https://simplecast.com Against The Tides of Racism This podcast aims to generate awareness, foster community, and create transformation by cultivating the courage to lean into the inspiring work of anti-racism. 2021 Against The Tides of Racism en Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:18:14 +0000 https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com Against The Tides of Racism https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/a8f7d92b-6a70-4dd4-8deb-743c98dd9d6a/55e607e9-d316-4029-955e-dcbece91e870/3000x3000/ator-cover-3000x3000.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com episodic This podcast aims to generate awareness, foster community, and create transformation by cultivating the courage to lean into the inspiring work of anti-racism. Dr. Gina Ko false https://feeds.simplecast.com/_OOXjKw_ anti-racism, anti-racist, equality, justice, racism Gina Ko dr.ginako@gmail.com 023cc055-381f-4b63-85f1-a4a0a15eaa9d Dare to Dream: The Potential of Black Youth Dr. Linda Iwenofu is a clinical child psychologist, researcher, educator, and advocate focused on the mental health and flourishing of Black children and youth. Her work examines how anti-Black racism in schools, health systems, and communities shapes young people’s emotional well-being, sense of safety, and possibilities for the future. Dr. Iwenofu’s research program centres Black children’s own voices and dreams while challenging institutions to build culturally responsive, accountable services. She is particularly interested in how societal expectations, policies, and everyday practices can either restrict or expand Black children’s capacity to imagine and pursue their wildest dreams. Across her scholarship, teaching, clinical practice and community engagement, Dr. Iwenofu is committed to transforming systems so that Black youth are seen not as problems to be managed, but as powerful creators, thinkers, and leaders. Her work is ultimately about making it possible for Black children to dare to dream - and to fully live those dreams.

]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Linda Iwenofu, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-linda-iwenofu-MDXQfnr5 Dr. Linda Iwenofu is a clinical child psychologist, researcher, educator, and advocate focused on the mental health and flourishing of Black children and youth. Her work examines how anti-Black racism in schools, health systems, and communities shapes young people’s emotional well-being, sense of safety, and possibilities for the future. Dr. Iwenofu’s research program centres Black children’s own voices and dreams while challenging institutions to build culturally responsive, accountable services. She is particularly interested in how societal expectations, policies, and everyday practices can either restrict or expand Black children’s capacity to imagine and pursue their wildest dreams. Across her scholarship, teaching, clinical practice and community engagement, Dr. Iwenofu is committed to transforming systems so that Black youth are seen not as problems to be managed, but as powerful creators, thinkers, and leaders. Her work is ultimately about making it possible for Black children to dare to dream - and to fully live those dreams.

]]> Dare to Dream: The Potential of Black Youth Dr. Linda Iwenofu, Dr. Gina Ko 00:35:12 Linda shares that she came to Canada from Nigeria, and her parents are wonderful role models. She is passionate about supporting Black students to thrive and says it is important to dare to dream. She calls for a systemic change so Black youth are seen for their potential. Linda shares that she came to Canada from Nigeria, and her parents are wonderful role models. She is passionate about supporting Black students to thrive and says it is important to dare to dream. She calls for a systemic change so Black youth are seen for their potential. false full 127 2f16b499-dd85-463d-a38f-8480e9e5ae7c Let’s Do Sabbath: Get to Know your Neighbours Don Schapira is a professional mediator, Holocaust educator, writer, and community leader based in Calgary, Alberta. Since 2019, he has been actively involved in Holocaust education, focusing on the historical roots of antisemitism and its modern manifestations in contemporary society.

He is the founder of Fresh Start Mediation, where he works with families navigating high-conflict separation and disputes with an emphasis on dignity, clarity, and long-term outcomes. Alongside his mediation practice, Don regularly speaks and writes about antisemitism, civic engagement, and the challenges Jewish Canadians face within modern anti-racism frameworks. Don is also the co-host of The Schmooze, a podcast dedicated to thoughtful, nuanced conversations about Jewish life, public policy, and community resilience. His work emphasizes dialogue over slogans, intellectual honesty over outrage, and human connection as the foundation for meaningful social change.

]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Don Schapira) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/lets-do-sabbath-get-to-know-your-neighbours-j1lkRGGu Don Schapira is a professional mediator, Holocaust educator, writer, and community leader based in Calgary, Alberta. Since 2019, he has been actively involved in Holocaust education, focusing on the historical roots of antisemitism and its modern manifestations in contemporary society.

He is the founder of Fresh Start Mediation, where he works with families navigating high-conflict separation and disputes with an emphasis on dignity, clarity, and long-term outcomes. Alongside his mediation practice, Don regularly speaks and writes about antisemitism, civic engagement, and the challenges Jewish Canadians face within modern anti-racism frameworks. Don is also the co-host of The Schmooze, a podcast dedicated to thoughtful, nuanced conversations about Jewish life, public policy, and community resilience. His work emphasizes dialogue over slogans, intellectual honesty over outrage, and human connection as the foundation for meaningful social change.

]]> Let’s Do Sabbath: Get to Know your Neighbours Don Schapira 00:40:45 Don shares that Jewish people are the most targeted for hate crimes in Canada. He said that the binary where he is white-passing and also experiencing racism is difficult. He voices the importance of getting to know your neighbours. Don shares that Jewish people are the most targeted for hate crimes in Canada. He said that the binary where he is white-passing and also experiencing racism is difficult. He voices the importance of getting to know your neighbours. false full 126 3e278fd9-aafc-4a0f-ae2e-8f2839b7bae5 Coping with Online Anti-Indian Hate Gurjeet Bara is a Registered Psychologist in the province of Alberta and has been practicing for five years. After graduating from the Master of Counselling program at Athabasca University, he worked primarily with clients who had been in motor vehicle accidents. For the past three years, he has worked at ShiftGrit Psychology in Edmonton. He is trained and specializes in the ShiftGrit Core Method, a powerful healing approach that works on rewiring emotional responses to remove limiting beliefs and create lasting transformation, while also integrating elements of somatic therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy into his work. He believes strongly in the work of antiracism to help create a fair, equitable, and prosperous society for all.

]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/gurjeet-bara-XzT_wcva Gurjeet Bara is a Registered Psychologist in the province of Alberta and has been practicing for five years. After graduating from the Master of Counselling program at Athabasca University, he worked primarily with clients who had been in motor vehicle accidents. For the past three years, he has worked at ShiftGrit Psychology in Edmonton. He is trained and specializes in the ShiftGrit Core Method, a powerful healing approach that works on rewiring emotional responses to remove limiting beliefs and create lasting transformation, while also integrating elements of somatic therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy into his work. He believes strongly in the work of antiracism to help create a fair, equitable, and prosperous society for all.

]]> Coping with Online Anti-Indian Hate Gina Ko 00:46:19 Gurjeet stated that there is online hate against South Asian folks. He shares the psychological impact, reasons for disinhibition in an online environment, and ways to cope. He explains that names with "Jeet" mean "victory" and some are using the word in a racist way. He is passionate about helping individuals cope with anti-Indian hate. Gurjeet stated that there is online hate against South Asian folks. He shares the psychological impact, reasons for disinhibition in an online environment, and ways to cope. He explains that names with "Jeet" mean "victory" and some are using the word in a racist way. He is passionate about helping individuals cope with anti-Indian hate. false full 125 b00b72e8-2f7e-4eb3-bb3d-4b1ed89b5254 Be Loud: Celebrate All Parts of Your Identity Nicole Tongol (she/they/siya) is a Filipina Canadian, a second-generation immigrant, and a settler on Treaty 1 territory. She is a clinical psychology PhD student at the University of Manitoba. She is passionate about immigrant family mental health and barriers to family well-being and service access, particularly within the Filipino/a/x community. Her current research aims to explore Filipino Manitoban family mental health needs, service utilization, and the co-development of a culturally specific resource using Sikolohiyang Pilipino methodology. Nicole finds great value in celebrating people’s identities. She is the founder of the first racialized graduate psychology student group at her university, the SPIRIT (Supporting Psychology Initiatives for Racialized Individuals and Trainees) group. She also co-founded the first Filipino graduate student group at her university (Pagsama: Filipino Graduate Students and Scholars in Manitoba). She enjoys serving her communities through volunteering and engaging with community organizations. She also aims to be an advocate for mental wellness for Filipino families in the diaspora. Outside of her work, Nicole enjoys playing with her cat, crocheting, music, video games, and spending time with her loved ones.

]]> Tue, 6 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/nicole-tongol-wNXzmrwb Nicole Tongol (she/they/siya) is a Filipina Canadian, a second-generation immigrant, and a settler on Treaty 1 territory. She is a clinical psychology PhD student at the University of Manitoba. She is passionate about immigrant family mental health and barriers to family well-being and service access, particularly within the Filipino/a/x community. Her current research aims to explore Filipino Manitoban family mental health needs, service utilization, and the co-development of a culturally specific resource using Sikolohiyang Pilipino methodology. Nicole finds great value in celebrating people’s identities. She is the founder of the first racialized graduate psychology student group at her university, the SPIRIT (Supporting Psychology Initiatives for Racialized Individuals and Trainees) group. She also co-founded the first Filipino graduate student group at her university (Pagsama: Filipino Graduate Students and Scholars in Manitoba). She enjoys serving her communities through volunteering and engaging with community organizations. She also aims to be an advocate for mental wellness for Filipino families in the diaspora. Outside of her work, Nicole enjoys playing with her cat, crocheting, music, video games, and spending time with her loved ones.

]]> Be Loud: Celebrate All Parts of Your Identity Gina Ko 00:34:09 Nicole is reclaiming her Filipino culture by learning the language. She is a PhD student in clinical psychology, and formed a racialized student group to build community and connection. She said it is important to be loud and celebrate all parts of your identity. Nicole is reclaiming her Filipino culture by learning the language. She is a PhD student in clinical psychology, and formed a racialized student group to build community and connection. She said it is important to be loud and celebrate all parts of your identity. false full 124 89075682-a9d6-4238-8697-fab6e1937b02 Butterfly Effect: Anti-Racism is a Practice Sandy Chao is a PsyD doctoral student in School Psychology at Indiana State University and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She specializes in assessments, meaningful relationship building, and creating tailored interventions that help students thrive. Her doctoral research dives into screen time verses green time and how these experiences shape students’ behavior and learning. Drawing on previous work, study, training, and volunteer services, Sandy blends real-world practice with research to tackle emerging challenges in education. She also contributes to teaching and collaborative projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Sandy is committed to becoming a licensed psychologist who supports children, adolescents, and families with care and purpose. She hopes to bridge gaps in access, ensuring young people get the resources they need to grow healthily. She is passionate about mentoring future school psychologists, she strives to give back and help build a more supportive, equitable future for all students.

]]> Tue, 9 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/sandy-chao-mD_6a7rn Sandy Chao is a PsyD doctoral student in School Psychology at Indiana State University and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She specializes in assessments, meaningful relationship building, and creating tailored interventions that help students thrive. Her doctoral research dives into screen time verses green time and how these experiences shape students’ behavior and learning. Drawing on previous work, study, training, and volunteer services, Sandy blends real-world practice with research to tackle emerging challenges in education. She also contributes to teaching and collaborative projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Sandy is committed to becoming a licensed psychologist who supports children, adolescents, and families with care and purpose. She hopes to bridge gaps in access, ensuring young people get the resources they need to grow healthily. She is passionate about mentoring future school psychologists, she strives to give back and help build a more supportive, equitable future for all students.

]]> Butterfly Effect: Anti-Racism is a Practice Gina Ko 00:28:37 Sandy came to Canada from Taiwan and became interested in school psychology as she wants to help young people become lifelong learners and thrive. She experienced racism during the pandemic, when someone took her photo to post online to claim that Chinese people caused COVID. She said anti-racism is a practice and that we can call other people into action. Sandy came to Canada from Taiwan and became interested in school psychology as she wants to help young people become lifelong learners and thrive. She experienced racism during the pandemic, when someone took her photo to post online to claim that Chinese people caused COVID. She said anti-racism is a practice and that we can call other people into action. false full 123 986f2ced-cd7e-4f5a-94b5-eced4b90bbce Finding Your Inner Voice: Intercultural Identity Dr. Natasha Ramzan is a Registered Social Worker and a Clinical Psychologist in the UK, soon to be licensed in Ontario, Canada. She is also the Founder of Inner Voice Therapy, a private practice in Mississauga, Ontario, offering culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care for individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds. With training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and anti-oppressive frameworks, Natasha supports clients in reclaiming their sense of self by listening to their inner voice and breaking patterns rooted in intergenerational trauma, internalized racism, and identity conflict. Her work centers on empowerment, authenticity, and creating inclusive mental health spaces that honour intercultural identity, resilience, and collective growth.

]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-natasha-ramzan-g5ZfIGIq Dr. Natasha Ramzan is a Registered Social Worker and a Clinical Psychologist in the UK, soon to be licensed in Ontario, Canada. She is also the Founder of Inner Voice Therapy, a private practice in Mississauga, Ontario, offering culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care for individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds. With training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and anti-oppressive frameworks, Natasha supports clients in reclaiming their sense of self by listening to their inner voice and breaking patterns rooted in intergenerational trauma, internalized racism, and identity conflict. Her work centers on empowerment, authenticity, and creating inclusive mental health spaces that honour intercultural identity, resilience, and collective growth.

]]> Finding Your Inner Voice: Intercultural Identity Gina Ko 00:30:10 Natasha came to Canada from Pakistan at 10 years old and was called a FOB. She is the eldest daughter and has experienced language barriers and depression. She became interested in psychology after a teacher encouraged her to major in it. She founded Inner Voice Therapy because there is a need for diverse representation for those living with an intercultural identity. Natasha came to Canada from Pakistan at 10 years old and was called a FOB. She is the eldest daughter and has experienced language barriers and depression. She became interested in psychology after a teacher encouraged her to major in it. She founded Inner Voice Therapy because there is a need for diverse representation for those living with an intercultural identity. false full 122 04652846-9840-42f4-9410-893eda1238e1 We are Advocates: The Power to Speak Jaswant Guzder, currently Clinical Professor, University of British Columbia (psychiatry), Co-Director UBC Social and Cultural Psychiatry Program, Adjunct Professor (psychology) University of Victoria, and McGill University Professor (retired), Department of Psychiatry (Child Psychiatry and Social and Transcultural Psychiatry). From 2020, her clinical work was in Victoria BC as a psychiatric consultant for the Vancouver Island Center for Refugee and Immigrant Mental Health  (VICCIR) and until 2023 with Vancouver Island ICYMH (Indigenous Child and Youth Mental Health). Formerly Head of Jewish General Hospital Child Psychiatry, Director of Childhood Disorders Hospital, first Director of Fellowship Program in Family Therapy Residency Training and founding Co-Director of the Jewish General Cultural Consultation Service and affiliate of McGill Social Work department. She is an artist, a mother, trainer and researcher mainly focused on children at risk, global health, war surviving children, creative arts in mental health and cultural psychiatry.

]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/we-are-advocates-the-power-to-speak-blxQigs3 Jaswant Guzder, currently Clinical Professor, University of British Columbia (psychiatry), Co-Director UBC Social and Cultural Psychiatry Program, Adjunct Professor (psychology) University of Victoria, and McGill University Professor (retired), Department of Psychiatry (Child Psychiatry and Social and Transcultural Psychiatry). From 2020, her clinical work was in Victoria BC as a psychiatric consultant for the Vancouver Island Center for Refugee and Immigrant Mental Health  (VICCIR) and until 2023 with Vancouver Island ICYMH (Indigenous Child and Youth Mental Health). Formerly Head of Jewish General Hospital Child Psychiatry, Director of Childhood Disorders Hospital, first Director of Fellowship Program in Family Therapy Residency Training and founding Co-Director of the Jewish General Cultural Consultation Service and affiliate of McGill Social Work department. She is an artist, a mother, trainer and researcher mainly focused on children at risk, global health, war surviving children, creative arts in mental health and cultural psychiatry.

]]> We are Advocates: The Power to Speak Gina Ko 00:31:10 Jaswant’s grandfather arrived in Canada in 1906. She was born in British Columbia and is a third generation South Asian. She shared there is systemic racism toward Indigenous, Black, and Asians. She is passionate about supporting children and families as children have less power. She states we are advocates and have the power to speak. Jaswant’s grandfather arrived in Canada in 1906. She was born in British Columbia and is a third generation South Asian. She shared there is systemic racism toward Indigenous, Black, and Asians. She is passionate about supporting children and families as children have less power. She states we are advocates and have the power to speak. false full 121 faaff7f4-57b9-4643-9a3e-008e8471f611 Reconnect and Reclaim: The Best of Two Cultures Shirley was originally from Hong Kong and spent 23 years in Toronto, Canada. She is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist from Ontario. Shirley is the Founder and Clinical Director at Relationship Counselling Toronto. She identifies as an Asian therapist from Hong Kong, is in an intercultural marriage, and is a mother of two. She is passionate about helping busy couples navigate conflict, improve communication, and deepen emotional connection. 


Shirley's hope is that couples can be curious about each other's experiences and gain practical tools to build a fulfilling relationship where both partners feel seen, heard, and valued. She loves travelling and the outdoors. 

]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/reconnect-and-reclaim-the-best-of-two-cultures-GSksSp7z Shirley was originally from Hong Kong and spent 23 years in Toronto, Canada. She is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist from Ontario. Shirley is the Founder and Clinical Director at Relationship Counselling Toronto. She identifies as an Asian therapist from Hong Kong, is in an intercultural marriage, and is a mother of two. She is passionate about helping busy couples navigate conflict, improve communication, and deepen emotional connection. 


Shirley's hope is that couples can be curious about each other's experiences and gain practical tools to build a fulfilling relationship where both partners feel seen, heard, and valued. She loves travelling and the outdoors. 

]]> Reconnect and Reclaim: The Best of Two Cultures Gina Ko 00:31:54 Shirley came to Canada from Hong Kong at 19 years old to attend school. She recently relocated back to Hong Kong with her family. She is married to a white man who speaks French and notices how their accents are received differently; his is “charming” and hers is met with racism. She is learning to live the best of two cultures by raising her daughters to appreciate their intercultural identities. Shirley came to Canada from Hong Kong at 19 years old to attend school. She recently relocated back to Hong Kong with her family. She is married to a white man who speaks French and notices how their accents are received differently; his is “charming” and hers is met with racism. She is learning to live the best of two cultures by raising her daughters to appreciate their intercultural identities. false full 120 39d81cea-251f-46fc-be91-6d7a00f3b5ac Antiracism: Unlearn and Relearn With over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy, research, and clinical supervision, Dr. Pavna K. Sodhi (she/her) brings a deeply intersectional and culturally responsive lens to her work. Her extensive practice spans diverse populations across clinical, academic, and supervisory spaces, focusing on trauma-informed care, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities, and immigrant mental health. Dr. Sodhi’s research and clinical work explore the nuanced realities of systemic oppression, identity formation, and intergenerational trauma. Her scholarship has been widely published in national and international academic journals and edited volumes. In 2017, she authored Exploring Immigrant and Sexual Minority Mental Health: Reconsidering Multiculturalism (Routledge), a text grounded in the lived narratives of immigrants and sexual minorities navigating migration, trauma, career barriers, and mental health. Her most recent book, Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy for BIPOC Communities: Decolonizing Mental Health (Routledge, 2024), offers a bold and necessary reimagining of traditional mental health practice through an antiracist, culturally grounded, and decolonizing lens. Dr. Sodhi’s work invites practitioners to move beyond cultural competence and toward practices that center equity, healing, and liberation.

 

]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:32:57 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/antiracism-unlearn-and-relearn-TTFlT18C With over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy, research, and clinical supervision, Dr. Pavna K. Sodhi (she/her) brings a deeply intersectional and culturally responsive lens to her work. Her extensive practice spans diverse populations across clinical, academic, and supervisory spaces, focusing on trauma-informed care, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities, and immigrant mental health. Dr. Sodhi’s research and clinical work explore the nuanced realities of systemic oppression, identity formation, and intergenerational trauma. Her scholarship has been widely published in national and international academic journals and edited volumes. In 2017, she authored Exploring Immigrant and Sexual Minority Mental Health: Reconsidering Multiculturalism (Routledge), a text grounded in the lived narratives of immigrants and sexual minorities navigating migration, trauma, career barriers, and mental health. Her most recent book, Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy for BIPOC Communities: Decolonizing Mental Health (Routledge, 2024), offers a bold and necessary reimagining of traditional mental health practice through an antiracist, culturally grounded, and decolonizing lens. Dr. Sodhi’s work invites practitioners to move beyond cultural competence and toward practices that center equity, healing, and liberation.

 

]]> Antiracism: Unlearn and Relearn Gina Ko 00:36:14 Pavna is a second-generation Canadian, and her parents were born in India. She has experienced racism growing up in a predominantly white community. She talks to her daughters about racism so they can learn together. She said it is important to unlearn and relearn so that healing and liberation are possible. Pavna is a second-generation Canadian, and her parents were born in India. She has experienced racism growing up in a predominantly white community. She talks to her daughters about racism so they can learn together. She said it is important to unlearn and relearn so that healing and liberation are possible. false full 119 f6b07a60-e587-45e2-8734-5744b9b24685 Representation and Safe Spaces Matter Dr. Jesus (Jay) Enrique Saplala is a registered clinical psychologist in Ontario, Canada. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and an MA in Counselling Psychology from the Ateneo de Manila University. He completed his postdoctoral internship in Canada at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and the Psychological and Counselling Services Group. Before moving to Canada, Dr. Saplala was president of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) from 2008-2010. He led the technical working group in advocating for the passage of the Psychology Bill, began certification of psychology specialists, convened the task force on the code of ethics to review and finalize the new code of ethics, and proposed the creation of the public interest committee. He was a lecturer at the De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines and an associate professor and chairperson of the Department of Psychology at Miriam College, where he organized the first batch of students from the Philippines who participated in Stanford University’s Undergraduate Psychology Conference. While pursuing his graduate degree, Dr. Saplala founded Skwelahang Sikolohiya in 1995, a pioneering volunteer organization of psychologists, educators, and other professionals who developed and taught modules in psychology as a response to address the maximum-security inmates' psychological needs. Skwelahang Sikolohiya was a strong impetus for a significant increase in forensic criminal psychology research in the Philippines and ran its program for 16 years.

In Canada, Dr. Saplala served as an academic instructor and lecturer in 2016-2017 for the Ontario government’s bridge training program for internationally trained mental health professionals. He helped facilitate a family reunification and adaptation program for overseas Filipino workers and new Filipino immigrant families in Toronto.

During the pandemic, Dr. Saplala helped organize HILOM, an online peer consultation support group for Filipino mental health professionals and co-authored published research on a COVID-19 pandemic anxiety scale. He remains an active member of the Long COVID-19 group of clinical and health psychologists and an occasional consultant to OMNI News Filipino to provide sound psychological information to Filipino immigrants. He is also a member of the Global Psychology Alliance, an organization of emerging and established leaders in global psychology.

]]> Wed, 1 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/representation-and-safe-spaces-matter-Gr7HxF4u Dr. Jesus (Jay) Enrique Saplala is a registered clinical psychologist in Ontario, Canada. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and an MA in Counselling Psychology from the Ateneo de Manila University. He completed his postdoctoral internship in Canada at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and the Psychological and Counselling Services Group. Before moving to Canada, Dr. Saplala was president of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) from 2008-2010. He led the technical working group in advocating for the passage of the Psychology Bill, began certification of psychology specialists, convened the task force on the code of ethics to review and finalize the new code of ethics, and proposed the creation of the public interest committee. He was a lecturer at the De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines and an associate professor and chairperson of the Department of Psychology at Miriam College, where he organized the first batch of students from the Philippines who participated in Stanford University’s Undergraduate Psychology Conference. While pursuing his graduate degree, Dr. Saplala founded Skwelahang Sikolohiya in 1995, a pioneering volunteer organization of psychologists, educators, and other professionals who developed and taught modules in psychology as a response to address the maximum-security inmates' psychological needs. Skwelahang Sikolohiya was a strong impetus for a significant increase in forensic criminal psychology research in the Philippines and ran its program for 16 years.

In Canada, Dr. Saplala served as an academic instructor and lecturer in 2016-2017 for the Ontario government’s bridge training program for internationally trained mental health professionals. He helped facilitate a family reunification and adaptation program for overseas Filipino workers and new Filipino immigrant families in Toronto.

During the pandemic, Dr. Saplala helped organize HILOM, an online peer consultation support group for Filipino mental health professionals and co-authored published research on a COVID-19 pandemic anxiety scale. He remains an active member of the Long COVID-19 group of clinical and health psychologists and an occasional consultant to OMNI News Filipino to provide sound psychological information to Filipino immigrants. He is also a member of the Global Psychology Alliance, an organization of emerging and established leaders in global psychology.

]]> Representation and Safe Spaces Matter Gina Ko 00:39:25 Jay shared that he grew up in the Philippines and chose psychology after exploring the option of attending medical school. He loves helping people and has experience volunteering and working as a teacher, and in penitentiaries. He has experienced microaggressions and racism in the US and Canada. He shares that representation matters and we need safe spaces to connect. Jay shared that he grew up in the Philippines and chose psychology after exploring the option of attending medical school. He loves helping people and has experience volunteering and working as a teacher, and in penitentiaries. He has experienced microaggressions and racism in the US and Canada. He shares that representation matters and we need safe spaces to connect. false full 118 51ab8eed-1921-407f-90d9-f88130205fb6 Flourishing: Strength in Diversity Dr. Kenneth Fung, 馮溥倫,is Staff Psychiatrist at the Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. He is Professor and Director of Global Mental Health with the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto.  His research, teaching, and clinical interest include both cultural psychiatry and psychotherapy, especially Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, and mindfulness, with projects and collaborations locally, nationally, and internationally, including China, Hong Kong, and South Korea. He champions cultural competence and conducts community-based research projects in Asian mental health, stigma, resilience, mental health promotion, trauma,

caregivers for children with ASD, immigrant and refugee mental health, and pandemic response. He is the Block Co-coordinator of the Sociocultural Dimensions of Psychiatry for residents at the university and the seminar co-lead and psychotherapy supervisor in

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He is also psychiatric consultant to the Hong Fook Mental Health Association, an ethnospecific mental health organization for East and Southeast Asians. Dr. Fung is Co-chair of the Education Committee of the Society of the Study of Psychiatry and Culture (SSPC), Co-chair of the Cultural Psychiatry Committee of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry (GAP), and for the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Member of the Future of DSM Steering Committee, Member of the Council on International Psychiatry and Global Health, and a Mental Health Equity Ambassador. For the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), Co-Lead of the Asian Culture and CBS SIG. He is the Historian of the Federation of Chinese American and Chinese Canadian Medical Societies (FCMS) and a trustee of the Federation of Chinese Canadian Professionals (Ontario).

He is recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the Canadian Psychiatric Association and the American Psychiatric Association, and Fellow of Association of Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS). His awards include the 2015 Social Responsibility Award from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine; the 2016 American Psychiatric Association Foundation Award for Advancing Minority Health; the 2017 College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Council Award; the 2018 Psychotherapy Award for Academic Excellence from University of Toronto; the 2020 Colin Woolf Award For Sustained Excellence in Teaching; and the 2024 American Psychiatric Association Kun- Po Soo Award, 2025 Chinese Canadian Legend Award, and the Canada 150 Medal.

]]> Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-kenneth-fung-sXFjvgVV Dr. Kenneth Fung, 馮溥倫,is Staff Psychiatrist at the Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. He is Professor and Director of Global Mental Health with the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto.  His research, teaching, and clinical interest include both cultural psychiatry and psychotherapy, especially Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, and mindfulness, with projects and collaborations locally, nationally, and internationally, including China, Hong Kong, and South Korea. He champions cultural competence and conducts community-based research projects in Asian mental health, stigma, resilience, mental health promotion, trauma,

caregivers for children with ASD, immigrant and refugee mental health, and pandemic response. He is the Block Co-coordinator of the Sociocultural Dimensions of Psychiatry for residents at the university and the seminar co-lead and psychotherapy supervisor in

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He is also psychiatric consultant to the Hong Fook Mental Health Association, an ethnospecific mental health organization for East and Southeast Asians. Dr. Fung is Co-chair of the Education Committee of the Society of the Study of Psychiatry and Culture (SSPC), Co-chair of the Cultural Psychiatry Committee of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry (GAP), and for the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Member of the Future of DSM Steering Committee, Member of the Council on International Psychiatry and Global Health, and a Mental Health Equity Ambassador. For the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), Co-Lead of the Asian Culture and CBS SIG. He is the Historian of the Federation of Chinese American and Chinese Canadian Medical Societies (FCMS) and a trustee of the Federation of Chinese Canadian Professionals (Ontario).

He is recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the Canadian Psychiatric Association and the American Psychiatric Association, and Fellow of Association of Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS). His awards include the 2015 Social Responsibility Award from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine; the 2016 American Psychiatric Association Foundation Award for Advancing Minority Health; the 2017 College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Council Award; the 2018 Psychotherapy Award for Academic Excellence from University of Toronto; the 2020 Colin Woolf Award For Sustained Excellence in Teaching; and the 2024 American Psychiatric Association Kun- Po Soo Award, 2025 Chinese Canadian Legend Award, and the Canada 150 Medal.

]]> Flourishing: Strength in Diversity Gina Ko 00:34:14 Kenneth was born in Hong Kong and came to Canada when he was entering grade 7. He has experienced racism when people made fun of his accent and last name. He chose psychiatry due to his curiosity about why people do the things they do. He shares the need for anti-stigma and anti-racism. He voices that there is strength in diversity. Kenneth was born in Hong Kong and came to Canada when he was entering grade 7. He has experienced racism when people made fun of his accent and last name. He chose psychiatry due to his curiosity about why people do the things they do. He shares the need for anti-stigma and anti-racism. He voices that there is strength in diversity. false full 117 90e04a2d-60da-48a7-932a-b06bff9ec5b8 Restorying the Anti- Racism Dialogue, Language Matters Shayla S. Dube is a multi-dimensional social worker who wears many hats as an inter-provincially licensed psychotherapist, sessional Africentric Social Work instructor, board-approved clinical social work supervisor, and culturally responsive mental health consultant. She provides Ubuntu centred Keynotes, leads anti-racism dialogues, facilitates employee wellness initiatives, and delivers workplace cultural and psychological safety workshops and trainings.

]]> Tue, 2 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/shayla-H6eEqnUx Shayla S. Dube is a multi-dimensional social worker who wears many hats as an inter-provincially licensed psychotherapist, sessional Africentric Social Work instructor, board-approved clinical social work supervisor, and culturally responsive mental health consultant. She provides Ubuntu centred Keynotes, leads anti-racism dialogues, facilitates employee wellness initiatives, and delivers workplace cultural and psychological safety workshops and trainings.

]]> Restorying the Anti- Racism Dialogue, Language Matters Gina Ko 00:40:04 Shayla was born in Zimbabwe and came to Canada at the age of 20. She said that the social work profession chose her as she could relate to social justice and decolonization. She shares experiences of racism in school and in her personal life as a mother to three daughters. She indicates that race is a social construct and the need to restory the anti-racism dialogue as language matters. Shayla was born in Zimbabwe and came to Canada at the age of 20. She said that the social work profession chose her as she could relate to social justice and decolonization. She shares experiences of racism in school and in her personal life as a mother to three daughters. She indicates that race is a social construct and the need to restory the anti-racism dialogue as language matters. false full 116 c8b97cb9-63eb-4405-8f22-17795a31e130 Navigating Differences: Stay Curious & Compassionate Clarissa Ee is a psychologist and couples therapist supporting clients across Alberta and Ontario, Canada. Born in Toronto and raised in Hong Kong, Clarissa embraces the complexity of growing up between cultures. This experience has shaped her commitment to staying curious about the client's culture, values, and beliefs. She feels honoured to offer her services in both English and Cantonese, aiming to create a supportive space where clients can freely express themselves.Clarissa has a special interest in supporting couples who are growing their families and navigating parenthood. She finds her work deeply meaningful, as she believes that small shifts in the parents' relationship can have a positive generational impact. As a mom of two, she is intentional about modelling curiosity, courage, and compassion. She values having open dialogues across generations to address anti-racism, with the hope of creating a safer and more inclusive world.

