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...]
The Invisibility of EDI During Uncertain Times: Part 3
When news of the COVID-19 pandemic hit the airwaves in January, little did we know how much it would change our lives two months later. For those of us who are on the frontlines, advocating for greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in our organizations, policies, practices and actions, during “good” times there are persistent challenges to make sure EDI is front and … [Read more...]
The Invisibility of EDI During Uncertain Times: Part 2
When news of the COVID-19 pandemic hit the airwaves in January, little did we know how much it would change our lives two months later. For those of us who are on the frontlines, advocating for greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in our organizations, policies, practices and actions, during “good” times there are persistent challenges to make sure EDI is front and … [Read more...]