Diversity Symposium

Building Engaged Communities through Inclusive Leadership
Creating communities that thrive on empathy and inclusivity requires intentional leadership and a commitment to equity and inclusion. In this opening keynote session, Zahra Esmail will unveil how inclusive leadership can foster environments where diverse experiences are valued and heard, and where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Drawing from her efforts and experiences in neighborhood houses, international development, and non-profit organizations, Zahra will share actionable strategies for centering equity and inclusion in community-building and explore why leading with compassion and purpose is key to building resilient futures.

Speaker:
Zahra Esmail, CEO of Vantage Point; Chair of BC’s Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee

Reimagining our Futures: Local Actions and Impacts
Achieving equitable systems change in our community takes a collective effort. Following the keynote presentation, Zahra and leaders from social service agencies in Richmond will come together to share and reflect on innovative best practices and initiatives their organizations have spearheaded to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This panel discussion will explore current and emerging issues critical to advancing social equity and discuss collaborative strategies to realize our vision of fair and inclusive communities. Discover how local actions can drive meaningful change and shape a more equitable future for all.

Speakers:
Zahra Esmail, Vantage Point
Daniel Remedios, Richmond Addiction Services Society
Slinder Bhatti, Chimo Community Services
Parm Grewal, Richmond Multicultural Community Services
Ella Huang, Richmond Centre for Disability

Express Yourself! Exploring Self-Identity through Inclusive-by-Design Programming
This year, Aspire Richmond, Richmond Public Library, and artist Keely O’Brien partnered to present Express Yourself, an art series that engaged neurodiverse teens in exploring personal identities through creative self-expression. With an inclusive-by-design approach woven into the fabric of the programming, participants of all backgrounds and abilities felt welcomed and supported in a community space by honouring the differences and similarities amongst their peers. This session will delve into the development and presentation of this program, share key learnings and best practices, and provide ideas for organizations to enhance accessibility and inclusion in their programs.
Speakers:
Ginny Dunnill, Richmond Public Library
Jason Liu, Aspire Richmond
Keely O’Brien, Express Yourself! Artist and Facilitator

Inclusive and Anti-Oppressive Writing Strategies: A Sensitizing Conversation
The Inclusive and Antiracist Writing Guides were developed in Simon Fraser University’s Student Learning Commons (SFU SLC) and supports writers in advancing inclusive and anti-oppressive practices. In this session, SFU SLC Writing Services Coordinators will share highlights of the guides, leading participants through conversations with one another through exercises and case studies, recognizing that everyone's lived experience sensitizes them to different forms of oppressive and anti-oppressive language. Participants will learn to extend awareness and sensitivity to the lived experiences of others and the impacts they have through the intentional use of language in writing.
Speakers:
Dr. Julia Lane and Nia Pazoki
Simon Fraser University Student Learning Commons

Language Accessibility in Practice: Opportunities for Collaborative Advocacy
The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the forefront the language accessibility challenges that many communities had been facing for some time. As we reimagine the future, how can we collectively envision a world where our communities are no longer left behind? This session invites participants to explore language accessibility in practice, helping reduce barriers to accessing services and resources and working together towards shared systems-change goals. Based on hua foundation's experiences convening the C19 Response Coalition and the Language Access Project, this session will explore strategies for advocacy through collaboration and solidarity-building, to empower everyone to fully participate in society.
Speaker:
christina lee, hua foundation