]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/clarissa-ee-NYRDw57u Clarissa Ee is a psychologist and couples therapist supporting clients across Alberta and Ontario, Canada. Born in Toronto and raised in Hong Kong, Clarissa embraces the complexity of growing up between cultures. This experience has shaped her commitment to staying curious about the client's culture, values, and beliefs. She feels honoured to offer her services in both English and Cantonese, aiming to create a supportive space where clients can freely express themselves.Clarissa has a special interest in supporting couples who are growing their families and navigating parenthood. She finds her work deeply meaningful, as she believes that small shifts in the parents' relationship can have a positive generational impact. As a mom of two, she is intentional about modelling curiosity, courage, and compassion. She values having open dialogues across generations to address anti-racism, with the hope of creating a safer and more inclusive world.

]]> Navigating Differences: Stay Curious & Compassionate Gina Ko 00:31:38 Clarissa was born in Canada and moved to Hong Kong with her family at three years old. She came back when she was 18. She experienced racism in part due to people perceiving her “accent.” She is raising her children to navigate differences and urges people to be curious, unlearn, self-reflect, find, and create compassionate spaces for community. Clarissa was born in Canada and moved to Hong Kong with her family at three years old. She came back when she was 18. She experienced racism in part due to people perceiving her “accent.” She is raising her children to navigate differences and urges people to be curious, unlearn, self-reflect, find, and create compassionate spaces for community. false full 115 5bd77e11-e7f0-4c8d-9e0c-2d544061807d Modelling Humility and Building Meaningful Relationships to Thrive in Colonial Structures Dr. Iloradanon Efimoff is Haida and European settler from the northwest coast of British Columbia. After completing her BA (Hons.) in Applied Psychology at Douglas College in New Westminster, BC, she worked as a research assistant with the DUDES Club, an Indigenous men’s health organization in Vancouver. Dr. Efimoff later completed her SSHRC-funded MA in Applied Social Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan, focusing on perceptions and attitudes towards White-presenting Indigenous people. She completed her Vanier-funded PhD in Social and Personality Psychology at the University of Manitoba. Through her mixed-methods dissertation, Dr. Efimoff created and experimentally tested an educational approach to help combat anti-Indigenous racism in Canada. She finished her Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity (RISE) Center and Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan. At RISE, she focused on the identity experiences of multiracial Indigenous people, a growing and understudied group in Canada. Dr. Efimoff’s current research focus is the impact of education on reducing anti-Indigenous racism. Her other research interests include reconciliation, Indigenization (particularly in the context of psychology and postsecondary institutions), and Indigenous well-being. 

]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr Iloradanon Efimoff, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-iloradanon-efimoff-af4niLtd Dr. Iloradanon Efimoff is Haida and European settler from the northwest coast of British Columbia. After completing her BA (Hons.) in Applied Psychology at Douglas College in New Westminster, BC, she worked as a research assistant with the DUDES Club, an Indigenous men’s health organization in Vancouver. Dr. Efimoff later completed her SSHRC-funded MA in Applied Social Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan, focusing on perceptions and attitudes towards White-presenting Indigenous people. She completed her Vanier-funded PhD in Social and Personality Psychology at the University of Manitoba. Through her mixed-methods dissertation, Dr. Efimoff created and experimentally tested an educational approach to help combat anti-Indigenous racism in Canada. She finished her Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity (RISE) Center and Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan. At RISE, she focused on the identity experiences of multiracial Indigenous people, a growing and understudied group in Canada. Dr. Efimoff’s current research focus is the impact of education on reducing anti-Indigenous racism. Her other research interests include reconciliation, Indigenization (particularly in the context of psychology and postsecondary institutions), and Indigenous well-being. 

]]> Modelling Humility and Building Meaningful Relationships to Thrive in Colonial Structures Dr Iloradanon Efimoff, Dr. Gina Ko 00:39:13 Iloradanon is the current Chair of the Indigenous Peoples of Psychology for the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). She notes she is more white presenting and experiences racism when white folks would make racist comments against her people. She said there is systemic and structural racism in institutions. She voices the importance of modelling humility and building meaningful relationships in order to thrive within colonial structures. Iloradanon is the current Chair of the Indigenous Peoples of Psychology for the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). She notes she is more white presenting and experiences racism when white folks would make racist comments against her people. She said there is systemic and structural racism in institutions. She voices the importance of modelling humility and building meaningful relationships in order to thrive within colonial structures. false full 114 3671ecf4-8020-464a-a07c-2718f467533c Talking About Racism: Walking Alongside I’m Kristine Mallorca, a Filipino-Canadian psychologist living and working in Edmonton. I first connected with Gina after being sent her podcast—her words deeply resonated with me, and I reached out to thank her for continuing the conversation around BIPOC experiences in professional spaces. I was born in Manila, Philippines and moved to Canada with my family when I was 10. One of my earliest memories here was being excluded by kids at school because they assumed I didn’t speak English. It stuck with me—how quickly people make assumptions based on what they think they know. These small moments, these microaggressions, can really shape how we see ourselves. I’m here because I believe in the power of naming them, talking about them, and changing the spaces we’re in—so they feel safer, more open, and more human for everyone.

]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/talking-about-racism-walking-alongside-FPLdh2kF I’m Kristine Mallorca, a Filipino-Canadian psychologist living and working in Edmonton. I first connected with Gina after being sent her podcast—her words deeply resonated with me, and I reached out to thank her for continuing the conversation around BIPOC experiences in professional spaces. I was born in Manila, Philippines and moved to Canada with my family when I was 10. One of my earliest memories here was being excluded by kids at school because they assumed I didn’t speak English. It stuck with me—how quickly people make assumptions based on what they think they know. These small moments, these microaggressions, can really shape how we see ourselves. I’m here because I believe in the power of naming them, talking about them, and changing the spaces we’re in—so they feel safer, more open, and more human for everyone.

]]> Talking About Racism: Walking Alongside Gina Ko 00:34:57 Kristine came to Canada from the Philippines at the age of 10 with her family. She experienced racism at school, where she was excluded because someone thought she did not speak English or that she had an accent. She chose to become a psychologist after learning that her aunt back home experienced mental health challenges. She voices the importance of walking alongside someone when addressing racism. Kristine came to Canada from the Philippines at the age of 10 with her family. She experienced racism at school, where she was excluded because someone thought she did not speak English or that she had an accent. She chose to become a psychologist after learning that her aunt back home experienced mental health challenges. She voices the importance of walking alongside someone when addressing racism. false full 113 6d77d8d7-c564-43a4-b314-f4020f4ccf50 Righteous Anger to Raise Racial Consciousness David Archer, PSW, MFT, MSW, is a Black Jamaican African-Canadian father and husband from Montreal, Canada (Tiohtià:ke). He is also a registered social worker, couple and family therapist, anti-racist psychotherapist, and EMDRIA Certified Approved Consultant and EMDR Therapy Trainer. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in treating complex PTSD and complex racial trauma using Africentric principles and memory reconsolidation-based approaches. David is the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award from EMDRIA (EMDR International Association).

He is the developer of Rhythm and Processing (RAP) Strategies, an integrative therapeutic approach for treating complex PTSD and racial trauma. David is the author of five books relating to anti-racist psychotherapy,  mindfulness, complex trauma treatment, and revolutionary healing methods. He is a keynote speaker and regular conference presenter who offers workshops to help therapists integrate anti-racist principles into their practice and to teach people of all backgrounds to recognize their awesomeness.

Learn more about David on his website: https://www.archertherapy.com.

]]> Tue, 3 Jun 2025 17:34:33 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, David Archer) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/david-archer-80Bz59l5 David Archer, PSW, MFT, MSW, is a Black Jamaican African-Canadian father and husband from Montreal, Canada (Tiohtià:ke). He is also a registered social worker, couple and family therapist, anti-racist psychotherapist, and EMDRIA Certified Approved Consultant and EMDR Therapy Trainer. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in treating complex PTSD and complex racial trauma using Africentric principles and memory reconsolidation-based approaches. David is the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award from EMDRIA (EMDR International Association).

He is the developer of Rhythm and Processing (RAP) Strategies, an integrative therapeutic approach for treating complex PTSD and racial trauma. David is the author of five books relating to anti-racist psychotherapy,  mindfulness, complex trauma treatment, and revolutionary healing methods. He is a keynote speaker and regular conference presenter who offers workshops to help therapists integrate anti-racist principles into their practice and to teach people of all backgrounds to recognize their awesomeness.

Learn more about David on his website: https://www.archertherapy.com.

]]> Righteous Anger to Raise Racial Consciousness Dr. Gina Ko, David Archer 00:36:12 David shares that he wrote many books, partly due to his experiences of racism from a young age. He mentioned being on a tricycle, and some boys pushed him off. He said he uses righteous anger to delve into creative work, such as writing. He voices that he has privilege due to his education and that he chooses to speak up to raise racial consciousness. David shares that he wrote many books, partly due to his experiences of racism from a young age. He mentioned being on a tricycle, and some boys pushed him off. He said he uses righteous anger to delve into creative work, such as writing. He voices that he has privilege due to his education and that he chooses to speak up to raise racial consciousness. false full 112 374ac3b7-28bf-483c-80a4-0d6ac701516f Racial Reckoning: Know History, Know Self Dr. Nicola Hermanto is a 1.5-generation immigrant to Canada with a Chinese Indonesian ethnocultural heritage. As part of a minoritized group in her homeland and racialized as Asian in Canada, she has always lived life “in between” cultures. These experiences inform her work as a psychologist where she has a special interest in supporting trauma-impacted individuals with racialized, multicultural, and diasporic identities. Nicola is passionate about helping people get to the root of their issues while honouring their cultural roots. Alongside her clients in therapy, she is learning and unlearning what it means to heal, belong, and take meaningful action. Her work is grounded in the belief that personal healing fuels collective change towards more socially just relationships, communities, and the world at large. Nicola has lived in Jakarta, Toronto, and Montreal, and currently resides in Halifax (Kjipuktuk) with her partner, young son, and spicy cat.

]]> Tue, 20 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Nicola Hermanto, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-nicola-hermanto-UVaWDSC7 Dr. Nicola Hermanto is a 1.5-generation immigrant to Canada with a Chinese Indonesian ethnocultural heritage. As part of a minoritized group in her homeland and racialized as Asian in Canada, she has always lived life “in between” cultures. These experiences inform her work as a psychologist where she has a special interest in supporting trauma-impacted individuals with racialized, multicultural, and diasporic identities. Nicola is passionate about helping people get to the root of their issues while honouring their cultural roots. Alongside her clients in therapy, she is learning and unlearning what it means to heal, belong, and take meaningful action. Her work is grounded in the belief that personal healing fuels collective change towards more socially just relationships, communities, and the world at large. Nicola has lived in Jakarta, Toronto, and Montreal, and currently resides in Halifax (Kjipuktuk) with her partner, young son, and spicy cat.

]]> Racial Reckoning: Know History, Know Self Dr. Nicola Hermanto, Dr. Gina Ko 00:35:33 Nicola shares that she is of Chinese Indonesian ethnocultural heritage and came to Canada at 7 years old. She voices that she has experienced overt racism, such as being told to go back to her country and being called racial slurs. She said that for a racial reckoning to occur, one needs to know history and know self. Nicola shares that she is of Chinese Indonesian ethnocultural heritage and came to Canada at 7 years old. She voices that she has experienced overt racism, such as being told to go back to her country and being called racial slurs. She said that for a racial reckoning to occur, one needs to know history and know self. false full 111 5b94b143-1922-48a3-a886-1d276a99f99e Asian Thriving: Bringing in the Warrior Spirit Zed shares that he grew up in a community where he experienced people asking if he was a boy or a girl. He said he was part of the Taoist community for many years and then stopped participating when he learned they did not embrace his queer identity. He said that for change to happen, it starts with educating oneself and learning the history of oppression. He believes in Asian thriving by bringing in the warrior spirit.

]]> Tue, 6 May 2025 04:43:01 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Zed Ola-Myers, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/zed-ola-myers-Y0v_lbpT Zed shares that he grew up in a community where he experienced people asking if he was a boy or a girl. He said he was part of the Taoist community for many years and then stopped participating when he learned they did not embrace his queer identity. He said that for change to happen, it starts with educating oneself and learning the history of oppression. He believes in Asian thriving by bringing in the warrior spirit.

]]> Asian Thriving: Bringing in the Warrior Spirit Zed Ola-Myers, Dr. Gina Ko 00:34:06 Zed is a proud Canadian of Chinese and Norwegian heritage. He was born on Vancouver Island in the Comox Valley and grew up in largely white-dominated spaces. His formative years as a teen included being an active member of a Taoist religion community which helped shape much of his values until he found out they did not condone his queer identity. He was fortunate enough to have wonderful support within the arts community and participated in Indigenous healing ceremonies. Zed shares his colourful story of being a non-conformist, growing up with a Chinese Canadian parent with mental illness, and finding his own identity as a psychology scholar. Zed is a proud Canadian of Chinese and Norwegian heritage. He was born on Vancouver Island in the Comox Valley and grew up in largely white-dominated spaces. His formative years as a teen included being an active member of a Taoist religion community which helped shape much of his values until he found out they did not condone his queer identity. He was fortunate enough to have wonderful support within the arts community and participated in Indigenous healing ceremonies. Zed shares his colourful story of being a non-conformist, growing up with a Chinese Canadian parent with mental illness, and finding his own identity as a psychology scholar. false full 110 6cf26cea-d20a-458d-9ccf-579695216c0f Support Black and Racialized-Led Initiatives Raynald Leroy, born in Montreal to Haitian parents, is the creative force behind RayPresents, a YouTube channel that brings to light remarkable stories of resilience and success. With degrees in Communications from the University of Ottawa, Journalism from Collège La Cité, and a Master’s in Sports Marketing from Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, Ray combines storytelling expertise with a global outlook. Deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Ray earned a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University. Through RayPresents, he encourages meaningful conversations, amplifies underrepresented voices, and builds a community where personal narratives drive collective progress. Passionate about promoting unity and cross-cultural understanding, Ray uses his platform to connect communities, celebrate shared experiences, and highlight the strength found in human connections.

Currently, Ray resides in Ottawa with his wife and three children.

You can learn more about RayPresents here:

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@raypresents1804?si=6bBKGtd8YxDazyWr

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/raynald_leroy?igsh=MWs0ZjkxZHNyMWhiYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/raynald-leroy-2a2a1b35?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Raynald Leroy) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/support-black-and-racialized-led-initiatives-jNN16b41 Raynald Leroy, born in Montreal to Haitian parents, is the creative force behind RayPresents, a YouTube channel that brings to light remarkable stories of resilience and success. With degrees in Communications from the University of Ottawa, Journalism from Collège La Cité, and a Master’s in Sports Marketing from Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, Ray combines storytelling expertise with a global outlook. Deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Ray earned a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University. Through RayPresents, he encourages meaningful conversations, amplifies underrepresented voices, and builds a community where personal narratives drive collective progress. Passionate about promoting unity and cross-cultural understanding, Ray uses his platform to connect communities, celebrate shared experiences, and highlight the strength found in human connections.

Currently, Ray resides in Ottawa with his wife and three children.

You can learn more about RayPresents here:

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@raypresents1804?si=6bBKGtd8YxDazyWr

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/raynald_leroy?igsh=MWs0ZjkxZHNyMWhiYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/raynald-leroy-2a2a1b35?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

]]> Support Black and Racialized-Led Initiatives Dr. Gina Ko, Raynald Leroy 00:29:32 Ray grew up in a home that cultivated a focus on diversity and inclusion. He has three children, and he shares that it is important for them to have tools to navigate racism. He voices the importance of supporting Black and racialized-led initiatives. Further, he notes the significance of engaging in difficult conversations about racism. Ray grew up in a home that cultivated a focus on diversity and inclusion. He has three children, and he shares that it is important for them to have tools to navigate racism. He voices the importance of supporting Black and racialized-led initiatives. Further, he notes the significance of engaging in difficult conversations about racism. false full 109 f536674e-87aa-4314-8d67-2c0a839006e3 Cultural Sensitivity: It’s Okay to Make Mistakes Dr. Nicolás Narvaez Linares is a pediatric psychologist specializing in Clinical Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology, and School Psychology. His work spans clinical practice, research, teaching, and leadership. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa, focusing on child, adolescent, and family services. Currently, he teaches at the University of Ottawa and co-directs Brighter Future Psychology, where he provides comprehensive assessments and interventions for children and families. His bicultural Canadian-Peruvian background informs his culturally sensitive approach. Dr. Narvaez Linares serves as Chair of the Clinical Neuropsychology Section at the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and actively advocates for youth mental health through the Strong Minds Strong Kids 4-17 Years Committee.

]]> Tue, 8 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Nicholas) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-nicholas-3AapoVGb Dr. Nicolás Narvaez Linares is a pediatric psychologist specializing in Clinical Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology, and School Psychology. His work spans clinical practice, research, teaching, and leadership. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa, focusing on child, adolescent, and family services. Currently, he teaches at the University of Ottawa and co-directs Brighter Future Psychology, where he provides comprehensive assessments and interventions for children and families. His bicultural Canadian-Peruvian background informs his culturally sensitive approach. Dr. Narvaez Linares serves as Chair of the Clinical Neuropsychology Section at the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and actively advocates for youth mental health through the Strong Minds Strong Kids 4-17 Years Committee.

]]> Cultural Sensitivity: It’s Okay to Make Mistakes Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Nicholas 00:41:45 Nicolás shares that he came to Canada at 12 years old, and Spanish was his first language; that was when he started learning French. He did not learn English until post-secondary, and people would make fun of his accent. He loves working with youth to support them in navigating mental health. He voices the importance of acknowledging it is okay to make mistakes when striving to be culturally sensitive. Nicolás shares that he came to Canada at 12 years old, and Spanish was his first language; that was when he started learning French. He did not learn English until post-secondary, and people would make fun of his accent. He loves working with youth to support them in navigating mental health. He voices the importance of acknowledging it is okay to make mistakes when striving to be culturally sensitive. false full 108 043837ee-399c-43bc-9dd3-a180af035a4f Reach Out, Connect, Find Community Maria Kim is a second-generation Korean-Canadian woman and a Registered Psychologist. Raised in rural northern Alberta, she was often the only Asian or BIPOC person in her community, which deeply shaped her experiences with racism. Growing up with 1.5-generation Korean parents and a Caucasian grandmother, Maria navigated multiple cultural worlds with little representation of people like her, struggling with internalized racism, shame, and guilt. As a child, Maria recalls wishing to wake up in a white girl's body, viewing her own identity as something to escape. But as she grew older, she began to redefine what it meant to be a Korean-Canadian woman. Now, as an adult, she proudly embraces her cultural heritage, finding strength in her unique multiple identities. These experiences inform Maria’s work as a psychologist in private practice, where she specializes in bi-cultural identity and intergenerational trauma. She helps Asian clients navigate the challenges of racism and identity, creating a safe space for healing and growth. Through her own journey, Maria is dedicated to empowering others to embrace their cultural identities and confront the impacts of systemic racism.

]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Maria Kim) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/maria-kim-DtFLKHON Maria Kim is a second-generation Korean-Canadian woman and a Registered Psychologist. Raised in rural northern Alberta, she was often the only Asian or BIPOC person in her community, which deeply shaped her experiences with racism. Growing up with 1.5-generation Korean parents and a Caucasian grandmother, Maria navigated multiple cultural worlds with little representation of people like her, struggling with internalized racism, shame, and guilt. As a child, Maria recalls wishing to wake up in a white girl's body, viewing her own identity as something to escape. But as she grew older, she began to redefine what it meant to be a Korean-Canadian woman. Now, as an adult, she proudly embraces her cultural heritage, finding strength in her unique multiple identities. These experiences inform Maria’s work as a psychologist in private practice, where she specializes in bi-cultural identity and intergenerational trauma. She helps Asian clients navigate the challenges of racism and identity, creating a safe space for healing and growth. Through her own journey, Maria is dedicated to empowering others to embrace their cultural identities and confront the impacts of systemic racism.

]]> Reach Out, Connect, Find Community Dr. Gina Ko, Maria Kim 00:32:48 Maria shares that as a Korean-Canadian, she has experienced covert and overt racism in her childhood and as an adult. Her parents are 1.5 generation and they are resourceful entrepreneurs. She said that she became a psychologist by chance, and there needs to be more representation. She voices the importance of reaching out, connecting, and finding community. Maria shares that as a Korean-Canadian, she has experienced covert and overt racism in her childhood and as an adult. Her parents are 1.5 generation and they are resourceful entrepreneurs. She said that she became a psychologist by chance, and there needs to be more representation. She voices the importance of reaching out, connecting, and finding community. false full 107 c32a332b-0081-4ad6-947f-64f3662f67ee Solidarity Against Racism: Revisit Intersectionality Chenzi Feng ZHAO 赵枫晨子 (she/they) is a feminist, educator, and transnational researcher dedicated to advancing equity and social justice through critical scholarship. Her work bridges critical institutional studies, intersectional feminist inquiry, and anti-racism research, with a focus on the intersections of gender, racialization, and systemic inequalities. She has published in Feminist Media Studies, Food Quality and Preference, and World Studies in Education, examining how these forces shape individual experiences and institutional practices. As a PhD candidate at Western University, her dissertation explores the lived and affective experiences of academics of Chinese descent in Canadian higher education institutions, shedding light on the nuanced impacts of racism and exclusion within academia. She is committed to fostering transformative conversations that challenge inequities and reimagine institutions as spaces of ethics and justice.

]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Chenzi Feng ZHAO) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/chenzi-feng-zhao-xxApRP3w Chenzi Feng ZHAO 赵枫晨子 (she/they) is a feminist, educator, and transnational researcher dedicated to advancing equity and social justice through critical scholarship. Her work bridges critical institutional studies, intersectional feminist inquiry, and anti-racism research, with a focus on the intersections of gender, racialization, and systemic inequalities. She has published in Feminist Media Studies, Food Quality and Preference, and World Studies in Education, examining how these forces shape individual experiences and institutional practices. As a PhD candidate at Western University, her dissertation explores the lived and affective experiences of academics of Chinese descent in Canadian higher education institutions, shedding light on the nuanced impacts of racism and exclusion within academia. She is committed to fostering transformative conversations that challenge inequities and reimagine institutions as spaces of ethics and justice.

]]> Solidarity Against Racism: Revisit Intersectionality Dr. Gina Ko, Chenzi Feng ZHAO 00:30:47 Chenzi shares that she is an international student from China and has experienced overt racism. She is writing about the lived and affective experiences of academics of Chinese descent in Canadian higher education institutions, shedding light on the nuanced impacts of racism and exclusion within academia. She said that intersectionality matters and the importance of standing in solidarity against racism. Chenzi shares that she is an international student from China and has experienced overt racism. She is writing about the lived and affective experiences of academics of Chinese descent in Canadian higher education institutions, shedding light on the nuanced impacts of racism and exclusion within academia. She said that intersectionality matters and the importance of standing in solidarity against racism. false full 106 018a8ecf-4e82-4bc9-b7a9-9c8de46820d9 We Are All Capable of Change Sommer Knight is a Vanier Scholar and doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. Her clinical work is centered on children, adolescents and families. She recently published a children’s book with her colleagues titled “Today is a Rainy Day” and she aims to bring increased awareness to children’s mental health.  Her research interests include intersectionality, culture, pathways to care and mental health disparities. 

]]> Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Sommer Knight) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/sommer-knight-ZS8z57EK Sommer Knight is a Vanier Scholar and doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. Her clinical work is centered on children, adolescents and families. She recently published a children’s book with her colleagues titled “Today is a Rainy Day” and she aims to bring increased awareness to children’s mental health.  Her research interests include intersectionality, culture, pathways to care and mental health disparities. 

]]> We Are All Capable of Change Dr. Gina Ko, Sommer Knight 00:26:28 Sommer shares how she has a love of humanitarian work from a young age. She acknowledges that racism is systemic; there is a need to collect race-based data and look at the role of intersectionality. She voices that we are all capable of change and we can come together to thrive. Sommer shares how she has a love of humanitarian work from a young age. She acknowledges that racism is systemic; there is a need to collect race-based data and look at the role of intersectionality. She voices that we are all capable of change and we can come together to thrive. false full 105 dc7578cb-de88-4041-bfd7-c7181b0f9c58 Being Seen, Not Spotlit Curtis Fong is a third-generation immigrant settler residing on the traditional territories of the peoples of the Treaty Seven region in Southern Alberta. His perspectives and values have been impacted by his experience growing up in small towns in the Northwest Territories (Treaty Eleven) and Northern Alberta (Treaty Six). Now based in Calgary, Curtis is an experienced elementary and middle school teacher dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive, and antiracist learning environments. He prioritizes building deep, meaningful relationships with students to support their growth and exploration of intersectionality and identity. Having experienced overt racism and microaggressions during his formative years, Curtis is committed to promoting authentic representation and equity in education.

]]> Tue, 4 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Curtis Fong) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/curtis-fong-xMO5YmdV Curtis Fong is a third-generation immigrant settler residing on the traditional territories of the peoples of the Treaty Seven region in Southern Alberta. His perspectives and values have been impacted by his experience growing up in small towns in the Northwest Territories (Treaty Eleven) and Northern Alberta (Treaty Six). Now based in Calgary, Curtis is an experienced elementary and middle school teacher dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive, and antiracist learning environments. He prioritizes building deep, meaningful relationships with students to support their growth and exploration of intersectionality and identity. Having experienced overt racism and microaggressions during his formative years, Curtis is committed to promoting authentic representation and equity in education.

]]> Being Seen, Not Spotlit Dr. Gina Ko, Curtis Fong 00:33:16 Curtis shares how he grew up in small communities with experiences of overt racism and microaggressions. He chose to become an educator partly due to his love for coaching sports. He voices the importance of questioning assumptions and biases. He shares that as an educator, he is aware of how students want to be seen and not spotlit. Curtis shares how he grew up in small communities with experiences of overt racism and microaggressions. He chose to become an educator partly due to his love for coaching sports. He voices the importance of questioning assumptions and biases. He shares that as an educator, he is aware of how students want to be seen and not spotlit. being seen, not spotlit, curtis fong false full 104 1568d64f-d7d9-45f4-979b-256358252680 Be the Voice of Change Even if it Rocks the Boat Carrie Yap is a Chinese-Canadian who was born and raised in Canada. Professionally, she works as an urban planner, advocating for cultural planning and considerations in policy and land-use decisions. This work has shaped her role as a community advocate in Calgary's Chinatown, where she leads the Tea Parlour (a pop-up mahjong experience) and supports the Chinatown Pop-Up Movie Club. Artistically, she is a practicing milliner, drawing on her cultural heritage to inspire both her techniques and designs.

]]> Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Carrie Yap) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/carrie-yap-b2ndNaX4 Carrie Yap is a Chinese-Canadian who was born and raised in Canada. Professionally, she works as an urban planner, advocating for cultural planning and considerations in policy and land-use decisions. This work has shaped her role as a community advocate in Calgary's Chinatown, where she leads the Tea Parlour (a pop-up mahjong experience) and supports the Chinatown Pop-Up Movie Club. Artistically, she is a practicing milliner, drawing on her cultural heritage to inspire both her techniques and designs.

]]> Be the Voice of Change Even if it Rocks the Boat Dr. Gina Ko, Carrie Yap 00:28:27 Carrie shares that as a Chinese-Canadian, community, inclusivity, representation and belonging are important. She is an urban planner who works in a culturally inclusive way to be an advocate and an ally. She voices the significance of being the voice of change, even when it rocks the boat. Carrie shares that as a Chinese-Canadian, community, inclusivity, representation and belonging are important. She is an urban planner who works in a culturally inclusive way to be an advocate and an ally. She voices the significance of being the voice of change, even when it rocks the boat. false full 103 d1da9b5f-cb04-48cf-9bba-2be8d4714c11 The Invisible Cost of Performance in the Corporate World Meet Jocelyn Chang, the powerhouse behind Vancouver Counselling Clinic—a sanctuary for healing and growth in the heart of Canada's second-largest hub for Asian diversity, heritage, and culture. As a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan and the eldest daughter in her family, Jocelyn grew up with a front-row seat to the complexities of intergenerational trauma rooted in poverty, violence, war refugeeism, and oppression. Those early experiences ignited her mission: to help others break free from dysfunctional patterns and heal from the shadows of the past. Today, Jocelyn is a Clinical Director, a Chartered Professional in HR, and a Registered Yoga Teacher. She is a trailblazer in providing culturally attuned mental health care to Asian-Canadian professionals through a holistic approach that encompasses navigating relationships, wellness, personal growth, and career advancements. Her clinic offers multilingual counselling support tailored to the Asian community, blending compassionate care with culturally informed and culturally relevant strategies for Asians living abroad. With Jocelyn, it’s not just therapy—it’s a roadmap to thriving across generations. 

Corporate Site: https://www.vancouvercounsellingclinic.com/

]]> Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Jocelyn Chang, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/jocelyn-chang-Y3xmd6PI Meet Jocelyn Chang, the powerhouse behind Vancouver Counselling Clinic—a sanctuary for healing and growth in the heart of Canada's second-largest hub for Asian diversity, heritage, and culture. As a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan and the eldest daughter in her family, Jocelyn grew up with a front-row seat to the complexities of intergenerational trauma rooted in poverty, violence, war refugeeism, and oppression. Those early experiences ignited her mission: to help others break free from dysfunctional patterns and heal from the shadows of the past. Today, Jocelyn is a Clinical Director, a Chartered Professional in HR, and a Registered Yoga Teacher. She is a trailblazer in providing culturally attuned mental health care to Asian-Canadian professionals through a holistic approach that encompasses navigating relationships, wellness, personal growth, and career advancements. Her clinic offers multilingual counselling support tailored to the Asian community, blending compassionate care with culturally informed and culturally relevant strategies for Asians living abroad. With Jocelyn, it’s not just therapy—it’s a roadmap to thriving across generations. 

Corporate Site: https://www.vancouvercounsellingclinic.com/

]]> The Invisible Cost of Performance in the Corporate World Jocelyn Chang, Dr. Gina Ko 00:30:16 Jocelyn shares how she grew up in Taiwan and came to Canada at 10 years old. She worked in the corporate world, where she would experience microaggressions, such as people commenting on her good English. As a mental health professional drawing from her own life, she shared the importance of acknowledging the invisible cost of performance and taking care of oneself. Jocelyn shares how she grew up in Taiwan and came to Canada at 10 years old. She worked in the corporate world, where she would experience microaggressions, such as people commenting on her good English. As a mental health professional drawing from her own life, she shared the importance of acknowledging the invisible cost of performance and taking care of oneself. cultural sensitivity, wellness, asian canadian, mental health, immigrant mental health, vancouver, counseling, personal growth, therapy, culturally informed therapy, intergenerational trauma, vancouver counselling clinic, first-generation immigrant false full 102 45bcb6ce-db33-497a-954d-1b0dd714b8ab The Power in Mentorship Manal Guirguis-Younger, Ph.D., R. Psych., is the Director of the PsyD program at Adler University in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr. Guirguis-Younger’s research is focused on the areas of community, homelessness, palliative care, volunteer resources, and alternative models of health-service delivery to marginalized groups. Her work maps the unique health and social needs of various under-serviced populations at the end of life, providing recommendations on how to overcome the challenges impeding access to equitable health services. Throughout her career, and more strongly in recent years, she has been involved in academic leadership, models of governance, and program development. Prior to her appointment at Adler University, she served in multiple roles at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario, including Director of Graduate Studies, Director of MA and Doctoral-level Counselling Programs, as well as Dean of the Faculty. She has been extensively involved in EDI and Indigenization initiatives.

]]> Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Manal Guirguis-Younger) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/manal-guirguis-younger-NXo0ZS4V Manal Guirguis-Younger, Ph.D., R. Psych., is the Director of the PsyD program at Adler University in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr. Guirguis-Younger’s research is focused on the areas of community, homelessness, palliative care, volunteer resources, and alternative models of health-service delivery to marginalized groups. Her work maps the unique health and social needs of various under-serviced populations at the end of life, providing recommendations on how to overcome the challenges impeding access to equitable health services. Throughout her career, and more strongly in recent years, she has been involved in academic leadership, models of governance, and program development. Prior to her appointment at Adler University, she served in multiple roles at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario, including Director of Graduate Studies, Director of MA and Doctoral-level Counselling Programs, as well as Dean of the Faculty. She has been extensively involved in EDI and Indigenization initiatives.

