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

CCDI is pleased to introduce 'Inclusion Table Talks', a new sub-series of our podcast: Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. This series brings together CCDI's  Employer Partners and thought leaders for in-depth discussions on the growing anti-DEI rhetoric and its impact on our collective vision of building a more inclusive Canada. We'll explore what DEIA truly is and isn't, address common misconceptions, and discuss the profound impact DEIA has had and continues to have on workplaces across Canada.

In this episode, Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay joins us to unpack the rising prevalence of anti-DEI rhetoric. She is the Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). We begin by hearing from Dr. Finlay on the landscape of DEI across Canada, and what has set certain companies up for long-term success in this arena. Discussing diversity as an outcome of equitable policies, we explore the government’s role and the impact of the media on public opinion.

We unpack the changing acronym, from DEI to DEIAT, and discuss some of the challenges increasingly associated with this work. Lastly, Dr. Finlay offers some advice on the roles we can each play to build a more inclusive future. Thanks for joining us.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The rise of anti-DEI rhetoric today.
• Introduction and welcome to Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay, Associate Director of DEI at ICBC.
• Dr. Finlay’s analysis of DEI in the Canadian workplace today. 
• How long-term strategies have supported the companies that are still prioritizing DEI today.
• Reframing diversity is an outcome of equity. 
• The lack of government intervention in this space. 
• How the media is shaping public opinion in the US and Canada. 
• Navigating anti-DEI rhetoric at ICBC.
• Why the acronym is changing from DEI to DEIAT.
• Common myths and misconceptions around what DEI is truly about.
• Tips on navigating the challenges that are increasingly associated with this work. 
• Some of the roles we can each play to build a more inclusive Canada. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Sara-Jane Finlay on LinkedIn
• Equity and Inclusion Office of the University of British Columbia
• Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• The Tyranny of Merit
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

As we enter 2025, CCDI is excited to launch Season 4 of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. In the first episode of the year, we reflect on the challenges we face in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. 

Positive psychologist Kimberley Wakefield joins us to share insights and tips for how to navigate 2025 with good intentions and the skills needed to take care of our mental well-being. We start our conversation by defining positive psychology and how it differs from traditional psychology.  Next, we discuss how Barbara Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory lays a foundation for understanding the role of positive emotions, considering what changes when we begin to notice and lean into positive moments.

Touching on the power of gratitude, Kimberley shares a strategy for those who do not thrive on a gratitude practice. We also discuss what can change when you identify your strengths and how you can do so.

Join us for an enriching conversation about building your positivity muscle, embracing gratitude, and playing to your strengths while understanding those of your colleagues! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Ideas to equip listeners to care for their mental health in 2025. 
• Background on positive psychologist, Kimberley Wakefield. 
• Positive psychology, how it differs from traditional psychology, and the negativity bias. 
• Insight into the impact that negativity has on our brains.
• Barbara Fredrickson’s theory on the evolutionary basis for positive emotions.
• What changes when we train ourselves to look for and savour positive moments. 
• Validating concerns while implementing positive psychology. 
• Benefits of stopping, acknowledging, and breathing. 
• What to do if a gratitude practice does not work for you. 
• Using the VIA Character Strengths Survey to identify your strengths in the workplace.
• Keys to building psychological safety in the workplace. 
• The part every person has to play in the positive environment of your workplace.
• Why your approach must change and develop with your needs.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Kimberley Wakefield
• Kimberley Wakefield on LinkedIn
• VIA Character Strengths Survey
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

Each year, on December 3rd, the United Nations observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. Systemic, cultural, and attitudinal challenges underscore the importance of creating inclusive and accessible environments.

In this new episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we are honoured to welcome Angela Bonfanti, President and CEO of the CNIB Foundation. Angela shares her invaluable insights on advocacy, leadership, and empowering the blind community to access meaningful employment. Our discussion highlights how fostering inclusivity and accessibility not only enhances organizational culture and drives business success.

Since joining CNIB in 2011, Angela has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s strategic vision and addressing the challenges Canadians face with sight loss. She reflects on her journey into advocacy, inspired by witnessing the barriers her father faced due to a debilitating eye condition. Angela also discusses the innovative initiatives she is most passionate about and CNIB’s ongoing efforts to address the limitations of Canada’s infrastructure.

