Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham powered by CCDI

What does real leadership look like when the goal is not just delivering services, but building a community where people feel seen and supported?

In the debut season of Leader Talks Podcast with Sartaj Sarkaria, we sit down with Marina Boulos-Winton to discuss nonprofit leadership and the systems that shape opportunities. Marina shares how early experiences with social injustice influenced her career path, what she learned through crisis-line and youth support work and how those lessons inform her leadership today.

Marina explains what it means to design services with dignity and why representation and strong community partnerships matter when working with youth and families. Marina also explores the barriers nonprofits face, the value of relationship-building and the kind of leadership mindset that helps teams deliver meaningful outcomes. 

Tune in to hear how community-centred leadership can move beyond intent and create meaningful change with Marina Boulos-Winton. Download the Unity toolkit here https://new-api.ccdi.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Unity_Workplace-Toolkit_EN.pdf, and take your first step toward a safer, more supportive workplace.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Marina’s path into nonprofit leadership and how social injustice shaped her direction.  
• Learn how her career journey and experience inform her work in her current role.
• Her vision for connecting complementary organisations around shared goals. 
• Common misconceptions around poverty relief and what it actually involves.
• The progress of equity and inclusion initiatives, and where the gaps still exist.
• Examples of how Sun Youth provides meaningful support to people in need.
• Why culturally grounded mentorship builds resilience for youth who lack support.
• Explore the funding hurdles that limit support for nonprofits and the issues they cause.
• Advice for emerging nonprofit leaders and what it takes to be successful. 
• Tips on overcoming resistance to equity and inclusion, and Marina’s leadership habit for 2026.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Marina Boulos-Winton on LinkedIn
• Sun Youth
• Government of Canada
• Government of Canada: Suicide Crisis Helpline
• Covenant House
• Unity
• Unity Toolkit
• Chez Doris
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Sartaj Sarkaria
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

This special episode marks a turning point for Leader Talks as host Anne-Marie Pham reflects on what the podcast has built over four seasons before she hands the mic to Sartaj Sarkaria, who will take over hosting duties. Joined by colleagues Amelie Gagnon and Pangus Kung, Anne-Marie looks back on the highs, the behind-the-scenes work, and the real-world impact CCDI has made alongside employer and community partners. They discuss the importance of shared wisdom and diverse voices, the value of DEI initiatives, and why organisations should embrace humility, openness to learning, and resilience to navigate challenges and foster growth. They also talk about the realities of DEI work, from making mistakes, constant learning, staying resilient through pushback, to meeting people where they are without abandoning the mission. Join the conversation for a clear sense of what Leader Talks has stood for, and a glimpse into the next chapter of CCDI’s work, and the conversations to come. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What this January episode represents as Anne-Marie Pham’s final installment.
• Background about Pangus, his role, and his six-year career journey at the CCDI.
• Amelie’s role in operations and how internal processes keep teams aligned with the mission.
• Anne-Marie’s highlights, the various partnerships formed, and her favourite guests. 
• Learn about the behind-the-scenes moments that reshaped the organisation.
• Discover why humility, constant learning, and resilience are part of DEI work.
• Explore how criticism of DEI initiatives can be beneficial and strengthen processes. 
• Hear each guest share their main message regarding the CCDI’s mission. 
• Unpack why DEI is foundational to building a productive and inclusive Canada for all. 
• Find out about the next chapter for both Anne-Marie Pham and the podcast. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

Sartaj Sarkaria on LinkedIn

Pangus Kung on LinkedIn

Amelie Gagnon on LinkedIn

Anne-Marie Pham on LinkedIn

Whiteboard Collective

UN Global Compact Network Canada

Indigenous Works

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

As we close out another impactful year at Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we take a moment to pause to and reflect on the conversations, challenges, and progress that have shaped 2025. It’s a time to look back on what we’ve learned, acknowledge how the landscape of leadership continues to evolve, and consider how these insights will inform our work ahead.  