]]> The Power in Mentorship Dr. Gina Ko, Manal Guirguis-Younger 00:25:45 Manal shares how she came to Canada at 12 years old from Egypt, and her first language is Arabic. She said she struggled when people would tell her she wouldn’t make it to post-secondary. She states that as a director of a clinical psychology program, she supports students who are more disadvantaged due in part to the intersections of their identities. She voices there is power in mentorship. Manal shares how she came to Canada at 12 years old from Egypt, and her first language is Arabic. She said she struggled when people would tell her she wouldn’t make it to post-secondary. She states that as a director of a clinical psychology program, she supports students who are more disadvantaged due in part to the intersections of their identities. She voices there is power in mentorship. false full 101 c8822c51-e77f-4e10-bd2f-5d260cb38cb8 Microaggressions in Practice: Subtle and Could Be Harmful Yiu is a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Windsor. As a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan, she found the first few years in Canada challenging but rewarding, with learning new cultures, mastering a new language, and building a new social support network. These early acculturation experiences taught her how to be humble and compassionate to others and embrace different cultures and values. With the opportunity to engage in assessment, therapy and community work in various clinical settings over the past few years, she developed her research interest in multicultural and social justice issues and has found fulfillment in supporting people with various mental health concerns. Looking forward, she would like to continue working with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and engaging in research that explores individuals’ experiences of discrimination and oppression, particularly in clinical practices and the psychological profession. 

]]> Sun, 15 Dec 2024 16:05:57 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Yiu Yin, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/yiu-yin-chang-u9mh_KLV Yiu is a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Windsor. As a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan, she found the first few years in Canada challenging but rewarding, with learning new cultures, mastering a new language, and building a new social support network. These early acculturation experiences taught her how to be humble and compassionate to others and embrace different cultures and values. With the opportunity to engage in assessment, therapy and community work in various clinical settings over the past few years, she developed her research interest in multicultural and social justice issues and has found fulfillment in supporting people with various mental health concerns. Looking forward, she would like to continue working with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and engaging in research that explores individuals’ experiences of discrimination and oppression, particularly in clinical practices and the psychological profession. 

]]> Microaggressions in Practice: Subtle and Could Be Harmful Yiu Yin, Dr. Gina Ko 00:43:30 Yiu-Yin shares how she came to Canada from Taiwan at 20 years old as an international student. She discloses moments of microaggressions and racism as an adult learner and in the field of mental health. She states the importance of feeling safe to advocate for yourself, gather support, and for organizations to take real action against microaggressions and racism. Yiu-Yin shares how she came to Canada from Taiwan at 20 years old as an international student. She discloses moments of microaggressions and racism as an adult learner and in the field of mental health. She states the importance of feeling safe to advocate for yourself, gather support, and for organizations to take real action against microaggressions and racism. false full 100 e4895ab9-768a-4617-8e0e-e105a633329f Collective Liberation is Key Dr. Krista Edwards has a doctorate in school psychology and is a practicing school psychologist, published author and co-founder of the Black School Psychologists Network, Inc. As an identity specific psychologist, she works with African, Black, and Caribbean students who might be struggling with mental health and school. Her research interests are rooted in decolonizing school psychology and exploring strength based culturally responsive ways to mitigate race related stress for youth. Her work extends to students, families, and school administration and her goals are to curate spaces for healing, learning, and liberation. 

]]> Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:57:03 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Krista Edwards, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-krista-edwards-NeDfehnF Dr. Krista Edwards has a doctorate in school psychology and is a practicing school psychologist, published author and co-founder of the Black School Psychologists Network, Inc. As an identity specific psychologist, she works with African, Black, and Caribbean students who might be struggling with mental health and school. Her research interests are rooted in decolonizing school psychology and exploring strength based culturally responsive ways to mitigate race related stress for youth. Her work extends to students, families, and school administration and her goals are to curate spaces for healing, learning, and liberation. 

]]> Collective Liberation is Key Dr. Krista Edwards, Dr. Gina Ko 00:37:39 Krista shares how she was raised in the US and experienced racism and microaggression. She disclosed at 8 years old, someone asked her why her skin was dirty, and she coped by pretending she did not understand. She loves her work with African, Black, and Caribbean youth. She states that collective liberation is key to dismantling racism. Krista shares how she was raised in the US and experienced racism and microaggression. She disclosed at 8 years old, someone asked her why her skin was dirty, and she coped by pretending she did not understand. She loves her work with African, Black, and Caribbean youth. She states that collective liberation is key to dismantling racism. false full 99 2c2eeca7-d32c-475b-95ec-2c32986e4a4e Creating Space: Inclusivity and Representation in Action Kaitlyn Lem (she/her) is a PsyD. student at Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Health Studies from the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on expanding access to evidence-based mental healthcare and improving community-level mental health outcomes. Her clinical work aligns with this, as Kaitlyn is committed to reducing stigma and enhancing support for mental health in marginalized and racialized communities. She has worked with leading institutions like UHN and Sinai Health, contributing to studies on social connection in long-term care, measurement-based care (MBC), and perinatal mental health. She has published and presented on many of these topics. Her doctoral thesis focuses on implementing MBC in Newfoundland and Labrador’s (NL) mental health and addiction services to improve care delivery and outcomes. For this work, she is supported by CIHR and NL’s SPOR Unit and was awarded the 2023 Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador Mental Health Research Award.

]]> Tue, 5 Nov 2024 15:15:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Kaitlyn Lem) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/kaitlyn-lem-JrSuczyW Kaitlyn Lem (she/her) is a PsyD. student at Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Health Studies from the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on expanding access to evidence-based mental healthcare and improving community-level mental health outcomes. Her clinical work aligns with this, as Kaitlyn is committed to reducing stigma and enhancing support for mental health in marginalized and racialized communities. She has worked with leading institutions like UHN and Sinai Health, contributing to studies on social connection in long-term care, measurement-based care (MBC), and perinatal mental health. She has published and presented on many of these topics. Her doctoral thesis focuses on implementing MBC in Newfoundland and Labrador’s (NL) mental health and addiction services to improve care delivery and outcomes. For this work, she is supported by CIHR and NL’s SPOR Unit and was awarded the 2023 Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador Mental Health Research Award.

]]> Creating Space: Inclusivity and Representation in Action Dr. Gina Ko, Kaitlyn Lem 00:30:51 Kaitlyn shares that she is biracial with Chinese and Portuguese parents. She voices moments of experiencing microaggressions, such as when people make assumptions about her ethnocultural identity and try to place her in racial categories. She states the importance of defining spaces for inclusivity and representation. Kaitlyn shares that she is biracial with Chinese and Portuguese parents. She voices moments of experiencing microaggressions, such as when people make assumptions about her ethnocultural identity and try to place her in racial categories. She states the importance of defining spaces for inclusivity and representation. false full 98 aa609d8a-55af-4171-83fd-06d3355a84d5 Permission to Rest Mikaela Chia is a second-generation immigrant settler currently living on the ancestral and unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lək̓ ʷəŋən (Le-kwung-en) and W̱SÁNEĆ (wh-say-nech) Peoples (Victoria, BC). As a Peranakan woman, she has ancestral roots in Singapore, the Malay peninsula and Southern China. Mikaela is currently an M.A. student in counselling psych at UVIC and is passionate about co-creating spaces that honour the voices, stories, and lived experiences of people & communities in the ways that they feel most heard and safely witnessed. As a Clinical Counsellor and in research, Mikaela centres her work in identity, intergenerational resistance, racial trauma, and the power of collective healing.

]]> Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Mikaela Chia) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/mikaela-chia-VGDOY04O Mikaela Chia is a second-generation immigrant settler currently living on the ancestral and unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lək̓ ʷəŋən (Le-kwung-en) and W̱SÁNEĆ (wh-say-nech) Peoples (Victoria, BC). As a Peranakan woman, she has ancestral roots in Singapore, the Malay peninsula and Southern China. Mikaela is currently an M.A. student in counselling psych at UVIC and is passionate about co-creating spaces that honour the voices, stories, and lived experiences of people & communities in the ways that they feel most heard and safely witnessed. As a Clinical Counsellor and in research, Mikaela centres her work in identity, intergenerational resistance, racial trauma, and the power of collective healing.

]]> Permission to Rest Dr. Gina Ko, Mikaela Chia 00:29:19 Mikaela shares how she grew up in a predominantly white community in B.C. and experienced racism, such as people making fun of her lunch. She voices how stories can be healing. She notes that belonging is a space where she feels permission to land and rest. Mikaela shares how she grew up in a predominantly white community in B.C. and experienced racism, such as people making fun of her lunch. She voices how stories can be healing. She notes that belonging is a space where she feels permission to land and rest. false full 97 57dd22aa-75b1-43b3-902b-0d26109f7d0b Skating Against the Tides of Racism John Chen is the author of the #1 Amazon Hot New Book Release, Engaging Virtual  Meetings. He’s been meeting virtually for over 38 years. He has produced over 4,000 virtual meetings including an EIGHT language meeting and the only 100% LIVEvirtual conference in the training industry. He’s 1 of only 400 Certified Speaking Professionals designated by the National Speakers Association. Let’s WELCOME your speaker, John Chen!

]]> Tue, 8 Oct 2024 15:13:03 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (John Chen, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/john-chen-q2qo6OFt John Chen is the author of the #1 Amazon Hot New Book Release, Engaging Virtual  Meetings. He’s been meeting virtually for over 38 years. He has produced over 4,000 virtual meetings including an EIGHT language meeting and the only 100% LIVEvirtual conference in the training industry. He’s 1 of only 400 Certified Speaking Professionals designated by the National Speakers Association. Let’s WELCOME your speaker, John Chen!

]]> Skating Against the Tides of Racism John Chen, Dr. Gina Ko 00:40:48 John shares that he was born in a predominantly white community in Stockton, California. He said that his parents separated when he was six years old, and he took up skateboarding as a way to cope in his teens. He discloses a moment of covert and dangerous racism where some people threw a large rock at him. He voices the importance of standing up, joining community, and speaking out when it is the right thing to do. John shares that he was born in a predominantly white community in Stockton, California. He said that his parents separated when he was six years old, and he took up skateboarding as a way to cope in his teens. He discloses a moment of covert and dangerous racism where some people threw a large rock at him. He voices the importance of standing up, joining community, and speaking out when it is the right thing to do. false full 96 f2390794-8cdd-4b6d-a21b-358ab918d6a8 Anti-Racism: Actions Matter Amanda is a Bachelor of Social Work graduate and Master of Social Work student at the University of Calgary. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Amanda initially worked in the career development field, supporting equity-deserving groups in finding employment at organizations like Prospect Human Services and Direction for Immigrants. However, after discovering her passion for it, she recently shifted her career toward the equity, diversity, and inclusion field. Over the past few years, she has worked at organizations like the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, Indigenous Works, and The City of Calgary’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging team to learn how to make spaces truly inclusive. 

]]> Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Amanda Ho) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/amanda-ho-d8gXqbvt Amanda is a Bachelor of Social Work graduate and Master of Social Work student at the University of Calgary. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Amanda initially worked in the career development field, supporting equity-deserving groups in finding employment at organizations like Prospect Human Services and Direction for Immigrants. However, after discovering her passion for it, she recently shifted her career toward the equity, diversity, and inclusion field. Over the past few years, she has worked at organizations like the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, Indigenous Works, and The City of Calgary’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging team to learn how to make spaces truly inclusive. 

]]> Anti-Racism: Actions Matter Dr. Gina Ko, Amanda Ho 00:31:56 Amanda shares that she was born in a small community in Ontario and was the only Asian in her school. She said her family moved to Calgary, and it was more diverse. She voices the moments of experiencing racism, such as when a teacher told her not to bring fried rice to school because of sesame oil. She chose to be in the social work program and work in EDI because she wants to affect systemic change. She conveys that in anti-racism, actions matter! Amanda shares that she was born in a small community in Ontario and was the only Asian in her school. She said her family moved to Calgary, and it was more diverse. She voices the moments of experiencing racism, such as when a teacher told her not to bring fried rice to school because of sesame oil. She chose to be in the social work program and work in EDI because she wants to affect systemic change. She conveys that in anti-racism, actions matter! false full 95 e92de851-6d2a-49bf-b2e8-3c90edb99408 Introspect, Learn, and Unlearn Dr. Meenal Shrivastava is Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Professor of Political Economy and Global Studies at Athabasca University, Canada. Her academic research examines the drivers and manifestations of globalization, and their impact on the institutions and practices of democracy, particularly in the context of the widening gulf between the peoples and the states. Consequently, her publications, courses, and public lectures cover themes related to varied aspects of democracy and public policy through the lenses of global history and gender studies, connected to the central thread of the political economy of our relentlessly globalizing world. Her research on these political economic processes has so far led to more than one hundred and fifty papers and publications, including three books. Currently, aside from serving on several professional and editorial boards, she has been learning to use creative relational stories as a methodology of research and dissemination to illustrate how individual lives intersect with broad social-political trends, and why it matters. Born in Jaipur, she now lives as an uninvited immigrant settler in the ancestral home of the Wsáneć Peoples in the unceded Coast Salish Territories, or what is also known as greater Victoria, BC. 

]]> Fri, 26 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Meenal-Shrivastava, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-meenal-shrivastavar-1XM9xsfN Dr. Meenal Shrivastava is Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Professor of Political Economy and Global Studies at Athabasca University, Canada. Her academic research examines the drivers and manifestations of globalization, and their impact on the institutions and practices of democracy, particularly in the context of the widening gulf between the peoples and the states. Consequently, her publications, courses, and public lectures cover themes related to varied aspects of democracy and public policy through the lenses of global history and gender studies, connected to the central thread of the political economy of our relentlessly globalizing world. Her research on these political economic processes has so far led to more than one hundred and fifty papers and publications, including three books. Currently, aside from serving on several professional and editorial boards, she has been learning to use creative relational stories as a methodology of research and dissemination to illustrate how individual lives intersect with broad social-political trends, and why it matters. Born in Jaipur, she now lives as an uninvited immigrant settler in the ancestral home of the Wsáneć Peoples in the unceded Coast Salish Territories, or what is also known as greater Victoria, BC. 

]]> Introspect, Learn, and Unlearn Dr. Meenal-Shrivastava, Dr. Gina Ko 00:33:48 Meenal shares that she was born in India into a privileged caste system. She said she moved to South Africa upon marrying her husband and then to Canada years later. She notes the importance of being introspective, learning, and unlearning. Here is her incredible creative work: https://meenalshrivastava.wordpress.com/ Meenal shares that she was born in India into a privileged caste system. She said she moved to South Africa upon marrying her husband and then to Canada years later. She notes the importance of being introspective, learning, and unlearning. Here is her incredible creative work: https://meenalshrivastava.wordpress.com/ false full 94 5124ed0c-b9a2-4c7f-8608-565e8f788e74 Pay Attention, Notice, Listen, and Be Curious Dr. Wang is a Senior Director at Hull Services, and has a private practice providing therapy to individuals, couples and families; parent consultation and psycho-education to parents of all ages from pre-natal to adulthood;  and reflective practice and supervision to professionals and leaders in the workplace.  She is an Associate Member of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers, a member of the National Early Relational Health Network. Dr. Wang is a current board member with the YW Calgary.  She is the 2020 recipient of the University of California, Davis Continuing and Professional Education- Parent-Infant and Child Institute “Bruce D. Perry, Spirit of the Child Award” and the 2023 recipient of the Psychologist of the Year from the Psychologist’s Association of Alberta.   

]]> Fri, 12 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Emily Wang, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/emily-wang-gnO_a7mN Dr. Wang is a Senior Director at Hull Services, and has a private practice providing therapy to individuals, couples and families; parent consultation and psycho-education to parents of all ages from pre-natal to adulthood;  and reflective practice and supervision to professionals and leaders in the workplace.  She is an Associate Member of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers, a member of the National Early Relational Health Network. Dr. Wang is a current board member with the YW Calgary.  She is the 2020 recipient of the University of California, Davis Continuing and Professional Education- Parent-Infant and Child Institute “Bruce D. Perry, Spirit of the Child Award” and the 2023 recipient of the Psychologist of the Year from the Psychologist’s Association of Alberta.   

]]> Pay Attention, Notice, Listen, and Be Curious Dr. Emily Wang, Dr. Gina Ko 00:33:27 Emily shares how she grew up in Winnipeg and had to fit in with the dominant population. She discloses how her children changed her life when at 8 and 10 years old, they told her they want to learn Chinese and be more Chinese. She states the importance of paying attention, notice, listen, and be curious about people who are different from you. Emily shares how she grew up in Winnipeg and had to fit in with the dominant population. She discloses how her children changed her life when at 8 and 10 years old, they told her they want to learn Chinese and be more Chinese. She states the importance of paying attention, notice, listen, and be curious about people who are different from you. false full 93 d2963811-56d5-4b03-b13b-21ebe74977b1 Be Mindful of Microaggressions LINDSAY WONG is the author of the critically acclaimed, award-winning, and bestselling memoir The Woo-Woo, which was a finalist for Canada Reads 2019. She has written a YA novel entitled My Summer of Love and Misfortune and a debut collection of short fiction, Tell Me Pleasant Things about Immortality, which was shortlisted for the Jim Deva Prize for Writing that Provokes. Wong holds a BFA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia and an MFA in literary nonfiction from Columbia University. She currently teaches creative writing at the University of Winnipeg. Follow her on X/Twitter @LindsayMWong, Instagram @Lindsaywong.M, or visit www.lindsaywongwriter.com.

]]> Fri, 28 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Lindsay Wong, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/lindsay-wong-8O4KasBQ LINDSAY WONG is the author of the critically acclaimed, award-winning, and bestselling memoir The Woo-Woo, which was a finalist for Canada Reads 2019. She has written a YA novel entitled My Summer of Love and Misfortune and a debut collection of short fiction, Tell Me Pleasant Things about Immortality, which was shortlisted for the Jim Deva Prize for Writing that Provokes. Wong holds a BFA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia and an MFA in literary nonfiction from Columbia University. She currently teaches creative writing at the University of Winnipeg. Follow her on X/Twitter @LindsayMWong, Instagram @Lindsaywong.M, or visit www.lindsaywongwriter.com.

]]> Be Mindful of Microaggressions Lindsay Wong, Dr. Gina Ko 00:36:39 Lindsay shares that she moved from Vancouver to Winnipeg to pursue an assistant professorship and experienced the most racism she has ever known. She said she would be turned away from rental properties when the landlord said she could not afford it, and someone would always search her bag at stores, being suspicious she stole something. She states the importance of being aware of microaggressions. Lindsay shares that she moved from Vancouver to Winnipeg to pursue an assistant professorship and experienced the most racism she has ever known. She said she would be turned away from rental properties when the landlord said she could not afford it, and someone would always search her bag at stores, being suspicious she stole something. She states the importance of being aware of microaggressions. false full 92 f7db97de-3094-4c14-987c-257572edf4dd Be Yourself and Follow Your Dreams Kellina is a deaf coach and advocate, a podcast speaker, a best selling author, and a passionate entrepreneur on a mission to help young adults with disabilities achieve their goals while also educating others about the deaf community.  What makes her story even more incredible is that Kellina is actually a hard of hearing person who lost 100% of her hearing at the young age of 4. Being hard of hearing hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her dreams including gaining her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University and post-graduate certificate in Mental Health and Addiction, becoming a life coach, and an Amazon best selling author with her first book, “Everyday I Am Just Deaf.”  

]]> Fri, 14 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Kellina Powell) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/kellina-powell-O5i9VLzs Kellina is a deaf coach and advocate, a podcast speaker, a best selling author, and a passionate entrepreneur on a mission to help young adults with disabilities achieve their goals while also educating others about the deaf community.  What makes her story even more incredible is that Kellina is actually a hard of hearing person who lost 100% of her hearing at the young age of 4. Being hard of hearing hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her dreams including gaining her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University and post-graduate certificate in Mental Health and Addiction, becoming a life coach, and an Amazon best selling author with her first book, “Everyday I Am Just Deaf.”  

]]> Be Yourself and Follow Your Dreams Dr. Gina Ko, Kellina Powell 00:29:26 Kellina shares how she became deaf at four years old and attended a deaf and hearing school. She discloses moments when a guidance counsellor and professor told her she couldn’t do what she wanted (which was to become a doctor). She went into the field of psychology to mentor those who have disabilities and those who don’t. She voices the importance of being yourself and following your dreams. Kellina shares how she became deaf at four years old and attended a deaf and hearing school. She discloses moments when a guidance counsellor and professor told her she couldn’t do what she wanted (which was to become a doctor). She went into the field of psychology to mentor those who have disabilities and those who don’t. She voices the importance of being yourself and following your dreams. false full 91 c8259a22-3deb-46d7-a267-fa7dd8774e1f The Representation of Asians Matter Angie Hung (she/her) is a proud Canadian who immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong at age 2. She is a full-time Project Manager and actress. She strives to be a voice for anti-racism, inclusion, and equity, not just from her experiences as a Chinese gay/queer female but also from the experiences of her friends who belong to all backgrounds and identities. She strives to learn from others (everyone, not just those who identify as minorities), to see where she can help fill the void and let others know they aren’t alone. Angie loves LEGO, Transformers, and party board games. Most importantly, she loves traveling the world to visit her friends from different countries and cultures.

]]> Fri, 31 May 2024 16:30:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Angie Hung) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/angie-hung-lz5pqCtj Angie Hung (she/her) is a proud Canadian who immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong at age 2. She is a full-time Project Manager and actress. She strives to be a voice for anti-racism, inclusion, and equity, not just from her experiences as a Chinese gay/queer female but also from the experiences of her friends who belong to all backgrounds and identities. She strives to learn from others (everyone, not just those who identify as minorities), to see where she can help fill the void and let others know they aren’t alone. Angie loves LEGO, Transformers, and party board games. Most importantly, she loves traveling the world to visit her friends from different countries and cultures.

]]> The Representation of Asians Matter Dr. Gina Ko, Angie Hung 00:40:58 Angie shares the importance of the representation of Asians in the workplace and the film industry. She identifies as Chinese and queer, and she came out in 2017 after deciding there was a need to have her voice heard in the acting space. She voices she would love for more people to speak up and share their stories of being Asian and for Asians to be included in various spheres. Angie shares the importance of the representation of Asians in the workplace and the film industry. She identifies as Chinese and queer, and she came out in 2017 after deciding there was a need to have her voice heard in the acting space. She voices she would love for more people to speak up and share their stories of being Asian and for Asians to be included in various spheres. false full 90 9633d69a-fc0a-4fd4-b5a1-f0dcffa01f31 Enough: The Model Minority Myth Carley Okamura identifies as a mixed race Japanese Canadian settler on amiskwacîwâskahikan treaty 6 territory. She has played the Japanese drum for over 20 years, and uses this cultural artform to connect with her heritage and with the Japanese diaspora communities around North America. She serves as president of two Japanese drumming boards, Kita no Taiko in Edmonton and the Taiko Community Alliance headquartered in California. Through this network she pursues her passion of cultural art and activism. Her production company Rabbits Three Cultural Connections has a mission to create performance art with social messaging and in collaboration with other artforms.

]]> Fri, 17 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Carley Okamura, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/carley-okamura-XCji0P3E Carley Okamura identifies as a mixed race Japanese Canadian settler on amiskwacîwâskahikan treaty 6 territory. She has played the Japanese drum for over 20 years, and uses this cultural artform to connect with her heritage and with the Japanese diaspora communities around North America. She serves as president of two Japanese drumming boards, Kita no Taiko in Edmonton and the Taiko Community Alliance headquartered in California. Through this network she pursues her passion of cultural art and activism. Her production company Rabbits Three Cultural Connections has a mission to create performance art with social messaging and in collaboration with other artforms.

]]> Enough: The Model Minority Myth Carley Okamura, Dr. Gina Ko 00:37:14 Carley is a mixed-race Japanese Canadian (JC) who experienced racism in her twenties when she felt like a tourist. She formed Rabbits Three Cultural Connections (https://rabbitsthree.ca/), inviting performance artists to collaborate to resist model minority stereotypes. She shares the importance of treating everyone as individuals and being curious about their stories. Carley is a mixed-race Japanese Canadian (JC) who experienced racism in her twenties when she felt like a tourist. She formed Rabbits Three Cultural Connections (https://rabbitsthree.ca/), inviting performance artists to collaborate to resist model minority stereotypes. She shares the importance of treating everyone as individuals and being curious about their stories. false full 89 0f081d26-d464-412d-8136-4c173cda68cd Create Community Awareness about Anti-Asian Racism Lin Fang is an Associate Professor and the endowed Factor-Inwentash Chair in Children’s Mental Health. Her research program focuses on advancing theoretical and empirical knowledge of positive child and youth development through etiology and intervention research, as well as community-based research and services. In recent years, Lin has concentrated her scholarship on community-based research, examining how neighborhood and structural factors shape the lived experiences of young people, and how they, in turn, engage with and understand the world around them. Her inquiry into anti-Asian racism began with My Script My Voice, a university-community collaboration aimed at empowering Asian youth in the face of racism. Currently, Lin serves as the Principal Investigator for Project APPA, a 3-year research endeavor funded by SSHRC. This project works with Asian parents and other stakeholders to promote capacity building, develop knowledge and resources, and advocate for an Asian-centered approach against anti-Asian racism.

]]> Thu, 2 May 2024 13:22:53 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-lin-fang-tb5LbKJ0 Lin Fang is an Associate Professor and the endowed Factor-Inwentash Chair in Children’s Mental Health. Her research program focuses on advancing theoretical and empirical knowledge of positive child and youth development through etiology and intervention research, as well as community-based research and services. In recent years, Lin has concentrated her scholarship on community-based research, examining how neighborhood and structural factors shape the lived experiences of young people, and how they, in turn, engage with and understand the world around them. Her inquiry into anti-Asian racism began with My Script My Voice, a university-community collaboration aimed at empowering Asian youth in the face of racism. Currently, Lin serves as the Principal Investigator for Project APPA, a 3-year research endeavor funded by SSHRC. This project works with Asian parents and other stakeholders to promote capacity building, develop knowledge and resources, and advocate for an Asian-centered approach against anti-Asian racism.

]]> Create Community Awareness about Anti-Asian Racism Gina Ko 00:37:11 Lin shares she left Taiwan in her early 20s to pursue a Master of Social Work degree in New York City and later moved to Canada. She discloses the many overt racist experiences she has had, such as being shouted at, invisibilized, and sworn at. She states the importance of coming together as a community to create awareness, make some noise, and take action to combat anti-Asian racism. Lin shares she left Taiwan in her early 20s to pursue a Master of Social Work degree in New York City and later moved to Canada. She discloses the many overt racist experiences she has had, such as being shouted at, invisibilized, and sworn at. She states the importance of coming together as a community to create awareness, make some noise, and take action to combat anti-Asian racism. false full 88 c3b8bc35-7fde-4927-bda9-0c40879da6c7 Be Proactive About Your Good Intentions Winnie is a mission-focused entrepreneur, business strategist, and social advocate. Her entrepreneurial venture and consultancy Good Work Collective Inc. is focused on building scalable tools to advance an age-inclusive digital future. Winnie also serves as the Board Chair of Hong Fook Mental Health Association, where she steers an agency with over four decades of serving diverse Asian communities of the GTA. Winnie is also a life-long learner, and proud to be an alum of the Richard Ivey School of Business, and Rotman School of Management where she recently completed an EMBA specializing in health system transformation. She is a certified Positive Psychology Practitioner and Resiliency Coach, and integrates these practices in guiding herself, individuals and teams.

]]> Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:37:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Winnie Tsang) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/winnie-tsang-aHdUup7v Winnie is a mission-focused entrepreneur, business strategist, and social advocate. Her entrepreneurial venture and consultancy Good Work Collective Inc. is focused on building scalable tools to advance an age-inclusive digital future. Winnie also serves as the Board Chair of Hong Fook Mental Health Association, where she steers an agency with over four decades of serving diverse Asian communities of the GTA. Winnie is also a life-long learner, and proud to be an alum of the Richard Ivey School of Business, and Rotman School of Management where she recently completed an EMBA specializing in health system transformation. She is a certified Positive Psychology Practitioner and Resiliency Coach, and integrates these practices in guiding herself, individuals and teams.

]]> Be Proactive About Your Good Intentions Dr. Gina Ko, Winnie Tsang 00:41:05 Winnie shares that she came to Canada from Hong Kong as a child and moved to Scarborough, Ontario. She states how there were many Asians in her community. She said that she chose to be an entrepreneur and is a Board Chair of the Hong Fook Mental Health Association partly due to her research on caregiver resiliency and learning about positive psychology. She voices the importance of leaning into social awkwardness to cultivate connection and be proactive about your good intentions. Winnie shares that she came to Canada from Hong Kong as a child and moved to Scarborough, Ontario. She states how there were many Asians in her community. She said that she chose to be an entrepreneur and is a Board Chair of the Hong Fook Mental Health Association partly due to her research on caregiver resiliency and learning about positive psychology. She voices the importance of leaning into social awkwardness to cultivate connection and be proactive about your good intentions. false full 87 de88e938-1f04-460c-b20e-e2e2a9b97935 Antiracism Through Study, Story and Care Ricardo Avelar - (he/him), Registered Psychologist - has worked in various fields, including non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, and post-secondary settings, as teacher, counsellor, and supervisor. Currently, he is a Counsellor (Instructor) in Student Wellness Services at the University of Calgary. 

]]> Fri, 5 Apr 2024 14:25:13 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/ricardo-avelar-iNA8OISA Ricardo Avelar - (he/him), Registered Psychologist - has worked in various fields, including non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, and post-secondary settings, as teacher, counsellor, and supervisor. Currently, he is a Counsellor (Instructor) in Student Wellness Services at the University of Calgary. 

]]> Antiracism Through Study, Story and Care Gina Ko 00:34:21 Ricardo shared how he was born in El Salvador and came to Canada at six years old, speaking only Spanish and no English. He said he did well in school and encountered racist moments by being called an immigrant and “you people.” He voices how he became a teacher and psychologist partly due to resonating with being relational. He indicates the importance of studying, learning about people’s stories, and using care to continue to grow, unlearn, and cultivate empathy. Ricardo shared how he was born in El Salvador and came to Canada at six years old, speaking only Spanish and no English. He said he did well in school and encountered racist moments by being called an immigrant and “you people.” He voices how he became a teacher and psychologist partly due to resonating with being relational. He indicates the importance of studying, learning about people’s stories, and using care to continue to grow, unlearn, and cultivate empathy. false full 86 176de0b3-0129-449b-a5f1-94927369ecf6 Be Introspective About Yourself as a Cultural Being and the Implications Dr. Kuo is a Full Professor and the current Director of Clinical Training for the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)-Accredited Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Windsor, and a registered and practicing psychologist in Ontario. His research focuses on the intersection between culture and psychology, particularly in the areas of multicultural counselling and training and cross-cultural psychology. Dr. Kuo is an experienced and active clinical supervisor who teaches and supervises clinical psychology graduate students in multicultural psychotherapy courses and practicum with diverse clients, including refugees and immigrants. As a clinician, Dr. Kuo has worked and treated international students, immigrants, refugees, racial/ethnic minorities, and non-minority individuals in the U.S., Canada, and Asia. Dr. Kuo works very closely with various community and health agencies/networks and is involved in policy initiatives, provincially and nationally in Canada. Dr. Kuo has traveled, lectured, provided training, and consulted internationally, as a distinguished visiting professor, inTaiwan, China, Thailand, New Zealand, Russia, Brazil, Poland, and the U.K. In 2018 Dr. Kuo served as the guest editor for the special issue of Psynopsis – the official communiqué of the CPA – on “Refugee Mental Health.” This year (2024), Dr. Kuo once again collaborated with Dr. Eleanor Gittens, the current President of the CPA, as co-editors for another special issue of Psynopsis on “People, Culture and Psychology: Diverse Voices from the Field.” Dr. Kuo is a recipient of many awards across research, teaching, service, and advocacy work; they include the Outstanding Research Award: Establish Research/Scholar Category (2017); the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science’s Dr. Kathleen E. McCrone Teaching Award (2017); and the Mary Lou Dietz Equity Leadership Award (2019). Most recently Dr. Kuo’s academic and professional contributions were recognized by the CPA, as the recipient of the John C. Service Member of the Year Award in 2021, and the Public Community Services, Human Rights and Social Justice in Psychology Award in 2023.

