SpeakUP! International Inc.

When the echoes of civil war and the sights of malnutrition could have hardened a heart, Kiden Jonathan chose to let her experiences sculpt a journey of compassion and empowerment. Our latest episode on SpeakUP! International features this incredible guest, whose tapestry of life—from nurturing children in Sudan to supporting young girls in Kenyan refugee camps and providing heartfelt nursing in C...

Join us on SpeakUP! International for an inspiring sit-down with Valerie Alphonso , the compassionate force behind Community Outreach Canada and Second Chance . Valerie's journey from a seasoned HR recruiter to a beacon of hope for many is nothing short of remarkable. Hear how she channeled her corporate acumen into nurturing the skills and dreams of those striving for a better life, includin...

What happens when marginalized youth are empowered with a voice and given the right resources? This episode of SpeakUP! International brings forward the transformative role of higher education in reshaping the lives of marginalized students. Alongside us, engaging in this enlightening discourse, is educator and advocate Syed Ali Nasir , who has devoted his life to aiding marginalized youth in find...

Velma Morgan , a distinguished educator, policy-maker, and chair of Operation Black Vote Canada , is a treasure trove of insights from years of advocating for gender and cultural representation in government. She offers a unique perspective on the critical role of intentional efforts in facilitating inclusion for the black community in government spaces. Velma's noteworthy journey extends bey...

We invite you on a journey with us and our esteemed guest, Dr Kathy Hogarth , Associate Vice President of Global Strategy at Wilford Laurier University. Dr Hogarth brings her personal experiences, academic prowess and insightful perspectives on how community psychology can be an effective tool in tackling the systemic issues of racism and social justice.  Now, imagine navigating the treacherous te...

What do you get when you combine a passionate advocate for diversity, a skilled business coach, and a dedicated philanthropist? You get Alex Ihama, our esteemed guest, on this transformative episode of SpeakUP! International. Alex, the executive director of the Canadian Congress on Inclusion, Diversity, and Workplace Equity, takes us on a profound journey, exploring the challenges and triumphs of...

What if embracing body positivity and menstrual cycle awareness became a norm rather than an exception? What if every woman felt empowered, loved and accepted in her skin? When Jesica Medellin  had her daughter's first menstruation as a catalyst, she set out to flip the script on this narrative, inspiring women globally with her forthcoming book, " First Moon ." Join us in this hear...

Are you ready to challenge the status quo? Our esteemed guest, educator and advocate for equity and diversity, Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad , brings us on an enlightening journey through the complexities of fostering equity and diversity in education. With his strategic and meticulous approach, he highlights the importance of self-care amidst the arduous task of disassembling systemic barriers while simu...

Imagine stepping into the vibrant, pulsating world of fashion at the tender age of 13 and carving your way to the top. That's the riveting journey of our guest, Kendra Francis , a Toronto-based fashionista who's built a name for herself in the luxury apparel space with her label, Frankie. Kendra unveils the threads of her journey, recounting tales of sewing lessons from her father and un...

Ever wondered how a love of poetry can evolve into a successful career in the world of publishing? Yolanda T Marshall, a celebrated Canadian author, gives us a glimpse into her fascinating journey. She started writing poetry at the age of eight, which led her to self-publish her own book in 2008. This leap of faith launched her into the corporate world of publishing. Yolanda's astute understa...

Get ready to immerse yourself in a gripping conversation with the financial maestro, Katrice Bent, the brilliant founder of Katrice Justice! This episode shines a spotlight on this powerhouse woman, who has devoted her life to empowering people to harness their finances and use money as a tool to achieve their dreams. Katrice doesn't just talk; she walks the walk, having purchased her first h...

What does it mean to carry the 'fire' of resistance and how does it shape our paths? Today, we welcome the extraordinary Dr. Akua Benjamin, a luminary in the world of social work and a relentless activist. She mesmerizes us with the compelling narrative of her family's history of resistance, which has been the backbone of her remarkable journey. The inspiring story of her mother&apo...

Part One: Imagine, a young man leaves his home country, sets foot on unfamiliar terrain, and over the span of 50 years, becomes an icon of community service, a vanguard for immigrant rights, and an award-winning mental health advocate. That's the captivating journey of Kingsley Gilliam, our guest today. Born in Jamaica, Kingsley arrived in Canada in 1969, and dedicated his life to professiona...

Get ready to be inspired as we sit down with social justice champion and community advocate, Kingsley Gilliam. Episode one takes us on a journey through Kingsley's incredible work in a crisis-stricken town, where he single-handedly rebuilt services and brought healing to the Ross River Indian Band. Guided by his faith and strong sense of identity, Kingsley faced head-on issues of violence, ne...

Get ready to meet a remarkable individual whose passion and creativity have left an indelible mark on the world of arts and advocacy. Welcome to the podcast featuring the inspiring Stacy-Ann Buchanan!   Stacy-Ann was honoured with the Entrepreneur Award at the International Women Achievement Awards, a testament to her unwavering dedication and innovative spirit.   This groundbreaking documentary,...

Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, our guest, Robert Samuels, embarked on a journey that took him from Montego Bay, Jamaica, to Canada to the dynamic world of New York State, where he pursued higher education and honed his skills both on and off the basketball court! But Robert's story doesn't stop there. He's not only a talented athlete but also a former member of the Canadian National...

So, whether you're an advocate yourself, someone intrigued by stories of resilience, or simply passionate about the pursuit of a fairer world, Join us as we sit down with Miss Beverly Johnson to explore the power of activism, the essence of empathy, and the endless possibilities when it comes to defending the rights of all! Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message. Support the show

Join us as we explore the insights and expertise of an award-winning, experienced Equity & Inclusion Consultant, an eloquent speaker, a mastermind in workshop development and facilitation – Shernatt Martin. she's not just an educator; she's a beacon of transformation. Shernatt's educational journey has been a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Soci...

Meet the luminary, the innovator, the trailblazer - Lillian Allen . A true renaissance soul, Lillian wears many hats with remarkable grace. As a revered educator, she imparts her wisdom as a professor of creative writing at Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD). But her influence goes beyond the classroom walls. Recipient of not one but two prestigious JUNO Awards, Lillian Allen&apos...

Prepare to embark on a journey that unveils the power of community-driven change in our food systems. Today, we introduce you to Anan Lololi, an EFAO Board Member and Chair of the Black Food Sovereignty Working Group. With over 27 years of experience as an Urban Farmer and Canadian Food Systems Analyst, Anan's commitment to championing Black Food Sovereignty and advocating for marginalized co...

Welcome to "Discovering Jael Richardson," where we dive into the captivating narratives of a master storyteller. From her heartfelt memoir The Stone Thrower to the dystopian allure of Gutter Child , we'll explore her bestsellers and accolades. Richardson's touch extends to poignant picture books like Because You Are , while her leadership at the Festival of Literary Diversity s...

Today, we're honoured to introduce Mr. Terry Brathwaite – a trailblazer in law and education. As the founding coordinator of the University of the West Indies Faculty of Law, he's shaped future legal minds, earning recognition like being the first honorary fellow in the Faculty of Law. Terry's influence spans globally – from advising the Russian government to being the EU's ina...

Dr. Sarah L. Webb is a Public Speaker and Corporate Trainer Who Helps Companies and Institutions by Raising Awareness, Shifting Attitudes, and Taking Action to Dismantle Colorism. She launched the global initiative Colorism Healing in 2013 to raise awareness and foster individual and collective healing through creative and critical work. Dr. Webb’s myriad efforts to address colorism include design...

We are thrilled to introduce you to a true catalyst for change: Dr. Helen Pierman Zerall PhD. ! Dr. Helen is a wellness facilitator and transformation guide, leading individuals on a journey of healing and growth. She's the driving force behind F.I.T. - Forgive Intergenerational Trauma - a program dedicated to empowering women on their wellness path. Beyond physical health, Dr. Helen emphasiz...

Debbie King is a dynamic individual, embodying roles as a devoted parent, dedicated community organizer, accomplished communications professional, and a passionate athlete. In 2022, she earned the honour of being elected as the TDSB Trustee for Ward 7, Parkdale—High Park. Recognizing the pivotal role of quality education, Debbie is resolute in her commitment to advancing the TDSB's mission of...