In this new podcast episode, we are joined by two of CCDI's senior leaders, Marni Panas, Chair of the board of directors, and our recently appointed President and CEO, Sartaj Sarkaria, for a candid conversation on what drives their work in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). They offer a clear look at CCDI’s impact and ambitions and speak about navigating leadership amid increasingly polarized conversations around DEIA. They also explore CCDI’s top priorities for the next three years, and wrap up with a powerful one-word vision from each leader on the future role of our organization.  

Tune in for an honest, energizing, forward-looking conversation! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Marni Panas and Sartaj Sarkaria to the show. 
• Sartaj tells us about her role in CCDI and what drives her in the world of DEIA. 
• Marni’s personal journey as a trans woman and how it’s inspired her work. 
• What CCDI has done in 2025 and what we look forward to doing in the future. 
• How CCDI is handling negative rhetoric surrounding DEIA in the political spheres. 
• A breakdown of the top priorities for CCDI over the next few years. 
• How they describe their organization’s roles in one sentence/word and why. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

• Marni Panas
• Marni Panas on LinkedIn
• Sartaj Sarkaria on LinkedIn
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Dans le dernier épisode du balado du CCDI, Conversations entre leaders avec Anne-Marie Pham, Kerlande Mibel, fondatrice et présidente, directeur général du Forum économique international des Noirs et aussi la fondatrice de ZWART Communications partage sa vision forte de l'inclusion économique et de l'autonomisation des communautés. 

S'appuyant sur son héritage haïtien et sa vaste expérience en matière de développement économique, Kerlande évoque la création de son organisation comme une plateforme visant à unir les communautés noires du monde entier, à renforcer leur souveraineté économique et à cultiver le talent, la créativité et la résilience qui existent déjà au sein de ces communautés. Elle réfléchit aussi aux difficultés rencontrées par les femmes entrepreneures noires, notamment celles liées à l’accès au financement, et elle explique comment les préjugés systémiques demeurent un obstacle dans leur cheminement. 

Les réflexions de Kerlande nous rappellent que l'audace, la collaboration et un leadership intentionnel peuvent ouvrir la voie à une transformation significative. Écoutez cette discussion captivante sur la construction de communautés plus inclusives et plus résilientes. Écoutez dès maintenant sur votre plateforme de balado préférée ou rendez-vous sur : https://ccdi.ca/fr/balado 

L'inclusion est un moyen puissant de transformer notre compréhension du talent, du leadership et de l'innovation dans les milieux de travail d'aujourd'hui. Dans le nouvel épisode de Conversations entre leaders avec Anne-Marie Pham du CCDI, nous rencontrons Kim Auclair, fondatrice de Capable Média, une organisation québécoise qui défend l'entrepreneuriat inclusif et amplifie la voix des personnes en situation de handicap. 

La conversation explore comment l'accessibilité, la communication et l'acceptation de soi peuvent stimuler l'innovation et la collaboration sur le lieu de travail. Kim met également en avant des moyens pratiques permettant aux organisations de favoriser des environnements où des talents diversifiés peuvent s'épanouir en écoutant, en s'adaptant et en dirigeant avec empathie. 

Découvrez comment l'inclusion peut être un puissant moteur de créativité et de rapprochement. Écoutez dès maintenant sur votre plateforme de balado préférée ou rendez-vous sur : https://ccdi.ca/fr/balado 

What can shift when organizations look outside the box to fill gaps together? This discussion is part of our Inclusion Table Talks, a series of CCDI's Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham podcast which dives deeper into pressing issues in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

Joining us to explore these ideas are two guests: Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre, an organization committed to preparing Canadians for the next chapter of work, and Zahra Ebrahim, the CEO and co-founder of Monumental, which is a social purpose business working to advance equitable city-building and urban development. 

Our conversation highlights new insights and opportunities for Canada to consider how to optimize our existing talent. We also discuss how larger institutions, such as government agencies, can effectively collaborate with community-rooted initiatives and vice versa.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation about how these key players are working to build a better Canada.

