IDEAA-nomics (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Anti-Racism) Podcast

In this episode Niha talks to Mama Lawson. She shares her story of being born into a large family, where she was the seventh child. Most of her childhood was spent in Oregon, where she faced much adversity as they were the first family of color in the town. She was a teacher for over 30 years and continues to use her talent to uplift and encourage. She is currently traveling the world with her son Comedian Preacher Lawson.  This episode is hosted by Niha Shahzad and produced by Marcela Popowich.

Join us as we talk to Ottawa-born singer-songwriter Nambi! She has become one of her city's most darling and well-respected voices. She talks to Niha and Gabriel about her music journey, having a family, her inspirations and the meaning and importance of building a community. With the help of FACTOR Canada, Nambi is currently putting the finishing touches on her third studio album, “Latebloomer Vol 1”, released in 2025. Listen to Nambi on Apple Music and Spotify Find her on Instagram @nambimusic This episode is hosted by Niha Shahzad and Gabriel Cormier and produced by Marcela Popowich.

Join us today as Connor shares his thoughts on diversity readiness, system racism and the convergence of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.. Our regular host Niha Shazad is joined by Gabriel LAST NAME in a conversation with Connor LAST NAME.

Join us today as Connor shares his story of growing up as a black child in Nova Scotia - in a time where communities pooled money together and had to choose one black child to send off to a better high school to how his parents worked several jobs, found time to be activists and make a difference for their community. Our regular host Niha Shazad is joined by Gabriel LAST NAME in a conversation with Connor LAST NAME.

Curious about what a Minister thinks of Kendrick's new album, Jamie Foxx, and Kevin Hart? Find the answers in this episode of the IDEAA-nomics podcast! Niha Shahzad, Host and Sr. Director of the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment, speaks with the ⁠Hon. Minister Marci Ien,⁠ Minister of Women, Gender Equality and Youth about Gender-Based Violence, Economic Abuse, importantly the health of men and boys, and how comedy and art have the power to heal. In this episode, they talk about the good work of Canadian organizations WhiteRibbon , NextGenMen to help men and boys. They also highlight the new way that the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment (CCFWE) is engaging the public on Economic Abuse including the CCFWE's new original song, Ascending (out now on Apple Music and Spotify), the accompanying Music Video and Social Media and Dance Challenges (complete with Gift prizes) ending on Dec 20, to raise awareness about Economic Abuse.   Canadian artists and comedians that came into the mix:  ⁠Jesse Singh, a.k.a. The Punjabi Timbit⁠: The hilarious stand-up comedian and social worker, who is helping young men and boys find healthy emotional outlets through art therapy.  SABRE: the lead artist on CCFWE's song Ascending, raising awareness on Economic Abuse Ottawa Dance Schools Vibes Dance Academy and Upasana Spirit of Dance who brought the powerful story about women facing economic abuse to life in CCFWE's Help Us Rise Music Video. Nambi, the incomparable Award-winning musician, who produced the theme song for the IDEAA-nomics podcast. Cranium Arts Project that is hosting a Hip Hop Food Drive today, Dec 13, to support over 10 Food banks in Ottawa.  Koga, an Ottawa-based music collective, which includes R&B artist Yoharis, whose music touches on toxicity in relationships.

In this episode, Rene Fortier asks Niha Shahzad about her work as a Senior Director for the national non-profit, the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment. She talks about the importance of raising awareness about Domestic Economic Abuse, a form of abuse that affects 1 out of 3 women in Canada. Niha also discusses the production of an original song by the CCFWE, for their annual Help Us Rise campaign to raise awareness about Economic Abuse. The song called Ascending with local Toronto artist, SABRE ft. Niha is about the experience of leaving any difficult relationship. The song will be accompanied by a Music Video, produced by CCFWE, which with local Ottawa dance schools, Vibes Dance Academy and Upasana Spirit of Dance. The video will release on Nov 26 Economic Abuse Awareness Day (Watch the teaser) Download the song Ascending on ⁠⁠Spotify or ⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠ Register for ⁠CCFWE's Panel event on Nov 26 about Digital Economic Abuse⁠, and follow @CCFWE on LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or Youtube to learn more.

Comedian and social worker, Jesse Singh a.k.a. the Punjabi Timbit talks to us about comedy in Canada, his life as a social worker, and his experience in an immigrant family growing up at Jane and Finch in Toronto. In this funny and heartfelt episode, Jesse talks about the nature of comedy in Canada and the South Asian community. He talks about his story of being in a household of abuse, as a result of trauma from the war in Punjab. We hear about the strength of his mother who became a single mother and raised two children. We hear about how both social work and comedy focus on meeting people where they are, and helping shift their perspectives to achieve empowerment. Follow Jesse Singh on Instagram or TikTok @ThePunjabiTimbit.

