Urban Equity Consulting Services

I’m tired of the Oppression Olympics

I’m tired of the Oppression Olympics. So why are organizational leaders and equity practitioners still doing it?

August 18, 2022
The Importance of Having an Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategic Plan

Why should you undertake an equity, inclusion and belonging strategic plan? I give you 5 reasons why you should hire me to do it. #equity #inclusion #belonging #adaptiveleadership #organizationalchange #strategicplanning #urbanequityconsulting

January 4, 2022
Equity & inclusion does not belong in human resources

Yes you read that right! Whatever you would like to call it: EDI, DEI, D&I, DI&B does not belong under human resources. While I am not currently involved in this work, through my own research, I have come to find that too many times that this work reports into human resources departments or other areas […]

December 27, 2021
Truth and Reconciliation Day: A Day of Reflection

September 30th was the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day, deemed as a national holiday, which was one of the 94 Calls to Action proposed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It was meant to honour Indigenous children who were forced against their will to attend residential schools. The day is also known as Orange […]

October 1, 2021
The Skin I’m In: Experiences of Racial Imposter Syndrome

Racial Imposter Syndrome is a thing. I’m here to talk about it.

September 14, 2021
Using an Adaptive Leadership Framework to Advance Racial Equity in Planning

Executive leaders who incorporate an adaptive leadership style is the most effective in advancing racial equity in local government agencies, such as transit.

August 8, 2021
The Effect of Black Businesses, Arts and Culture on Toronto’s Economy

IntroductionEconomic drivers in local communities relate to the diversity of talent that exists. Diversity of talent ranges from entrepreneurs to those in arts and culture, particularly from Canada’s immigrant population’s contribution, as a positive influence on city-regions (Gertler, 2009, 120). What makes Canadian cities like Toronto flourish is its “distinctive cultural capital” that is felt […]

June 14, 2021
Organizational change must include equity and inclusion

Organizational change must include equity and inclusion.

April 26, 2021
Moving past diversity towards inclusion and racial equity

I wrote a little something about organizations and its leaders who stall on diversity and don’t move towards inclusion and racial equity.

January 8, 2021
2020 Year In Review. It was one of transition.

Every year, I would write a post reviewing what transpired over the year and plans to move forward. Last year it did not happen because of a major upheaval. This year, I decided to return to the long standing tradition. This year it is a year of transition, while remaining consistent with others. The biggest […]

December 28, 2020
Disrupting the Status Quo: Breaking Nervousness in the Public Sector

There is nervousness is the public sector based on the lack of recognition of racial and social equity reflected in our policies and governance structures. It is time to disrupt the status quo

July 3, 2020
Enough is Enough

I’VE HAD ENOUGH!!! Enough with the systemic racism. Enough for the violence against blacks and other people of colour, regardless of gender and ability. Enough with the constructs that tell us to “wait our turn”. Enough with the fact that we have to “code switch” to conform to others’ insecurities just to get ahead. Enough […]

May 30, 2020
Developing Strategies Through Lived Experiences

Developing strategic plans are a long and arduous process. Making them more authentic by storytelling not only brings them to life, but also makes them more winnable to the public.

June 25, 2019
Eliminating privilege towards the pursuit of social equity and justice

There is a renewed engagement with the role planners should take in the pursuit of social justice and social equity. Planners are privileged compared to marginalized communities. On the one hand, they can decide to use their privilege to their benefit by wielding power, status and knowledge and yet on the other hand assume positions […]

June 20, 2019
How an encounter with an Uber driver allowed me to become more culturally aware

One sunny weekday morning, I was on my way to see my new family doctor. I chose to take an Uber to my appointment. My driver was a Black male from an African nation. I did not ask him which country, although I could have assumed it was from one of the French-speaking ones since […]

August 15, 2022
It’s time practitioners do away with JEDI

Look! I’ve never watched any Star Wars movies and never will. SciFi isn’t a genre of film I like. Sue me!!! So when I hear continuously hear practitioners float around JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion), or some jumbled up letters to mean the same thing, I take issue with it. I already have an issue […]

August 5, 2022
Using a systems thinking approach to equity work

Having been immersed in equity work over the last few years, I’ve learned quite a bit. During my experience in the public sector, I grew tired of incrementalism. In addition, I interviewed for a variety of positions, mainly related to training or equity work that tied into human resources functions. I always had an affinity […]

August 2, 2022
The Changing Vernacular of Equity Practitioners

I have a few things to get off my chest. Now this isn’t really a soapbox, but rather experiences of how we engage with professionals in the equity and inclusion space. While on vacation in Montréal last week, my partner and I experienced a bit of an unconscious bias. After we were seated in a […]

July 29, 2022