The diversity topic is top of mind for many organizations. Board members have an important role in building an inclusive, brave and safe environment. Staff are looking at boards to lead the way forward and set the tone for the organization. This workshop will cover Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) and Cultural Sensitivity topics.

Who should attend? Executives & Board Professionals.

What you will learn:

• Why you should care about inclusion
• The relevance of cultural competence to board professionals
• Golden nuggets on how to approach, design and implement your EDI strategy
• Addressing pitfalls and challenges that arise on the road to equity, diversity and inclusion
• Understanding implicit and explicit biases and how they impact your entire organization
• Decolonizing the boardroom, addressing challenges serving indigenous peoples and other marginalized communities
• How to be an ally
• Setting realistic and measurable cultural-competence goals for your organization
• Learn some of the commonly used EDI terms
• Move from talk to action

We are excited to offer this EDI workshop with Jessie Williams!

Jessie is a member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Having obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Master of Educational Administration and Leadership in Indigenous Education has inspired a meaningful career focused on empowering Indigenous presence, voice, and capacity. Jessie spent a decade working in Educational Administration, namely k-12 and Post-Secondary contexts, in Indigenous and Non-Indigenous environments, having previously served as the Director of Indigenous Relations at Simon Fraser University, and Manager of Education for the Squamish Nation.

Leaning on the wisdom gained from lived experience, educational attainment, professional journey, and elder teachings, Jessie has developed a passion for nation-building. She currently serves as the Director of Business Development and Communications for the New Relationship Trust (NRT), an independent non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening First Nations in British Columbia through capacity building in five key areas: Education (K-12 & Post-Secondary), Governance Capacity, Language, Youth & Elders, and Economic development.

Jessie is committed to being a bridge – a connector, and strongly believes in collaborative governance and leadership, strategic planning, advocacy, inclusivity, and innovation. The teaching that guides her comes from the Squamish word Nch’u7mut (to be one, to be in unity, to be connected).