]]> Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Ben Kuo) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/ben-kuo-UPgnaCeO Dr. Kuo is a Full Professor and the current Director of Clinical Training for the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)-Accredited Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Windsor, and a registered and practicing psychologist in Ontario. His research focuses on the intersection between culture and psychology, particularly in the areas of multicultural counselling and training and cross-cultural psychology. Dr. Kuo is an experienced and active clinical supervisor who teaches and supervises clinical psychology graduate students in multicultural psychotherapy courses and practicum with diverse clients, including refugees and immigrants. As a clinician, Dr. Kuo has worked and treated international students, immigrants, refugees, racial/ethnic minorities, and non-minority individuals in the U.S., Canada, and Asia. Dr. Kuo works very closely with various community and health agencies/networks and is involved in policy initiatives, provincially and nationally in Canada. Dr. Kuo has traveled, lectured, provided training, and consulted internationally, as a distinguished visiting professor, inTaiwan, China, Thailand, New Zealand, Russia, Brazil, Poland, and the U.K. In 2018 Dr. Kuo served as the guest editor for the special issue of Psynopsis – the official communiqué of the CPA – on “Refugee Mental Health.” This year (2024), Dr. Kuo once again collaborated with Dr. Eleanor Gittens, the current President of the CPA, as co-editors for another special issue of Psynopsis on “People, Culture and Psychology: Diverse Voices from the Field.” Dr. Kuo is a recipient of many awards across research, teaching, service, and advocacy work; they include the Outstanding Research Award: Establish Research/Scholar Category (2017); the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science’s Dr. Kathleen E. McCrone Teaching Award (2017); and the Mary Lou Dietz Equity Leadership Award (2019). Most recently Dr. Kuo’s academic and professional contributions were recognized by the CPA, as the recipient of the John C. Service Member of the Year Award in 2021, and the Public Community Services, Human Rights and Social Justice in Psychology Award in 2023.

]]> Be Introspective About Yourself as a Cultural Being and the Implications Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Ben Kuo 00:49:28 Ben talks about how he came to Canada from Taiwan as an international student at 15 years old. He shares that he speaks Mandarin, Taiwanese, Cantonese, and English. He notes that after completing his Bachelor of Psychology degree, he worked for a non-profit organization that supported newcomers; he was able to use his language skills to bridge understanding. He voices the importance of being introspective as a cultural being, so learning is a lifelong journey. Ben talks about how he came to Canada from Taiwan as an international student at 15 years old. He shares that he speaks Mandarin, Taiwanese, Cantonese, and English. He notes that after completing his Bachelor of Psychology degree, he worked for a non-profit organization that supported newcomers; he was able to use his language skills to bridge understanding. He voices the importance of being introspective as a cultural being, so learning is a lifelong journey. false full 85 86cdc10e-6aed-4e80-af72-5fd0508de9c7 Be Curious: Connecting from the Heart Patricia is the Founder of Silver Health Inc and also Passport to Integration (www.passportstointegration.com), a mental health program for immigrants, increasing awareness for healthy lifestyles and issues of inclusion. She holds a Master of Counselling degree from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor in Psychology and she is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Patricia specializes in the areas of mental health and well-being. Clients consult her on issues related to management of stress, depression, trauma, and anxiety.  She is also recognized for her work in the area of integration to a new culture and managing life transitions. Patricia is passionate about helping clients find their inner voice. Her practice is an integrative approach working with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), humanist perspective, and narrative models. She has over 20 years of experience working with women, couples and families.  

]]> Fri, 8 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Patricia Pedraza Cruz) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/patricia-pedraza-cruz-iBgxgZoV Patricia is the Founder of Silver Health Inc and also Passport to Integration (www.passportstointegration.com), a mental health program for immigrants, increasing awareness for healthy lifestyles and issues of inclusion. She holds a Master of Counselling degree from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor in Psychology and she is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Patricia specializes in the areas of mental health and well-being. Clients consult her on issues related to management of stress, depression, trauma, and anxiety.  She is also recognized for her work in the area of integration to a new culture and managing life transitions. Patricia is passionate about helping clients find their inner voice. Her practice is an integrative approach working with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), humanist perspective, and narrative models. She has over 20 years of experience working with women, couples and families.  

]]> Be Curious: Connecting from the Heart Dr. Gina Ko, Patricia Pedraza Cruz 00:37:11 Patricia shares how she came to Canada from Colombia in 2006. She notes she did not know any English and took three years to learn the language. She states that it has not been an easy journey, and she is now a Registered Provisional Psychologist working with many diverse clients. She voices the importance of being curious and connecting from the heart. Patricia shares how she came to Canada from Colombia in 2006. She notes she did not know any English and took three years to learn the language. She states that it has not been an easy journey, and she is now a Registered Provisional Psychologist working with many diverse clients. She voices the importance of being curious and connecting from the heart. false full 84 4454ffac-f3f2-414a-8b62-51223ba4dc45 Compassionate Accountability Lianne currently leads the ConnectED Parents project at Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence (UCalgary), where she is leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative approach supporting parents/caregivers to prevent adolescent dating violence. Since 2006, Lianne has been a driving force behind community programs and systems-change that prioritize the wellbeing of children and youth from diverse backgrounds. Early in her career, Lianne engaged in frontline work in after-school programs, subsequently managing the C.A.R.E. for Ethno-cultural Children & Youth initiative at the Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary. She later took on leadership roles in managing undergraduate programs and research projects at the Werklund School of Education’s Youth Leadership Centre. Lianne’s research interests span critical service-learning, equity literacy in teacher education, as well as preventing adolescent dating violence through promoting healthy youth relationships. Beyond her professional pursuits, Lianne finds joy in family and friends, culinary adventures, and quality time with her dog, Bruno. Lianne holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Research, complemented by Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, Economics &Society, and English.

]]> Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Lianne Lee) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/lianne-lee-TfjexKgY Lianne currently leads the ConnectED Parents project at Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence (UCalgary), where she is leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative approach supporting parents/caregivers to prevent adolescent dating violence. Since 2006, Lianne has been a driving force behind community programs and systems-change that prioritize the wellbeing of children and youth from diverse backgrounds. Early in her career, Lianne engaged in frontline work in after-school programs, subsequently managing the C.A.R.E. for Ethno-cultural Children & Youth initiative at the Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary. She later took on leadership roles in managing undergraduate programs and research projects at the Werklund School of Education’s Youth Leadership Centre. Lianne’s research interests span critical service-learning, equity literacy in teacher education, as well as preventing adolescent dating violence through promoting healthy youth relationships. Beyond her professional pursuits, Lianne finds joy in family and friends, culinary adventures, and quality time with her dog, Bruno. Lianne holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Research, complemented by Bachelor’s Degrees in Education, Economics &Society, and English.

]]> Compassionate Accountability Dr. Gina Ko, Lianne Lee 00:41:48 Lianne shares how she was born in Calgary, Mohkinstsis, and her parents were from Southern China. She notes her mom told her she was the first Chinese woman to graduate from the Computer Science program and is a trailblazer. She conveys that she finds meaning in working with ethno-cultural youth due to experiences from her upbringing. She voices the importance of enacting compassionate accountability in that talking about anti-racism, while important, is not enough; we need to hold ourselves and systems accountable to cultivate critical hope. Lianne shares how she was born in Calgary, Mohkinstsis, and her parents were from Southern China. She notes her mom told her she was the first Chinese woman to graduate from the Computer Science program and is a trailblazer. She conveys that she finds meaning in working with ethno-cultural youth due to experiences from her upbringing. She voices the importance of enacting compassionate accountability in that talking about anti-racism, while important, is not enough; we need to hold ourselves and systems accountable to cultivate critical hope. false full 83 c0e5ebde-08e2-4cab-9008-4a7e100c02c7 The Courage to Do the Inner Work Zippy Greenslade (she/her) is a Kenyan-Canadian, living in amiskwaciwâskahikan/Edmonton. She is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Manager at CASA Mental Health. She also facilitates EDI courses at the Centre for Equitable Systems Design at the University of British Columbia. Zippy is passionate about human centred EDI and anti-racism approaches that create a culture of calling in and moving from defensiveness to learning and action. As a conversationalist and storyteller, she invites courageous conversations that connect historical foundations with current social inequalities and envisions today’s actions as shaping the future. Her approach seeks to motivate authentic individual changes and meaningful leadership committed to creating truly inclusive organizations and communities. She draws from her lived experiences as a divergent human, immigrant, teacher, settlement practitioner, lifelong learner and in the gift of walking the truth and reconciliation journey. She gives back to her community through mentorship, advocacy and creating spaces for engagement.

]]> Fri, 26 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Zippy Greenslade, Dr. Gine Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/zippy-greenslade-jwc2Dmao Zippy Greenslade (she/her) is a Kenyan-Canadian, living in amiskwaciwâskahikan/Edmonton. She is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Manager at CASA Mental Health. She also facilitates EDI courses at the Centre for Equitable Systems Design at the University of British Columbia. Zippy is passionate about human centred EDI and anti-racism approaches that create a culture of calling in and moving from defensiveness to learning and action. As a conversationalist and storyteller, she invites courageous conversations that connect historical foundations with current social inequalities and envisions today’s actions as shaping the future. Her approach seeks to motivate authentic individual changes and meaningful leadership committed to creating truly inclusive organizations and communities. She draws from her lived experiences as a divergent human, immigrant, teacher, settlement practitioner, lifelong learner and in the gift of walking the truth and reconciliation journey. She gives back to her community through mentorship, advocacy and creating spaces for engagement.

]]> The Courage to Do the Inner Work Zippy Greenslade, Dr. Gine Ko 00:37:56 Zippy shares how she was born in Kenya and was educated learning there. She noted she was taught that marrying a white man brings prestige. She said she did marry a white man and came to Canada, became a teacher, a settlement practitioner, and completed a master's degree in social work. She suggests the importance of the courage to do inner work to reflect, challenge prior assumptions, and discover where she is (and where others are) on the learning journey. Zippy shares how she was born in Kenya and was educated learning there. She noted she was taught that marrying a white man brings prestige. She said she did marry a white man and came to Canada, became a teacher, a settlement practitioner, and completed a master's degree in social work. She suggests the importance of the courage to do inner work to reflect, challenge prior assumptions, and discover where she is (and where others are) on the learning journey. courage, inner work false full 82 f8bf3384-938e-432a-b423-3bc2bb2c039e Questioning Culture: Stand in Solidarity Lucy Lu is a Chinese-Vietnamese Canadian practising as an Art Therapist, counselling therapist, and artist currently based in amiskwacîwâskahikan/Edmonton with a focus on working with urban indigenous communities and diverse cultural communities. She is a Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Counselling Therapist and  a Registered Canadian Art Therapist, and a clinical supervisor for art therapy students and graduates. She runs a private practice called Red Threads Art Therapy https://redthreadsarttherapy.ca/ working with children, youth and adults who have experienced complex trauma and intergenerational trauma. She is the Artistic Director of Third Space Playback Theatre Edmonton  https://www.thirdspaceplayback.com/  and has been facilitating community dialogue and storytelling around anti-racism with culturally diverse communities through this form of improvised and participatory theatre. Her use of Playback Theatre and arts-based interventions in therapeutic and community settings merges her love for embodied listening, storytelling, and facilitating and providing space for the stories of cultural communities. 

]]> Fri, 5 Jan 2024 20:24:50 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/lucy-lu-PoHFCbpY Lucy Lu is a Chinese-Vietnamese Canadian practising as an Art Therapist, counselling therapist, and artist currently based in amiskwacîwâskahikan/Edmonton with a focus on working with urban indigenous communities and diverse cultural communities. She is a Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Counselling Therapist and  a Registered Canadian Art Therapist, and a clinical supervisor for art therapy students and graduates. She runs a private practice called Red Threads Art Therapy https://redthreadsarttherapy.ca/ working with children, youth and adults who have experienced complex trauma and intergenerational trauma. She is the Artistic Director of Third Space Playback Theatre Edmonton  https://www.thirdspaceplayback.com/  and has been facilitating community dialogue and storytelling around anti-racism with culturally diverse communities through this form of improvised and participatory theatre. Her use of Playback Theatre and arts-based interventions in therapeutic and community settings merges her love for embodied listening, storytelling, and facilitating and providing space for the stories of cultural communities. 

]]> Questioning Culture: Stand in Solidarity Gina Ko 00:38:16 Lucy shares how she is a Chinese-Vietnamese Canadian and have experienced internalized racism. She notes the importance of centering marginalized voices and creating space for people to share their stories at https://www.thirdspaceplayback.com/. She states that we need to question culture and stand in solidarity with BIPOC folks. Lucy shares how she is a Chinese-Vietnamese Canadian and have experienced internalized racism. She notes the importance of centering marginalized voices and creating space for people to share their stories at https://www.thirdspaceplayback.com/. She states that we need to question culture and stand in solidarity with BIPOC folks. false full 81 2de8e0fa-78db-402f-9829-d0873f4cfbe6 Solidarity with Equity Deserving Groups Eddy Ng is the Smith Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Business at Queen’s University. His research focuses on managing diversity for organizational competitiveness, the future of work, and managing across generations. His work has been funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada grants. He has edited and published 6 books and more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. In a recent Stanford study, he is identified in the top 2% of highly cited scientists in Economics & Business. Prior to academia, he worked for the TD Bank Financial Group in Commercial Banking, Domestic Planning, Corporate Audit, and Group Human Resources at the head office in Toronto. 

]]> Fri, 1 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Eddy Ng, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/eddy-ng-R_5O5ixQ Eddy Ng is the Smith Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Business at Queen’s University. His research focuses on managing diversity for organizational competitiveness, the future of work, and managing across generations. His work has been funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada grants. He has edited and published 6 books and more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. In a recent Stanford study, he is identified in the top 2% of highly cited scientists in Economics & Business. Prior to academia, he worked for the TD Bank Financial Group in Commercial Banking, Domestic Planning, Corporate Audit, and Group Human Resources at the head office in Toronto. 

]]> Solidarity with Equity Deserving Groups Eddy Ng, Dr. Gina Ko 00:33:50 Ed talks about how he came to Canada at 17 from Singapore and had to straddle both cultures. He notes he did not feel he fit in or belonged, and assimilation was a way of survival. He shares experiences of direct and passive racism. He voices the importance of solidarity with other equity deserving groups. Ed talks about how he came to Canada at 17 from Singapore and had to straddle both cultures. He notes he did not feel he fit in or belonged, and assimilation was a way of survival. He shares experiences of direct and passive racism. He voices the importance of solidarity with other equity deserving groups. false full 80 4ce62af0-a120-4afd-aece-529cc977c976 Racism and Ai Dr. Edward Tse is an internationally recognized keynote speaker and Edvocate Global EdTech Leader. His Ph.D. specialized in User Experience and Artificial Intelligence (Ux and Ai). Videos of Dr. Ed’s work went viral when YouTube first started in 2005 where he saw first-hand the power of Ai to influence media and politics. He founded Ai Parenting to help families regain control of their relationships, mental health, and career prospects by learning the financial and political motivations of AI systems. Dr. Ed has more than 15 years of experience in Education and Technology including three successful mergers and acquisitions. Dr. Ed’s story of Creativity captivates audiences with future-proof skills that can not be replaced by Automation. Dr. Ed was the founding School Council Chair of the largest online school in Alberta with over 5600 students. 

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Edward Tse) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-edward-tse-CFPPCgH7 Dr. Edward Tse is an internationally recognized keynote speaker and Edvocate Global EdTech Leader. His Ph.D. specialized in User Experience and Artificial Intelligence (Ux and Ai). Videos of Dr. Ed’s work went viral when YouTube first started in 2005 where he saw first-hand the power of Ai to influence media and politics. He founded Ai Parenting to help families regain control of their relationships, mental health, and career prospects by learning the financial and political motivations of AI systems. Dr. Ed has more than 15 years of experience in Education and Technology including three successful mergers and acquisitions. Dr. Ed’s story of Creativity captivates audiences with future-proof skills that can not be replaced by Automation. Dr. Ed was the founding School Council Chair of the largest online school in Alberta with over 5600 students. 

]]> Racism and Ai Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Edward Tse 00:40:00 Dr. Ed speaks to the importance of not feeling overwhelmed by solving racism. He shares that one adult could make a difference in a young person’s life by helping them understand the impact of Ai (for example). He shares that giving experience rather than simply focusing on giving knowledge may have people learn about different cultures. He voices the importance of understanding Ai and how it could more negatively impact racialized and lower-income families. Dr. Ed speaks to the importance of not feeling overwhelmed by solving racism. He shares that one adult could make a difference in a young person’s life by helping them understand the impact of Ai (for example). He shares that giving experience rather than simply focusing on giving knowledge may have people learn about different cultures. He voices the importance of understanding Ai and how it could more negatively impact racialized and lower-income families. false full 79 b25264cc-26c4-4cdd-9a73-ec6af5a36124 The Space In-Between Cultures Dr. Nadia Delanoy is an Assistant Professor (Adj.), Researcher, and Project Manager in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Her research interests include evidence-based practice in assessment, leadership, and innovative pedagogies in technology enhanced environments as well as big data and social media analytics to support innovative business and technology practices. Through her work at the university, her consulting practice, and being a Director of Advocacy for one of the Fulbright Association arms, she strives to contribute to change in the areas of educational development, EDIA initiatives, and educational program design and implementation.

]]> Fri, 3 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Nadia Delanoy, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-nadia-delanoy-DqIJ_eDo Dr. Nadia Delanoy is an Assistant Professor (Adj.), Researcher, and Project Manager in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Her research interests include evidence-based practice in assessment, leadership, and innovative pedagogies in technology enhanced environments as well as big data and social media analytics to support innovative business and technology practices. Through her work at the university, her consulting practice, and being a Director of Advocacy for one of the Fulbright Association arms, she strives to contribute to change in the areas of educational development, EDIA initiatives, and educational program design and implementation.

]]> The Space In-Between Cultures Dr. Nadia Delanoy, Dr. Gina Ko 00:38:11 Nadia shares how her family is from an East Indian background, and she grew up in a rural town with mostly farmers and ranchers. She voices the importance of bridging many cultures. She notes her mom is a strong woman, and her dad broke the mould of the traditional male and helped with caring for her and her brother. She indicates the importance of assuming positive intent because the world is not binary and dichotomous. Nadia shares how her family is from an East Indian background, and she grew up in a rural town with mostly farmers and ranchers. She voices the importance of bridging many cultures. She notes her mom is a strong woman, and her dad broke the mould of the traditional male and helped with caring for her and her brother. She indicates the importance of assuming positive intent because the world is not binary and dichotomous. false full 78 d7995945-4f3d-4493-8b40-af96ec1c25b0 Anti-Racism: From the Unconscious to the Conscious Rahim Thawer is a registered social worker in Ontario who works as a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, public speaker, sessional lecturer, and writer. He began working in the HIV/AIDS sector in 2008 and dedicated over a decade to LGBTQ Muslim community organizing. He was welcomed as an International Visiting Scholar with the South African College for Applied Psychology (SACAP) for the 2021-2022 academic year and has taught as a lecturer at multiple colleges and universities in Canada. He's also an appointed Fellow at the Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies at the University of Toronto for his contributions to the field of sexuality and he hosts a video podcast called The CBT Dive. He was a co-editor of Any Other Way: How Toronto Got Queer (2017), published by Coach House Press; and he currently has three books under contract with Thornapple Press, Blue Cactus Press, and University of Regina Press.

]]> Fri, 20 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/rahim-w4B2qfvL Rahim Thawer is a registered social worker in Ontario who works as a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, public speaker, sessional lecturer, and writer. He began working in the HIV/AIDS sector in 2008 and dedicated over a decade to LGBTQ Muslim community organizing. He was welcomed as an International Visiting Scholar with the South African College for Applied Psychology (SACAP) for the 2021-2022 academic year and has taught as a lecturer at multiple colleges and universities in Canada. He's also an appointed Fellow at the Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies at the University of Toronto for his contributions to the field of sexuality and he hosts a video podcast called The CBT Dive. He was a co-editor of Any Other Way: How Toronto Got Queer (2017), published by Coach House Press; and he currently has three books under contract with Thornapple Press, Blue Cactus Press, and University of Regina Press.

]]> Anti-Racism: From the Unconscious to the Conscious Gina Ko 00:34:11 Rahim shares his experience as a queer, racialized individual immersed in psychotherapy work. He voices the importance of realizing that microaggressions are mainly unconscious. He conveys to white people who are anti-racist to get to know people of colour through genuine interactions and think about their own biases. To people of colour, to explore our own internalized racism and grieve the roots of where we come from. Rahim shares his experience as a queer, racialized individual immersed in psychotherapy work. He voices the importance of realizing that microaggressions are mainly unconscious. He conveys to white people who are anti-racist to get to know people of colour through genuine interactions and think about their own biases. To people of colour, to explore our own internalized racism and grieve the roots of where we come from. false full 77 38085e4d-2e05-4a8d-9418-bbf5857d7e13 Be Curious about Diverse Cultures Veenu Sandhu (she/her) is an actor, writer, and director based on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations which is now known as Vancouver.  Her career spans across mediums, having worked in commercials, TV, film & on stage. Veenu has recently written and directed her first ultra-short film What I Want, which she initially pitched, and was then selected for the 18th installment of the Mighty Asian Movie-Making Marathon (AKA MAMM '18). Veenu is also an instructor in the Acting Department at Vancouver Film School and is a sessional instructor at Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

]]> Fri, 6 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Veenu Sandhu) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/veenu-sandhu-_AecfmIL Veenu Sandhu (she/her) is an actor, writer, and director based on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations which is now known as Vancouver.  Her career spans across mediums, having worked in commercials, TV, film & on stage. Veenu has recently written and directed her first ultra-short film What I Want, which she initially pitched, and was then selected for the 18th installment of the Mighty Asian Movie-Making Marathon (AKA MAMM '18). Veenu is also an instructor in the Acting Department at Vancouver Film School and is a sessional instructor at Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

]]> Be Curious about Diverse Cultures Dr. Gina Ko, Veenu Sandhu 00:28:51 Veenu shares how she grew up in Dawson Creek, with a predominantly white and Indigenous population. She voices the regret of not having learned Punjabi and understands that her family was trying to “assimilate.” She discloses her thoughts about internalized racism. She notes as an instructor and human, she is more aware of the need to be curious about diverse cultures. Veenu shares how she grew up in Dawson Creek, with a predominantly white and Indigenous population. She voices the regret of not having learned Punjabi and understands that her family was trying to “assimilate.” She discloses her thoughts about internalized racism. She notes as an instructor and human, she is more aware of the need to be curious about diverse cultures. false full 76 e0af587c-43fa-4780-8ec9-2cb80d347b81 Anti-Racism: Silence is Complicit Stephen is a police leader with 22 years of policing service with extensive experience in criminal investigations involving the protection of vulnerable and exploited populations. He currently co-chairs an Internal Support Network for East-Southeast Asian members with a commitment to working with diverse communities to ensure an inclusive and collaborative approach to public safety and well-being. 

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Stephen Yan, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/anti-racism-silence-is-complicit-1qszl958 Stephen is a police leader with 22 years of policing service with extensive experience in criminal investigations involving the protection of vulnerable and exploited populations. He currently co-chairs an Internal Support Network for East-Southeast Asian members with a commitment to working with diverse communities to ensure an inclusive and collaborative approach to public safety and well-being. 

]]> Anti-Racism: Silence is Complicit Stephen Yan, Dr. Gina Ko 00:26:27 Stephen shares how his parents were born in Hong Kong, and he was born in Ontario. He discloses how, growing up, he experienced racism at school, being only one of a few Asians. He states he went into policing due to wanting to ensure public safety. He voices how he experiences racism from the public. He warrants the importance of taking action against racism as silence is complicit. Stephen shares how his parents were born in Hong Kong, and he was born in Ontario. He discloses how, growing up, he experienced racism at school, being only one of a few Asians. He states he went into policing due to wanting to ensure public safety. He voices how he experiences racism from the public. He warrants the importance of taking action against racism as silence is complicit. false full 75 d5f9046e-53a7-40a7-b631-62a00eb591ec The Importance of Social Relationships and Connections Dr. Harpreet Gill emigrated from India to Canada in 2004. She is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, daughter-in-law, and friend. She resides in Edmonton which is in Treaty 6 Territory and within the Metis Homeland and Metis Nation of Alberta Region 4, with her husband and two beautiful children. She is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta with over 16 years of counseling experience with adults and couples. She is the Director of Professional Guidance at the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta. She has worked in the Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and non-profit settings. She has a private practice with continuous contracts with various organizations. Provides individual and couples consultation, evaluation and psychotherapy regarding – depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger management, marital issues, separation, trauma, grief and bereavement, life transition, workplace issues, addictions, abandonment issues, critical incident stress management and immigrants’ mental health concerns. She regularly presents on a range of newcomer and psychology topics to the South Asian community. Served on various committees in India to promote awareness of re-addictions, women and children abuse, creating awareness regarding hygienic living amongst those living in slums.  In her free time, she loves entertaining friends and family, travelling, and reading. 

]]> Fri, 8 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Harpreet Gill, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/the-importance-of-social-relationships-and-connections-2pUrQSDy Dr. Harpreet Gill emigrated from India to Canada in 2004. She is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, daughter-in-law, and friend. She resides in Edmonton which is in Treaty 6 Territory and within the Metis Homeland and Metis Nation of Alberta Region 4, with her husband and two beautiful children. She is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta with over 16 years of counseling experience with adults and couples. She is the Director of Professional Guidance at the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta. She has worked in the Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and non-profit settings. She has a private practice with continuous contracts with various organizations. Provides individual and couples consultation, evaluation and psychotherapy regarding – depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger management, marital issues, separation, trauma, grief and bereavement, life transition, workplace issues, addictions, abandonment issues, critical incident stress management and immigrants’ mental health concerns. She regularly presents on a range of newcomer and psychology topics to the South Asian community. Served on various committees in India to promote awareness of re-addictions, women and children abuse, creating awareness regarding hygienic living amongst those living in slums.  In her free time, she loves entertaining friends and family, travelling, and reading. 

]]> The Importance of Social Relationships and Connections Dr. Harpreet Gill, Dr. Gina Ko 00:30:36 Harpreet shares her experience with racism, such as when people would comment on her accent. She notes she became a psychologist in part due to the values of community and learning about human behaviour. She voices the importance of social relationships, connection, cultural competence, and cultural sensitivity. Harpreet shares her experience with racism, such as when people would comment on her accent. She notes she became a psychologist in part due to the values of community and learning about human behaviour. She voices the importance of social relationships, connection, cultural competence, and cultural sensitivity. false full 74 50ba8366-d849-478c-a7bd-d785de265556 Diversity is a Strength My name is Jeremy Luk (he/him), and I have been a registered psychologist in Calgary, also the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi, the Metis Nation, and the peoples of Treaty 7. My experiences in counselling and therapy have spanned from working in specialized populations such as autistic children, to more broad and general groups through an internship and residency in non-profit counselling centres. I've also spent four years working in both a private practice and with an employee assistance program of a school board before opening the doors to Alpine Psychology in 2020. I describe Alpine as a community practice with two spaces in the neighborhoods of Bridgeland and Brentwood, and with a team of incredible therapists who are passionate about what they do. I am also a proud member of the LGBTQ2S+ community and am always excited to learn more about different spaces in our city and the possibilities of collaborations and making new connections!

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Jeremy Luk) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/jeremy-luk-Ta_ygiHM My name is Jeremy Luk (he/him), and I have been a registered psychologist in Calgary, also the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi, the Metis Nation, and the peoples of Treaty 7. My experiences in counselling and therapy have spanned from working in specialized populations such as autistic children, to more broad and general groups through an internship and residency in non-profit counselling centres. I've also spent four years working in both a private practice and with an employee assistance program of a school board before opening the doors to Alpine Psychology in 2020. I describe Alpine as a community practice with two spaces in the neighborhoods of Bridgeland and Brentwood, and with a team of incredible therapists who are passionate about what they do. I am also a proud member of the LGBTQ2S+ community and am always excited to learn more about different spaces in our city and the possibilities of collaborations and making new connections!

]]> Diversity is a Strength Dr. Gina Ko, Jeremy Luk 00:31:58 Jeremy shares how his parents were from Hong Kong, and he was born in Calgary. He notes he grew up with 14 people in his home and loved the experience of living with his grandparents, cousins, and extended family. He discloses he is part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. He voices the importance of representation and how diversity is a strength. Jeremy shares how his parents were from Hong Kong, and he was born in Calgary. He notes he grew up with 14 people in his home and loved the experience of living with his grandparents, cousins, and extended family. He discloses he is part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. He voices the importance of representation and how diversity is a strength. false full 73 e565b4c9-158d-4044-892e-a2e1e289b278 The Importance of Education, Awareness, and Inclusivity Veteran Police officer and investigator with excellent leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills culminating with accolades for work done within the law enforcement community locally, nationally, and internationally. Policing experience spans multiple levels of policing as a tactical instructor in various forms of Police Use of Force to supporting the community by training police volunteers and conducting Anti-Gang school talks. Proven team leader with successful enforcement initiatives targeting organized crime and high-risk offenders while adhering to best practices of Major Case Management.

]]> Fri, 11 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (David Au, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/david-au-muxIdQJM Veteran Police officer and investigator with excellent leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills culminating with accolades for work done within the law enforcement community locally, nationally, and internationally. Policing experience spans multiple levels of policing as a tactical instructor in various forms of Police Use of Force to supporting the community by training police volunteers and conducting Anti-Gang school talks. Proven team leader with successful enforcement initiatives targeting organized crime and high-risk offenders while adhering to best practices of Major Case Management.

]]> The Importance of Education, Awareness, and Inclusivity David Au, Dr. Gina Ko 00:36:33 Dave shares how he was born in Hong Kong, and his dad was a police officer. He notes that they moved to Canada in 1973, and he followed his dad’s footsteps to become a police officer. He states that the decision was about helping people feel safe and have them trust him. He discloses the many instances of racism directed toward him. He voices beyond his work, he volunteers to speak to high school students about organized crime and coaches volleyball. He conveys the importance of education, awareness, and inclusivity. Dave shares how he was born in Hong Kong, and his dad was a police officer. He notes that they moved to Canada in 1973, and he followed his dad’s footsteps to become a police officer. He states that the decision was about helping people feel safe and have them trust him. He discloses the many instances of racism directed toward him. He voices beyond his work, he volunteers to speak to high school students about organized crime and coaches volleyball. He conveys the importance of education, awareness, and inclusivity. false full 72 6d4c3255-df79-4327-9584-4e76d03d8a1f Be Your Own Scholar and Lean into Discomfort Anne-Marie Pham is the CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), a Crown Corporation dedicated to working towards the elimination of racism and racial discrimination. Since October 2020, she has been a member of the City of Calgary's Anti-Racism Action Committee. Anne-Marie has worked with diverse communities and workplaces for over 25 years. She has a deep understanding of issues and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion and specializes in mobilizing, educating, and sharing the latest research and promising practices on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

]]> Fri, 28 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Anne-Marie Pham) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/be-your-own-scholar-and-lean-into-discomfort-56Jair8u Anne-Marie Pham is the CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), a Crown Corporation dedicated to working towards the elimination of racism and racial discrimination. Since October 2020, she has been a member of the City of Calgary's Anti-Racism Action Committee. Anne-Marie has worked with diverse communities and workplaces for over 25 years. She has a deep understanding of issues and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion and specializes in mobilizing, educating, and sharing the latest research and promising practices on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

]]> Be Your Own Scholar and Lean into Discomfort Dr. Gina Ko, Anne-Marie Pham 00:37:42 Anne-Marie shares how she was born in Vietnam, lived in France, and came to Canada at 15. She discloses moments of experiencing racism from childhood to adulthood. She amplifies the messages of being your own scholar and going out of your comfort zone to learn about racism, colonialism, and one’s family history. She shares the importance of recognizing people for their differences. Anne-Marie shares how she was born in Vietnam, lived in France, and came to Canada at 15. She discloses moments of experiencing racism from childhood to adulthood. She amplifies the messages of being your own scholar and going out of your comfort zone to learn about racism, colonialism, and one’s family history. She shares the importance of recognizing people for their differences. false full 71 07a38329-5059-4646-af96-46af796abff6 The Importance of Gathering Race-Based Hate Data Iman Bukhari founded the Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation at the age of 19. Since then, she has grown the non-profit to become a successful organization working to mitigate racism through advocacy, research and projects. She was recently honoured with Avenue Magazine's 40 Under 40 Award and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal.

