What Is a DEIA Strategy (and Why Most Organizations Get It Wrong)
A committee is not a strategy. A training is not a strategy. Here is what a real DEI strategy actually looks like, and why so many well-intentioned efforts stall before they start.
Reflections on My Journey as a DEI Advocate
Gurpreet Kaur Sodhi shares personal reflections on inclusion, shaped by her experience as a racialized and neurodivergent woman. From interruptions in meetings to the quiet cost of being talked over, she explores how everyday communication habits can silence voices, and how genuine listening builds equity.
Inclusive Leadership is a Necessity
Inclusive leadership is no longer a nice-to-have. This post breaks down five qualities that define leaders who bring out the best in diverse teams: self-awareness, psychological safety, championing different perspectives, leading by example, and a genuine commitment to continuous learning.
60 Years
On the sixtieth anniversary of her family’s arrival in Canada, Gurpreet Kaur Sodhi reflects on her parents’ journey from New Delhi to small-town Ontario. A moving family story about resilience, everyday microaggressions, community, and the values that shaped her lifelong commitment to equity.
Empowering through Knowledge: Recognizing Signs of Burnout in Racialized Staff
Recognizing and addressing burnout symptoms related to unconscious bias is crucial for individual well-being and the overall health of an organization.
The Role of Volunteerism in a DEI Strategy
Shared volunteer experiences can break down barriers, spark honest conversation, and build empathy across a team. This post explores how volunteerism, when thoughtfully aligned with your broader goals, becomes a powerful part of a DEI strategy rather than a one-off feel-good activity.
The Dangers of Colourblindness
“I don’t see colour” sounds fair, but it erases the real barriers racialized people face every day. This post unpacks why colourblindness does more harm than good, and makes the case for colour consciousness: a mindset that recognizes, respects, and celebrates difference.
What’s In a Name?
A name is never just a label. It carries heritage, identity, and story. This post reflects on the significance of names, the quiet pressure to adapt them to fit in, and the power of reclaiming your identity on your own terms.
Navigating the Fine Line Between Cultural Appreciation and Cultural Appropriation
Where does appreciation end and appropriation begin? In an interconnected world, the line is easy to blur. This post defines both, works through real examples like the bindi and cornrows, and offers a thoughtful guide to engaging with other cultures respectfully.
Growing up in Bowmanville
Gurpreet Kaur Sodhi grew up in the only South Asian and Sikh family in a small Ontario town of 5,000. In this personal reflection, she shares the racism her family faced, the lessons her parents taught through education and kindness, and how that lived experience shapes her DEIA work today.