Niha speaks to Sebastien N'Singi, Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice working at the Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Secretariat. His conviction for fighting wrongdoing did not start at the public service. Rather a career in Government is an outcome of his constant dedication to advocate for what is right, even if it threatened his life. While at university in the 1970s, Sebastien participated in protests against the dictatorship regime of President Mobutu in Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to the substantial risk, he was forced to flee his home country as a refugee. After landing in Portugal, he came to Canada, after a the Commissioner of the UN High Commission for Refugees took notice of Sebastien, and his proficiency in French. Here in Canada, he continued his education and was encouraged by mentors to become a lawyer, and eventually he found himself at the Department of Justice. Sebastien's story is a fascinating tale of resilience and justice with an inspiring ending, coming in Part 2. We're convinced he'll have a documentary soon.

Niha speaks to Sebastien N'Singi, Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice working at the Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Secretariat. His conviction for fighting wrongdoing did not start at the public service. Rather a career in Government is an outcome of his constant dedication to advocate for what is right, even if it threatened his life. While at university in the 1970s, Sebastien participated in protests against the dictatorship regime of President Mobutu in Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to the substantial risk, he was forced to flee his home country as a refugee. After landing in Portugal, he came to Canada, after a the Commissioner of the UN High Commission for Refugees took notice of Sebastien, and his proficiency in French. Here in Canada, he continued his education and was encouraged by mentors to become a lawyer, and eventually he found himself at the Department of Justice. Sebastien's story is a fascinating tale of resilience and justice with an inspiring ending, coming in Part 2. We're convinced he'll have a documentary soon.

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This special episode is a rebroadcast of a webinar hosted by Policy Horizons Canada, during Futures Week 2024. This webinar was recorded on May 7, 2024, with the introduction by Kristel Van der Elst, Director General of Policy Horizons Canada. The episode is about witnessing Indigenous perspectives on the future and how they influence our relationships to work, time, each other and earth. Circle Keeper Larissa Crawford, Founder and Managing Director, Future Ancestors Services Circle members Freddie Campbell, Director of Energy and Climate, Indigenous Clean Energy Grace Dillon, Professor Indigenous Nations Studies department, Portland State University Samantha Matters, Founding Director, Future Ancestors Services __________________________ Cet épisode spécial est une rediffusion d'un webinaire organisé par Horizons politiques Canada, dans le cadre de la Semaine du futur 2024. Ce webinaire a été enregistré le 7 mai 2024, avec l'introduction de Kristel Van der Elst, directrice générale d'Horizons politiques Canada. L'épisode traite des perspectives autochtones sur l'avenir et de la façon dont elles influencent nos relations au travail, au temps, aux autres et à la terre. Gardienne du cercle Larissa Crawford, fondatrice et directrice générale, Future Ancestors Services Membres du cercle Freddie Campbell, directeur de l'énergie et du climat, Indigenous Clean Energy Grace Dillon, professeur au département d'études des nations autochtones de l'université d'État de Portland Samantha Matters, directrice fondatrice, Future Ancestors Services

In this episode you'll hear Niha Shahzad speak to Denise Wong, Director of Emerging Priorities at Natural Resources Canada about her journey navigating her public service career. After achieving a hard-won accomplishment of completing an EX-01 Director-level competition, Denise faced a setback in her career. She took time to introspect and reaffirm what it was that she wanted to accomplish. She reflects on reconnecting with her values, what it means to be a racialized woman in the public service, and how she wanted to build effective teams in the public service. Through this process and the sponsorship of another public servant, Denise became a Director, and exemplifies what it means to lead as your authentic self.

In this conversation with Dr. Shaun Anderson, Shamir and Niha talk about the greatest black athletes including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Lebron James about their approaches to standing up for social justice. Hear Dr. Anderson explain the story behind his book, the Black Athlete Revolt. He explains the genesis of athletes standing up for justice, to today's impact of social media on the social movement. This episode was recorded on Dec 2022. You can buy the Black Athlete Revolt here: https://www.shaunmarqanderson.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Black-Athlete-Revolt-Movement-BlackLivesMatter/dp/1538153246

Please note: this episode contains references to violence. What would you find after riding along with police officers and interviewing them for four years? How much of the 'war on cops' is true or just rhetoric? What are the unintended consequences of orienting an institution around the idea that they are always in danger when they're on the job? Niha and Vishala find the answers to these questions with Dr. Sierra-Arévalo, whose new book, the Danger Imperative, explores these very questions. Dr. Sierra-Arévalo also describes the shift in policing after George Floyd and alternative methods to public safety and reducing violence. You can find The Danger Imperative here: https://www.sierraarevalo.com/dangerimperative https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Imperative-Violence-Death-Policing/dp/0231198477

In celebration of Black Excellence for this year's Black History Month, we are proud to introduce you to NRCan student employee and rugby player Brianna Martey. This episode is co-hosted by Niha Shahzad and Vishala Shembedasie.