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Future Skills is working to shape the future of work. 
• Zahra’s vision to resolve skills gaps across Canada.
• How the Future Skills Centre positions itself in preparing Canadians for the future of work.
• Challenges and opportunities for immigration in Canada. 
• Preparing for digital transformation in the world of work. 
• The driving force behind launching Monumental.
• What is behind the community partnership between Monumental and Future Skills Centre.
• Zahra’s project in the real estate industry. 
• The success of the project and the gaps it has revealed.
• How Monumental is democratizing its existing curricula. 
• The true impact of iterative support and collaboration. 
• How larger institutions like government agencies can better collaborate with community-rooted initiatives.
• Ideas on how community organizations can partner with government agencies.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Zahra Ebrahim on LinkedIn
• Zahra Ebrahim on X
• Monumental
• Noel Baldwin on LinkedIn
• Noel Baldwin on X
• Future Skills Centre
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

In this special International Youth Day episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, Anne-Marie sits down with Ken Lima-Coelho, who is a dynamic storyteller, community builder, and President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. With over 25 years of experience spanning broadcasting, the arts, and youth-focused initiatives, Ken has dedicated his career to amplifying voices, building connections, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. 

During their conversation, Ken shares his journey from his family's immigrant roots to becoming a leader in youth mentorship. He emphasizes that standing firm on values like equity is more important now than ever. The discussion provides a powerful look at how mentorship transforms lives, not just for young people, but also for the mentors themselves. It highlights the resilience and skills needed for the future of work, community, and society.

Join us to hear Mr. Lima-Coelho’s vision for unlocking the potential of youth in Canada, why volunteerism matters for everyone’s growth, and how each of us can be a catalyst for change. Tune in now on your preferred podcast platform, or visit: ccdi.ca/podcast. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Ken’s diverse experience and his personal story. 
• Building trust in community initiatives. 
• What community and social good are truly built on. 
• The life-changing role of mentorship.
• Why mentorship is mutually beneficial. 
• How Ken saw his child develop after mentoring a younger child.
• Why the ultimate job of a mentor is not mentorship but creating resilience.
• What is behind Ken’s belief that we are all born leaders.
• The plummeting rate of volunteerism in Calgary.
• Why it is so beneficial to help others. 
• A source of hope for the future: Generation Alpha. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Ken Lima-Coelho on X
• Ken Lima-Coelho on LinkedIn
• Ken Lima-Coelho on Instagram
• BBBS Calgary
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• See Different Canada
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

How can Canada move forward in building a truly inclusive society in the face of growing polarization and resistance to DEI efforts?

In this new episode of Inclusion Table Talks, CCDI's new sub-series of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, Anne-Marie sits down with Senator Andrew Cardozo, public policy expert, community leader, and champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout his career, Senator Cardozo has held leadership roles across government, regulatory bodies, and civil society, working to advance social and cultural policy in Canada.

Senator Cardozo shares his experience of working in the Canadian government, highlighting his involvement in cultural policy, and human rights. He offers insights on the current DEI landscape in an informative discussion covering the role of the Senate in shaping public policy, how Canada’s identity has always been rooted in diversity, and why the narrative around DEI is under threat. Senator Cardozo also examines the forces driving anti-DEI rhetoric, the complexities of today’s social debates, and what leaders and communities can do to foster meaningful, inclusive dialogue.

Join us to hear Senator Andrew Cardozo's vision and hope for the social, cultural, and political landscape of Canada, and his ideas on how to take back control of the DEI narrative. Tune in now on your preferred podcast platform, or visit: https://ccdi.ca/podcast/

Key Points From This Episode:

• Senator Cardozo’s career journey, from newcomer to a leader in public policy and the Senate.
• How the Canadian Senate functions and its role in shaping long-term, inclusive public policy.
• Why Canada’s foundation is rooted in identity politics and is central to the country’s evolution.
• Explore the laws and policies that have advanced diversity and inclusion in Canada.
• Hear how today’s anti-DEI rhetoric is reframing the narrative, and why this shift is crucial.
• Find out why certain groups have become focal points in public debates around DEI.
• How evolving language and terminology can unintentionally alienate potential allies.
• The importance of meeting people where they are and fostering inclusive conversations.
• Challenges facing young men today and why approaches must recognize their experiences.
• Learn why fostering healthy public dialogue and supporting traditional media is vital.
• What gives Senator Cardozo hope for Canada’s future.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

• Senator Andrew Cardozo
• Senator Andrew Cardozo on LinkedIn
• Senator Andrew Cardozo on X
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

“How can we break the Bamboo Ceiling and build a more inclusive Canada?”