]]> Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:06:41 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Iman Bukhari) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/iman-bukhari-82RPvd7o Iman Bukhari founded the Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation at the age of 19. Since then, she has grown the non-profit to become a successful organization working to mitigate racism through advocacy, research and projects. She was recently honoured with Avenue Magazine's 40 Under 40 Award and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal.

]]> The Importance of Gathering Race-Based Hate Data Iman Bukhari 00:24:04 Iman shares how she was born in Pakistan, raised in Singapore, and then moved to Canada. She voices that at 19 years old, she founded the Canadian Mosaic Foundation in 2009. She notes the importance of learning about and accepting people for who they are. She stands for gathering race-based hate data to understand hate incidents and trends on what racism looks like in Canada. Iman shares how she was born in Pakistan, raised in Singapore, and then moved to Canada. She voices that at 19 years old, she founded the Canadian Mosaic Foundation in 2009. She notes the importance of learning about and accepting people for who they are. She stands for gathering race-based hate data to understand hate incidents and trends on what racism looks like in Canada. false full 70 9b7b64d7-1698-4453-a34e-e1d4672011ae Self and Collective Learning to Create Change Jingjing is a marketing executive with more than 15 years of experience in Canada and Asia. She is the founder of Hexie Digital, a creative and digital Agency focusing on connecting the Asian and North American markets and consumers.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 23:58:42 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/jingjing-zheng-wugC09B7 Jingjing is a marketing executive with more than 15 years of experience in Canada and Asia. She is the founder of Hexie Digital, a creative and digital Agency focusing on connecting the Asian and North American markets and consumers.

]]> Self and Collective Learning to Create Change Gina Ko 00:26:24 Jingjing shares how she came to Canada from China as an international student when she was 19 years old. She discloses the painful experiences of feeling shame and the desire to distance herself from her Chinese identity. She voices the importance of being vulnerable and finding your community, whether it is inside or outside your cultural group. She notes the importance of sharing your story and learning about others. Jingjing shares how she came to Canada from China as an international student when she was 19 years old. She discloses the painful experiences of feeling shame and the desire to distance herself from her Chinese identity. She voices the importance of being vulnerable and finding your community, whether it is inside or outside your cultural group. She notes the importance of sharing your story and learning about others. false full 69 fe97f581-4bf8-432c-a601-3bfd773b8671 Connect with Community and Build Allyship Alice Lam is an avid volunteer in Calgary and is the founder of several non-profits including Calgary’s first pay-what-you-want thrift store and vollyapp a website that connects volunteers to non-profits and host of community revitalization projects. She is a child of Vietnamese Chinese refugees and grew up in Calgary’s Chinatown. She is passionate about antiracism and human rights and sits on the Board of the Dignity Forum, a registered charity aiming to advocate and educate Albertans about human rights issues pertaining to racism. 

]]> Sat, 17 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Alice Lam) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/alice-lam-FzHbc44S Alice Lam is an avid volunteer in Calgary and is the founder of several non-profits including Calgary’s first pay-what-you-want thrift store and vollyapp a website that connects volunteers to non-profits and host of community revitalization projects. She is a child of Vietnamese Chinese refugees and grew up in Calgary’s Chinatown. She is passionate about antiracism and human rights and sits on the Board of the Dignity Forum, a registered charity aiming to advocate and educate Albertans about human rights issues pertaining to racism. 

]]> Connect with Community and Build Allyship Dr. Gina Ko, Alice Lam 00:24:56 Alice shares how her parents came to Canada from Vietnam as refugees and she was born here. She notes growing up in a predominantly white neighbourhood, she experienced racism such as when people made fun of her food. She states the importance of volunteerism to connect with community to build allyship. She encourages everyone to learn more about Chinatowns and talk to friends about diverse cultural groups. Alice shares how her parents came to Canada from Vietnam as refugees and she was born here. She notes growing up in a predominantly white neighbourhood, she experienced racism such as when people made fun of her food. She states the importance of volunteerism to connect with community to build allyship. She encourages everyone to learn more about Chinatowns and talk to friends about diverse cultural groups. false full 68 8eb1545f-acbd-4143-9e3d-6a71b0ca2254 Speak Out and Take Action Against Racism Before arriving in Calgary from Venezuela in 2017, Alex graduated with a Bachelor of Law and successful leadership experience with many international humanitarian non-governmental organizations, such as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the United Nations System and other global humanitarian operations promoting human rights and access to public services for refugees. Since arriving in Calgary with limited English proficiency, Alex worked to find his place in Calgary’s society and readjust Is professional path. From working in retail to volunteering in animal shelters, he has quickly become a contributing member of the Calgary community and completed a Master of Arts in Leadership from the Royal Roads University. Before being appointed Diversecities’ CEO, Alex was the Director of Project and Engagement with Pro Bono Law Alberta and a current member of the Board of Directors with Miskanawah Community Services Association and Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network. Alex also has in-depth experience working within Calgary’s immigrant sector at Calgary Regional Immigrant Employment Council.  

]]> Sat, 3 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Alex Montiel) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/speak-out-and-take-action-against-racism-mwr4PrH4 Before arriving in Calgary from Venezuela in 2017, Alex graduated with a Bachelor of Law and successful leadership experience with many international humanitarian non-governmental organizations, such as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the United Nations System and other global humanitarian operations promoting human rights and access to public services for refugees. Since arriving in Calgary with limited English proficiency, Alex worked to find his place in Calgary’s society and readjust Is professional path. From working in retail to volunteering in animal shelters, he has quickly become a contributing member of the Calgary community and completed a Master of Arts in Leadership from the Royal Roads University. Before being appointed Diversecities’ CEO, Alex was the Director of Project and Engagement with Pro Bono Law Alberta and a current member of the Board of Directors with Miskanawah Community Services Association and Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network. Alex also has in-depth experience working within Calgary’s immigrant sector at Calgary Regional Immigrant Employment Council.  

]]> Speak Out and Take Action Against Racism Dr. Gina Ko, Alex Montiel 00:35:51 Alex shares that as a newcomer to Canada from Venezuela in 2017, with a human rights and law background, he experienced moments of overt racism. One was when working as a cashier, a customer told him she wanted to speak to someone without an accent. He voices that there are many stereotypes about racialized and First Nations Peoples. He states there is a need to speak out and take action against racism. Alex shares that as a newcomer to Canada from Venezuela in 2017, with a human rights and law background, he experienced moments of overt racism. One was when working as a cashier, a customer told him she wanted to speak to someone without an accent. He voices that there are many stereotypes about racialized and First Nations Peoples. He states there is a need to speak out and take action against racism. false full 67 f72403b0-3cfe-499e-b93d-b6f138908ee9 Episode 66: Anti-Racism: Speak Up and Share Our Concerns Helen Ong works as a Settlement Counsellor dedicated to helping new immigrants to settle down in Canada. She is also an experienced language interpreter, helping social workers and new immigrants who do not understand the English language. Originally immigrated from Malaysia in 1998, as a member of 3rd generation Chinese descent, Ong has grown up with traditional gender roles and patriarchal values. Sadly, these values did not encourage women's participation in politics nor in the workplace. Furthermore, racial discrimination was also a major topic in her home country. As a result, she felt afraid to speak up at that time. Helen Ong is involved in Malaysian Singaporean Bruneian Community Association as a VP Malaysia and Activity Coordinator; Canadian Indonesian Social Club as a Social Director. Her hobbies include biking, swimming, singing and dancing. In her free time, she participates in non-profit organizations and communities. 
 

]]> Sat, 20 May 2023 05:29:14 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/helen-ong-slTDeZyg Helen Ong works as a Settlement Counsellor dedicated to helping new immigrants to settle down in Canada. She is also an experienced language interpreter, helping social workers and new immigrants who do not understand the English language. Originally immigrated from Malaysia in 1998, as a member of 3rd generation Chinese descent, Ong has grown up with traditional gender roles and patriarchal values. Sadly, these values did not encourage women's participation in politics nor in the workplace. Furthermore, racial discrimination was also a major topic in her home country. As a result, she felt afraid to speak up at that time. Helen Ong is involved in Malaysian Singaporean Bruneian Community Association as a VP Malaysia and Activity Coordinator; Canadian Indonesian Social Club as a Social Director. Her hobbies include biking, swimming, singing and dancing. In her free time, she participates in non-profit organizations and communities. 
 

]]> Episode 66: Anti-Racism: Speak Up and Share Our Concerns Gina Ko 00:27:13 Helen shares how she was born in Malaysia and in later years, she wanted to come to Canada to start a new life. She notes she experienced racism, such as people would ask where is from and they would say they don’t understand her English. She voices the importance of speaking and listening to children when they talk about experiences of racism. She conveys that speaking up and sharing our concerns are crucial for change. Helen shares how she was born in Malaysia and in later years, she wanted to come to Canada to start a new life. She notes she experienced racism, such as people would ask where is from and they would say they don’t understand her English. She voices the importance of speaking and listening to children when they talk about experiences of racism. She conveys that speaking up and sharing our concerns are crucial for change. false full 66 584a5d38-1fc9-45e9-96a6-38f35ea678f1 Anti-Racism Is for Everyone Professionally, Jeremy holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and works as a Registered Psychologist in the province of Alberta. He specializes in forensic assessment and treatment and has published his research across different peer-reviewed outlets. Jeremy has been awarded federal funding throughout his career and continues to seek ways to learn about the impact of culture on mental health. Jeremy is a first-generation English-Canadian with Chinese ancestry. He has his own unique immigrant story coming to Canada at the age of four from Hong Kong. Jeremy was raised in Edmonton, Alberta and has since made a warm home in the cold Canadian Prairies. Jeremy stands against race-based violence in all forms and works to prevent and reduce racism towards Asian communities. He is equally passionate about celebrating and spotlighting diverse Asian heritage and traditions. Jeremy acknowledges that he resides on Treaty 6 territory, the Homeland of the Metis, and pays his respect to the First Nations and Metis ancestors of this place.

]]> Sat, 6 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Jeremy Cheng) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-jeremy-cheng-19g8_uqj Professionally, Jeremy holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and works as a Registered Psychologist in the province of Alberta. He specializes in forensic assessment and treatment and has published his research across different peer-reviewed outlets. Jeremy has been awarded federal funding throughout his career and continues to seek ways to learn about the impact of culture on mental health. Jeremy is a first-generation English-Canadian with Chinese ancestry. He has his own unique immigrant story coming to Canada at the age of four from Hong Kong. Jeremy was raised in Edmonton, Alberta and has since made a warm home in the cold Canadian Prairies. Jeremy stands against race-based violence in all forms and works to prevent and reduce racism towards Asian communities. He is equally passionate about celebrating and spotlighting diverse Asian heritage and traditions. Jeremy acknowledges that he resides on Treaty 6 territory, the Homeland of the Metis, and pays his respect to the First Nations and Metis ancestors of this place.

]]> Anti-Racism Is for Everyone Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Jeremy Cheng 00:28:35 Jeremy shares how he was born in Hong Kong and came to Canada with his family in the mid-1990s. He notes growing up, he experienced covert, overt, and internalized racism. He voices he chose psychology for many reasons, partly due to being a wounded healer. He shares the importance of Asians being bold and that anti-racism is for everyone. Jeremy shares how he was born in Hong Kong and came to Canada with his family in the mid-1990s. He notes growing up, he experienced covert, overt, and internalized racism. He voices he chose psychology for many reasons, partly due to being a wounded healer. He shares the importance of Asians being bold and that anti-racism is for everyone. false full 65 203a2b72-207b-46ad-96b3-0905a7ecd6da Build Community Through Transformation Ms. Sawyer is a Psychotherapist and a Trauma Consultant for Health Canada. She is the Clinical Director for Joy Health and Research Centre, a mental health clinic in Ottawa, where she conducts psychotherapy and trains junior therapists. She is also the Founding Chair of the Black Psychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association. She helps children, youth and families who have experienced traumatic experiences and assists government employees who have suffered due to experiences (such as racism) in their workplace and everyday life. Ms. Sawyer is a Clinical Supervisor for Psychotherapists and Students in Clinical Training. For over ten years, she has worked effectively with Indigenous People and provided mental health services and clinical support to Indigenous people across Canada and in the Artic Regions. She is also a specialist in treating clients who struggle with personality disorders and is a clinical trainer in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Ms. Sawyer is a committee member for the Inquiries, Complaints, Reports and Complaints Committee of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Ms. Sawyer is a co-author of the recently published article, Lions at the Gate: How Weaponization Policy Prevents People of Colour from Becoming Professional Psychologists in Canada.

]]> Sat, 22 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Kafui Sawyer) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/kafui-sawyer-ExZMUOGF Ms. Sawyer is a Psychotherapist and a Trauma Consultant for Health Canada. She is the Clinical Director for Joy Health and Research Centre, a mental health clinic in Ottawa, where she conducts psychotherapy and trains junior therapists. She is also the Founding Chair of the Black Psychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association. She helps children, youth and families who have experienced traumatic experiences and assists government employees who have suffered due to experiences (such as racism) in their workplace and everyday life. Ms. Sawyer is a Clinical Supervisor for Psychotherapists and Students in Clinical Training. For over ten years, she has worked effectively with Indigenous People and provided mental health services and clinical support to Indigenous people across Canada and in the Artic Regions. She is also a specialist in treating clients who struggle with personality disorders and is a clinical trainer in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Ms. Sawyer is a committee member for the Inquiries, Complaints, Reports and Complaints Committee of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Ms. Sawyer is a co-author of the recently published article, Lions at the Gate: How Weaponization Policy Prevents People of Colour from Becoming Professional Psychologists in Canada.

]]> Build Community Through Transformation Dr. Gina Ko, Kafui Sawyer 00:37:51 Kafui shares how she came to Canada 25 years ago and she was born in Ghana. She is the Chair of the Black Section of Psychology with the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). She voices the importance of collecting race-based data to hold organizations accountable as there is a need to hear Black, Indigenous and Racialized individuals’ experiences of oppression. She shared that psychology is rooted in racism; she and colleagues formed the Black, Indigenous, and Racialized People’s Web. She shares the importance of building community through transformation. Kafui shares how she came to Canada 25 years ago and she was born in Ghana. She is the Chair of the Black Section of Psychology with the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). She voices the importance of collecting race-based data to hold organizations accountable as there is a need to hear Black, Indigenous and Racialized individuals’ experiences of oppression. She shared that psychology is rooted in racism; she and colleagues formed the Black, Indigenous, and Racialized People’s Web. She shares the importance of building community through transformation. kafui sawyer false full 64 1a40e9b1-f21c-41b2-9519-b67297ae3e88 Get to Know People and Everything Changes Sat, 8 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Judi Malone) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/judy-malone-HIzUq6x1 Get to Know People and Everything Changes Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Judi Malone 00:36:20 Judi shares how she grew up in a divisive community in rural Alberta. She voices the importance of volunteerism and community impact. She shares how relationships are the core; when you get to know people, everything changes. She notes that if you are uncomfortable, then there is more work to do. Judi shares how she grew up in a divisive community in rural Alberta. She voices the importance of volunteerism and community impact. She shares how relationships are the core; when you get to know people, everything changes. She notes that if you are uncomfortable, then there is more work to do. false full 63 dcd276eb-0529-4fee-847f-6782d37a9336 I See You; I Appreciate Your Uniqueness I am a South Asian immigrant, and moved to Canada from the UK at the age of 16.  I am a wife, a mama of two beautiful children, and we live in the greater Calgary area.  I am a Registered Psychologist, and have been practicing since 2017.  I work as a private practitioner, and enjoy working with adult clients presenting for concerns relating to anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and trauma.  I also facilitate workshops for organizations across North America on various topics such as grief and loss, post traumatic growth, burnout, stress management, and anxiety and depression, to name a few.  

]]> Sat, 25 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Baljinder Sull) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/i-see-you-i-appreciate-your-uniqueness-tc_vvdXz I am a South Asian immigrant, and moved to Canada from the UK at the age of 16.  I am a wife, a mama of two beautiful children, and we live in the greater Calgary area.  I am a Registered Psychologist, and have been practicing since 2017.  I work as a private practitioner, and enjoy working with adult clients presenting for concerns relating to anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and trauma.  I also facilitate workshops for organizations across North America on various topics such as grief and loss, post traumatic growth, burnout, stress management, and anxiety and depression, to name a few.  

]]> I See You; I Appreciate Your Uniqueness Dr. Gina Ko, Baljinder Sull 00:43:55 Bal shares how she experienced overt racism as a child and continues to experience other forms of racism. She notes the importance of cultural competence as it is not about checking boxes. She voices the significance of acknowledging cultural differences; continuing to work to understand the impacts of racism. She states that she lives by, I see you and appreciate your unique views. Bal shares how she experienced overt racism as a child and continues to experience other forms of racism. She notes the importance of cultural competence as it is not about checking boxes. She voices the significance of acknowledging cultural differences; continuing to work to understand the impacts of racism. She states that she lives by, I see you and appreciate your unique views. false full 62 64ff72eb-5522-4217-87b1-5eccd51b8863 Look Within Yourself and Seek Community with Others I serve as the Manager of Operations and Outreach at Diversecities (formerly the Calgary Chinese Community Service Association), and Project Lead for our organization’s Anti-Racism Project. Since joining Diversecities in 2015, I have been involved in different capacities both as a volunteer and staff. However it is also through our collective efforts to serve the community that I also see the dark side of our society – racism, discrimination, and so on. I’ve come to realize that racism can hide in the subtle everyday connections we have with people, and that racism can also be internalized. Hence, the importance of raising awareness, fostering conversation and knowledge of resources.”

]]> Sat, 11 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Cindy Au) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/cindy-au-_p2PaD28 I serve as the Manager of Operations and Outreach at Diversecities (formerly the Calgary Chinese Community Service Association), and Project Lead for our organization’s Anti-Racism Project. Since joining Diversecities in 2015, I have been involved in different capacities both as a volunteer and staff. However it is also through our collective efforts to serve the community that I also see the dark side of our society – racism, discrimination, and so on. I’ve come to realize that racism can hide in the subtle everyday connections we have with people, and that racism can also be internalized. Hence, the importance of raising awareness, fostering conversation and knowledge of resources.”

]]> Look Within Yourself and Seek Community with Others Dr. Gina Ko, Cindy Au 00:29:56 Cindy shares how growing up, she did not feel she belonged in either the Chinese or Canadian culture. She discloses in high school, she realized the significance of being herself rather than seeking acceptance from the external. She notes the importance of getting to know your family, history, language, and culture. She voices the value of learning, unlearning, reflecting, and asking why. She suggests looking within yourself and seeking community with others in order to grow and make changes. Cindy shares how growing up, she did not feel she belonged in either the Chinese or Canadian culture. She discloses in high school, she realized the significance of being herself rather than seeking acceptance from the external. She notes the importance of getting to know your family, history, language, and culture. She voices the value of learning, unlearning, reflecting, and asking why. She suggests looking within yourself and seeking community with others in order to grow and make changes. false full 61 08d0d525-1bdf-4087-88ea-d8d72da00c6e Don’t Be Complacent: Reinforce Your Values Jordon Chan,  陳加俊 (he/him) currently resides in Boston, USA as an Operations Engineer at Ginkgo Bioworks, and is currently the Secretary at the Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign. Twenty-Nine years ago, Jordon Chan, was born in Red Deer, Alberta by First Generation Chinese immigrants. His historic roots in Red Deer started in the 1910s when his paternal Great Great Grandfather (太太爺) emigrated from Taishan county, China and co-opened the renowned Club Café in 1916 with George Moon. The esteemed Western Chinese restaurant, succeeded by Willie Mah, was closed by Chan’s family in 2006. Despite being raised in a predominantly white municipality, Jordon established an appreciation of his culture from his family’s business and his early enrollment in Chinese martial arts. He developed a strong desire to create a better community for Asians as he struggled with a sense of belonging during his youth. 

]]> Sat, 25 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Jordon Chan) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/jordon-chan-ryGCyyAW Jordon Chan,  陳加俊 (he/him) currently resides in Boston, USA as an Operations Engineer at Ginkgo Bioworks, and is currently the Secretary at the Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign. Twenty-Nine years ago, Jordon Chan, was born in Red Deer, Alberta by First Generation Chinese immigrants. His historic roots in Red Deer started in the 1910s when his paternal Great Great Grandfather (太太爺) emigrated from Taishan county, China and co-opened the renowned Club Café in 1916 with George Moon. The esteemed Western Chinese restaurant, succeeded by Willie Mah, was closed by Chan’s family in 2006. Despite being raised in a predominantly white municipality, Jordon established an appreciation of his culture from his family’s business and his early enrollment in Chinese martial arts. He developed a strong desire to create a better community for Asians as he struggled with a sense of belonging during his youth. 

]]> Don’t Be Complacent: Reinforce Your Values Jordon Chan 00:43:42 Jordon shares his family’s history from his great great grandparents to the present. He noted he did not feel a sense of belonging growing up in a predominantly white community where people made fun of his kung fu practice and would call him racial slurs. He voices the importance of this message: Don’t be complicit and reinforce your values.” By this, he means to focus on community and step up against racism of all forms. Jordon shares his family’s history from his great great grandparents to the present. He noted he did not feel a sense of belonging growing up in a predominantly white community where people made fun of his kung fu practice and would call him racial slurs. He voices the importance of this message: Don’t be complicit and reinforce your values.” By this, he means to focus on community and step up against racism of all forms. false full 60 634f434c-aa9d-4147-bb64-e49565700284 How Being “They Only" is a Strength Dr. Helen Ofosu has been practising Industrial / Organizational Psychology (also known as Work or Business Psychology) in the public, non-profit, and private sectors for over 20 years. In addition to Career and Executive Coaching, her specialties include the assessment and development of leadership skills, and navigating the complex issues of workplace bullying, harassment, diversity and inclusion. Dr. Ofosu is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Carleton University and she is one of the founding officers of the Section on Black Psychology, Canadian Psychological Association. She’s thrilled to have a new book “How to be Resilient in Your Career: Facing Up to Barriers at Work” that will be published by Routledge in February 2023.

]]> Sat, 11 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-helen-ofosu-lKvvw2kG Dr. Helen Ofosu has been practising Industrial / Organizational Psychology (also known as Work or Business Psychology) in the public, non-profit, and private sectors for over 20 years. In addition to Career and Executive Coaching, her specialties include the assessment and development of leadership skills, and navigating the complex issues of workplace bullying, harassment, diversity and inclusion. Dr. Ofosu is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Carleton University and she is one of the founding officers of the Section on Black Psychology, Canadian Psychological Association. She’s thrilled to have a new book “How to be Resilient in Your Career: Facing Up to Barriers at Work” that will be published by Routledge in February 2023.

]]> How Being “They Only" is a Strength Gina Ko 00:35:46 Helen shares how she was born in Toronto, while her mom was born in Jamaica and dad in Ghana. She notes growing up she experienced being “the only” in a predominantly white community. She shares she could not find makeup for her skin tone and there was a lack of Black men to date. She conveys that she landed in the field of psychology accidentally and is now one of the founding officers of the Black Psychology section of the CPA. Her new book How to be Resilient in Your Career: Facing Up to Barriers at Work will be published in February 2023; she states that being different should be seen as a strength as racialized people offer a unique perspective. Helen shares how she was born in Toronto, while her mom was born in Jamaica and dad in Ghana. She notes growing up she experienced being “the only” in a predominantly white community. She shares she could not find makeup for her skin tone and there was a lack of Black men to date. She conveys that she landed in the field of psychology accidentally and is now one of the founding officers of the Black Psychology section of the CPA. Her new book How to be Resilient in Your Career: Facing Up to Barriers at Work will be published in February 2023; she states that being different should be seen as a strength as racialized people offer a unique perspective. false full 59 8b3c25c7-a046-4b86-bc1d-abe421c89c92 Experience as an Outsider: Be Curious Charles is a Calgary psychologist and marital therapist who is an empathic and dynamic listener. He is passionate about helping people live out their full potential and overcome hurdles that get in their way. An avid learner, Charles started his education in Zoology, obtaining a Bachelor of Science before deciding to move into Psychology at the University of Calgary. He obtained his master’s degree in counselling psychology at City University, Bellevue, Washington and is currently completing his Ph.D. at Northcentral University, Scottsdale, Arizona. Charles worked with Alberta Health Services as a family counsellor before starting a private practice in 2008. The practice has grown to include a team of psychologists where Charles is currently the clinic director and where he provides mentorship and supervision as well as counselling to clients. Given his passion for developing the next generation of therapists, Charles teaches at both the University of Calgary and City University with a particular emphasis on Couples and Family Counselling. Charles has lived and traveled internationally spending over 20 years in various cultures and speaking three languages. He is currently learning Spanish. He enjoys competitive team sports, reading historical fiction, and spending quality time with friends and family around food.

]]> Sat, 28 Jan 2023 03:34:38 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Charles Coleman) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/charles-coleman-OS1OYEhm Charles is a Calgary psychologist and marital therapist who is an empathic and dynamic listener. He is passionate about helping people live out their full potential and overcome hurdles that get in their way. An avid learner, Charles started his education in Zoology, obtaining a Bachelor of Science before deciding to move into Psychology at the University of Calgary. He obtained his master’s degree in counselling psychology at City University, Bellevue, Washington and is currently completing his Ph.D. at Northcentral University, Scottsdale, Arizona. Charles worked with Alberta Health Services as a family counsellor before starting a private practice in 2008. The practice has grown to include a team of psychologists where Charles is currently the clinic director and where he provides mentorship and supervision as well as counselling to clients. Given his passion for developing the next generation of therapists, Charles teaches at both the University of Calgary and City University with a particular emphasis on Couples and Family Counselling. Charles has lived and traveled internationally spending over 20 years in various cultures and speaking three languages. He is currently learning Spanish. He enjoys competitive team sports, reading historical fiction, and spending quality time with friends and family around food.

]]> Experience as an Outsider: Be Curious Dr. Gina Ko, Charles Coleman 00:28:42 Charles shares how he was born in Canada and lived in Botswana, Ghana, and Tanzania. He felt like an outsider in that he spoke English and learned the different languages such as Swahili. He moved back to Canada in his 20s and the racist experiences are ones where he would be asked, “where are you really from?” He had to assert himself to join groups in school (he was rarely invited). As a director, mentor, supervisor, and instructor, he conveys the importance of being curious and spending time with people from different backgrounds. Charles shares how he was born in Canada and lived in Botswana, Ghana, and Tanzania. He felt like an outsider in that he spoke English and learned the different languages such as Swahili. He moved back to Canada in his 20s and the racist experiences are ones where he would be asked, “where are you really from?” He had to assert himself to join groups in school (he was rarely invited). As a director, mentor, supervisor, and instructor, he conveys the importance of being curious and spending time with people from different backgrounds. false full 58 cab4c591-5195-431f-85f8-c3a972e5623d You are not Alone: Join the Movement Lily Le (she/her) is a second-generation Vietnamese-Canadian and settler in Edmonton, Alberta. Lily is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and has a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology. She is the Clinical Director at DiveThru, a mental health and tech company on a mission to ensure no one struggles alone. She is also the Director of Operations for the Asian Gold Ribbon, supporting the organization's strategic vision and goals and improving efficiencies within the team. She is driven to work toward racial equity and justice while celebrating Asian heritage and culture. Through her work and advocacy, Lily hopes to destigmatize and promote positive mental health, especially within Asian communities.

]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Lily Le) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/lily-nZ_sqxju Lily Le (she/her) is a second-generation Vietnamese-Canadian and settler in Edmonton, Alberta. Lily is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and has a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology. She is the Clinical Director at DiveThru, a mental health and tech company on a mission to ensure no one struggles alone. She is also the Director of Operations for the Asian Gold Ribbon, supporting the organization's strategic vision and goals and improving efficiencies within the team. She is driven to work toward racial equity and justice while celebrating Asian heritage and culture. Through her work and advocacy, Lily hopes to destigmatize and promote positive mental health, especially within Asian communities.

]]> You are not Alone: Join the Movement Dr. Gina Ko, Lily Le 00:43:44 Lily shares that she is Vietnamese Canadian and her parents came to Canada as refugees; she was born in Edmonton. She spoke mostly Vietnamese until Grade 3, when she moved to a predominantly white neighbourhood. She notes that she experienced racism and microaggressions like “death by a thousand cuts.” She voices for BIPOC folks the importance of connecting with others to create positive change; for individuals from the dominant group to be allies. She shares how “you are not alone and to join the movement!” Lily shares that she is Vietnamese Canadian and her parents came to Canada as refugees; she was born in Edmonton. She spoke mostly Vietnamese until Grade 3, when she moved to a predominantly white neighbourhood. She notes that she experienced racism and microaggressions like “death by a thousand cuts.” She voices for BIPOC folks the importance of connecting with others to create positive change; for individuals from the dominant group to be allies. She shares how “you are not alone and to join the movement!” false full 57 4851fc02-1210-407f-89c5-a0aa34a26793 Honouring Differences Dunia Clemente

I am a Mexican immigrant woman, wife, and mother of four beautiful boys. I am a registered social worker and marriage and family therapist. I work for Alberta Health Services as a medical Social Worker and at Eastside Community Mental Health Services as a casual clinician. I have my private practice, and I mainly support couples. I have received training in the Systemic, Collaborative, Narrative, Solution-Focused, and Strength-based approaches including the IP Scope. I am also trained to provide Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and I am qualified to provide Single-Session therapy.  

]]> Sat, 31 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Dunia Clemente) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dunia-lqj76oFi Dunia Clemente

I am a Mexican immigrant woman, wife, and mother of four beautiful boys. I am a registered social worker and marriage and family therapist. I work for Alberta Health Services as a medical Social Worker and at Eastside Community Mental Health Services as a casual clinician. I have my private practice, and I mainly support couples. I have received training in the Systemic, Collaborative, Narrative, Solution-Focused, and Strength-based approaches including the IP Scope. I am also trained to provide Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and I am qualified to provide Single-Session therapy.  

]]> Honouring Differences Dr. Gina Ko, Dunia Clemente 00:29:08 Dunia shares her journey of coming to Canada from Mexico in 2007 with her husband and four sons. She notes the challenges of learning English, getting her education, and becoming a registered social worker. She voices that her children also had to make adjustments, and they lived through tough moments of pushing themselves to integrate. She conveys the importance of realizing we are all human and that differences need to be honoured and celebrated. Dunia shares her journey of coming to Canada from Mexico in 2007 with her husband and four sons. She notes the challenges of learning English, getting her education, and becoming a registered social worker. She voices that her children also had to make adjustments, and they lived through tough moments of pushing themselves to integrate. She conveys the importance of realizing we are all human and that differences need to be honoured and celebrated. false full 56 48ac6209-45fb-4683-8e20-1b934b1ff16e CanAsian Arts Network: A Community Breaking Silos Shawn Tse 謝兆龍 (he/him) is a father, artist, filmmaker, and community organizer. He is a consultant for the CanAsian Arts Network, a national digital platform supporting Asian Canadian artists, an actor and coordinator for Third Space Playback Theatre, committed to creating spaces of dialogue to promote community change and social justice, a member of aiya哎呀, a collective creating spaces to remember the emotional and geographic loss of ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ | amiskwacîwâskahikan | Edmonton’s Chinatown, and co-organizer of Chinatown Greetings, an arts-based fundraising platform exploring ways to build relationships between the artist and Chinatown community.

(Photo credit Jordon Hon)

]]> Sat, 17 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Shawn Tse) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/shawn-tse-MJfISH2o Shawn Tse 謝兆龍 (he/him) is a father, artist, filmmaker, and community organizer. He is a consultant for the CanAsian Arts Network, a national digital platform supporting Asian Canadian artists, an actor and coordinator for Third Space Playback Theatre, committed to creating spaces of dialogue to promote community change and social justice, a member of aiya哎呀, a collective creating spaces to remember the emotional and geographic loss of ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ | amiskwacîwâskahikan | Edmonton’s Chinatown, and co-organizer of Chinatown Greetings, an arts-based fundraising platform exploring ways to build relationships between the artist and Chinatown community.

