The WGD People Who Inspire Podcast

Evan Jolicoeur: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Political Structure

Evan sees the world through a lens shaped by strong community values. Humility, hard work and connection are a part of these values with a focus on preserving and protecting family, culture, water and land.  He finds himself deeply invested in Vancouver Island as his home and his future -- with roots firmly planted in Royston and Cumberland. Evan’s multitude of life experiences have brought him to this important moment of great uncertainty and change. He views this time as an opportunity to imagine a better, healthier and safer future for all families and communities. Evan is ready to be the voice of Mid Island-Pacific Rim -- to secure the foundational industries of forestry, fishing and tourism for generations, while fostering new opportunities that are accessible to all. He’s dedicated to the service of others. From his years spent as a registered nurse, focusing on addiction and mental health to project management and entrepreneurship, and more than a decade in politics, Evan’s leadership in these roles are consistently guided by compassion, respect and community inclusion. Evan has always understood the power that exists within the collective. From his years working in the health sector, his desire is strong to facilitate a community that takes care of one another. Evan has an immense respect for Indigenous traditions and teachings and is an ally in the journey of reconciliation. It’s time to bring in a generation of bold leaders who understand how to listen, engage, and stand up for communities.

Lauren Dean on Advocating for Indigenous people's in business:

Lauren brings with her over a decade of business, marketing, and. communication experience and holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree as her foundation. Empowering Indigenous people to share their stories, culture, and knowledge with the world is a passion for Lauren in this field of work. Lauren lives is a member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia. She spends her free time rescuing small animals, connecting to the forest through trail running, and learning about her culture.  Lauren speaks about the policies and colonialist practices that continue to oppress The Indigenous People's and the sort of changes that must be made to truly achieve reconciliation.

Rosalind Humphreys, Activist, Advocate and Trans person who inspires.

Rosalind Humphreys is a trans individual and a long standing member of LGBTG2SI+ community who has been involved in activism for a large part of her adult life, including advocacy for marginalized people, women and trans advocacy.  She is a founding member of the Pride Society in her community and speaks to us about the challenges that can arise as we try to create change in our communities.  Her kind heart translates through ever word as we have the privilege of hearing her story as she truly inspires us to think from perspectives that may be different form our own.

Liz Wootton Weaving Equity into the fabric of your organization

Liz Wootton’s company, Human Nature Development helps with values-based leadership, personal effectiveness, employee recruitment, engagement and performance. She draws from experience in business leadership and management, combined with unique perspectives from martial arts, sports, music and theatre.  Her techniques for creating a more equitable work environment through education, communication and inner growth should be heard by leaders near and far.

Steve Ell, It's not enough to simply not be racist...you MUST be anti-racist

Steve Ell,  is an advocate and a mentor for people in recovery for over a decade, tells his story of growing up an adopted, Black Indigenous Person of Colour in Alberta.  In a day where divineness is on the rise and false news travels seven times faster than the truth on social media, Steve tells his story and experience of racism in Canada and its impacts.   His story of recovery shows his innate resilience and is a keen example of what it means to rise above.  He reminds us that it's not enough to simply not be racist, we must be anti-racist to actually advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion