Think about it with Charles Kissi

Dr. Ivan Joseph is the Vice-President of Students Affairs at Wilfrid Laurier University. The author, speaker and award-winning performance coach shares his path and experiences with racism, from his time as a young student to his journey through the senior management ranks of our Canadian university system. He opens up about his troubling experiences at Dalhousie University and talks about his evolution to critical consciousness. Finally, Dr. Joseph provides his SMALL, MEDIUM and LARGE solutions and thoughts for change.

Chris Penrose ( Program Director)  & Micaella Riche ( Basketball Operations Manager) are using the game and culture of basketball to make the city of Toronto a better, more equitable and healthier place for its young marginalized people, most of which are racialized. They talk about how Lay Up's (Layup.ca) programming is having a positive and life-changing impact on various marginalized communities. Their evidence-based approach is working to dismantle and disrupt the narratives and barriers that young people. They share their personal connections to the issues and finally their SMALL, MEDIUM and LARGE thoughts for change.

Michael Simonetta is an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the financial sector.  Michael shares his journey toward being an ally in the fight for social justice. He discusses his thoughts on how the banks can play a more significant role in dismantling oppressive structures and creating greater equity. He talks about his role in youth basketball throughout the Greater Toronto Area, specifically with the Northern Kings. Finally, he provides his SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE solutions and thoughts for change.

Alex Digenis is a community leader who is the owner of Henley Honda, Subaru Niagara & Skyway Fine Cars.  In this episode, we discuss Alex's surprising experiences with racism as a young boy of Greek descent while growing up in the city of Toronto. He shares his journey through the automotive business and his strategy for hiring employees. Alex shares the valuable lessons he learned from his daughter about ' white privilege'.  Finally SMALL, MEDIUM and LARGE actions we can all take to effect change.

Ayderus Alawi is a criminal defence lawyer. In this episode, we talk about his experiences and challenges with systemic racism within the criminal justice system. He shares his journey through the education system, into law school and throughout his time practicing law in the city of Toronto. He offers his view on defunding the police and shares his positive encounter with Toronto Raptors President, Masai Ujiri. Finally SMALL, MEDIUM and LARGE actions we can all take to effect change.