DIVERSEtalks

DIVERSEtalks: Conversations for Change

A panel and speakers’ series presented by DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society

We need meaningful connection today more than ever. Let’s amplify different perspectives, ignite conversation and have transformative dialogue on issues important to our diverse community in Canada. Our DIVERSEtalks series welcomes experts and speakers from DIVERSEcity and the community who bring different perspectives and ideas to the table in digital platforms and live events!

DIVERSEtalks Podcast – new!

DIVERSEtalks: Conversations for Change has headed to Spotify in podcast form, with one-on-one interviews with leaders from DIVERSEcity and the community on critical socioeconomic issues of the day.

In June 2025, we launched our first four interviews, with DIVERSEcity host Ria Renouf. Watch them all below or on YouTube or Spotify!

“Building a Better Canada” with Neelam Sahota, CEO, DIVERSEcity

“Recognizing Foreign Credentials in Canada” with Nicholas Tellez-Espana, Manager, Surrey Local Immigration Partnership

“BIPOC Leadership” with Lenya Wilks, Director, DIVERSEcity

“Skills of the Future” with Vandna Joshi, Director, DIVERSEcity

We hope you enjoy these insightful, short conversations!

Want to be an upcoming guest? Have a topic in mind? Email marketing@dcrs.ca.

In-person DIVERSEtalks panels

DIVERSEtalks in-person panel discussions are part of many of our DIVERSEcity signature events including our annual DIVERSEcity x Minerva Women’s Leadership Forum. Keep an eye out for our upcoming events to listen to a DIVERSEtalks panel live!

Past DIVERSEtalks panels

Watch videos of our past virtual panels:

Working with Purpose in Social Services 

Moderated by Neelam Sahota, CEO, DIVERSEcity
Wednesday, January 25, 2023, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online via Zoom

This panel discussed the opportunities, challenges and approaches of working in the social services sector. What impact can we have by working in non-profit organizations and social services? What are some best practices in approaching our work? And what’s the role of this sector in nationbuilding in Canada? We explored ways that we can make a difference in the world with our work.

Our panel:

  • Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan, community leader
  • Tina Balachandran of DIVERSEcity
  • Jonathan Cauri of Umoja Compassion Operation Society
  • Trang Nguyen of WorkBC
Reimagining Belonging: What does Belonging Mean to You? 

Moderated by Neelam Sahota, CEO, DIVERSEcity
Tuesday, November 22, 2022, 10:30 am – 12 pm

This panel discussed the topic of belonging around issues of identity, reconciliation and building connected, equitable communities for the future. Belonging is a fundamental human need for everyone, among family, community and the  workplace.  But what does it mean to belong as an immigrant or settler on unceded territory? What does belonging mean in a society that’s divided, transforming and trying to rebuild post-pandemic?

Our panel:

  • Chantelle Krish, Executive Director, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland
  • Lisa Paull, Director of Programs and Services, New Relationship Trust.
  • Upkar Singh Tatlay, Board Chair, DIVERSEcity
  • Ancel Xiaoyu Zhu, of Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
Supporting Newcomers in Navigating the Canadian Labour Market

Thursday, July 14, 2022, 11–12:30 pm

We are expecting approximately 432,000 newcomers in 2022 and more in future years. Immigration is predominantly driven by labour market needs and this will be true more than ever going forward, with many industries facing staffing shortages across Canada. Despite coming to Canada with a world of experience and credentials, newcomers and skilled immigrants continue to face barriers in entering their field in Canada.

Many immigrants look for educational opportunities or relicensing in Canada to help them get back into their field, and in the last couple of years micro-credentials have taken centre stage as an important part of bridging  immigrants into relevant work faster. In this DIVERSEtalks event, our panel discussion will raise ideas and awareness on how we can better support newcomers through these short-term, training and certifications, while making a positive impact on Canada’s economy and labour market at the same time.

Our panel:

  • Nick Noorani,  a social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, consultant and founder of Immigrant Networks
  • Michael Yue of Vancouver Community College
  • Juan Azmitia of BCIT.
  • Vandna Joshi of DIVERSEcity
Voices Out of Violence: Working Together to Support Survivors Across Cultures

In honour of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2022
Thursday, May 19, 2022, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

A panel discussion on the issues around supporting survivors of violence, especially women and children from across cultures, through a lens of cultural safety, compassion and respect. Let’s discuss how can we meet them where they are , while helping them access support and find healing, while supporting service providers delivering services to them.

Our panel:

  • Shahnaz Rahman, Executive Director at the Surrey Women’s Centre
  • Syma Nehal of Nisa Homes Vancouver
  • Rosa Elena Arteaga of Battered Women’s Support Services
  • Zainab Ibrahim, non-profit leader
  • Richa Karkee, social services leader
An International Women’s Day Event: Women Leading to #BreaktheBias

Moderated by Neelam Sahota, Chief Executive Officer, DIVERSEcity
Monday, March 7, 2022, 11 am to 12:30 pm

A panel discussion on women’s equity in the workplace and beyond in today’s new normal.

Our panel:

  • Rachna Singh, former MLA and provincial minister
  • Trish Mandewo, Coquitlam City Councillor and CEO, Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group
  • Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan, community leader
  • Robin Gill, broadcaster and communications leader

 

In Honour of Black History Month
Move Beyond Allyship: Practical Tips in Becoming a Co-conspirator

Guest Speaker: Moussa Magassa, PhD, IDI.QA
February 24, 2022, 11 am – 12 pm

Prejudice and discrimination, whether in their form of racism, ethnocentrism, religious bigotry, gender-based, xenophobic, homophobic, misogynistic, are prevalent in Canadian societies. Systemic racism does not only kill, but it also hinders BIPOC people’s capability to effectively and equitably contribute to a healthy, sustainable and inclusive institutions and society. Therefore, it is not only crucial to engage in courageous conversations that denounce racism but also to go beyond being an ally to becoming a co-conspirator.

Dr. Moussa Magassa, PhD, IDI.QA, is the University of Victoria’s Principal Strategist, Community Engagement, JEDI and Anti-racism Education. Dr. Magassa is also an associate faculty in the UVic Social Justice Diploma program and diploma program in intercultural studies and practice. He is also associate faculty in Royal Roads University M.A in Global Leadership program. For nearly two decades, Dr. Magassa has also been teaching at the UBC Centre for Intercultural Communication, as well as serves as the CEO of consulting company, the Intercultural Capacity Building Inc.

 

Past live DIVERSEtalks

Advancing Women in Leadership

A part of our DIVERSEcity X Minerva Women’s Leadership Forum, we held a live DIVERSEtalks panel.

“Advancing Women in Leadership”
Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Our panelists included:

Cyndi McLeod is CEO, Global University Systems Canada; Chair of the Board, University Canada West.

 

 

Prem Gill is CEO of Creative BC.

 

 

Shalyma Cambridge is Director, Client Solutions, HRx, an executive coach, facilitator

 

 

Diane Dou , formerly Chief Experience Officer at BlueShore Financial.

 

 

Efe Fruci is the Founder, Coach & Consultant, The Coaching Element and the Odihi Foundation.

 

 

Supporting Black Excellence for an Equitable Future

A part of our Black in BC event:

“Supporting Black Excellence for an Equitable Future”
Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Our panelists included:

Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson (she/her/hers) is a multi-award winning scholar-practitioner in human and organization development.

 

 

Jonathan Cauri is Development Director for Umoja Operation.

 

 

 

Anthonia Ogundele is Founder and Executive Director of Ethós Lab, a non-profit STEM and culture-focused Innovation Academy for youth ages 13-18.