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What is the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation? Is wearing a sari to an Indian wedding you were invited to appropriation or appreciation? Is attending a mosque appropriation or appreciation? Is learning how to samba appropriation or appreciation?  Like anything, context is critical in determining intention behind the meaning. If your intention is […]

Did you know that there are minimally 14 different holidays between November and January? There’s Diwali- the Hindu Festival of Lights (though many, other than Hindus, celebrate Diwali).  Hindus may decorate their homes with lights to celebrate. There’s Hanukkah- a Jewish celebration lasting eight nights including the lighting of the menorah. I still remember the […]

Affinity bias is a type of unconscious bias that impacts both our professional and personal lives, sometimes with repercussions. In the simplest terms, affinity bias is the tendency to gravitate towards those that reminds us of ourselves. It’s a natural tendency to feel most comfortable and at ease with those that share similar experiences, backgrounds, […]

So, we want to increase and diversify the talent pool. Great! Yet, many individuals will simply become their own human resource manager screening themselves out before they screen themselves in. Did you know that women statistically will only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the job requirements posted yet men will apply for […]

Admittedly, years ago I found the term ‘white privilege’ triggering. For me, the word came into theforefront with the death of George Floyd. I still remember receiving a phone call from a dear friend whowas in tears. She called me and said, “I’m so sorry” and I could hear her voice breaking. I rememberhearing her […]

Can We Say Merry Christmas at the Workplace Anymore? During this time of year I always get asked about hosting Christmas parties in the workplace; decorating the workplace with stockings, Santa and putting candy canes out into candy dishes. I know too many parents who take offence to Winter Celebrations at school rather than seeing […]

My background lies in immigration and I hold two degrees. I also had a successful relocation and settlement company. I sit on two Boards. I began speaking professionally in 2008 and it’s my sole source of income. I am passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion and attendees who hear me speak comment on my authenticity. […]

Psychological Safety and Me After my second maternity leave, I returned to my part-time position with the provincial government. Back then, I knew it was a rarity to be able to work flexibly and part-time. Additionally, my old boss had very recently accepted a new position in London, England so I was weary of who […]

Well, according to Juliet of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet not much. “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Juliet attempts to convince Romeo that a name is simply a conventional standard with no real meaning behind it. Yet, their familial names are so important to their […]

I met Andrea Davis initially at the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (Calgary Chapter) of which I’m currently serving my third term as President. Andrea, originally from South Africa, is a survivor of the Costa Concordia tragedy of 2012. I consider Andrea an esteemed colleague and dear friend. Such a dear friend that when she […]