In honour of Asian Heritage Month this May, we are thrilled to welcome Teresa Woo-Pawn for this inspiring episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. As a trailblazer in human rights advocacy, Teresa made history by becoming the first Asian Canadian woman elected to the Alberta legislature.

Throughout her career, Teresa collaborated with diverse communities across Canada to promote inclusivity and equitable representation of Asians in all spheres of society. In this episode, she shares how her family's immigration story and cultural background have informed her activism and public service. We delve into the importance of telling a fuller, more inclusive history of Canada, the persistence of Yellow Peril stereotypes, and the challenges of the Bamboo Ceiling in leadership.

In addition, Teresa reflects on the evolution of Asian Canadian networks, sharing practical advice for developing cultural competency and resources for deeper learning. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help build a more equitable future for Asian Canadians and guidance for allies looking to offer meaningful support.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Canada’s richly diverse and multicultural Asian population.
• Teresa’s election as the first Asian Canadian woman in the Alberta legislature.
• The story of her family’s immigration, which began with her two grandfathers.
• How her cultural background has shaped the way in which she works and lives.
• Asian Heritage Month and its role in telling the full history of Canada. 
• Underreporting of the statistics and experiences of Yellow Peril bias and stereotypes. 
• Unpacking solutions to the problem of the Bamboo Ceiling in leadership.
• How the Asian Canadian network has evolved and formalized over time. 
• Developing cultural competency as Asian Canadians and allies to the community.
• Digital resources for those who wish to dive deeper into this topic. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Teresa Woo-Paw LinkedIn
• Asian Heritage Foundation Calgary
• Act 2 End Racism
• Action Chinese Canadians Together (ACCT) Foundation
• Canadian Race Relations Foundation
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Our latest podcast continues the new series, Inclusion Table Talks, which is included in our regular programming. In this episode, Anne-Marie Pham speaks with Jake Stika, Executive Director at Next Gen Men, about men's essential role in the DEIA ecosystem. Jake reminds us of the damaging impact of perpetuating our patriarchal system and how his organization is actively working to include men and boys not only for allyship but also benefactors whose life experiences are valued and important.  

Jake emphasizes the need to recognize how the active exclusion of men has negatively affected their roles and contributions within DEIA efforts and shares insights into reframing this narrative for true inclusion.  

Listener discretion advised: This episode contains a brief discussion of Jake’s personal story, which touches on sensitive topics including substance use, depression, self-harm, bullying, and suicide. These references occur between 6:10 and 7:55. If you find these topics distressing, we encourage you to pause, skip this section, or seek professional support as needed. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Jake Stika describes who he is and what inspired him to cofound Next Gen Men (NGM). 
• Why men only think critically about masculinity much later in life than they probably should.
• The ins and outs of NGM as it continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary.  
• How the company’s gender equity training protocol differs depending on the client.
• Why some men are omitted from gender equity conversations and how we can include them. 
• How men are viewed as a societal problem to solve instead of as people who need help. 
• The importance of men and women supporting each other in diverse gender debates.
• Why empathy (for everyone) matters and why we shouldn’t forget accountability.
• How capitalism is driving many conversations about gender equality and how we can fix this.  
• Toxic masculinity: What it means, how it manifests, and why its wording needs a reshuffle.
• Jake critiques popular gender-based terms with advice on how to avoid them.
• How the everyday person can support gender equity initiatives in rethinking masculinity.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Jake Stika on LinkedIn
• Jake Stika on Medium
• Next Gen Men 
• Voice Male Magazine
• Jermal Alleyne Jones on LinkedIn
• Adolescence
• NGM Library 
• ‘Incels: A Guide to Symbols and Terminology’
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham