COVER STORY
OUTLOOK 2020
DOING DIVERSITY RI Setting a place for differences at the decision-making table By Sara Ericsson
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oing diversity right is the right thing to do, but ensuring inclusion can be the trickiest part for many. But Halifaxarea diversity expert Ann Divine says it is for the benefit of everyone, everywhere and that the people who get on board stand to not only feel good about helping to create equitable work opportunities, but also capitalize on them. The well-known inclusivity implementation expert is lending a helping hand here at home as she works to facilitate diversity and inclusion implementation in Halifax through her business, Ashanti Leadership Professional Development & Services, which she founded in 2011 several years after immigrating to Canada in 2004. The business works with people and organizations to strengthen their ability
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to become inclusive and work towards bringing a more diverse group of voices to the decision-making table. Divine says her work has revealed an increasing interest among Halifax businesses in intentional inclusion and fostering a welcoming work environment where each team member feels that their voice is not only heard, but valued. And while the city still has much growing to do in terms of inclusion, Divine says this signals it is ready for change. “It feels like something quite significant is happening in terms of the city’s growth and economic outlook and that is thanks in large part to bringing more diverse voices to the table. Halifax is doing a lot better than when I arrived in 2004,” says Divine. FEBRUARY 2020
DEFINING DIVERSITY The organization educates its clients on what diversity and inclusion actually are and how they include other areas beyond ethnicity and gender. Divine says this message is one that can take many by surprise. “It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about a person with mental health issues, a disability, trans persons, someone about to retire, someone with an accent and yes, it also includes white males, who can serve as mentors and allies,” says Divine. “It’s a two-way street, not a oneway street.” Divine teamed up with Halifax Chamber of Commerce Chair Margaret Chapman to host diversity and inclusionminded women’s breakfasts along with