(Photo credit Jordon Hon)

]]> CanAsian Arts Network: A Community Breaking Silos Dr. Gina Ko, Shawn Tse 00:35:35 Shawn shares how his parents are from Hong Kong, and he grew up in Toronto. He graduated from film school and went to Taiwan and Hong Kong to teach. He noted there is a need to support Asian artists and disrupt the question of what it means to be an artist in a colonial and capitalistic society. He voices there is a need for a critical mass so more underrepresented folks can ground themselves toward how systems work; there needs to be more space for the representation of diverse voices. Shawn shares how his parents are from Hong Kong, and he grew up in Toronto. He graduated from film school and went to Taiwan and Hong Kong to teach. He noted there is a need to support Asian artists and disrupt the question of what it means to be an artist in a colonial and capitalistic society. He voices there is a need for a critical mass so more underrepresented folks can ground themselves toward how systems work; there needs to be more space for the representation of diverse voices. false full 55 7f4439f2-4637-4d3e-a081-053b5f2d6240 Finding Our Own Identity Hon Leong is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with a Master of Professional Accounting. Currently, Hon is an real estate developer running his company LPY Holdings Ltd, with a focus on local community development. He has also previously been employed with AIMCo, SVS Group LLP and MNP LLP. Hon strives to be meaningful in what he does, and to be intentional in tackling every challenge. Hon was motivated to join the CTC through his childhood experience growing up in Chinatown. He sees Chinatown as part of his Chinese-Canadian identity and considers it to be a cultural asset that should be well preserved.

]]> Sat, 3 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/hon-leong-cZQPmFQ0 Hon Leong is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with a Master of Professional Accounting. Currently, Hon is an real estate developer running his company LPY Holdings Ltd, with a focus on local community development. He has also previously been employed with AIMCo, SVS Group LLP and MNP LLP. Hon strives to be meaningful in what he does, and to be intentional in tackling every challenge. Hon was motivated to join the CTC through his childhood experience growing up in Chinatown. He sees Chinatown as part of his Chinese-Canadian identity and considers it to be a cultural asset that should be well preserved.

]]> Finding Our Own Identity Gina Ko 00:36:19 Hon shares how he is the Chair of the Edmonton Chinatown Transformation Collaborative. He talks about the importance of finding one’s identity as there is an “othering” in this country. He speaks to the importance of storytelling and having conversations about racism. He voices how complaining is not enough and we need to engage the youth, get educated, and congratulate city leaders who are listening and doing their best to make positive change. Hon shares how he is the Chair of the Edmonton Chinatown Transformation Collaborative. He talks about the importance of finding one’s identity as there is an “othering” in this country. He speaks to the importance of storytelling and having conversations about racism. He voices how complaining is not enough and we need to engage the youth, get educated, and congratulate city leaders who are listening and doing their best to make positive change. false full 54 2f756c27-645d-4124-8db7-a6f63d02908f Holding Multiple Truths Ariam is a passionate community connector dedicated to the social and civic inclusion of immigrants and other equity deserving community groups. Known as a serial volunteer, Ariam has more than 12 years of experience with Calgary-based organizations including various City of Calgary committees, the Calgary Foundation, and CommunityWise’s work in Anti-Racism Organizational Change (AROC). In addition, she is also a co-founder of BlackCAN, formerly Black Voters Matter Canada and supports many grassroots initiatives. Ariam is also an active member of Calgary’s Eritrean community, sitting as the Vice-President of YYC Eritreans where she aims to empower Eritrean youth by creating opportunities and advocating for the inclusion of their voices in Calgary organizations and institutions.

For her efforts and accomplishments, Ariam was named one of the 20 Compelling Calgarians for 2016 by the Calgary Herald, and received the Achievement under 40 Award at the Immigrant of Distinction Awards 2015 by Immigrant Services Calgary.

]]> Sat, 19 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/ariam-wolde-giorgis-3ohnoJmR Ariam is a passionate community connector dedicated to the social and civic inclusion of immigrants and other equity deserving community groups. Known as a serial volunteer, Ariam has more than 12 years of experience with Calgary-based organizations including various City of Calgary committees, the Calgary Foundation, and CommunityWise’s work in Anti-Racism Organizational Change (AROC). In addition, she is also a co-founder of BlackCAN, formerly Black Voters Matter Canada and supports many grassroots initiatives. Ariam is also an active member of Calgary’s Eritrean community, sitting as the Vice-President of YYC Eritreans where she aims to empower Eritrean youth by creating opportunities and advocating for the inclusion of their voices in Calgary organizations and institutions.

For her efforts and accomplishments, Ariam was named one of the 20 Compelling Calgarians for 2016 by the Calgary Herald, and received the Achievement under 40 Award at the Immigrant of Distinction Awards 2015 by Immigrant Services Calgary.

]]> Holding Multiple Truths Dr. Gina Ko 00:40:10 Ariam shares how she came to Canada at three years old with her family from Eritrea. She notes the word “refugee” can invite pity, and she believes in a strengths-based lens. She conveys how she volunteers with many youth and finds them insightful and has much to offer. She voices that it is okay to hold multiple truths and that it is important to create an anti-racist Calgary through belonging. Ariam shares how she came to Canada at three years old with her family from Eritrea. She notes the word “refugee” can invite pity, and she believes in a strengths-based lens. She conveys how she volunteers with many youth and finds them insightful and has much to offer. She voices that it is okay to hold multiple truths and that it is important to create an anti-racist Calgary through belonging. false full 53 a1071d61-fa57-4daa-9b42-0334537dea10 Not Asian Enough; Not white Enough Gesthika Kaltsidis (she/her) recently completed her graduate studies in Counselling Psychology and Psychiatry at McGill University. As a budding scientist-practitioner-advocate, her evolving academic and professional interests lie in the realms of mental health, cultural diversity, and social justice. She has been involved in service evaluation research through McGill and the Douglas Research Centre in Montreal, spanning different populations, including the homeless and socially-housed, frequent emergency room users, and marginalized youth. Currently, she is collaborating on a first-of-its-kind initiative that seeks to investigate the implementation of an evidence-based supported employment and education program among youth receiving services at integrated youth hubs across Canada. She is also a licensed guidance counsellor working in private practice in Quebec. In her free time, Gesthika enjoys being active and in nature, exploring arts and cultural events, trying different cuisines, and spending quality time with loved ones.

]]> Sat, 5 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gesthika Kaltsidis, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/gesthika-kaltsidis-nepv1623 Gesthika Kaltsidis (she/her) recently completed her graduate studies in Counselling Psychology and Psychiatry at McGill University. As a budding scientist-practitioner-advocate, her evolving academic and professional interests lie in the realms of mental health, cultural diversity, and social justice. She has been involved in service evaluation research through McGill and the Douglas Research Centre in Montreal, spanning different populations, including the homeless and socially-housed, frequent emergency room users, and marginalized youth. Currently, she is collaborating on a first-of-its-kind initiative that seeks to investigate the implementation of an evidence-based supported employment and education program among youth receiving services at integrated youth hubs across Canada. She is also a licensed guidance counsellor working in private practice in Quebec. In her free time, Gesthika enjoys being active and in nature, exploring arts and cultural events, trying different cuisines, and spending quality time with loved ones.

]]> Not Asian Enough; Not white Enough Gesthika Kaltsidis, Dr. Gina Ko 00:38:14 Gesthika shares how she is mixed-ethnic as her dad is Greek and her mom is Japanese. She voices how sometimes she feels not Asian enough and not white enough. She values mental health and walking alongside people and hence chose counselling and psychiatry as specializations. She conveys that openness is key, and courage is important to speak up to navigate uncomfortable conversations about racism. Gesthika shares how she is mixed-ethnic as her dad is Greek and her mom is Japanese. She voices how sometimes she feels not Asian enough and not white enough. She values mental health and walking alongside people and hence chose counselling and psychiatry as specializations. She conveys that openness is key, and courage is important to speak up to navigate uncomfortable conversations about racism. false full 52 86e2a5ba-ac5f-463a-a367-f3bfc52dff33 Rage is NOT Enough…[Insert Action Here] I am always a father of four and a Psychologist. But only sometimes, unnecessarily referred to as Dr. Mahdi Qasqas, as I have a PhD in Social Work from the University of Calgary. I am intrigued by three simple questions: who helps the helpers, why do they do it, and how? I started my ‘helper’ trajectory over 20 years ago and now my research, training, and passion orbit around ‘helping the helpers’; with an emphasis on the supervision of future mental health professionals. This lengthy serious leisure pursuit has helped facilitate the architecture and design of the Psycho-Spiritual First Aid® mental health consultation framework. Its essential purpose is to guide the development of practical tools that are grounded in evidence, culturally adapted, and localized to better facilitate health, well-being, and healing. Although my specialization is in what some refer to as Muslim mental health and Islamic Psychology, or perhaps Islamic Industrial and Organizational Psychology, I like to focus on the intersecting challenges we face as a society and a profession and work towards solutions that have practical first steps.

]]> Sat, 22 Oct 2022 14:33:08 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Mahdi Qasqas, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/mahdi-qasqas-NoorPJbo I am always a father of four and a Psychologist. But only sometimes, unnecessarily referred to as Dr. Mahdi Qasqas, as I have a PhD in Social Work from the University of Calgary. I am intrigued by three simple questions: who helps the helpers, why do they do it, and how? I started my ‘helper’ trajectory over 20 years ago and now my research, training, and passion orbit around ‘helping the helpers’; with an emphasis on the supervision of future mental health professionals. This lengthy serious leisure pursuit has helped facilitate the architecture and design of the Psycho-Spiritual First Aid® mental health consultation framework. Its essential purpose is to guide the development of practical tools that are grounded in evidence, culturally adapted, and localized to better facilitate health, well-being, and healing. Although my specialization is in what some refer to as Muslim mental health and Islamic Psychology, or perhaps Islamic Industrial and Organizational Psychology, I like to focus on the intersecting challenges we face as a society and a profession and work towards solutions that have practical first steps.

]]> Rage is NOT Enough…[Insert Action Here] Mahdi Qasqas, Dr. Gina Ko 00:29:47 Mahdi shares how he was born in Calgary, moved to Palestine for 4 years in his teens, and then returned to Edmonton. He believes in having a common ground and purpose; as a supervisor, mentoring the younger generation is paramount. Regarding racism and injustice, he voices the importance of how rage is not enough and that we must take action. Mahdi shares how he was born in Calgary, moved to Palestine for 4 years in his teens, and then returned to Edmonton. He believes in having a common ground and purpose; as a supervisor, mentoring the younger generation is paramount. Regarding racism and injustice, he voices the importance of how rage is not enough and that we must take action. false full 51 7b22d233-bfcd-4ae4-a2f9-97e98e6add79 Anti-Racism Confrontation: Make Enemies or Build Connections? Dr. Houyuan Luo was born and raised in mainland China. He came to Canada to complete his doctoral degree at the University of Alberta as an international student in 2014. He is a Registered Counselling/Clinical Psychologist in Ontario, Canada. He is a Certified Therapist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by the Canadian Association of CBT. He is also the Chair of the Counselling Psychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and the President-elect of the Association of Chinese Helping Professionals and Psychologists–International (ACHPPI). He is doing private practice in Toronto, Canada. He speaks English and Mandarin. He is passionate about leadership, multiple perspectives, thoughts and ideas, and interacting with people. 

]]> Sat, 8 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-houyuan-luo-InLMsITO Dr. Houyuan Luo was born and raised in mainland China. He came to Canada to complete his doctoral degree at the University of Alberta as an international student in 2014. He is a Registered Counselling/Clinical Psychologist in Ontario, Canada. He is a Certified Therapist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by the Canadian Association of CBT. He is also the Chair of the Counselling Psychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and the President-elect of the Association of Chinese Helping Professionals and Psychologists–International (ACHPPI). He is doing private practice in Toronto, Canada. He speaks English and Mandarin. He is passionate about leadership, multiple perspectives, thoughts and ideas, and interacting with people. 

]]> Anti-Racism Confrontation: Make Enemies or Build Connections? Gina Ko 00:39:58 Houyuan shares that at 25 years old, he came to Canada from China. He talks about the international student experience of internalized racism and racism. He notes that his first year in Canada was a major adjustment because he became introverted whereas he was an extrovert in China. He conveys the second year was better after learning the language and making connections. He offers learning from a colleague about confronting racism in that we need to learn the purpose. Is it to make enemies or to build connections? Houyuan shares that at 25 years old, he came to Canada from China. He talks about the international student experience of internalized racism and racism. He notes that his first year in Canada was a major adjustment because he became introverted whereas he was an extrovert in China. He conveys the second year was better after learning the language and making connections. He offers learning from a colleague about confronting racism in that we need to learn the purpose. Is it to make enemies or to build connections? false full 50 229b3671-ad3e-44e6-8d83-708c1f0a87a3 Racial Healing: From Pain to Power Sylvia Yu Friedman is an award-winning filmmaker, Penguin author, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropy consultant. She is the author of three books, A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia (Penguin); Silenced No More: Voices of Comfort Women, the only journalistic account of historical Japanese military sex slavery during WWII, and Heart and Soul: The Life Story of Pastor Augustus Chao.

 

A former TV anchor and advisor to philanthropists, Sylvia was among the Top 100 Human Trafficking & Slavery Influence Leaders List in 2017 by Assent Compliance. She won the prestigious 2013 International Human Rights Press Award for her 3-part documentary series on human trafficking in China, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Since 2005, Sylvia has managed and directed millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios impacting at least more than one million people. She is producing a feature film inspired by her book, A Long Road to Justice.

]]> Sat, 24 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Sylvia Yu Friedman, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/sylvia-yu-friedman-HOOhc1b2 Sylvia Yu Friedman is an award-winning filmmaker, Penguin author, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropy consultant. She is the author of three books, A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia (Penguin); Silenced No More: Voices of Comfort Women, the only journalistic account of historical Japanese military sex slavery during WWII, and Heart and Soul: The Life Story of Pastor Augustus Chao.

 

A former TV anchor and advisor to philanthropists, Sylvia was among the Top 100 Human Trafficking & Slavery Influence Leaders List in 2017 by Assent Compliance. She won the prestigious 2013 International Human Rights Press Award for her 3-part documentary series on human trafficking in China, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Since 2005, Sylvia has managed and directed millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios impacting at least more than one million people. She is producing a feature film inspired by her book, A Long Road to Justice.

]]> Racial Healing: From Pain to Power Sylvia Yu Friedman, Dr. Gina Ko 00:40:38 Sylvia shares she is Korean and grew up in Burnaby, B.C. She experienced racism living in a predominantly Caucasian community. She shares how people made fun of her food such as kim chi and her name Sae Joung. Her social justice work is derived from feeling voiceless and invisible. She notes in grade 11, her mother told her about comfort women whereby the Japanese military had women in sex slavery. She voices how she had to return to Asia to find herself. She states that education is key in racial healing so pain can turn into power. Sylvia shares she is Korean and grew up in Burnaby, B.C. She experienced racism living in a predominantly Caucasian community. She shares how people made fun of her food such as kim chi and her name Sae Joung. Her social justice work is derived from feeling voiceless and invisible. She notes in grade 11, her mother told her about comfort women whereby the Japanese military had women in sex slavery. She voices how she had to return to Asia to find herself. She states that education is key in racial healing so pain can turn into power. false full 49 ad6eb25f-ccbb-4bdc-9a9a-6b99b98451ee Anti-Racism Practitioner: Learn with People Thulasy has worked in the private, public, and non-profit sectors for over 15 years and brings strengths in strategic clarity, facilitation, and adaptive capacities to her community-based work. Currently, she works as an independent consultant on issues related to racial equity, organizational praxis, and systems change. Previously, Thulasy led an Anti-Racist Organizational Change (AROC) process to strengthen CommunityWise Resource Centre’s capacity to address organizational racism and create greater racial equity and inclusion in Calgary's nonprofit sector. This work was recognized with a Canadian Race Relations Foundation Award of Excellence in the Community category in 2018. She identifies as a Sri Lankan Tamil Canadian, a child of immigrants, and a brown woman, as well as an unschooling mother, weaver, and birder. She has a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta.

]]> Sat, 10 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Thulasy Lettner, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/thulasy-lettner-cO_h5LSV Thulasy has worked in the private, public, and non-profit sectors for over 15 years and brings strengths in strategic clarity, facilitation, and adaptive capacities to her community-based work. Currently, she works as an independent consultant on issues related to racial equity, organizational praxis, and systems change. Previously, Thulasy led an Anti-Racist Organizational Change (AROC) process to strengthen CommunityWise Resource Centre’s capacity to address organizational racism and create greater racial equity and inclusion in Calgary's nonprofit sector. This work was recognized with a Canadian Race Relations Foundation Award of Excellence in the Community category in 2018. She identifies as a Sri Lankan Tamil Canadian, a child of immigrants, and a brown woman, as well as an unschooling mother, weaver, and birder. She has a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta.

]]> Anti-Racism Practitioner: Learn with People Thulasy Lettner, Dr. Gina Ko 00:35:43 Thulasy shares how she had to balance belonging as she was a child of immigrant parents who were from Sri Lankan Tamil and she was born in Canada. She talks about how her journey as an anti-racist practitioner is emerging and ongoing. She thinks it is important to challenge herself, learn with people, and have uncomfortable conversations in order to grow as an individual immersing in systemic anti-racism work. Thulasy shares how she had to balance belonging as she was a child of immigrant parents who were from Sri Lankan Tamil and she was born in Canada. She talks about how her journey as an anti-racist practitioner is emerging and ongoing. She thinks it is important to challenge herself, learn with people, and have uncomfortable conversations in order to grow as an individual immersing in systemic anti-racism work. false full 48 32890579-1e19-4e3b-8071-bf587cae7c1c Compassion and Understanding to Bridge Communities Dr. Fred Chou (周敏浩) is an assistant professor in counselling psychology in the department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies at the University of Victoria and a registered psychologist. He is a 2nd generation Chinese Canadian with ancestral roots from the Canton province. His research interests include the mental health of Asian Canadians, intergenerational trauma and resilience, and youth mental health literacy. Currently, he is the principal investigator for the following research projects: (Re)Claim and Connect, using storytelling in groups to address anti-Asian racism; (Re)Cultivating Family Stories, a self-guided program to foster connection to family and heritage; and Stories that Shape Us, narratives of Chinese Canadian intergenerational resilience. Information on these studies, as well as other resources relevant to Asian mental health in Canada can be found on his website www.growthandsolidarity.ca. 

]]> Sat, 27 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-fred-chou-sgTRGMJh Dr. Fred Chou (周敏浩) is an assistant professor in counselling psychology in the department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies at the University of Victoria and a registered psychologist. He is a 2nd generation Chinese Canadian with ancestral roots from the Canton province. His research interests include the mental health of Asian Canadians, intergenerational trauma and resilience, and youth mental health literacy. Currently, he is the principal investigator for the following research projects: (Re)Claim and Connect, using storytelling in groups to address anti-Asian racism; (Re)Cultivating Family Stories, a self-guided program to foster connection to family and heritage; and Stories that Shape Us, narratives of Chinese Canadian intergenerational resilience. Information on these studies, as well as other resources relevant to Asian mental health in Canada can be found on his website www.growthandsolidarity.ca. 

]]> Compassion and Understanding to Bridge Communities Gina Ko 00:40:30 Fred shares how he was born and raised in Edmonton and his parents immigrated from Canton. He voices growing up, he felt different as there was only one other Asian student in his class. He tells his journey of becoming a counselling psychologist and his interest in the mental health of Asian Canadians. He notes compassion and understanding are crucial to bridging communities to foster connection and solidarity. Fred shares how he was born and raised in Edmonton and his parents immigrated from Canton. He voices growing up, he felt different as there was only one other Asian student in his class. He tells his journey of becoming a counselling psychologist and his interest in the mental health of Asian Canadians. He notes compassion and understanding are crucial to bridging communities to foster connection and solidarity. false full 47 693bf4f1-35fa-4857-9f76-68b190f48ab5 Amplify Asian Stories, Perspectives, and Voices. Jeremy Thao is a Hmong American screenwriter and director from Atlanta. His top objectives as a filmmaker are to create space and opportunities for underrepresented peoples to explore the world of filmmaking and help bring their stories to the silver screen. Jeremy's filmmaking highlights voices and narratives that have been traditionally overlooked and hopes to encourage others to share their stories as well. His upcoming short film, "Wokman" won the Spring 2021 Film Impact Georgia Filmmaking Grant, which Jeremy's BIPOC and women-led team of indie filmmakers are currently in pre-production for. Production is planned for August 2022 with hopes for a successful film festival circuit in 2023.

]]> Sat, 13 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/jerermy-thao-M6Xk32D_ Jeremy Thao is a Hmong American screenwriter and director from Atlanta. His top objectives as a filmmaker are to create space and opportunities for underrepresented peoples to explore the world of filmmaking and help bring their stories to the silver screen. Jeremy's filmmaking highlights voices and narratives that have been traditionally overlooked and hopes to encourage others to share their stories as well. His upcoming short film, "Wokman" won the Spring 2021 Film Impact Georgia Filmmaking Grant, which Jeremy's BIPOC and women-led team of indie filmmakers are currently in pre-production for. Production is planned for August 2022 with hopes for a successful film festival circuit in 2023.

]]> Amplify Asian Stories, Perspectives, and Voices. Dr. Gina Ko 00:50:49 Jeremy shares how he is the oldest of five siblings and his parents are refugees from Laos. He grew up in Fresno, California; most of his peers were Asian and Hispanic. He notes how in his life, he has not had conversations about racism with his family. He is creating a short film, “Wokman,” which is a love letter to his parents and an act of resistance. He voices the importance of encouraging professionals and people of colour to help amply Asian stories, perspectives, and voices. Jeremy shares how he is the oldest of five siblings and his parents are refugees from Laos. He grew up in Fresno, California; most of his peers were Asian and Hispanic. He notes how in his life, he has not had conversations about racism with his family. He is creating a short film, “Wokman,” which is a love letter to his parents and an act of resistance. He voices the importance of encouraging professionals and people of colour to help amply Asian stories, perspectives, and voices. false full 46 178e1e73-d4cc-4e29-b8c0-d8a84326dc64 Episode 45: Lead by Example: We Need to Rise Lola is a Taiwanese-Canadian women’s empowerment coach, bestselling + award-winning author, and racial equity advocate. With over 25 years of combined experience in children’s education, mind-body fitness education, nonprofit fundraising, athletic event planning, and empowerment coaching, Lola is passionate about supporting girls & women to share their dreams and impact with the world. A graduate from University of British Columbia in Psychology, she is certified in multiple coaching modalities, and is now co-founder of Black Lives Rising Media, a social enterprise with empowerment programs to amplify powerful Black leaders. Through initiatives with Room to Read, World Pulse, and FemCity, Lola’s work spans from North America to Asia and Africa. Her books For My Girls, Fitness to Freedom, and Women Let's Rise are available, and her next book project “We Rise in Power: Amplifying Women of Color and Her Voices for Change” releases March 2023. 

]]> Sat, 30 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Lola T Small, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/lola-t-small-PQAQOPL8 Lola is a Taiwanese-Canadian women’s empowerment coach, bestselling + award-winning author, and racial equity advocate. With over 25 years of combined experience in children’s education, mind-body fitness education, nonprofit fundraising, athletic event planning, and empowerment coaching, Lola is passionate about supporting girls & women to share their dreams and impact with the world. A graduate from University of British Columbia in Psychology, she is certified in multiple coaching modalities, and is now co-founder of Black Lives Rising Media, a social enterprise with empowerment programs to amplify powerful Black leaders. Through initiatives with Room to Read, World Pulse, and FemCity, Lola’s work spans from North America to Asia and Africa. Her books For My Girls, Fitness to Freedom, and Women Let's Rise are available, and her next book project “We Rise in Power: Amplifying Women of Color and Her Voices for Change” releases March 2023. 

]]> Episode 45: Lead by Example: We Need to Rise Lola T Small, Dr. Gina Ko 00:27:51 Lola shares how her family moved to the USA from Taiwan when she was 11 years old. She voices how she saw white people for the first time at 11; she saw Black people for the first time at 13. She notes that she has two younger sisters, and she experiences her dad telling her women can be powerful and strong. She shares she is married to a Black man, and their son is Blasian. She voices how we are all deeply connected and need to adhere to the importance of leading by example; we need to rise. Lola shares how her family moved to the USA from Taiwan when she was 11 years old. She voices how she saw white people for the first time at 11; she saw Black people for the first time at 13. She notes that she has two younger sisters, and she experiences her dad telling her women can be powerful and strong. She shares she is married to a Black man, and their son is Blasian. She voices how we are all deeply connected and need to adhere to the importance of leading by example; we need to rise. false full 45 9c0246d9-68f6-4e89-941c-88fd7aada076 Anti-Racism in Action: Finding Community Samantha is a settler of Chinese ancestry based in Edmonton, AB. As a nurse, researcher, and writer, Samantha is passionate about storying the untold narratives of the Asian diaspora in Canada. Samantha is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Alberta where she is documenting the experiences of anti-Asian racism using storytelling methods. Specifically, her research is at the intersection of anti-Asian racism and the mental health of Asian children. Samantha’s academic publications navigate concepts such as racism, anti-Asian racism, mental health, children’s health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights, with a focus on racialized, immigrant, and young populations. Through poetry, Samantha explores concepts of Asianness, belonging, and erasure, and invites readers to contemplate these tensions within taken-for-granted spaces. Samantha is passionate about community advocacy work that is rooted in radical care and building solidarities.

]]> Sat, 16 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/samantha-louie-poon-y9_fRsQr Samantha is a settler of Chinese ancestry based in Edmonton, AB. As a nurse, researcher, and writer, Samantha is passionate about storying the untold narratives of the Asian diaspora in Canada. Samantha is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Alberta where she is documenting the experiences of anti-Asian racism using storytelling methods. Specifically, her research is at the intersection of anti-Asian racism and the mental health of Asian children. Samantha’s academic publications navigate concepts such as racism, anti-Asian racism, mental health, children’s health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights, with a focus on racialized, immigrant, and young populations. Through poetry, Samantha explores concepts of Asianness, belonging, and erasure, and invites readers to contemplate these tensions within taken-for-granted spaces. Samantha is passionate about community advocacy work that is rooted in radical care and building solidarities.

]]> Anti-Racism in Action: Finding Community Gina Ko 00:37:44 Samantha shares experiences of racism in her upbringing and the present. She notes there is systemic racism, racial trauma, and exclusion faced by racialized people. She voices the importance of finding community, self-reflecting, learning, and unlearning. She notes we need to see tangible work in the area of anti-racism and not just talking about change without real investment. Samantha shares experiences of racism in her upbringing and the present. She notes there is systemic racism, racial trauma, and exclusion faced by racialized people. She voices the importance of finding community, self-reflecting, learning, and unlearning. She notes we need to see tangible work in the area of anti-racism and not just talking about change without real investment. false full 44 c182be60-442d-44ac-bead-c06604a95c5b Anti-Racism Practice: Love, Dignity, Wellbeing Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa (she/her) is currently the City of Calgary Anti-Racism Program Manager. Prior to this Linda held the role of Provincial Manager in Addiction and Mental Health. She also worked as a Social Work Professional Practice Leader. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary. Her training and research interest focus on preparing professionals for working in global contexts. She is committed to social justice, anti-oppressive practice, and equity in health care, and human service organizations, integrating research into practice, and advancing anti-racist practice. She holds a Ph.D., a Master, and a Bachelor of Social work degrees.

]]> Sat, 2 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-linda-kongnetiman-pansa-x5u9tscW Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa (she/her) is currently the City of Calgary Anti-Racism Program Manager. Prior to this Linda held the role of Provincial Manager in Addiction and Mental Health. She also worked as a Social Work Professional Practice Leader. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary. Her training and research interest focus on preparing professionals for working in global contexts. She is committed to social justice, anti-oppressive practice, and equity in health care, and human service organizations, integrating research into practice, and advancing anti-racist practice. She holds a Ph.D., a Master, and a Bachelor of Social work degrees.

]]> Anti-Racism Practice: Love, Dignity, Wellbeing Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa, Dr. Gina Ko 00:47:09 Linda talks about how she was born in Suriname and came to North America in 1993 (Colorado and then Calgary in 1997). She shares the racism and microaggressions she has faced in the workplace and outside the workplace. She discloses how she speaks five languages and people would comment on how eloquently she speaks English. She notes the importance of anti-racism in action and the need for love, kindness, and belonging. Linda talks about how she was born in Suriname and came to North America in 1993 (Colorado and then Calgary in 1997). She shares the racism and microaggressions she has faced in the workplace and outside the workplace. She discloses how she speaks five languages and people would comment on how eloquently she speaks English. She notes the importance of anti-racism in action and the need for love, kindness, and belonging. false full 43 4d8bf99a-7c52-40c9-9c9c-fc30e1793330 Work Together: Becoming an Anti-Racist City Dr. Jyoti Gondek was sworn in as Calgary's 37th mayor and the first woman to be elected to this role on October 25, 2021. Prior to being elected as mayor, she served as city councillor for Ward 3 from 2017 to 2021. She holds a Ph.D. in urban sociology, and an M.A. in organizational sociology. Throughout her career, Mayor Gondek has taken a big picture approach to pressing challenges. Often, she has found processes and policies exist simply because they have never been questioned. She has come to understand that by probing and chipping away at issues, we move forward with improvements that have meaning in our everyday lives.

]]> Sat, 18 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Jyoti Gondek, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-jyoti-gondek-g5uiCjcz Dr. Jyoti Gondek was sworn in as Calgary's 37th mayor and the first woman to be elected to this role on October 25, 2021. Prior to being elected as mayor, she served as city councillor for Ward 3 from 2017 to 2021. She holds a Ph.D. in urban sociology, and an M.A. in organizational sociology. Throughout her career, Mayor Gondek has taken a big picture approach to pressing challenges. Often, she has found processes and policies exist simply because they have never been questioned. She has come to understand that by probing and chipping away at issues, we move forward with improvements that have meaning in our everyday lives.

]]> Work Together: Becoming an Anti-Racist City Dr. Jyoti Gondek, Dr. Gina Ko 00:18:51 Mayor Jyoti Gondek talks about the need to continue to have conversations about racism and to work together to unpack systemic racism. She is very proud of our youth who are engaging in such conversations to provide ideas to have Calgary be an anti-racist city. She shares some raw moments when she felt broken. She voices how “we can be better than this” when it comes to being welcoming and inclusive. Mayor Jyoti Gondek talks about the need to continue to have conversations about racism and to work together to unpack systemic racism. She is very proud of our youth who are engaging in such conversations to provide ideas to have Calgary be an anti-racist city. She shares some raw moments when she felt broken. She voices how “we can be better than this” when it comes to being welcoming and inclusive. false full 42 adf7102a-6909-441a-8f86-f9485c50af62 On Being Double Lorelei Higgins is Mrs. Canada 2021. She is a Métis Canadian Cultural Mediator, a Rotary Peace Fellow and Positive Peace Activator as well as a Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Program alumna. She has worked on community-based projects locally and internationally with government agencies, non-government organizations and the business sector. These projects have centred on peace and conflict transformation, Indigenous matters and the elevation of female voices in leadership. Lorelei is the Community Lead for the City of Calgary’s Anti-Racism Program and is working to advance The City of Calgary’s anti-racism journey as well as commitments to Truth and Reconciliation. Lorelei is also a consultant with Mediators  Beyond Borders International. Lorelei has an MBA, with a specialization in leadership. Lorelei is passionate about creating bold, open spaces for building peace through cross-cultural learning and the establishment and nurturing of enduring, positive relationships. As Mrs. Canada 2021 and a Women in Need Foundation Ambassador, Lorelei is leading efforts to increase female leadership in peacebuilding efforts locally and globally. She is often found adventuring around the world with her family.

]]> Sat, 4 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Lorelei Higgins, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/lorelei-higgins-8AVDGEWQ Lorelei Higgins is Mrs. Canada 2021. She is a Métis Canadian Cultural Mediator, a Rotary Peace Fellow and Positive Peace Activator as well as a Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Program alumna. She has worked on community-based projects locally and internationally with government agencies, non-government organizations and the business sector. These projects have centred on peace and conflict transformation, Indigenous matters and the elevation of female voices in leadership. Lorelei is the Community Lead for the City of Calgary’s Anti-Racism Program and is working to advance The City of Calgary’s anti-racism journey as well as commitments to Truth and Reconciliation. Lorelei is also a consultant with Mediators  Beyond Borders International. Lorelei has an MBA, with a specialization in leadership. Lorelei is passionate about creating bold, open spaces for building peace through cross-cultural learning and the establishment and nurturing of enduring, positive relationships. As Mrs. Canada 2021 and a Women in Need Foundation Ambassador, Lorelei is leading efforts to increase female leadership in peacebuilding efforts locally and globally. She is often found adventuring around the world with her family.

]]> On Being Double Lorelei Higgins, Dr. Gina Ko 00:43:16 Lorelei shares that her birth dad is Metis and she did not meet him until she was 26 years old. She voices the importance of cultural discovery and knowing one’s cultural identity. She notes the importance of “being double” and the significance of celebrating all aspects of identity rather than “half” of an identity. She conveys how it is crucial to know where you are from and where you are going. Lorelei shares that her birth dad is Metis and she did not meet him until she was 26 years old. She voices the importance of cultural discovery and knowing one’s cultural identity. She notes the importance of “being double” and the significance of celebrating all aspects of identity rather than “half” of an identity. She conveys how it is crucial to know where you are from and where you are going. false full 41 480de640-4ece-4623-85a6-5aa49f506d4f Enact Anti-Racism Education Dr. Shibao Guo is a Professor at the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary. He specializes in transnational migration, diaspora studies, Chinese immigrants in Canada, ethnic and race relations, and comparative and international education. He has numerous publications including books, journal articles, and book chapters. His latest books include: Decolonising lifelong learning in the context of transnational migration (Routledge, 2020), Immigration, racial and ethnic studies in 150 years of Canada: Retrospects and prospects (Brill|Sense, 2018). He is a former president of the Canadian Ethnic Studies Association and currently serves as co-editor of Canadian Ethnic Studies. He also co-edits two book series for Brill|Sense Publishers: Transnational Migration and Education and Spotlight on China.

]]> Sat, 28 May 2022 15:21:09 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-shibao-guo-Ba1wIET7 Dr. Shibao Guo is a Professor at the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary. He specializes in transnational migration, diaspora studies, Chinese immigrants in Canada, ethnic and race relations, and comparative and international education. He has numerous publications including books, journal articles, and book chapters. His latest books include: Decolonising lifelong learning in the context of transnational migration (Routledge, 2020), Immigration, racial and ethnic studies in 150 years of Canada: Retrospects and prospects (Brill|Sense, 2018). He is a former president of the Canadian Ethnic Studies Association and currently serves as co-editor of Canadian Ethnic Studies. He also co-edits two book series for Brill|Sense Publishers: Transnational Migration and Education and Spotlight on China.

]]> Enact Anti-Racism Education Gina Ko 00:33:22 Shibao shares how he came to Canada 30 years ago and completed his doctorate at the University of British Columbia. He notes his research interests in transnational migration, diaspora studies, Chinese immigrants in Canada, ethnic race relations, and comparative and international education are derived from his lived experience as a newcomer in Canada. He explains the glass gate, glass door, and glass ceiling faced by many racialized minorities. He voices the importance of “enacting an anti-racism education. Shibao shares how he came to Canada 30 years ago and completed his doctorate at the University of British Columbia. He notes his research interests in transnational migration, diaspora studies, Chinese immigrants in Canada, ethnic race relations, and comparative and international education are derived from his lived experience as a newcomer in Canada. He explains the glass gate, glass door, and glass ceiling faced by many racialized minorities. He voices the importance of “enacting an anti-racism education. false full 40 5827c407-8baa-4fde-af28-a5d6036db04f Taking Time to Find Yourself Cassie (she/her) is an 18-year-old, mixed-race, Chinese Canadian, who has just finished up her first year at McMaster University and is passionate about the new life experiences and academic discourses she has encountered. Beginning a major in Political Sciences and Public Policy in the fall, Cassie focuses on gender politics and structural injustices in her studies. As the daughter of Gina Wong, founder of the Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign, Cassie aspires to be outspoken against anti-Asian racism and encourage conversations around racial inequalities with impassioned youth.

]]> Sat, 14 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Cassie Wong Wylie, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/cassie-wong-wylie-2JATYyNT Cassie (she/her) is an 18-year-old, mixed-race, Chinese Canadian, who has just finished up her first year at McMaster University and is passionate about the new life experiences and academic discourses she has encountered. Beginning a major in Political Sciences and Public Policy in the fall, Cassie focuses on gender politics and structural injustices in her studies. As the daughter of Gina Wong, founder of the Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign, Cassie aspires to be outspoken against anti-Asian racism and encourage conversations around racial inequalities with impassioned youth.

]]> Taking Time to Find Yourself Cassie Wong Wylie, Dr. Gina Ko 00:32:14 Cassie shares how she is a mixed-raced Chinese Canadian woman and grew up in a predominantly privileged white neighbourhood. On her travel to France a few years ago, she discloses that a man called her racial slurs and it was the first time she experienced overt racism. She voices that there are structural injustices and she is passionate about being outspoken against anti-Asian racism and taking time to find herself. Cassie shares how she is a mixed-raced Chinese Canadian woman and grew up in a predominantly privileged white neighbourhood. On her travel to France a few years ago, she discloses that a man called her racial slurs and it was the first time she experienced overt racism. She voices that there are structural injustices and she is passionate about being outspoken against anti-Asian racism and taking time to find herself. false full 39 47ce0478-0e65-4acc-a884-5938ab718b3e Coming Full Circle Justin Chau (he/him) is a husband, father of two bi-racial children, and an elementary teacher in Toronto, Ontario. He currently sits as the Director of Youth and Education with the Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign. He holds a Professional Master's Degree in Education and has worked as a classroom teacher and a specialist teacher teaching Health and Physical Education. Born and raised in London, Ontario, Justin’s mother immigrated from Macau, SAR, China, when she was a child, and his father from Shanghai, China. Justin is a Chinese Canadian that grew up in a predominantly white community facing microaggressions and racism in school and through sports but could never identify the problem facing it. In his experience as a teacher and coach, Justin has taught in public, private, and international school settings. He is a member of the BOKS Trainer Advisory Board, specializing in promoting physical activity programming in Canada.

]]> Sat, 7 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/justin-chau-A8tzQI3O Justin Chau (he/him) is a husband, father of two bi-racial children, and an elementary teacher in Toronto, Ontario. He currently sits as the Director of Youth and Education with the Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign. He holds a Professional Master's Degree in Education and has worked as a classroom teacher and a specialist teacher teaching Health and Physical Education. Born and raised in London, Ontario, Justin’s mother immigrated from Macau, SAR, China, when she was a child, and his father from Shanghai, China. Justin is a Chinese Canadian that grew up in a predominantly white community facing microaggressions and racism in school and through sports but could never identify the problem facing it. In his experience as a teacher and coach, Justin has taught in public, private, and international school settings. He is a member of the BOKS Trainer Advisory Board, specializing in promoting physical activity programming in Canada.

]]> Coming Full Circle Gina Ko 00:42:19 Justin talks about his upbringing in London, Ontario where most of his peers are white and he did not see many who looked like him (including teachers). He voices how his parents were born in Macau (mom) and Shanghai (dad) and how he lost his dad at 12 years old. He notes how he endured people being mean (he did not know it was racism) when losing his dad was much more difficult. He wants his children to grow up in a world that is safe and to know they can do anything. He shares how his life has come full circle with being a teacher and now getting back into sports. Justin talks about his upbringing in London, Ontario where most of his peers are white and he did not see many who looked like him (including teachers). He voices how his parents were born in Macau (mom) and Shanghai (dad) and how he lost his dad at 12 years old. He notes how he endured people being mean (he did not know it was racism) when losing his dad was much more difficult. He wants his children to grow up in a world that is safe and to know they can do anything. He shares how his life has come full circle with being a teacher and now getting back into sports. false full 38 66781354-a350-4dd8-8125-de804766525f "Let's be the 'Killjoys': On calling out Racist Moments" Dr. Ghada Alatrash, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Critical and Creative Studies at Alberta University of the Arts in Calgary, Canada. She holds her PhD in Educational Research: Languages and Diversity from the Werklund School of Education, the University of Calgary, and a Master’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Oklahoma.  Her doctoral work spoke to the lived experience of the Syrian Diaspora in Canada.  Her current research speaks to Syrian art and creative expression as resistance to oppression and dictatorship.  She taught at MRU before AUArts and was a recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2021.  She was also the Liberal MP Candidate for Calgary Signal Hill in the 2019 elections.  She is the author of Stripped to the Bone: Portraits of Syrian Women.  She has been invited to share her experience and her stories as a TEDx speaker.    
 

]]> Sat, 23 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Ghada Alatrash, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-ghada-alatrash-Mwboc6MV Dr. Ghada Alatrash, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Critical and Creative Studies at Alberta University of the Arts in Calgary, Canada. She holds her PhD in Educational Research: Languages and Diversity from the Werklund School of Education, the University of Calgary, and a Master’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Oklahoma.  Her doctoral work spoke to the lived experience of the Syrian Diaspora in Canada.  Her current research speaks to Syrian art and creative expression as resistance to oppression and dictatorship.  She taught at MRU before AUArts and was a recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2021.  She was also the Liberal MP Candidate for Calgary Signal Hill in the 2019 elections.  She is the author of Stripped to the Bone: Portraits of Syrian Women.  She has been invited to share her experience and her stories as a TEDx speaker.    
 

]]> "Let's be the 'Killjoys': On calling out Racist Moments" Dr. Ghada Alatrash, Dr. Gina Ko 00:43:36 false full 37 5f622a55-2f11-40f9-9eee-37f2e56cbaa3 Episode 36: Transforming Ourselves from the Inside Out I have a passion for critical psychology and it has emerged out of my own personal background. Specifically, I grew up in a biracial, bilingual, bi-religious home; an experience that has shaped the way in which I view the world and the way in which I understand the role of a helper. In parallel, my psychological practice is informed by feminist, multicultural, and social justice theories. I have a small private practice in Calgary, Alberta where I work with many women who have been racialized and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ alongside individuals from other minoritized groups. I am also an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia. In that role, my program of research is informed by an overarching social justice lens and presently includes two major foci. First, I am studying the process of school integration among newcomer families in French and English public education systems. Second, I am conducting teaching and learning research, investigating cultural and social justice responsiveness in professional psychology.
 

]]> Sat, 9 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-anusha-kassan-4Gy_USu4 I have a passion for critical psychology and it has emerged out of my own personal background. Specifically, I grew up in a biracial, bilingual, bi-religious home; an experience that has shaped the way in which I view the world and the way in which I understand the role of a helper. In parallel, my psychological practice is informed by feminist, multicultural, and social justice theories. I have a small private practice in Calgary, Alberta where I work with many women who have been racialized and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ alongside individuals from other minoritized groups. I am also an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia. In that role, my program of research is informed by an overarching social justice lens and presently includes two major foci. First, I am studying the process of school integration among newcomer families in French and English public education systems. Second, I am conducting teaching and learning research, investigating cultural and social justice responsiveness in professional psychology.
 

]]> Episode 36: Transforming Ourselves from the Inside Out Gina Ko 00:38:12 Anusha talks about how her father is South Asian and her mother is French Canadian. She shares that her father was born in India, then moved to South Africa and Canada. Anusha voices the beauty of intersections such as race, religion, and culture. She notes the importance of talking to children and youth about “isms” because young people are insightful. She states the importance of challenging our biases and assumptions in order to transform from the inside out. Anusha talks about how her father is South Asian and her mother is French Canadian. She shares that her father was born in India, then moved to South Africa and Canada. Anusha voices the beauty of intersections such as race, religion, and culture. She notes the importance of talking to children and youth about “isms” because young people are insightful. She states the importance of challenging our biases and assumptions in order to transform from the inside out. false full 36 b0bfdbfe-3157-47c1-b6f5-16dba5a52828 Leaning into Discomfort Dr. Melissa Jay (she/her) is a Nehiyaw (Cree) member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, registered psychologist, and assistant professor at Athabasca University. She uses her privilege to pave paths towards trauma-informed, socially just, anti-oppressive support through integrating ancient wisdom traditions and psychology. As the current Indigenous Director for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, she is grateful to walk alongside Indigenous kin, across Turtle Island. Melissa is also director of Canmore Counselling and Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School, dedicated to her own healing journey and lifelong studentship. She lives in Canmore with her spouse and rescue-turned-therapy dog, Lulu.

]]> Sat, 26 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Melissa Jay (she/her), Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-melissa-jay-2yPonr2n Dr. Melissa Jay (she/her) is a Nehiyaw (Cree) member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, registered psychologist, and assistant professor at Athabasca University. She uses her privilege to pave paths towards trauma-informed, socially just, anti-oppressive support through integrating ancient wisdom traditions and psychology. As the current Indigenous Director for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, she is grateful to walk alongside Indigenous kin, across Turtle Island. Melissa is also director of Canmore Counselling and Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School, dedicated to her own healing journey and lifelong studentship. She lives in Canmore with her spouse and rescue-turned-therapy dog, Lulu.

]]> Leaning into Discomfort Dr. Melissa Jay (she/her), Dr. Gina Ko 00:42:38 Melissa talks about how she was raised by a single mom and how blood memory – intuition, whispers of the heart and soul - are dear to her learning. She notes that there is systemic racism and microaggressions faced by Indigenous Peoples. She voices the importance of reading the Truth and Reconciliation: 94 Calls to Action and taking each one to heart. She shares how leaning into discomfort can cultivate the most impactful learning. Melissa talks about how she was raised by a single mom and how blood memory – intuition, whispers of the heart and soul - are dear to her learning. She notes that there is systemic racism and microaggressions faced by Indigenous Peoples. She voices the importance of reading the Truth and Reconciliation: 94 Calls to Action and taking each one to heart. She shares how leaning into discomfort can cultivate the most impactful learning. false full 35 d1bd058c-f1fa-4a6f-ace4-d94e2abc2af4 What it Means to Be a Good Ally Mifrah Abid is the creator, producer, and host of Across Her Table which features the remarkable stories of Canadian women with immigrant roots. Mifrah is also the Coordinator, of 'Together Against Islamophobia' program at the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener Waterloo (CMW). The CMW’s mandate is to support racialized communities against hate, discrimination, domestic violence and empowering them with leadership and social well-being skills. Mifrah is an advocate of racial equity. She has also been a lecturer of English (Language, Literature and Applied Linguistics) for over 6 years. Mifrah is a TESL Ontario certified ESL trainer. She is a published writer. Her Op-Ed articles have featured in the Toronto Star, Waterloo Record, Waterloo Chronicle, etc.

You can find learn more about Mifrah and her work on Twitter @acrosshertable.

]]> Sat, 12 Mar 2022 13:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Mifrah Abid, Dr Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/mifrah-abid-2mTQlTO3 Mifrah Abid is the creator, producer, and host of Across Her Table which features the remarkable stories of Canadian women with immigrant roots. Mifrah is also the Coordinator, of 'Together Against Islamophobia' program at the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener Waterloo (CMW). The CMW’s mandate is to support racialized communities against hate, discrimination, domestic violence and empowering them with leadership and social well-being skills. Mifrah is an advocate of racial equity. She has also been a lecturer of English (Language, Literature and Applied Linguistics) for over 6 years. Mifrah is a TESL Ontario certified ESL trainer. She is a published writer. Her Op-Ed articles have featured in the Toronto Star, Waterloo Record, Waterloo Chronicle, etc.

You can find learn more about Mifrah and her work on Twitter @acrosshertable.

]]> What it Means to Be a Good Ally Mifrah Abid, Dr Gina Ko 00:49:34 Mifrah shares how she came to Canada from India in 2017 and wanted to teach English. She voices how she took the TESL and then the pandemic hit. She shares how she started her podcast, “Across the Table” as suggested by her husband so she can hear and broadcast stories of immigrant women. She notes the importance of what it means to be a good ally. Mifrah shares how she came to Canada from India in 2017 and wanted to teach English. She voices how she took the TESL and then the pandemic hit. She shares how she started her podcast, “Across the Table” as suggested by her husband so she can hear and broadcast stories of immigrant women. She notes the importance of what it means to be a good ally. false full 34 2ca8d677-2ae3-4e19-a6e6-cbaca0e53341 You Have to Try Dr. Jeff Chang was born in Vancouver, BC, to a Canadian born mother and a father who came to Canada as a Nationalist Chinese army officer during World War II.  This gives him a distinctive perspective as Chinese-Canadian growing up in Canada. He is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Disciplines at Athabasca University. He is a Registered Psychologist (AB) and a Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Jeff has worked in children’s mental health, employee assistance programs, and private practice. In his current practice he works mainly with families embroiled in high-conflict separation and divorce. He publishes in the areas of high conflict divorce, clinical supervision, child and family therapy, postmodern therapies, and school-based counselling. He provides clinical supervision at Calgary Family Therapy Centre and privately to Registered Provisional Psychologists. 

]]> Sat, 26 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Jeff Chang) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-jeff-chang-LyKMpV7D Dr. Jeff Chang was born in Vancouver, BC, to a Canadian born mother and a father who came to Canada as a Nationalist Chinese army officer during World War II.  This gives him a distinctive perspective as Chinese-Canadian growing up in Canada. He is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Disciplines at Athabasca University. He is a Registered Psychologist (AB) and a Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Jeff has worked in children’s mental health, employee assistance programs, and private practice. In his current practice he works mainly with families embroiled in high-conflict separation and divorce. He publishes in the areas of high conflict divorce, clinical supervision, child and family therapy, postmodern therapies, and school-based counselling. He provides clinical supervision at Calgary Family Therapy Centre and privately to Registered Provisional Psychologists. 

]]> You Have to Try Dr. Jeff Chang 00:45:44 Jeff talks about his parents’ upbringing as his mother was born in Canada and his father was a Nationalist Chinese army officer during WWII. He shares his experience growing up in Vancouver and being a minority at his school. He voices the importance of trying and being open to criticism. Jeff talks about his parents’ upbringing as his mother was born in Canada and his father was a Nationalist Chinese army officer during WWII. He shares his experience growing up in Vancouver and being a minority at his school. He voices the importance of trying and being open to criticism. false full 33 6d95d275-0d91-4b0b-bd1a-a6706b506db4 Anti-Racism: The Importance of Looking in the Mirror Rosa Montoya (she/her/elle) is a Senior Project Officer and the Co-Chair of the Latin American Employees Community at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). She holds a bachelor degree in Educational Sciences and has a Certificate in German Studies from the Université de Québec à Montréal (UQAM). Rosa has been a public servant since 2010, mainly within IRCC. She implemented and led the first initiative in her organization to celebrate Latin American Heritage Month (LAHM) at IRCC Montreal local office in October 2019. Last year, she formed the Latin American Employees Community at IRCC and launched multiple LAHM events open to public servants. Rosa has been recognized as a strong leader, a communicator, and a speaker in the areas of community building, anti-black racism, and LatinX subjects. 

Twitter: @RosaMontoyaMTL

]]> Sat, 12 Feb 2022 13:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Rosa Montoya, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/rosa-montoya-F2HLP_2W Rosa Montoya (she/her/elle) is a Senior Project Officer and the Co-Chair of the Latin American Employees Community at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). She holds a bachelor degree in Educational Sciences and has a Certificate in German Studies from the Université de Québec à Montréal (UQAM). Rosa has been a public servant since 2010, mainly within IRCC. She implemented and led the first initiative in her organization to celebrate Latin American Heritage Month (LAHM) at IRCC Montreal local office in October 2019. Last year, she formed the Latin American Employees Community at IRCC and launched multiple LAHM events open to public servants. Rosa has been recognized as a strong leader, a communicator, and a speaker in the areas of community building, anti-black racism, and LatinX subjects. 

Twitter: @RosaMontoyaMTL

]]> Anti-Racism: The Importance of Looking in the Mirror Rosa Montoya, Dr. Gina Ko 00:51:03 Rosa came to Canada from Peru in 2004 and she voices that diversity is beautiful. She shares how she wants her son to grow up knowing his privilege and that there need to be safe spaces for all children. She notes that people are at different stages of growth and she aims to learn and unlearn. She voices the importance of looking in the mirror to know your identity and talents. Rosa came to Canada from Peru in 2004 and she voices that diversity is beautiful. She shares how she wants her son to grow up knowing his privilege and that there need to be safe spaces for all children. She notes that people are at different stages of growth and she aims to learn and unlearn. She voices the importance of looking in the mirror to know your identity and talents. false full 32 5c0cfe32-5338-478f-b8ac-e31a96b52da0 The Power of Storytelling to Inspire Change Calvin Hudson Hwang is an award-winning Taiwanese-Canadian filmmaker born in Edmonton, Alberta. Hwang’s latest film “What Flowers They Bloom,” produced with financial support from Heritage Canada, examines COVID-19 disinformation and its impact on mental health and anti-Asian racism. Hwang started performing as a youth with the St. Albert Children's Theatre and gradually progressed to acting roles in commercials, film and television. Following a career in advertising that took him to London (UK), Toronto, San Francisco, and Montreal, C. Hudson transitioned to behind-the-camera after moving to Los Angeles to attend film school. His directorial works have screened internationally at festivals including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, London, Milan, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Halifax, Ottawa, Berlin and throughout Germany. He is the creative force behind the award-winning documentary series Real Life Stories developed for Johnson and Johnson. His 3-part documentary series on psoriasis was awarded best patient education programming by the Canadian Dermatologist Association. Combining a unique skill set in film, strategy, regulatory, and stakeholder management, Hwang founded SUPRE in 2017, a company focused exclusively on health documentaries. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4278522


 

]]> Sat, 29 Jan 2022 17:08:30 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/calvin-hudson-hwang-uyiuEm_k Calvin Hudson Hwang is an award-winning Taiwanese-Canadian filmmaker born in Edmonton, Alberta. Hwang’s latest film “What Flowers They Bloom,” produced with financial support from Heritage Canada, examines COVID-19 disinformation and its impact on mental health and anti-Asian racism. Hwang started performing as a youth with the St. Albert Children's Theatre and gradually progressed to acting roles in commercials, film and television. Following a career in advertising that took him to London (UK), Toronto, San Francisco, and Montreal, C. Hudson transitioned to behind-the-camera after moving to Los Angeles to attend film school. His directorial works have screened internationally at festivals including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, London, Milan, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Halifax, Ottawa, Berlin and throughout Germany. He is the creative force behind the award-winning documentary series Real Life Stories developed for Johnson and Johnson. His 3-part documentary series on psoriasis was awarded best patient education programming by the Canadian Dermatologist Association. Combining a unique skill set in film, strategy, regulatory, and stakeholder management, Hwang founded SUPRE in 2017, a company focused exclusively on health documentaries. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4278522


 

]]> The Power of Storytelling to Inspire Change Gina Ko 00:55:39 Calvin shares how his parents came to Canada as immigrants and he grew up in Northern Alberta. He voices how he chose his own creative path and is immersed in meaningful social action creating films to bring awareness to misinformation, disinformation, and anti-Asian racism. He notes the importance of using self-insight and to being one’s own agent of change. Calvin shares how his parents came to Canada as immigrants and he grew up in Northern Alberta. He voices how he chose his own creative path and is immersed in meaningful social action creating films to bring awareness to misinformation, disinformation, and anti-Asian racism. He notes the importance of using self-insight and to being one’s own agent of change. false full 31 180f09ad-82ff-4553-aca3-4c71d0dda5b1 Living Your Values Annie Wong is a writer and multidisciplinary artist working in performance and installation. Conceptually diverse, her practice explores the intersections between the political and poetic in everyday life. Wong has presented across North America including at the Toronto Biennale of Art, Studio XX, SBC Gallery (Montreal, QC), and Third Space Gallery (Saint John, NB). She has been awarded residencies with the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Power Plant (Toronto, ON), Banff Centre for Creativity and Art (Banff, AB), and the City of Calgary. Her literary works can be found in Koffler.Digital, The Shanghai Literary Review, C Magazine, Canadian Art, and MICE Magazine. She is a member of Friends of Chinatown Toronto. 

]]> Sat, 15 Jan 2022 13:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Annie Wong, Dr Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/annie-wong-ZfsdlCls Annie Wong is a writer and multidisciplinary artist working in performance and installation. Conceptually diverse, her practice explores the intersections between the political and poetic in everyday life. Wong has presented across North America including at the Toronto Biennale of Art, Studio XX, SBC Gallery (Montreal, QC), and Third Space Gallery (Saint John, NB). She has been awarded residencies with the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Power Plant (Toronto, ON), Banff Centre for Creativity and Art (Banff, AB), and the City of Calgary. Her literary works can be found in Koffler.Digital, The Shanghai Literary Review, C Magazine, Canadian Art, and MICE Magazine. She is a member of Friends of Chinatown Toronto. 

]]> Living Your Values Annie Wong, Dr Gina Ko 00:35:56 Annie talks about her experience growing up in Canada with her mom working in the garment industry and how it is a family operation. She shares how her white friends would go to the park and she would stay home to help mom sew pillows for 10 cents apiece. She talks about her path towards art. She notes the importance of living your values and standing in solidarity for justice. Annie talks about her experience growing up in Canada with her mom working in the garment industry and how it is a family operation. She shares how her white friends would go to the park and she would stay home to help mom sew pillows for 10 cents apiece. She talks about her path towards art. She notes the importance of living your values and standing in solidarity for justice. false full 30 dac8a413-6e19-4e19-9ea1-b64438032691 Language Matters Paul Haavardsrud is the host of the Cost of Living on CBC Radio One. Prior to the CBC he worked at Dow Jones News, the Financial Post, and the Calgary Herald. He has also ghost written two Canadian non-fiction bestselling books, including Gordie Howe's autobiography, Mr. Hockey: My Story.

]]> Sat, 1 Jan 2022 10:20:28 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/paul-haavardsrud-iD2nBYjl Paul Haavardsrud is the host of the Cost of Living on CBC Radio One. Prior to the CBC he worked at Dow Jones News, the Financial Post, and the Calgary Herald. He has also ghost written two Canadian non-fiction bestselling books, including Gordie Howe's autobiography, Mr. Hockey: My Story.

]]> Language Matters Gina Ko 00:55:44 Paul shares that he is biracial as his mom is Chinese and his dad is Norwegian. He talks about how sometimes feels he does not belong to either culture, and how there has been a loss of the Cantonese language in his family. He notes how he wants his children to know more about his Chinese heritage. He thinks language matters and that people need to be thoughtful about the words they use. Paul shares that he is biracial as his mom is Chinese and his dad is Norwegian. He talks about how sometimes feels he does not belong to either culture, and how there has been a loss of the Cantonese language in his family. He notes how he wants his children to know more about his Chinese heritage. He thinks language matters and that people need to be thoughtful about the words they use. false full 29 3e6c5b42-54a2-4a61-b9c7-a3efd5674a25 From Performative Action to Real Action Lena is a school teacher in Calgary and a PhD student in Adult Education and Community Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Born in Kazakhstan when it was still part of the Soviet Union, Lena comes from a Russian and Korean family. Being of mixed race ancestry, she is interested in learning about lateral racism and how mixed race people are racialized in various contexts and through various race theorizations that often employ a monoracial lens. In her work, Lena is interested in examining schools as workplaces where everyday interactions between staff are acknowledged as being products of deep sociohistorical conditioning. Over the years, Lena co-led a number of counter-hegemonic projects with her students that involved art, drama, dance, and plants as forms of resistance against colonial ideologies.

]]> Sat, 18 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/lena-shulyakovskaya-Cu9KOBS4 Lena is a school teacher in Calgary and a PhD student in Adult Education and Community Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Born in Kazakhstan when it was still part of the Soviet Union, Lena comes from a Russian and Korean family. Being of mixed race ancestry, she is interested in learning about lateral racism and how mixed race people are racialized in various contexts and through various race theorizations that often employ a monoracial lens. In her work, Lena is interested in examining schools as workplaces where everyday interactions between staff are acknowledged as being products of deep sociohistorical conditioning. Over the years, Lena co-led a number of counter-hegemonic projects with her students that involved art, drama, dance, and plants as forms of resistance against colonial ideologies.

]]> From Performative Action to Real Action Gina Ko 00:39:09 Lena shares her experience of coming to Canada from Kazakhstan and she is of mixed race - Russian and Korean. She notes how people would keep asking her “where are you from,” “what are you?” and how these questions can be offensive. She voices the importance of moving beyond performative action to real action in order to resist colonial ideologies. Lena shares her experience of coming to Canada from Kazakhstan and she is of mixed race - Russian and Korean. She notes how people would keep asking her “where are you from,” “what are you?” and how these questions can be offensive. She voices the importance of moving beyond performative action to real action in order to resist colonial ideologies. false full 28 86635f02-7c73-4878-896e-4759ef938cd7 Awareness of Being Different Nina is a Registered Psychologist who helps people heal and grow from stress, trauma, burnout, compassion fatigue, PTSD, loss, and grief. She specializes in working with people who have experienced childhood, developmental, physical, and sexual trauma and may be reliving past wounds. She has a background working in community and feminist organizations and in post-secondary counselling services. Nina also works with health care providers and first responders who may be experiencing work-related stress or trauma. She takes a feminist and relational approach to therapy. Nina currently works in private practice with clients in Alberta and can be contacted at nina@transcendpsychological.com
 


 

]]> Sat, 4 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/nina-sangra-zY7hfz_a Nina is a Registered Psychologist who helps people heal and grow from stress, trauma, burnout, compassion fatigue, PTSD, loss, and grief. She specializes in working with people who have experienced childhood, developmental, physical, and sexual trauma and may be reliving past wounds. She has a background working in community and feminist organizations and in post-secondary counselling services. Nina also works with health care providers and first responders who may be experiencing work-related stress or trauma. She takes a feminist and relational approach to therapy. Nina currently works in private practice with clients in Alberta and can be contacted at nina@transcendpsychological.com
 


 

]]> Awareness of Being Different Gina Ko 00:38:28 Nina talks about how she was born in Toronto, grew up in Grand Prairie, Alberta and her parents are immigrants from India, Kenya, and England. She had an awareness of being different. She shares her experience as a Registered Psychologist and voices how it is important to explore with clients their cultural and generational differences in understanding mental health. She adds the significance of decolonizing academic institutions to provide counselling in different ways that is more culturally appropriate. Nina talks about how she was born in Toronto, grew up in Grand Prairie, Alberta and her parents are immigrants from India, Kenya, and England. She had an awareness of being different. She shares her experience as a Registered Psychologist and voices how it is important to explore with clients their cultural and generational differences in understanding mental health. She adds the significance of decolonizing academic institutions to provide counselling in different ways that is more culturally appropriate. false full 27 2489d42c-7050-45da-949a-bbdde5f8e48f Brave Conversations Dr. Sandra Dixon is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and an Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Her program of research addresses culturally sensitive counselling practices among immigrants, cultural identity reconstruction, and ethno-cultural diversity issues including but not limited to the intersectionality of spirituality, class, race, and gender across cultural contexts. She has extensive experience in immigration research, community engagement, social justice, and advocacy. She also brings knowledge and enthusiasm for diverse cultural inclusivity and faith-based frameworks in her work with counsellors-in-training and other helping professionals. She has published a wide range of work that centers around faith, immigration, and multicultural counselling. On a community level, she currently serves on the Boards of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) and Alberta Network of Immigrant Women (ANIW).

 

Host Gina mentions the e-book she published with her colleagues and here is the link to the book:

Ko, G., Collins, S., & Yasynkkyy, Y. (Eds.). (2023). A practical guide for counsellors: Co-creating safe and culturally responsive relational spaces. https://responsiverelationships.pressbooks.com

‍

]]> Sat, 20 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-sandra-dixon-MrSlfm8D Dr. Sandra Dixon is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and an Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Her program of research addresses culturally sensitive counselling practices among immigrants, cultural identity reconstruction, and ethno-cultural diversity issues including but not limited to the intersectionality of spirituality, class, race, and gender across cultural contexts. She has extensive experience in immigration research, community engagement, social justice, and advocacy. She also brings knowledge and enthusiasm for diverse cultural inclusivity and faith-based frameworks in her work with counsellors-in-training and other helping professionals. She has published a wide range of work that centers around faith, immigration, and multicultural counselling. On a community level, she currently serves on the Boards of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) and Alberta Network of Immigrant Women (ANIW).

