In 2020, ‘EDI’ work grew exponentially in response to what appeared to be a global reckoning on anti-Black racism. This included conducting surveys, holding training sessions, and creating new EDI positions that prior to the murder of George Floyd did not exist. Equity is defined as redistributing benefits and removing burdens so that all individuals and groups have access … [Read more...]
A New Normal: Resetting the EDI Space in 2021 and Beyond
With the tumultuous year of 2020 behind us, I’ve been reflecting on this idea of “a new normal”. A “new normal” commences when there’s been a paradigm shift, black swan event, or a significant life changing event that requires doing things differently. I had my own new normal experience when one of my children had an automobile accident that left him unable to walk and … [Read more...]
5 Tips for the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) During Challenging Times
Four years ago (January 5, 2016) I did a post titled: “5 Tips for Inaugural Chief Diversity Officers (CDO) in Universities”. I was half way through my fourth year at Ryerson University as the inaugural, Assistant Vice President/Vice Provost of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). As such, my mandate was to provide leadership, advocacy, and coordination for the institution … [Read more...]
Why Chief Diversity Officers (CDO) Need to Step Their Game Up
Seven years ago (January 29, 2013) I did a post titled: "What is as Chief Diversity Officer (CDO)?". I had been in my new post at Ryerson University for about five months as its inaugural, Assistant Vice President/Vice Provost of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). As such, my mandate was to provide leadership, advocacy, and coordination for the institution such that all … [Read more...]
An Expat’s Experience in Canada – Part III
In this video post, I discuss my experience as a U.S. expatriate living in Toronto, Canada as a Diversity Professional. Inspired by America's recent presidential election and subsequent crash of the Canadian immigration website, I've decided to answer the following questions for my audience: What has it been like to live in Canada as an expat? What's it like … [Read more...]