Patrick MacKenzie, CEO of Immigrant Employment Council of BC. Through this conversation on inclusive leadership, Kathy and Patrick each provide their perspectives on how workplaces can be more welcoming to all people, regardless of race, religion or gender, and how to take action on accessing top talent.

Kathy Andrews is the Managing Director of Cinga Leadership (cingaleadership.com). She is an accomplished organizational development and leadership consultant with over 20 years of experience in private, public and non-profit sectors. Kathy works with individuals, teams and organizations, to align business strategy and culture, through the design and delivery of high-impact people programs. Prior to consulting she has held many senior HR and leadership learning development positions at several global organizations and her work has taken her to all parts of the globe including the US, Canada, Europe, South America, Trinidad, New Zealand and Egypt. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University, a Bachelor of Social Science Degree from Rhodes University in South Africa, and a Provincial Instructors Diploma program from Vancouver Community College. Kathy is certified in KornFerry Leadership Architect TM, Team Management Systems©, Leading at the Speed of Trust®, Predictive Index® (PI), and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®.

Patrick MacKenzie is the CEO of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (iecbc.ca). He has made a career of public service from coast to coast, working in policy and program areas aimed at supporting many of Canada’s most vulnerable communities through economic and social development as well as international relations. Previously, Patrick spent 11 years working for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada at its national headquarters in Ottawa and its regional offices in Vancouver. Throughout his career, Patrick has worked with partners on matters affecting aboriginal and immigrant populations, including immigrant economic integration, provincial nominee programs, credential recognition and labour mobility.

Together, we can move #ForestryForward. Learn more at freetogrowinforestry.ca

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This podcast series is brought to you by the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Centre for Social Intelligence. 

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (cif-ifc.org) is the national voice of forest practitioners with an interdisciplinary membership across Canada working to ensure our forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.

The Centre for Social Intelligence (centreforsocialintelligence.ca) empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Free to Grow in Forestry - A podcast working to move #ForestryForward

Welcome to the seventeenth episode of the Free to Grow in Forestry Podcast series where our host Kelly Cooper, CEO and Founder of Centre for Social Intelligence is joined by Bethaney Wilkinson, facilitator, author, and champion of race-conscious leadership. As February is Black History Month, we were honoured to chat with Bethaney about race-conscious living and how to move from awareness to conversations and making a difference through true cultural change.

Bethaney Wilkinson (she/her) is a facilitator, coach, and champion of race-conscious leadership (bethaneywilkinson.com / thediversitygap.com). She is author of The Diversity Gap: Where good intentions meet true cultural change (HarperCollins Leadership), and hosts a podcast by the same name, which has been downloaded over a quarter of a million times worldwide. She has dedicated more than a decade to exploring the intersections of community, racial justice, and social change—specifically in the organizational context. As part of her work, Bethaney has been invited to share at major conferences and in partnership with top global companies, including Google, Creative Mornings, Ball, Magna International, and more. With degrees in Education from Emory University and in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, Bethaney is passionate about amplifying creative solutions to the challenges facing diverse communities and organizations.

Together, we can move #ForestryForward. Learn more at freetogrowinforestry.ca

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This podcast series is brought to you by the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Centre for Social Intelligence.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (cif-ifc.org) is the national voice of forest practitioners with an interdisciplinary membership across Canada working to ensure our forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.

The Centre for Social Intelligence (centreforsocialintelligence.ca) empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Free to Grow in Forestry - A podcast working to move #ForestryForward

Welcome to the sixteenth episode* of the Free to Grow in Forestry Podcast series where our host Kelly Cooper, CEO and Founder of Centre for Social Intelligence is joined by Humberto Carolo, Executive Director at White Ribbon. With November 25thmarking the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, we met with Humberto to discuss how we can prevent and end gender-based violence and discrimination, invest in equal human rights, and remove barriers to create change.

