Important conversations about diversity and inclusion need to be coupled with effective action, and real change. Figuring out the best steps for this is not always easy, and today we shed some light on the intricacies of the topic, and hopefully offer some practical solutions to these challenging questions. Joining for a CCDI Fireside chat are Tyjondah Kerr and Mark Harrison, who are both doing amazing work on a number of different fronts for positive change within Canadian workspaces. Tyjondah has had a long career working in the gaming space, working at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, or OLG, for over 20 years. She holds a degree in psychology from the University of Windsor, and is a multiple award winner, recently being honoured by 100ABCWomen and receiving the Vaike Murusalu Empowerment Award! Mark Harrison is an experienced entrepreneur, having founded T1 Agency, MH3 Collective, the Black Talent Initiative, co-founded Park Street Education, as well as being elected Chair of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers and Big Sisters Toronto. In our chat with these two amazing guests, we hear some personal reflections and lessons they learned in their work, some larger ideas on progress, and thoughts on the areas that are most pressing at present. Both Tyjondah and Mark are generous and honest in their answers, talking about the challenges that we face, and the hope that we can have. For all this and more, join us today.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Tyjondah Kerr on LinkedIn
• Mark Harrison
• Mark Harrison on LinkedIn
• T1 Agency
• MH3 Collective
• Black Talent Initiative
• Park Street Education
• Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto
• CMHA Foundation
• University of Windsor
• Casino of Windsor
• OLG
• 100ABCWomen
• Noughts & Crosses
• Anne-Marie Pham
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Truly diverse and inclusive organizations are places where employees from many different backgrounds come together and feel that they belong. This in turn creates an environment where complex problems can be solved by teams that bring a rich set of perspectives to the table. Today’s special guest is Ellen Melis, President and Head Coach of Unlimited Potential, and she joins us to talk about how organizations can place a higher value on EDI as well as what is possible for them through doing so. We kick things off by hearing about Ellen’s experience as a leadership coach and student of EDI, and from there she talks about the work being done to make healthcare policy more informed by diverse experiences. We talk about how to make a case for EDI to organization leaders, how to take steps toward it once it has become a priority, and how much more effectively communities can be served once it is achieved. If you want to begin working toward EDI on a personal, team, or organizational level, today's show is a must-hear.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Ellen Melis on LinkedIn
• Unlimited Potential
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks Podcast

Canada calls itself multicultural, but today’s guest challenges this assertion. The lack of education and public discourse around African Canadian heritage caused Nathan Hall to feel a diminished sense of belonging from a young age. As his life went on he began to realize more and more how people of color are excluded and discriminated against in a multitude of different situations. Uncomfortable and discrediting personal experiences that he has had as a black male living in Canada led Nathan to found Culture Check, a social impact business which focuses on enhancing inclusivity in the workplace. Everyone experiences the world differently, and the first step towards building an inclusive future is the simple act of listening, and being open to understanding a perspective different from your own. Join us today for an enlightening conversation which will make you rethink your role as a leader!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Culture Check
• Nathan Hall on LinkedIn
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leaders Talk Podcast

Kiersten Mohr is an openly transgender woman and invests her time away from work giving back to her community. She was inspired and emboldened by the positive experience of her gender transition in 2017 and is now passionate to use her visibility and voice to help promote positive public awareness as well as understanding and inclusion of transgender and gender diverse individuals. 

Join Anne-Marie Pham as she talks with  Amanda Kennedy, an innovative Indigenous leader, anti-racist educator, consultant, strategic community planner, program developer, and facilitator/trainer. 

Anne-Marie Pham, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, speaks with Indigenous leader, Tim Fox, who shares his incredible story and insights for addressing anti-Indigenous racism at the systems level.