Campfire Kinship

We did it! Thank you to all our guests who attended our SOLD-OUT launch event! The room was buzzing with pride and excitement as 250 guests celebrated the success of our best-selling authors! Our sincere appreciation to all our community partners who joined us in hosting the event: Catering by Centre for Newcomers Drink from North Water Canada Photography by Chelsea Smith-Yang Balloon Decor by Maria Divina Gracia Galura Sponsorship by Inclusive Concepts Inc Small Business Showcase: Shannon Hutchison - Beyond Our Image Anshu Stephen - Fill Your Jar Coaching #UnlikelyFriendsyyc Insight Solutions Psychology Adirection Pilates League of Ukrainian Women’s Association Combined Insurance Kiss Your Boss Goodbye Govvi Alina Karchevskaya Door prize sponsors: Story-Crafting Course by Campfire Kinship Intention Cards by Fill Your Jar Coaching Headshot photography by Beyond Our Image Raise Me With Empathy By Amen Kaur Love Notes By Harpreet M Dayal ...and ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS who brought their community spirit and passion for supporting immigrant women - without you, we couldn't have done it!!! Krunal Shukla, P.Eng., Alex Oshchepkov, Tatiana Oshchepkova Love Bhatt, BBA; Samir Bhatt, CPA, CMA; Nisha Sharma, CPHR Candidate Simran Kaur Virdi, Aparna Vijayan, Bob Calvin, Lev Oshchepkov Frances Wright, Nazia Maqsood, Adam Atkinson, P.Eng., Rachel Atkinson, Lev, Halayna, Irisha, Dimitri, Winta Abera, Elena Esina, Humirah Sultani, Trevor Rickards

‘Tis the season of giving and we’re proud to donate this set of Landed books to a woman-serving charity organization this year. 🙏🏽 👉🏽If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for the story lovers in your life, or, a gift for a strong woman to see herself reflected and inspired through stories - Landed is available on Amazon (now 15% off for a limited time): https://lnkd.in/g9e32zQD #landedyyc #immigrantstories

Today, we remember all the women whose lives were tragically cut short at École Polytechnique in 1989. Today, we stand in solidarity with all victims of gender-based violence. We must continue to challenge the systems that perpetuate such violence and strive to create safe spaces for all. Thank you Leena Thomas P.Eng. and Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley for writing this reflective article reminding us of the ongoing commitment to fostering a world grounded in respect and equity.

What does it take to build belonging in spaces where you feel like the “only”? In this episode, Gayathri Shukla speaks with Kathy Nelson, an accomplished engineer and leader, about creating a sense of community and connection for women in STEM. Kathy reflects on the challenges she’s faced, the triumphs that have inspired her, and her mission to foster belonging through her podcast, Ordinarily Extraordinary - conversations with women in STEM. Together, they share stories and strategies to create spaces where women can show up authentically and thrive. 🎧 Listen now for insights and inspiration: https://lnkd.in/gEpZMfxg

Are you an EDI professional or champion involved in an Employee Resource Group (ERG) looking to tell your stories in a powerful way? Join us at the inaugural #guidedautobiography summit, bringing together over 700 instructors worldwide! 🌐 Date: December 11-13 | Location: Online | Cost: FREE Gayathri Shukla will be speaking on December 12th about leveraging storytelling to enhance the effectiveness of Affinity and ERGs. This session draws from her own journey, which began with her certification four years ago, and vastly enriching her approach to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Don’t miss out this unique opportunity to learn how to amplify your voice and strengthen your community through storytelling. 🎟️ Secure your FREE tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gspw9sd4

We’re back at Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary to facilitate workshops on #InclusiveLeadership for students! Shannon Hutchison facilitated the latest session featuring a series of thought-provoking debates and interactive exercises designed to underline the importance of truly listening and engaging in open dialogue. She reflects, “It’s incredible how much our perspectives can shift—and how our approach to challenges can transform—when we take the time to learn each other’s stories. All of which, leads to stronger teams and companies.💡💬 “I’m always so grateful for the opportunity to foster these connections and witness the growth that comes from these conversations. Here’s to building leaders who lead with compassion and inclusivity!“🙌 #LeadershipDevelopment #EngineeringLeadership

Thank you to everyone involved in the Momentum Summit for a truly enlightening day! The panel, “Whole Men at Work,” facilitated by Gayathri Shukla alongside panelists Richard Flynn, Sanjay Prasad and Rachael N. Pettigrew, PhD highlighted the importance of moving beyond traditional notions of masculinity that often confine men to specific roles or statuses. By encouraging men to show up as their authentic selves—including their stories and emotions—to the workplace, we not only enhance individual well-being but also enrich psychological safety in our cultures. A heartfelt congratulations to Next Gen Men on your 10th anniversary! Here’s to many more years of transformative conversations and impactful work!

🚀 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🚀 🌟At a keynote she delivered for Women in Mining and Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan Inc., Gayathri Shukla first met Dr. Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley where they both connected over their shared experiences in mining and fostering inclusion. Now, they’re teaming up in this insightful podcast episode! ✨If you’re looking to create a more inclusive, psychologically safe workplace, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights! Jocelyn breaks down three actionable strategies to activate allyship in the workplace—supported by her PhD research and data. Check out her course, Activating Allies: https://lnkd.in/gipAqBad 🎧Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gkv56Jft #Allyship #Inclusion #Diversity #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #Podcast #Equity #PsychologicalSafety #Hearth2Heart #Podcast

We just wrapped up delivering a series for workshops for our university client, including this topic on Cultural Humility. You may say it’s aptly timed give all the festivals marking today: Happy #Diwali, #BandiChhorDivas and #Halloween if you’re celebrating! ☺️ A huge thank you to all the attendees for your thoughtful engagement; we look forward to the next session! How do you define #cultural #humility?

Congrats Shannon Hutchison for launching Beyond the Label and a huge thank you to sponsor TELUS STORYHIVE! Tune into TV channel 9, Stream+, and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel to immerse yourself into incredible stories and learn about breaking barriers! What to Look For: Episode 1: Shanna shares her journey navigating life after the loss of her daughter, exploring grief, societal reactions, and how we can better support one another. Episode 2: Krisha, a first-generation graduate, discusses the intersection of her identity as a Black woman and mother, striving for a better future for her girls. Episode 3: Cassandra opens up about her battle with alcoholism, highlighting the contrast between outward perfection and inner struggles. Episode 4: Bianca and Keshia reclaim the label fat as they confront societal assumptions and share childhood challenges, providing strategies for shifting societal perceptions. Episode 5: Puja’s story explores healing and navigating the healthcare system with an invisible disability, emphasizing advocacy and the importance of being believed. Episode 6: Carole reflects on the progress of women, aging, and societal shifts, sharing her frustrations and breakthroughs. Episode 7: Chaz reflects on his journey toward self-love as an Indigenous gay man, candidly discussing the challenges and triumphs he’s faced. Episode 8: Kadence navigates life using a wheelchair, sharing the daily challenges of accessibility and what’s needed to create a more inclusive world.