​Humberto Carolo (he/him) is the Executive Director at White Ribbon (whiteribbon.ca). He is a gender-based violence prevention specialist with over 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector with expertise in gender equality, human rights, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ2+ advocacy, community development and multi-sectoral partnerships. In addition to his work in Canada and the United States, Humberto has developed significant cross-cultural experience in diverse settings, including Brazil, Cape Verde, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Humberto is a former Co-chair and current Board Director of the Global MenEngage Alliance and is a founding member of the North American MenEngage Network. He serves on the External Advisory Council for the Department of National Defense and Canadian Armed Forces Sexual Misconduct Response Centre and is a member of the Religions for Peace Standing Commission on Advancing Gender Equality. Humberto has a degree in Sociology, Political Science and Portuguese from the University of Toronto and is a graduate of the Emerging Leaders Program (Leadership and Non-Profit Management) from the York University Schulich School of Business. Humberto is a Diverse City Fellow (2014).

Together, we can move #ForestryForward. Learn more at freetogrowinforestry.ca

*Trigger warning: Content in this episode discusses topics such as gender-based and workplace violence, assault, abuse, and harassment, which some listeners may find triggering. If you are a victim of violence or need support at any time, please visit the Ending Violence Association of Canada website at endingviolencecanada.org.

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This podcast series is brought to you by the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Centre for Social Intelligence.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (cif-ifc.org) is the national voice of forest practitioners with an interdisciplinary membership across Canada working to ensure our forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.

The Centre for Social Intelligence (centreforsocialintelligence.ca) empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Free to Grow in Forestry - A podcast working to move #ForestryForward

Welcome to the fifteenth episode of the Free to Grow in Forestry Podcast series where our host Kelly Cooper, CEO and Founder of Centre for Social Intelligence is joined Cheyenne Mihko Kihêw (they/them), Community Liaison for Edmonton 2 Spirit Society. Cheyenne introduces to listeners what it means to be part of the Two-Spirit community, and shares how we can bring unity and equity into the workplace and everyday life.

Cheyenne Mihko Kihêw (they/them) is a Two-Spirit Indigi-queer, born and raised in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Inspired by their own lived experiences with meth addiction and street involvement in their teen years, Cheyenne has dedicated their life to community-based work. They were the first in their family to attend university, holding a BA in Sociology from MacEwan. Currently, they are the Community Liaison for Edmonton 2 Spirit Society (e2s.ca), a role that affords them the privilege of incorporating many of their passions into their work and is supporting their own journey of cultural reclamation. Cheyenne is the current Two Spirit Warrior regional titleholder 2021/2022, alongside Rob Gurney. They are also the current Chair of the Board of Directors for Boyle Street Education Centre, their former high school to which they accredit much of their achievements. Cheyenne is unapologetic in their identity as a nêhiyaw, fat, and queer femme and lives loud and proud.

Together, we can move #ForestryForward. Learn more at freetogrowinforestry.ca

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This podcast series is brought to you by the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Centre for Social Intelligence.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (cif-ifc.org) is the national voice of forest practitioners with an interdisciplinary membership across Canada working to ensure our forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.

The Centre for Social Intelligence (centreforsocialintelligence.ca) empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Free to Grow in Forestry - A podcast working to move #ForestryForward

Welcome to the fourteenth episode of the Free to Grow in Forestry Podcast series where our host Kelly Cooper, CEO and Founder of Centre for Social Intelligence is joined Mike Legere, Director of Government Relations and Communications for AV Group Canada. Kelly and Mike discuss what actions the AV Group is taking to enhance their workplace culture and efforts to support diversity and inclusion, both internationally and here in Canada.

Mike Legere is the Director of Government Relations and Communications for AV Group Canada (www.av-group.ca). AV Group is passionate about fostering a sense of workplace community, advancement, and expertise. Mike most recently held the position of Executive Director of Forest NB, an industry advocacy organization, a position he held for seven years. Prior to this Mr. Legere served fifteen years as an inspector, trainer and standards developer for the Maritime Lumber Bureau and subsequently worked for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in various capacities including Research and Information Transfer, International Trade and Affordable Housing. He holds a bachelor of science degree, majoring in biology, from Mount Allison University where upon graduating, worked on the International Deep Sea Drilling Project as a research technician. Mike Legere has held director posts with corporate and charitable organizations including Forest Protection Limited, the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board, Nova Scotia Home Builders Association, and is a past member of the PEI and Moncton Homelessness Steering Committees and Moncton and Halifax chapters of Habitat for Humanity.

