Equity Committee Updates
As we embark on a new year, guided by a new Strategic Plan, YWCA Metro Vancouver continues the internal work to progress inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) in our daily work lives. There are many projects and initiatives underway, including exciting staff activities led by our three equity committees.
In February, the Racial Equity Committee engaged staff in recognition of Black History Month. This year’s theme was Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.
On our website, we featured an in-depth interview with Anthonia Ogundele, Founder and Executive Director of Ethós Lab, an after-school innovation academy for youth to explore and grow through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).
Anthonia shared that throughout history, Black people have made significant contributions to STEAM, however their efforts, ingenuity and innovations are often missing from historical narratives. The interview shows the significant impacts and importance of inclusive spaces that foster innovation and belong to the next generation of Black youth.
We were also honoured to host a special guest speaker, Candace Knoll-Brown, who took us on an engrossing journey through storytelling, accentuated with heirloom family photos and artifacts. We heard about her family’s rich history and their incredible journey from the shackles of slavery to freedom and success. Caribbean food and treats, as well as homemade ginger beer, added a delicious element to our employee gathering. There is such power in storytelling – to build our collective empathy and deepen understanding and appreciation of each other within our employee community.
We are looking forward to other IDEA learning opportunities and cultural celebrations in the coming weeks and months, such participating in an anti-racism awareness course and reflection Learning Circles, the annual YWCA Cultural Feast, Pride movie night, Diversity Dialogues, the Gender Inclusion Toolkit rollout and initiatives in support of truth and reconciliation.
For more information on our work and IDEA policies, contact Tamara Robertson-Fry at trobertsonfry@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5860.
