My goal for every presentation, workshop, or consult is to have people thinking “Hmmm…I never thought of that!” This opens the door for a conversation. And when we talk, we learn new things about ourselves and each other that can expand not only our minds and hearts, but build relationships – both internally and with clients.
Leaving you with new insights and new ways of seeing the world and the people around you – or even just opening the door a little so you can consider a different way of seeing something – is what I do.
Inclusion is a journey.
Walking with you on that journey is my privilege.
Helping people and organizations to see more is my passion.
I come to inclusion naturally as a biracial person and a member of the LGBTQ communities.
Growing up in a household with two very different cultures taught me that there is more than one perspective, the value in seeing things from the “other side”, and the dangers that lurk when we don’t.
These two identities have taught me the importance and value of inclusion, because I know what it’s like not to feel included or accepted, how unconsciously this occurs, and how insidious it is to one’s self, self worth, and self acceptance – and ultimately one’s contribution to the world.
I started learning about inclusion officially as an elementary school teacher. During that time, I completed a Masters Degree in Equity Studies from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto. My thesis focused on teaching children how to notice bias in the books they read. This has informed my work, because without bias awareness, we unconsciously participate in undermining inclusion. While teaching, I co-authored a book called The School that Equity Built published by the Elementary Teachers Federation.
When I left teaching I figured that inclusion wasn’t something that stopped being important when you graduated, so I started my business. I have been working with Not for Profits, corporations and schools ever since. Clients include: The Girl Guides of Canada, The Canadian Diabetes Association, Egale Human Rights Trust, CIBC, KPMG, The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario, The Ontario Hospital Association, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, and the Toronto Public Library – as well as community service centres and community health centres.
Along the way, I have become a mother. My daughter is 4 years old.
I hope that when she is an adult, some of the things we are still grappling with today will no longer be an issue. Until then, I’m even more committed to building inclusive spaces so that we can really see each other, connect, and thrive.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Annemarie