EPISODE 13

How Businesses Can Better Support DEI Initiatives In Their Communities | Marva Wisdom

March 23, 2021

In this episode of Just One Q, Dr. Melissa Horne is joined by Marva Wisdom to discuss how businesses can better support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives beyond the words to actual actions, in simple and impactful ways.

In this time in history when the entire world has shifted its focus to becoming more diversity, equity and inclusion sensitive, it is important for businesses to provide the required support that Black, Indegenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ+) communities need.

While businesses are worried about their bottom line, Marva Wisdom sheds light on the need to go beyond concerns about the growth and to focus on the emotional and overall well-being of its people, even if work relations have become virtual.

Marva Wisdom is a committed leader who believes in the importance of building inclusive spaces that help to foster a sense of belonging. She established Wisdom Consulting in 2007 with a focus on leadership, engagement, diversity and inclusion. She has designed and led numerous, large and small group sessions for public private and not for profit sectors, locally, nationally and internationally.

In this podcast, she offers insights into how businesses can do the following:

Have authentic conversations with employees to understand what they may be experiencing and provide support where possible
Engage in research on how to better support BIPOC and LGBTQ communities

In this episode, Marva also highlights the Guelph Black Heritage Society and their upcoming #ChangeStartsNow Anti-Racism Summit—an Anti-Racism project aimed at preventing and responding to racism in Guelph and Wellington County. By developing community resources and capacity to educate the community about racism, local Black history, members of the public can prevent racism and hate crime.

Ready to reconnect with your community in more meaningful ways? Tune in to find out how.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marva Wisdom

Marva is a Senior Fellow at Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy (University of Toronto) and a fellow of the Environics Institute for Survey Research. She is a senior equity and leadership practitioner and the City of Guelph’s external lead consultant, toward eliminating systemic racism. She is also the Director of Outreach for the well-received Black Experience research project—a 7-year study, led by Environics Institute of Research Survey and partners, and she directs Musagetes Foundation’s International Arts Everywhere Festival. She continues her 30 plus years of volunteerism, including as vice chair of her Rotary Club. Among her many recognitions is the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the YWCA’s Woman of Distinction, and University of Guelph’s Lang Business College’s Alumni with Impact Award, where she earned a Master of Arts in Leadership.