DiversityNL Podcast

Chris Forward is the General Manager of Harvey’s Oil and Harvey’s Home Heating. He has been part of the Harvey’s team since 2008 and now oversees operations that guide the strategic direction of the organization and day to day management of over 7000+ energy utility customers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Chris has established a reputation for positive, innovative leadership, having fostered longs...

Alison Butler is from St. John’s, Newfoundland. She holds a Masters in Employment Relations from Memorial University and has 17 years of experience as a trainer and speaker for workplaces. She is a mother, mental wellbeing advocate, and has lived experience with mental health that came to light in her late 30's as a working professional. She believes that we can create change in our workplaces...

Didan Wedderburn is a Migrant Integration Specialist and the author of the upcoming book, "The Resilient Foreigner's Toolkit." Through her consultancy, Resilient Foreigner, Didan has been helping people working or studying abroad to develop the adaptability skills and resilience-building habits they need to thrive in new and strange places. Born and raised in Jamaica, Didan has spent...

JENNIFER BROWN is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, diversity and inclusion consultant, and author. As the successful Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), Jennifer and her team are well-known for their process of designing workplace strategies and educational programming that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and non-profits in the US and around the world,...

Judy White is a Mi’kmaq, a member of the Flat Bay Band, and a King’s Counsel lawyer with significant experience in human rights issues, Indigenous governance, and legislative matters. Judy White was previously the Assistant Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and, through an interchange arrangement, served as Director of Engagemen...

A Red Seal Electrician, JoJo Greeley works to promote and advocate for women working in skilled building trades. JoJo thrives on helping and supporting people to live their best lives. The world as we know it is changing rapidly and Joann’s eagerness to support that change and the people around her makes her a leader in both industry and community. Diagnosed with ADHD at 52 has opened a new world...

For the past 30 years, Dr. Manju Varma has focused on issues pertaining to diversity and anti-racism in the Atlantic Region. From 2001-2008, she was an Assistant Professor with the University of New Brunswick in the department of Education. Later, she joined the Federal government where she worked on portfolios that included Indigenous issues, multiculturalism, anti-racism, mental health, accessib...

A member of Qalipu First Nation, Tera McDonald (she/they) is the owner of Kalawikk (Gal-a-wikk) and the soon to open Kalawikk micro Gallery. Through Kalawikk, a social enterprise, Tera leverages 20 years of accommodations experience in communications education to exact greater impact in inclusivity, accessibility, diversity, and equitability standards for clients. Training is offered in full and h...

Michael Bach is a nationally and internationally recognized thought leader and subject matter expert in the fields of inclusion, diversity, equityand accessibility. He is the founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), CCDI Consulting and Pride at Work Canada. Michael has worked professionally in the areas of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility for nearly 20 years...

Charlie Murphy (pronouns he, him, they, them) is a long-time 2SLGBTQIA+ and sexual health activist Charlie Murphy (pronouns he, him, they, them) is a long-time 2SLGBTQIA+ and sexual health activist currently residing in what is colonially known as St. John’s NL and is the Executive Director of Quadrangle NL, the only solely mandated registered 2SLGBTQIA+ charity creating a Provincial 2SLGBTQIA+ Co...

Jason Stock (He/Him) is a member of the local Newfoundland tech community, currently employed by PolyUnity Tech. Jason is five years sober, neurodiverse and a self-admitted work in progress regarding DEIB. He is a husband, has 2 Teenage sons and practices jiujitsu. His favourite quote is "We can do hard things" by Glennon Doyle Melton.

Kathy Hawkins is the Executive Director of Empower, The Disability Resource Centre which provides corporate service province-wide under InclusionNL: Employer Support Services. Kathy provides support and services to employers interested in creating more inclusive workplace environments for current and new employees with multiple types of disabilities.  In this capacity she advises employers and bus...

Jenny Brake (she/her) is the Western Vice Chief of Qalipu First Nation, and the Chair of Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities. Through these organizations, Jenny works to build capacity through education, enterprise and cultural wellness. With the support of her three children, Jenny is committed to the growth and preservation of Indigenous values and traditions. She is an artist a...

Laurabel Mba is a Communications, Marketing and Fund Development Specialist and a mom to a 4-year-old boy. She recognizes and has lived experiences of the disparities in society for BIPOC, marginalized and underrepresented communities. She lends her voice and leverages her experiences to bring their concerns and struggles to the decision-making table. She is one of the hosts of Rogers TV's "Out of...

The conversation is real, raw and vulnerable. Meet my first  guest who is my person, the voice of techNL podcast, “Creators at The World's Edge,” CEO and business owner who helps niche firms implement sales strategy, sales process, and sales training. Carol jumped off the corporate ladder after 20 years in oil and gas, as VP Sales and Marketing for one of the largest privately held companies...