“Diversity is being invited to the party and inclusion is being invited to dance.” Fiona Kirkpatrick-Parsons, National Advisor / kānīkānīt, Deloitte Indigenous
“When we talk about diversity and inclusion, I like to sum it up by saying actions speak louder than words.” Rodney Small, Executive Director, One North End
On January 28, 2021, Michelle Hunter, sat down at her desk with a cup of tea and logged into the Promise of Diversity in Management session hosted by the Faculty of Management Dean, Kim Brooks. Michelle shares her thoughts on the importance of this panel discussion.
“How many diverse individuals do you have working for you, if it is below 50% than there should be a shift.” Angie Gillis, Associate Executive Director, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq
Michelle Hunter
I quickly discovered that The Promise of Diversity in Management panel discussion was not a session that you could simply have on in the background while picking away at other tasks. The conversation spoke to a deep desire and commitment to create inclusive communities where all voices participated.
Dean Kim Brooks was joined by leading members of our business community in an interactive online conversation about the vital issues of diversity, equality, and inclusiveness in business and beyond. Panelists included:
Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons, National Advisor kā-nīkānīt, Deloitte Indigenous
Matthew Martel (BMgmt’14), Chief Operating Officer, Black Business Initiative
Rodney Small (BMgmt’15), Acting Director, One North End Community Economic Development Society
Angeline Gillis (BA’05, LLB’09), Associate Executive Director, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and Dalhousie Board of Governors.
The conversations, reflections, and advice challenges viewers to explore new ways of connecting and collaborating. There is strength in diversity that allows us to seek solutions that benefit all members of an organization.
The panelists generously shared their life experiences. Their stories were heartening and demonstrated that progress is being made and that we are taking a critical step towards inclusivity. The rapport amongst the panelists invited viewers to engage and be a part of the conversation. I want to thank Dean Brooks and the stellar panelists for a profound and thought-provoking discussion.
“Often times we see organizations start either where it’s easy or most manageable but really, I think a promise for diversity in management has to be at the board level, has to be at the front lines, has to be mid managers.” Matthew Martell, CDO, Black Business Initiative
We encourage you to watch the full panel of leading members in our business community converse about the vital issues of diversity, equality, and inclusiveness in business and beyond, moderated by Faculty of Management Dean Kim Brooks on Dalhousie Faculty of Management YouTube Channel. Special thanks to Lori Bauld, Alumni Officer, Dalhousie Faculty of Management, who supplied the quotes and a brief description.