Recent Events
Check out some of the recent events put on by our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team.
KeyNote Speaker:
Chef Lynn Crawford
In June 2023, Chef Lynn Crawford delivered a Keynote to share her story on ‘Coming out in the Culinary World.’ She offered us strong perspective and insight on the challenges and criticism that affect the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace. Her dedication to celebrating diversity, whether through her cuisine or her advocacy work, continues to inspire and uplift those who admire her as a chef and as a champion for equality.
About Chef Lynn Crawford
Lynn Crawford is a renowned Canadian Chef and television personality, widely respected for her passion for food and her dedication to pushing the boundaries of Canadian cuisine. Lynn has celebrated many culinary achievements, including being the Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto for nearly a decade.
In addition to her culinary achievements, Lynn Crawford is known for her advocacy and support of the LGBTQ+ community. She has been an outspoken ally and has used her platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance. Crawford's involvement in the Pride community has included participating in Pride parades, speaking at LGBTQ+ events, and using her influence to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and issues.
Recommended Resources
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Virtual Teaching Kitchen:
Food and Your Mood
During our Virtual Teaching Kitchen, two of our very own culinary experts led an educational and interactive session on how to prepare healthy foods to optimize brain health and wellness. This provided associates with an opportunity to practice mindful nutrition and understand the link between food and our mood!
Thank you to Karli Nummikowski, Manager of Nutrition & Wellness at Envision Group, and Brielle Perl, Director of Standards and Nutrition at Compass One Healthcare for leading this session. Learn more about how to fuel your brain throughout the day and find the recipe to their nutritious homemade granola bars here.
KeyNote Speaker:
Liane Davey
Celebrating Women's History Month, Liane Davey delivered a keynote, titled “The Good Fight.” During this session, Liane shared some great tips on how to overcome our fear of conflict and use it as a productive tool to help us make better decisions. If you’re interested in seeing more of her work, she has an extensive library of videos available on her website covering topics such as: conflict management, toxic work environments, team dynamics, productivity, meetings, communication skills, and trust. You can find these great resources here: Video Library (lianedavey.com)
About Liane Davey
Lynn Crawford is a renowned Canadian Chef and television personality, widely respected for her passion for food and her dedication to pushing the boundaries of Canadian cuisine. Lynn has celebrated many culinary achievements, including being the Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto for nearly a decade.
In addition to her culinary achievements, Lynn Crawford is known for her advocacy and support of the LGBTQ+ community. She has been an outspoken ally and has used her platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance. Crawford's involvement in the Pride community has included participating in Pride parades, speaking at LGBTQ+ events, and using her influence to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and issues.
Recommended Resources
Virtual Residential School Tour:
Mohawk Institute
As part of our ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation, our associates were invited to join Lorie Gallant from the Woodland's Cultural Centre for a guided tour of a former Mohawk Residential School. This tour explored the 140-year history of the Mohawk Institue, visiting various rooms including dormitories, cafeteria, & more. We heard touching interviews from the 5 survivors about their experiences and were given a deeper perspective on the tragic history of the residential school system and subsequent impacts on Indigenous Communities.
Feedback from our Associates:
"My children are Mohawk from the six nations reservation near Brantford. I will be sharing what I learned today to help them understand what happened to several of their ancestors."
"I will definitely visit the Woodland Cultural Centre to visit their library in the future to read/view their information. I also will carry in my heart the stories shared during the session and use the information learned today to continue to help others learn and lead with compassion."
"It was extremely powerful and the insight provided into the experiences of Residential Schools (and the physical aspect of the buildings themselves) has armed me with a level of empathy I didn't previously have. This will enable me to think and interact differently and to further my learning journey."
We encourage you to continue your learning on the Former Mohawk Institute Residential School here and the Woodlands Cultural centre here.