Together, we can move #ForestryForward. Learn more at www.freetogrowinforestry.ca

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This podcast series is brought to you by the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Centre for Social Intelligence.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (www.cif-ifc.org) is the national voice of forest practitioners with an interdisciplinary membership across Canada working to ensure our forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.

The Centre for Social Intelligence (www.centreforsocialintelligence.ca) empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Free to Grow in Forestry - A podcast working to move #ForestryForward

Welcome to the thirteenth episode of the Free to Grow in Forestry Podcast series where our host Kelly Cooper, CEO and Founder of Centre for Social Intelligence is joined by Lana Love, Maintenance Supervisor, Journey level millwright, BC Centre for Women in the Trades Regional Rep, and Director (at large) BC Tradeswomen Society. As the first woman to complete a millwright apprenticeship and also the first to work in the role of maintenance supervisor with the Solid Wood Division of Canfor, Lana gives us a window of insight on how to navigate the trades industry as a woman.

Lana Love is a journey level millwright and works as a maintenance supervisor in a sawmill. She has worked in the forest industry for 10 years. She completed her millwright apprenticeship in Vavenby, BC then moved to Prince George and worked as a journey millwright, then was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor. She was the first woman to complete a millwright apprenticeship and also the first to work in the role of maintenance supervisor with the Solid Wood Division of Canfor (canfor.com). Lana previously completed her ‘C’ Level welding and worked fabricating and welding Porche Speedster replicas at Intermeccanica International Inc. in Vancouver. She is an active member of Canfor’s Inclusion and Diversity Council, Women’s Engagement Group and Indigenous Engagement Group. Last year Lana was selected as a representative of the BC Center for Women In The Trades (bccwitt.ca) and joined the BC Tradeswomen Society (bctradeswomensociety.ca). She is driven to help change the culture of industrial and trades workplaces to be more inclusive to women and other underrepresented groups so that anyone who wants to can enjoy the many advantages of a career in the trades. When Lana is not working, she enjoys relaxing at home spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, knitting, gardening, and going on adventures in the woods and mountains.

Together, we can move #ForestryForward. Learn more at www.freetogrowinforestry.ca

Trigger warning: Content in this episode makes brief mention of workplace harassment, which some listeners may find triggering. If you are a victim of violence or need support at any time, please visit the Ending Violence Association of Canada website at endingviolencecanada.org

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This podcast series is brought to you by the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Centre for Social Intelligence.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (cif-ifc.org) is the national voice of forest practitioners with an interdisciplinary membership across Canada working to ensure our forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.

The Centre for Social Intelligence (centreforsocialintelligence.ca) empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Free to Grow in Forestry - A podcast working to move #ForestryForward

Welcome to the twelfth episode of the Free to Grow in Forestry Podcast series where our host Kelly Cooper, CEO and Founder of Centre for Social Intelligence is joined by Jason Fisher, Registered Professional Forester and Partner at MNP LLP. Through this important conversation about mental health in the workplace, Jason shares how his own experiences living with a mental illness has shaped both his personal and professional life, and what people in leadership positions can do to make a difference for their employees.

Jason Fisher is a father, husband, friend, mentor, volunteer, community member, avid reader and occasional angler who also works as a Partner at MNP LLP (mnp.ca), providing strategic forestry and business consulting. True to his values of family, growth and inclusion, he works with clients to envision and seize new natural resource sector opportunities that provide local-to-global benefits based on sustainable practices, renewable products and remarkable people. Educated and certified as a professional forester (RPF) and a lawyer (non-practicing), Jason has held senior leadership roles in lumber and biomass manufacturing companies and the B.C. Public Service, where he served as Associate Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

Together, we can move #ForestryForward. Learn more at www.freetogrowinforestry.ca

Trigger warning: Content in this episode discusses topics such as mental health, mental illness and suicide, which some listeners may find triggering. If you are looking for mental health services, please visit the Canadian Mental Health Association website at cmha.ca/find-help. If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please call 1-833-456-4566 toll free (In QC: 1-866-277-3553), 24/7 or visit www.crisisservicescanada.ca.

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This podcast series is brought to you by the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Centre for Social Intelligence.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (www.cif-ifc.org) is the national voice of forest practitioners with an interdisciplinary membership across Canada working to ensure our forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.

The Centre for Social Intelligence (www.centreforsocialintelligence.ca) empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusion and diversity in the workplace.