On this episode you'll hear how Faduno Ali was able to create a sanctuary space for all at DND. Faduno talks to Barbara Abbas and Niha from NRCan about how to start, who to talk to and, how to overcome some of the challenges that might come up. After listening, if you're looking for more information on how to create a Sanctuary Space in your Department, visit: Searching for tranquility? Visit the redesigned Sanctuary at NDHQ (Carling) - Canada.ca

Part 2 of our discussion with author and historian Blair LM Kelley where she discusses her new book, Black Folk: The Roots of the Black Working Class. This episode is co-hosted by Niha Shahzad and Vishala Shembedasie.

Part 1 of our discussion with author and historian Blair LM Kelley where she discusses her new book, Black Folk: The Roots of the Black Working Class. This episode is co-hosted by Niha Shahzad and Vishala Shembedasie.

In this episode, Marcela Popowich speaks to Alfonso Manolo, a proud queer first generation Filipino-Canadian, about his career in the public service. Alfonso shares how he successfully advocated for the inclusion of anti-Asian racism and religious discrimination into the RCMP's national anti-racism course, alongside his advocacy for the collection of perception-based data.

Jaspaul takes us through his journey as the son of immigrants, what it meant to be part of the public service as the oldest, and how he experienced his identity throughout his career.

Jennifer Hong, co-chair of the Visible Minorities Ambassadors Network at NRCan, explores the ways in which we can engage meaningfully with ourselves and others. Jenn also reminds us to approach life and people with curiosity to connect, learn and grow.

Listen to Niha speak with Winnie Man Yin Pang, Director General of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Branch at Department of Canadian Heritage. Winnie talks about her journey from hiding her Chinese name in her youth to making the decision to embrace her full name as an adult. Though she experienced microaggressions within the public service, she shares how she found inspiration (including DM Quan-Watson's Open Letter) to help her embrace her identity and background. She constantly works toward change and helping those like herself, who at first may have felt like outsiders within the public service, through the Network of Asian Federal Employees.

Join Niha and Sean as they speak to Deputy Minister Quan-Watson about how entered into the public service, his experience with racism and diversity, and how to make a difference by speaking up and out. The Deputy shares with us his list of top 5 books that he recommends everyone read, but ultimately he says that if you think of a Canadian experience that you don't know about, pick up something from that point of view. Epic of Gilgamesh Meditations by Marceus Orelius Guns of August - Barbara W. Tuchman Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris Five days in May London 1940 by John Lukacs

In this episode Dr. Ellingwood shares his thoughts on being an agent of change while not allowing yourself to (be) diminish(ed). He shares thoughts on bringing and being our authentic selves while acknowledging that "we don't recognize how much we have sacrificed of our authentic selves to fit in, to be a part of a system". Hear about his arduous journey entering the public service and lessons learned along the way.

Our discussion with Dr. Nicholas delves into the multiLAYERs of anti-racism and the EDI world. He shares with us the work he's done and his thoughts on disaggregated data to colorism to a new name for our podcast to a need to add anti-racism as a factor of psychological health and safety in the workplace. His use of language, and the questions he raises about it, can teach us all how to critically think about the way we speak and write.

Join Niha and Sean as they talk to Alexis Ford-Ellis about including Indigenous Health and Wellness in the workplace. We explore Alexis's childhood as a Gwich'in woman, her experience in HR during the DRAP era, and her current role as a Director for Wellness at the Knowledge Circle for Indigenous Inclusion (KCII).

Niha Shahzad speaks to Roxane Lee, Executive Director at Service Canada and Yvette-Monique Gray, Regional Director General at Public Services and Procurement about the creation of a new Network called Building Black Leaders. They also share how they've created communities outside of government with their leadership in the sports and arts worlds. Roxane is the co-founder of a Vancouver Sports Club for youth playing basketball. Yvette-Monique is a part of a competitive dance group, President of the Board for the Little Chamber Music, and a Screener for South African Film Festival.

Join Niha and Sean in a conversation with Clinical Counselor Bohang Benedix on decolonizing mental health, and how to support yourself and your peers with compassion. Bohang is an Registered Clinical Counselor who embodies empathy, compassion and authenticity in her counseling relationship. She has experience working with children, adults, couples and families from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and holds a Bsc. (Honours) in Psychology, as well as a MA in Counselling Psychology. Prior to moving to Canada over 10 years ago from Southern Africa, she worked in trauma counseling and mental health within schools, as well as with adults and couples in relationship counseling for nearly ten years. Since moving to Canada, Bohang worked with refugees and immigrants as well as their children and youth by providing counseling services to cope with trauma, culture shock and assimilation, depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders. https://nofearcounselling.com/bohang-benedix-clinical-counsellor/ This episode is produced by Marcela Popowich.

Join Niha and Sean in a conversation with Aalya Dhanani, co-Founder of the Anti-Racism Ambassadors Network. Aalya talks about her experience as a woman of color within government, setting up the Network itself, and what she sees for the future of the public service.

Our host, Niha Shahzad Chandrarajan speaks to Trudy Samuel, the Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at NRCan on her experience working in the EDI field, what made her pursue this career, and what we see for the future of EDI.