Pauline, at 18, grew up in a small community, being told that having a ‘good job’ for a lifetime of security represented success. She knew her path would be one she would have to carve herself. Though encouraged by her mother to become a strong and self-sufficient woman, this did not include dreaming beyond working at the local sawmill.
Lizzie Allan is a professional comedian and a registered therapeutic counselor. During a research performance project, while studying comedy at university, she discovered the healing benefits of comedy therapy. It led her to decide to use her own challenging life experience as a show’s springboard.
Annie Ohana is an anti-Oppression Curriculum Specialist & Indigenous Department Head at LA Matheson Secondary. A Sephardic Jewish settler of visible minority Moroccan immigrants, Annie has lived in multiple worlds, privileged and oppressed. “I realized that I had to make space for others to uplift myself and bring justice to others. I share their stories and constantly question the systems we are forced to follow. Leadership is knowing when to lead from the front, within the middle, and support from behind,” Annie emphasized.
Renae has been creating artistic works for most of her life and journeyed across Canada and internationally in film, television, theatre, and music. As an actress, writer, singer, producer, and director in both television and theatre, she has honed her skills by observing, listening, and supporting the artistic works of many individuals who helped and supported her in understanding artistic passion, focus, and creative vulnerability in sharing Indigenous stories in a good way—miyopimatisowin.
With West African ancestry, Heather was born, raised, and currently resides in New Westminster, BC. She holds the title of Senior Manager to one of the largest not-for-profit agencies in the Province. She has a degree in Criminology, a Master’s degree in Leadership, and Certification in Organizational Change Leadership.
Joy Spence – Appleton Rum’s Master Blender – is the first female Master Blender in the spirits industry, recognized as a pioneer and celebrated trailblazer in a male-dominated field. With a 40-year career legacy, Joy is a champion for the advancement of women and is dedicated to leading Appleton into the future by supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Daljit Gill-Badesha’s career is driven by social justice, equity, collaboration, and seva (service). She grew up in an immigrant, Punjabi Sikh, multigenerational family, studied at UBC and found her life partner, Avtar. They have two beautiful children, Aneel & Riya. Her career journey has been diverse. She has led portfolios for all ages and served on provincial and national committees on community development, sports, children/youth development, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Lisa is a first-generation immigrant from China. At 10, she followed her family and moved to Canada. As new immigrants, her family, particularly her brother and her, received tremendous support from the community. That’s how the pay-it-forward mentality grew in her.
Growing up in a conservative Rajput family, Ssarita believes she’d taken a longer and more diverse route in her professional life. “I have experience in varied fields, including teaching, finance, publishing, movies, statistics, holistic development, and management. Everything has helped me learn, and I value them all. As a young teacher’s assistant, I left my family with nothing in hand. I made something out of myself, learning from all the obstacles, yet I cherished each part of my journey.”
British Columbia’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner exists to address the root causes of inequality, discrimination, and injustice by shifting laws, policies, practices, and cultures. This is done through education, research, advocacy, inquiry and monitoring.
“Champion of the Crescent” Paddle Board Event for Youth Mental Health Returns this Summer Saturday, July 23, 2022 Blackie Spit, Crescent Beach, Surrey Surrey,…
The idea of a 15-minute city – one where everyone’s essential needs can be met within walking distance – is within reach for Vancouver, but more needs to be done to provide access in neighbourhoods with higher proportions of children, older adults, and racialized populations.
All panels and performances will be presented both live and in-person at 3 locations, AND live streamed.
We gratefully and respectfully acknowledge that the Britannia Mine Museum operates on the ancestral unceded territory of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.
A first of its kind institution that will celebrate cultural diversity and a spirit of co-existing through research, education, and service.