Join us as we explore Angela’s story and her commitment to creating a more inclusive future.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Angela and CNIB, one of Canada’s longest-standing NFP organizations. 
• Her story of falling into advocacy after witnessing her father’s struggle with disability barriers.
• The biggest barrier the disabled community faces: the attitudes of others. 
• Why it's crucial to consider new arrivals to Canada.
• Angela’s journey into leadership and what she learned as an aide in the House of Commons. 
• Moving from philanthropy to government relations.
• What it’s like to be the 8th CEO of CNIB in 106 years and the first female. 
• The mission and mandate of CNIB and how it has evolved throughout its existence.
• Dwindling numbers of community organizations and challenges in 2020.
• Insight into navigating the job market as a blind professional.
• How Angela’s work in employment advocacy has unfolded with five system stages.
• Why inclusivity is good for culture and business.
• CNIB’s work to create safe transportation options for the people they serve.
• How Angela ultimately sees her role: to future-proof CNIB. 
• Suggestions of how to support CNIB’s work. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• CNIB Foundation
• Angela Bonfanti
• Angela Bonfanti on LinkedIn
• Angela Bonfanti on Instagram
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

In recognition of the International Day of Tolerance on November 16, we’re exploring the importance of fostering acceptance and understanding through meaningful conversations. In the latest episode of CCDI’s Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we welcome Sonia Sangha, Global Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader at IKEA, for a deep dive into tolerance in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA).

With over 20 years of experience shaped by global, national, and regional perspectives, Sonia’s approach to DEIA is profoundly shaped by her background as a first-generation Indo-Canadian. Join us as we discuss Sonia’s career journey, from her early experiences to her advocacy for South Asian and underrepresented communities in Canada and beyond.

Listen to Sonia’s perspectives on allyship, and practical steps for fostering tolerance and challenging misinformation. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Global Senior Leader at IKEA, Sonia Sangha. 
• IKEA’s Refugee Skills for Employment Initiative that Sonia co-created. 
• Her personal journey to choosing a career in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 
• How her early experiences shaped who she is. 
• The challenge of racism and inclusion for South Asian individuals in Canada.
• Unpacking what might be behind racism and prejudice towards South Asians. 
• How to raise awareness for workplaces on South Asian racism.
• Art, entertainment, and cultural events that bring people together. 
• What allyship truly means in relation to combating misinformation and stereotypes. 
• Some ideas on what it might look like to gain exposure to different perspectives. 
• How the work that Sonia does is supporting the people of IKEA. 
• Staying strong in the challenging arena of this work. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Sonia Sangha on LinkedIn
• South Asian Immigration to Canada Statistics Chart
• Environics Institute - Canadian public opinion about immigration and refugees - Fall 2024
• Canada’s Far-Right is Targeting South Asian and Sikh Canadians to Incite Anti-Immigrant Hate
• Front Burner CBC podcast - The rise of anti-South Asian content online
• Stop AAPI Hate – Empowered/Imperiled – The Rise of South Asian Representation and Anti-South Asian Racism
• Rioters carry out violent, racist attacks across several British cities. What happened, and what comes next?
• South Asian newcomers to Canada say online hate is taking a toll
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

In today's episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we engage in a necessary and thought-provoking dialogue on Islamophobia in Canada, a pressing issue given the complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, including current conflicts. We acknowledge that some listeners may find this discussion challenging and encourage you to proceed with care and self-compassion.  

Our guest, Mohammed Hashim, brings over two decades of expertise as a human rights advocate to shed light on these critical issues. As the CEO of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) and the lead of the National Hate Crimes Task Force with the RCMP, Mohammed offers a unique perspective on the impact of Islamophobia in Canada, especially within Muslim communities. We explore how diverse Muslim communities experience discrimination differently, the ways it manifests in workplaces, and the responsibility of employers to support employees through times of crisis. 

Mohammed also delves into the complexities of advocating for human rights, offers insights on prosecuting hate speech, and shares guidance on nurturing empathy, humility, and creating meaningful change. 

Tune in to this essential episode and join us in fostering more inclusive, understanding communities. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Mohammed Hashim on LinkedIn
• Canadian Race Relations Foundation
• Hate Crime Task Force
• Montreal
• Truth and Reconciliation Strategy in Montreal
• National Council Canadian Muslims
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham