Inch by Inch Empowerment

Thank you all for your thoughtful messages and support following my 1:1 conversation with Roli Adetula, an intern student with the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA).

Our conversation left me deeply reflective, and I realized there were two significant points we discussed that I must share.

We explored the role of youth, bullying, and educators in shaping environments of safety and respect. The culture of a school—or any workplace—starts at the top. When leaders like superintendents show kindness and compassion to their principals, it sets a tone that ripples downward. Perhaps, just perhaps, this approach could help reduce bullying. I shared my own experiences of physical, emotional, and mental abuse at the hands of peers from grades 3 to 8, and the power, influence, and control a senior biology teacher wielded over me in OAC (grade 13).

We also spoke about the heartbreaking reality faced by individuals with disabilities—especially those with developmental disabilities—who experience violence that too often goes unreported because their voices are dismissed or disbelieved.

Violence doesn’t discriminate. Violence is violence. And the work to eradicate it is far from over.

Saw this new coffee shop on 's e-mail the other day.

Walking distance. (30 min) Bonus!

It's a really cool concept. It's a coffee shop yes, and a bike and ski repair shop too. Providing simple tune-ups. It has homemade Turkish pastries. Tara and I enjoyed splitting an apple cookie. Not to sweet.

We most likely will be coming back again, soon.

I'm learning how to play chess! It was neat.

🙏🏻 Grateful for the incredible work being done by CIWA ( Calgary Immigrant Women's Association ) here in Calgary, supporting women in university to create meaningful projects that drive real change in our country. I had the privilege of being part of Roli's project, which focuses on policies around gender-based violence and closing the gaps in how we, as a community and a nation, can do better.

💜 Today, Roli interviewed me 1:1, and we had a powerful conversation that touched on so many critical issues:

- The invisible kinds of abuse that often go unnoticed but leave lasting scars.

- My own experience with intimate partner violence during university and why education and awareness are vital.

- The fears within the 2SLGBTQ+ community when it comes to reporting to the police and the systemic barriers that perpetuate this silence.

- The importance of diversity training for police recruits—and the ongoing education needed for officers to better serve all communities.

✒️ Change takes time, especially in the realm of policy work, but conversations like these are a start. More education, awareness, and action are needed at every level.

📢 If your organization is ready to learn about the invisible forms of partner violence and how to support survivors, I invite you to reach out. I would be honoured to speak with your team about this critical issue. Gender-based violence and intimate partner violence do not discriminate—and neither should our efforts to address them.

🤝 Let’s work together to create safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone.

What is your word or theme of the year for 2025...Mine this year coming for 2025 is Nourish.

As I can nourish my relationship with Tara.
I can nourish my business connections.
I can nourish my business. I can nourish my health (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual).
I can nourish my body.
I can nourish my friendships.

And much more.

What about you? Would love to hear.

Are you a small business seeking to enhance your DEI hiring practices and equip your team with vital knowledge and training?

I specialize in this area, bringing over 10 years of experience focused on the disability, mental health, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. I can help you create inclusive job postings and comprehensive policy documents, along with onboarding packages that resonate with diverse candidates.

Additionally, I provide targeted training and coaching for senior management and staff, fostering a deeper understanding of disabilities, pronouns, mental health, and more. Let’s work together to build a more inclusive workplace that values everyone.

https://www.fiverr.com/aime_f48

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