 

Host Gina mentions the e-book she published with her colleagues and here is the link to the book:

Ko, G., Collins, S., & Yasynkkyy, Y. (Eds.). (2023). A practical guide for counsellors: Co-creating safe and culturally responsive relational spaces. https://responsiverelationships.pressbooks.com

‍

]]> Brave Conversations Gina Ko 00:44:12 Sandra talks about the significance of language such as the word “minority” has connotations of “less than.” She shares that it is important to reflect on how language shapes us. She voices that brave conversations need to be had instead of running away from uncomfortable conversations. Sandra talks about the significance of language such as the word “minority” has connotations of “less than.” She shares that it is important to reflect on how language shapes us. She voices that brave conversations need to be had instead of running away from uncomfortable conversations. false full 26 f4a244d1-8e35-4d3e-aa5e-d72074b31ffa Episode 25: Keep Learning “Hello! I’m Noor, my pronouns are They/Them, and I am a university student majoring in global development studies who is passionate about social justice, direct action, and doing whatever little things we can do to make the lives of others and ourselves better. I enjoy spending my time writing, reading, and spending time with others. Learning about others' lived experiences and how that informs who they are today is one of the greatest privileges I have been given through my education. I hope to learn from others and pass on whatever little I know and have to help create conversations. What guides me every day is the simple wisdom I picked up from the manga series, Kimi ni Todoke, which is to do one single good deed every day. Small actions are what will lead to long-term sustainable change and growth.” 

]]> Sat, 6 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Noor Fatima, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/noor-fatima-mRUqImhq “Hello! I’m Noor, my pronouns are They/Them, and I am a university student majoring in global development studies who is passionate about social justice, direct action, and doing whatever little things we can do to make the lives of others and ourselves better. I enjoy spending my time writing, reading, and spending time with others. Learning about others' lived experiences and how that informs who they are today is one of the greatest privileges I have been given through my education. I hope to learn from others and pass on whatever little I know and have to help create conversations. What guides me every day is the simple wisdom I picked up from the manga series, Kimi ni Todoke, which is to do one single good deed every day. Small actions are what will lead to long-term sustainable change and growth.” 

]]> Episode 25: Keep Learning Noor Fatima, Dr. Gina Ko 00:41:09 Noor shares their experience as an immigrant in Canada and the microaggressions and racism they experienced at school. They talk about their Muslim, non-binary, queer identity and how intersectionality is important. They note how a small, good deed each day can make a difference and how it is important to “keep learning.” Noor shares their experience as an immigrant in Canada and the microaggressions and racism they experienced at school. They talk about their Muslim, non-binary, queer identity and how intersectionality is important. They note how a small, good deed each day can make a difference and how it is important to “keep learning.” false full 25 d40191dd-ea17-438d-8e60-cf34c12cdac6 Asking for Support Can Make a Difference Mohammed Hashim is the Executive Director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and a founding advisor of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network. He also sits on the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Greater Toronto. Mr. Hashim has worked as a labour organizer and human rights advocate for over a decade, dedicating his career to supporting equity, inclusion, and empowering communities. As a senior organizer with the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, Mr. Hashim advocated many anti-racism initiatives, as well as other issues. He is dedicated to developing public policy that addresses systemic discrimination, and has created opportunities for marginalized communities through fellowships and community benefits agreements.

]]> Sat, 23 Oct 2021 20:37:22 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/mohammed-hashim-XyRHx39W Mohammed Hashim is the Executive Director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and a founding advisor of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network. He also sits on the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Greater Toronto. Mr. Hashim has worked as a labour organizer and human rights advocate for over a decade, dedicating his career to supporting equity, inclusion, and empowering communities. As a senior organizer with the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, Mr. Hashim advocated many anti-racism initiatives, as well as other issues. He is dedicated to developing public policy that addresses systemic discrimination, and has created opportunities for marginalized communities through fellowships and community benefits agreements.

]]> Asking for Support Can Make a Difference Gina Ko 00:38:21 Mohammed talks about how incremental change can make greater change. He notes the importance of looking for change and reaching out to those who will provide support. He envisions his 7-year-old son to be a good person and will bounce back in the face of adversity. Mohammed talks about how incremental change can make greater change. He notes the importance of looking for change and reaching out to those who will provide support. He envisions his 7-year-old son to be a good person and will bounce back in the face of adversity. false full 24 d7eb8c1c-8773-429f-a625-0546f1e6e263 Model Minority to Threat Dr. Maisha Syeda, Ph.D., C.Psych. is a registered clinical, school, and counselling psychologist in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Syeda researches the implementation, scale-out, and evaluation of community-and-school-based interventions to enhance the resilience and mental health of newcomer youth and families. Her research draws from the principles of community-based participatory action research and trauma-informed care to advance equity-oriented mental health care policies. Additionally, she is interested in developing and evaluating curriculum and experiential training to build mental health professionals’ and trainees’ capacity to provide equity-oriented and culturally responsive care with diverse populations. 

Dr. Syeda is a postdoctoral associate at the Centre for School Mental Health and an adjunct professor at Western University. Along with her research portfolio, she is teaching in the School and Applied Child Psychology program at Western and provides research and clinical supervision to graduate students. Dr. Syeda also holds a clinical position at Toronto Psychology Centre and provides therapy for complex mental health conditions with children and youth.

]]> Sat, 9 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Maisha Syeda) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-maisha-syeda-R1jlpePf Dr. Maisha Syeda, Ph.D., C.Psych. is a registered clinical, school, and counselling psychologist in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Syeda researches the implementation, scale-out, and evaluation of community-and-school-based interventions to enhance the resilience and mental health of newcomer youth and families. Her research draws from the principles of community-based participatory action research and trauma-informed care to advance equity-oriented mental health care policies. Additionally, she is interested in developing and evaluating curriculum and experiential training to build mental health professionals’ and trainees’ capacity to provide equity-oriented and culturally responsive care with diverse populations. 

Dr. Syeda is a postdoctoral associate at the Centre for School Mental Health and an adjunct professor at Western University. Along with her research portfolio, she is teaching in the School and Applied Child Psychology program at Western and provides research and clinical supervision to graduate students. Dr. Syeda also holds a clinical position at Toronto Psychology Centre and provides therapy for complex mental health conditions with children and youth.

]]> Model Minority to Threat Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Maisha Syeda 00:56:57 Maisha shares her experience growing up in Canada as an immigrant from Bangladesh. She talks about her work as a Certified Psychologist in Ontario and the importance of seeing youth as strong and resilient; yet the systems of racism, oppression, and marginalization need to change in order for racialized youth to thrive. She notes how once someone no longer experiences her as a model minority, then they may perceive her as a threat. Maisha shares her experience growing up in Canada as an immigrant from Bangladesh. She talks about her work as a Certified Psychologist in Ontario and the importance of seeing youth as strong and resilient; yet the systems of racism, oppression, and marginalization need to change in order for racialized youth to thrive. She notes how once someone no longer experiences her as a model minority, then they may perceive her as a threat. false full 23 68de6a46-e12c-44ea-9d09-aab4ac249c8a Love Yourself and Love Others Darren Rea (last name pronounced "Ray") is currently a fourth-year university student at Haskayne School of Business majoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Darren is active in leadership development practices and other means of developing oneself mentally, spiritually and socially. Darren is also an artist who creates paintings, poetry and other works and currently has paintings on display in downtown Calgary and in other local galleries. He has Cree Métis ancestry within him and feels as though this influences his art, spirituality, and life. Darren is happy and grateful to join in this important conversation and feels as though he may have some good insights to share. From Darren himself – "Thank you for this opportunity to share and give offerings." 

 

He is an artist in Calgary: www.newlove.space. He also mentions his friend’s Amanda’s, my niece’s, artwork: https://beacons.page/apchauart

]]> Sat, 25 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Darren Rea) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/darren-rea-SKZVJ2uL Darren Rea (last name pronounced "Ray") is currently a fourth-year university student at Haskayne School of Business majoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Darren is active in leadership development practices and other means of developing oneself mentally, spiritually and socially. Darren is also an artist who creates paintings, poetry and other works and currently has paintings on display in downtown Calgary and in other local galleries. He has Cree Métis ancestry within him and feels as though this influences his art, spirituality, and life. Darren is happy and grateful to join in this important conversation and feels as though he may have some good insights to share. From Darren himself – "Thank you for this opportunity to share and give offerings." 

 

He is an artist in Calgary: www.newlove.space. He also mentions his friend’s Amanda’s, my niece’s, artwork: https://beacons.page/apchauart

]]> Love Yourself and Love Others Dr. Gina Ko, Darren Rea 00:36:08 Darren talks about the importance of love and kindness. He shares that “truth and reconciliation” is not a one-day event and rather a daily immersion in living truth and reconciliation. Darren talks about the importance of love and kindness. He shares that “truth and reconciliation” is not a one-day event and rather a daily immersion in living truth and reconciliation. false full 22 9774e7ea-debf-4b12-85a6-e0a7e7a565f0 Moral Courage Albert was appointed Citizenship Judge by the Government of Canada in June 2014. As an independent decision-maker, Judge Wong conducts hearings and presides over citizenship ceremonies in the Greater Toronto Area. Judge Wong had over thirty-nine years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces. He served in various public affairs positions with the military across Canada; on a UN peacekeeping mission in Eritrea and Ethiopia; with a multi-national headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark; and with a Strategic Advisory Team in Afghanistan. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He also served as the Chief Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from April 2013 to December 2020. He was awarded the Vice-Regal commendation in 2014. 

Judge Wong is a 2012 recipient of the Chinese Canadian Legend Award, the 2015 Transformation Award for Public Service, the 2015 NAAAP 100 Award by the North American Association of Asian Professionals, and the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cambridge Food & Wine Society. He was named the 2016 Person of the Year by the Transformation Magazine. 

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Judge Wong emigrated to Canada in 1971. An active community volunteer, Albert has made valuable leadership contributions to several organizations including as Chair of the Mississauga Board of Chinese Professionals and Businesses (CPB) and currently supports various other community boards and organizations. 

]]> Sat, 18 Sep 2021 16:52:26 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Albert Wong) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/albert-wong-dpl_odXZ Albert was appointed Citizenship Judge by the Government of Canada in June 2014. As an independent decision-maker, Judge Wong conducts hearings and presides over citizenship ceremonies in the Greater Toronto Area. Judge Wong had over thirty-nine years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces. He served in various public affairs positions with the military across Canada; on a UN peacekeeping mission in Eritrea and Ethiopia; with a multi-national headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark; and with a Strategic Advisory Team in Afghanistan. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He also served as the Chief Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from April 2013 to December 2020. He was awarded the Vice-Regal commendation in 2014. 

Judge Wong is a 2012 recipient of the Chinese Canadian Legend Award, the 2015 Transformation Award for Public Service, the 2015 NAAAP 100 Award by the North American Association of Asian Professionals, and the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cambridge Food & Wine Society. He was named the 2016 Person of the Year by the Transformation Magazine. 

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Judge Wong emigrated to Canada in 1971. An active community volunteer, Albert has made valuable leadership contributions to several organizations including as Chair of the Mississauga Board of Chinese Professionals and Businesses (CPB) and currently supports various other community boards and organizations. 

]]> Moral Courage Dr. Gina Ko, Albert Wong 00:47:41 Albert shares his military journey, his experience as a citizenship judge, and the kind of world he would like to see for his children and the next generations. He talks about the importance of moral courage and getting to know our First Nations brothers, sisters, and friends. Albert shares his military journey, his experience as a citizenship judge, and the kind of world he would like to see for his children and the next generations. He talks about the importance of moral courage and getting to know our First Nations brothers, sisters, and friends. false full 21 e1a96650-44ae-4a61-a2e2-56a11c857c61 International Doctoral Student Speaks out Against Anti-Asian Racism Charles Cong Xu was born in Wuhan, China, and grew up in the midwestern U.S. (Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana). Through his studies, he also lived in Boston, Hong Kong, Netherlands, France, California, Sweden, and now Canada. He did my undergrad in Environmental Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, masters in Evolutionary Biology through the Erasmus Mundus Masters Programme in Europe at the University of Groningen, the University of Montpellier, and Uppsala University, and currently doing his Ph.D. at the Redpath Museum and Department of Biology at McGill University in Montreal.

His research lies at the intersection between genetics and the environment where he uses DNA to discover, study, and protect biodiversity from small microbes to big endangered animals. He is also the founder of STEMM Diversity at McGill (https://www.stemmdiversity.com/), a student-led initiative to promote greater equity, inclusion, and diversity within the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine. He has also recently become heavily involved with anti-Asian racism activism after a hate incident experienced earlier this year

 

]]> Sat, 11 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Charles Cong Xu, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/charles-xu-p0s31duX Charles Cong Xu was born in Wuhan, China, and grew up in the midwestern U.S. (Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana). Through his studies, he also lived in Boston, Hong Kong, Netherlands, France, California, Sweden, and now Canada. He did my undergrad in Environmental Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, masters in Evolutionary Biology through the Erasmus Mundus Masters Programme in Europe at the University of Groningen, the University of Montpellier, and Uppsala University, and currently doing his Ph.D. at the Redpath Museum and Department of Biology at McGill University in Montreal.

His research lies at the intersection between genetics and the environment where he uses DNA to discover, study, and protect biodiversity from small microbes to big endangered animals. He is also the founder of STEMM Diversity at McGill (https://www.stemmdiversity.com/), a student-led initiative to promote greater equity, inclusion, and diversity within the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine. He has also recently become heavily involved with anti-Asian racism activism after a hate incident experienced earlier this year

 

]]> International Doctoral Student Speaks out Against Anti-Asian Racism Charles Cong Xu, Dr. Gina Ko 00:46:04 Charles talks about how it is not uncommon for him to experience racism and shares a racially motivated hate incident in Montreal. He notes the importance of reporting hate crimes. He shares the significance of cultivating understanding and temper the extremes. Charles talks about how it is not uncommon for him to experience racism and shares a racially motivated hate incident in Montreal. He notes the importance of reporting hate crimes. He shares the significance of cultivating understanding and temper the extremes. false full 20 e1620481-9cf3-4064-9369-323577778828 Small Steps Can Make Big Change Monica Sesma, Ph.D., RSW, RMFT (She/Ella) is a social constructionist-oriented family therapist, educator, supervisor, and researcher. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Werklund School of Education and sessional instructor and the Academic Coordinator of the Couple and Family Therapy Program at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary. Monica practices at the Eastside Community Mental Health Services and the Calgary Family Therapy Centre as a therapist and supervisor. Her primary therapeutic and research interest focuses on relational and systemic work with immigrants, refugees, and newcomers. She pursued studies (Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D.) in Psychology at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and Universidad de las Americas, and completed a Master’s in Social Work with clinical specialization at the University of Calgary. Monica is a Board Member of the Taos Institute and the Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

]]> Sat, 4 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-monica-sesma-PM8flX2y Monica Sesma, Ph.D., RSW, RMFT (She/Ella) is a social constructionist-oriented family therapist, educator, supervisor, and researcher. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Werklund School of Education and sessional instructor and the Academic Coordinator of the Couple and Family Therapy Program at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary. Monica practices at the Eastside Community Mental Health Services and the Calgary Family Therapy Centre as a therapist and supervisor. Her primary therapeutic and research interest focuses on relational and systemic work with immigrants, refugees, and newcomers. She pursued studies (Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D.) in Psychology at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and Universidad de las Americas, and completed a Master’s in Social Work with clinical specialization at the University of Calgary. Monica is a Board Member of the Taos Institute and the Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

]]> Small Steps Can Make Big Change Gina Ko 00:39:14 Monica shares her family’s experience of moving from Mexico to Canada. She notes how she still continuously faces racism in the workplace and beyond. She talks about what she wants for her children and how smalls steps can make a difference. Monica shares her family’s experience of moving from Mexico to Canada. She notes how she still continuously faces racism in the workplace and beyond. She talks about what she wants for her children and how smalls steps can make a difference. false full 19 5fca4c0d-2784-431a-819f-288037d9c5c1 Intersectionality Matters Bo is a Chinese immigrant currently living in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Like many other queer, non-binary, folks of colour, Bo navigates the intersectionalities of race, gender and sexuality on a daily basis whether it be at their work or within community. Bo is an organizer with The Hue, an Edmonton based community collective working to build a just future for QTBIPOC+ folks.

]]> Sat, 28 Aug 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/bo-zhang-zMUPl430 Bo is a Chinese immigrant currently living in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Like many other queer, non-binary, folks of colour, Bo navigates the intersectionalities of race, gender and sexuality on a daily basis whether it be at their work or within community. Bo is an organizer with The Hue, an Edmonton based community collective working to build a just future for QTBIPOC+ folks.

]]> Intersectionality Matters Gina Ko 00:41:46 Bo talks about the importance of intersectionality and shares their journey of their non binary identity. They express the importance of having conversations about anti-racism, queerness, and activism because it takes a collective to make change. Bo talks about the importance of intersectionality and shares their journey of their non binary identity. They express the importance of having conversations about anti-racism, queerness, and activism because it takes a collective to make change. false full 18 d37989d8-b03c-4e93-9a33-67b02c48178b Moving Forward by Reflecting Inwards Dr. Fouzia Usman is an Educational Development Consultant at the University of Calgary and works to advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across the university’s teaching and learning communities. This involves collaborating with individuals and groups on incorporating EDI values and principles, including anti-racism practices, in postsecondary teaching and learning contexts. She has spent the last 15 years immersed in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within an educational context (K-12 and postsecondary) as a researcher, educator and consultant. Identifying as an "Anti-Oppression" educator herself, Fouzia has taught at the post-secondary level focusing on topics such as social justice and diversity for learning. Her doctoral research focused on inclusion within Dubai’s educational system, whereby she provided guidance to reshape administrators’ and policymakers’ perceptions of inclusion practices for students with specific learning needs. Fouzia has an interest in promoting anti-oppression pedagogical practices at the postsecondary level and her research interests include decolonization of curriculum, combatting Islamophobia, anti-oppression pedagogy, equity and inclusivity in teaching and learning, and intercultural competency among faculty members. Within the community, Fouzia currently serves as a member on the Calgary Police Services Anti-Racism Action committee.

]]> Sat, 21 Aug 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Fouzia Usman) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-fouzia-usman-cHafgTgt Dr. Fouzia Usman is an Educational Development Consultant at the University of Calgary and works to advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives across the university’s teaching and learning communities. This involves collaborating with individuals and groups on incorporating EDI values and principles, including anti-racism practices, in postsecondary teaching and learning contexts. She has spent the last 15 years immersed in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within an educational context (K-12 and postsecondary) as a researcher, educator and consultant. Identifying as an "Anti-Oppression" educator herself, Fouzia has taught at the post-secondary level focusing on topics such as social justice and diversity for learning. Her doctoral research focused on inclusion within Dubai’s educational system, whereby she provided guidance to reshape administrators’ and policymakers’ perceptions of inclusion practices for students with specific learning needs. Fouzia has an interest in promoting anti-oppression pedagogical practices at the postsecondary level and her research interests include decolonization of curriculum, combatting Islamophobia, anti-oppression pedagogy, equity and inclusivity in teaching and learning, and intercultural competency among faculty members. Within the community, Fouzia currently serves as a member on the Calgary Police Services Anti-Racism Action committee.

]]> Moving Forward by Reflecting Inwards Dr. Gina Ko, Dr. Fouzia Usman 00:51:42 Fouzia talks about the importance of being aware of power and privilege. She notes that power exists in many spaces and it is the abuse of power that is problematic. She shares the value of looking inward as a starting point to reflect on what happens outward. Fouzia talks about the importance of being aware of power and privilege. She notes that power exists in many spaces and it is the abuse of power that is problematic. She shares the value of looking inward as a starting point to reflect on what happens outward. false full 17 d49675af-b1ff-4c9f-a495-b3f47d23d526 Bullying and Conformity Angela How is an alumna of the UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television. Her films have played in many festivals, including the Stockholm International Film Festival, Torino Film Festival, Short Shorts Asia, and at the United Nations. She was also a past Film Independent Project Involve Fellow. Angela How's film 'BULLIED' has been picked up by Gravitas Ventures for digital distribution in N. America/world, releasing on 1st June 2021. An 80 min film, 'Bullied' tells the tale of 12-year-old Charlotte who, despite her best efforts to stand up for herself, continues to be tormented by Brenda the bully. When attacked in the park late one night, Charlotte fights back hard, knocking Brenda to the ground. The bully falls, hits her head, and stops moving. Charlotte is suddenly in crisis mode - she must now hide the

body, or face the consequences of her action.

 

It's a psychological thriller about children and a cautionary tale to the bully. It advocates antibullying, and the empowerment of young girls. The film also features a majority female cast and a predominantly Asian Australian main cast, including incredible performances from

Jacinta Klassen as Charlotte and Lulu Fitz as Brenda. Bullied also addresses the wider issue of Asian hate crime which has surged during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trailer available -

 www.rocksugarmovie.com

]]> Sat, 14 Aug 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, angela how) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/angela-how-MbfcM2gk Angela How is an alumna of the UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television. Her films have played in many festivals, including the Stockholm International Film Festival, Torino Film Festival, Short Shorts Asia, and at the United Nations. She was also a past Film Independent Project Involve Fellow. Angela How's film 'BULLIED' has been picked up by Gravitas Ventures for digital distribution in N. America/world, releasing on 1st June 2021. An 80 min film, 'Bullied' tells the tale of 12-year-old Charlotte who, despite her best efforts to stand up for herself, continues to be tormented by Brenda the bully. When attacked in the park late one night, Charlotte fights back hard, knocking Brenda to the ground. The bully falls, hits her head, and stops moving. Charlotte is suddenly in crisis mode - she must now hide the

body, or face the consequences of her action.

 

It's a psychological thriller about children and a cautionary tale to the bully. It advocates antibullying, and the empowerment of young girls. The film also features a majority female cast and a predominantly Asian Australian main cast, including incredible performances from

Jacinta Klassen as Charlotte and Lulu Fitz as Brenda. Bullied also addresses the wider issue of Asian hate crime which has surged during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trailer available -

 www.rocksugarmovie.com

]]> Bullying and Conformity Dr. Gina Ko, angela how 00:31:01 Angela discusses the film she made titled, “Rocksugar” and it is about a young girl being bullied due to not conforming. She shares how there seems to be a pecking order in our society and wonders about the reasons why. Angela discusses the film she made titled, “Rocksugar” and it is about a young girl being bullied due to not conforming. She shares how there seems to be a pecking order in our society and wonders about the reasons why. racism, asian australian, art false full 16 deb5adad-2abc-48ee-9ac4-017c1ef2efba From Apartheid to Ubuntu: A Personal Journey of Triumph over Racism Zuraida was a child of apartheid South Africa. She lived in South Africa until immigrating to Canada in 2006.  She has the lived experience of being an anti apartheid activist as well as being part of the first wave of BIPOC intelligencia to transform South Africa to a democracy. Her lived experience of living under racism and helping to transform South Africa to a democracy has forged her passion for social justice. She considers herself to be a social justice advocate in all avenues of life, be it advocating and petitioning for social and legal changes at a macro level (such as changing legislation, changing organisation policies and procedures) to individual level (micro level change) by helping her clients to connect with their inner selves and their inner strengths and building their resiliency to deal with day to day challenges. She is a licenced psychologist in Alberta, Ontario and in South Africa.  She shared university classes with Winnie Mandela and shared the same alma maters as Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

]]> Sat, 7 Aug 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Zuraida Dada) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/zuraida-dada-fPxeMgZc Zuraida was a child of apartheid South Africa. She lived in South Africa until immigrating to Canada in 2006.  She has the lived experience of being an anti apartheid activist as well as being part of the first wave of BIPOC intelligencia to transform South Africa to a democracy. Her lived experience of living under racism and helping to transform South Africa to a democracy has forged her passion for social justice. She considers herself to be a social justice advocate in all avenues of life, be it advocating and petitioning for social and legal changes at a macro level (such as changing legislation, changing organisation policies and procedures) to individual level (micro level change) by helping her clients to connect with their inner selves and their inner strengths and building their resiliency to deal with day to day challenges. She is a licenced psychologist in Alberta, Ontario and in South Africa.  She shared university classes with Winnie Mandela and shared the same alma maters as Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

]]> From Apartheid to Ubuntu: A Personal Journey of Triumph over Racism Dr. Gina Ko, Zuraida Dada 00:40:26 Zuraida shares her experience growing up in South Africa and how she was treated with segregation and racism. She stayed resilient in the face of injustice and lives by UBUNTU, which is a group and community acknowledgement of the role played in racism and to be an ally in this regard. She notes we are all interconnected. Zuraida shares her experience growing up in South Africa and how she was treated with segregation and racism. She stayed resilient in the face of injustice and lives by UBUNTU, which is a group and community acknowledgement of the role played in racism and to be an ally in this regard. She notes we are all interconnected. racism, south africa false full 15 6a9ceee3-0820-4008-9e83-36b74b975b50 Over 10,000 Experiences with Racism: Believe it or not? Daniel has been a Deputy Minister with the Federal Government, at Parks Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, at Western Economic Diversification, and as the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Government of Canada.  He is the first-ever federal Deputy Minister to be of Chinese-Canadian ancestry, a fact about which he is very proud.  Daniel lives in Edmonton. He has lived in 6 provinces and territories, he grew up speaking both French and English, has never spoken English to his children, and has never spoken French to his wife.  He was adopted by the descendants of Scottish and English immigrants to Canada but was born to a Chinese-Canadian father and a mother descended from Irish immigrants. He is a pilot, a motorcycle rider, has sung in a Philharmonic Choir, and practices target shooting.

 

 Further, here are 3 documents in English, French, and Mandarin as Daniel responds to Rex Murphy’s questions on racism in Canada:

]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Daniel Quan Watson, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/daniel-quan-watson-zbd29EgB Daniel has been a Deputy Minister with the Federal Government, at Parks Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, at Western Economic Diversification, and as the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Government of Canada.  He is the first-ever federal Deputy Minister to be of Chinese-Canadian ancestry, a fact about which he is very proud.  Daniel lives in Edmonton. He has lived in 6 provinces and territories, he grew up speaking both French and English, has never spoken English to his children, and has never spoken French to his wife.  He was adopted by the descendants of Scottish and English immigrants to Canada but was born to a Chinese-Canadian father and a mother descended from Irish immigrants. He is a pilot, a motorcycle rider, has sung in a Philharmonic Choir, and practices target shooting.

 

 Further, here are 3 documents in English, French, and Mandarin as Daniel responds to Rex Murphy’s questions on racism in Canada:

]]> Over 10,000 Experiences with Racism: Believe it or not? Daniel Quan Watson, Dr. Gina Ko 00:49:49 Daniel shares that he has had over 10,000 experiences of racism starting when he was a child. He states that he was told he cannot board a flight as the personnel did not believe him to be a Canadian and he carried a Canadian diplomatic passport. People would assume he is hotel staff because of racial profiling. Listen to Daniel’s calls for action and enact more hope by having difficult conversations about racism. Daniel shares that he has had over 10,000 experiences of racism starting when he was a child. He states that he was told he cannot board a flight as the personnel did not believe him to be a Canadian and he carried a Canadian diplomatic passport. People would assume he is hotel staff because of racial profiling. Listen to Daniel’s calls for action and enact more hope by having difficult conversations about racism. racism, canada, government false full 14 0efb0bc8-7d04-4d6a-bdcf-ff42b33cea91 Save Our Chinatowns Karen Cho is a filmmaker of mixed heritage known for her socially-engaged documentaries, TV and web series. Karen’s work has touched on subjects like the Chinese Head Tax, refugees, women’s rights, Indigenous health, Japanese Canadian Internment, Vancouver’s downtown east side and artist activists around the world. In 2018, Karen was nominated for a Best Directing Canadian Screen Award for her work on CBC’s Interrupt This Program.  Karen is currently working on a film about endangered Chinatowns in North America with documentary production company EyeSteelFilm.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3651034/

 

]]> Sat, 24 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Karen Cho, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/save-our-chinatowns-7QoTxzBh Karen Cho is a filmmaker of mixed heritage known for her socially-engaged documentaries, TV and web series. Karen’s work has touched on subjects like the Chinese Head Tax, refugees, women’s rights, Indigenous health, Japanese Canadian Internment, Vancouver’s downtown east side and artist activists around the world. In 2018, Karen was nominated for a Best Directing Canadian Screen Award for her work on CBC’s Interrupt This Program.  Karen is currently working on a film about endangered Chinatowns in North America with documentary production company EyeSteelFilm.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3651034/

 

]]> Save Our Chinatowns Karen Cho, Dr. Gina Ko 00:45:53 Karen shares her experience as a documentary filmmaker and her first film titled, “On the Shadows of Gold Mountain.” As a biracial woman, she notes the intersections of her identity and how she has arrived as a socially just filmmaker. She talks about the importance of knowing history and being involved in present-day activism to dismantle systemic racism and oppression. Karen shares her experience as a documentary filmmaker and her first film titled, “On the Shadows of Gold Mountain.” As a biracial woman, she notes the intersections of her identity and how she has arrived as a socially just filmmaker. She talks about the importance of knowing history and being involved in present-day activism to dismantle systemic racism and oppression. false full 13 43e6e43f-1e11-497a-bbe4-29132b4ebdc4 Living Within Three Cultures Serena Mah has an impressive career as an award winning journalist with two Canadian networks, CTV and CBC, and she is an entrepreneur. She founded her own public relations, media and communications consulting firm in 2016. Over the past year, she has focused on anti-racism and human rights work with organizations locally, provincially and nationally. She brings extensive experience in advocacy, storytelling and media relations to her clients, who are entrepreneurs, not for profit organizations and community leaders. Serena is adaptable, calm under pressure, curious, a critical thinker and a polished storyteller. She hosts a podcast to share the inspiring stores of humanity titled, “Untold Stories”: https://serenamah.com/untold-stories.

]]> Sat, 17 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Serena Mah, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/serena-rwLc_c4F Serena Mah has an impressive career as an award winning journalist with two Canadian networks, CTV and CBC, and she is an entrepreneur. She founded her own public relations, media and communications consulting firm in 2016. Over the past year, she has focused on anti-racism and human rights work with organizations locally, provincially and nationally. She brings extensive experience in advocacy, storytelling and media relations to her clients, who are entrepreneurs, not for profit organizations and community leaders. Serena is adaptable, calm under pressure, curious, a critical thinker and a polished storyteller. She hosts a podcast to share the inspiring stores of humanity titled, “Untold Stories”: https://serenamah.com/untold-stories.

]]> Living Within Three Cultures Serena Mah, Dr. Gina Ko 00:39:28 Serena shares her experience growing up in a northern community and how she felt not Asian enough. As a mom, she notes the importance of talking to children about racism. As a former journalist, she talks about being the only Asian in the room. Presently, she has a consulting business whereby she can build her own foundation and part of it is anti-racism work. Serena shares her experience growing up in a northern community and how she felt not Asian enough. As a mom, she notes the importance of talking to children about racism. As a former journalist, she talks about being the only Asian in the room. Presently, she has a consulting business whereby she can build her own foundation and part of it is anti-racism work. false full 12 3f7677b0-d3f7-4792-9fd5-0040e20a2692 Discomfort Versus Safety in Conversations Pertaining to Racism Djaka Blais-Amare (she/her) is the Director, Grants and Racial Equity Strategy with Calgary Foundation. In this new role, Djaka guides the Calgary Foundation through an ongoing journey towards a Racial Equity Culture, defined by Equity in the Centre as one that is focused on proactive counteraction of race inequities inside and outside an organization. The Calgary Foundation’s racial equity journey closely intersects and builds on our Reconciliation Journey. She also works collaboratively with the Grants Team to deliver a broad range of grantmaking activities, including, supporting community partners through the process of developing project concepts and proposals for the Community Grants Program. She also fosters partnerships with community stakeholders and other funders and assists organizations through capacity building advice.

Before joining Calgary Foundation, Djaka worked for several years with the federal government where she administered a variety of funding programs, including the Official Languages Program, Multiculturalism Program and Settlement Programs.

Djaka is currently a fellow with the Justice Funders Harmony Initiative and a founding member of the Foundation for Black Communities, the first philanthropic foundation for Black communities in Canada.  

Djaka was born on unceded Indigenous lands on the Island of Tiohtiá:ke or Montréal and now lives, works, and plays in Moh’kinsstis or Calgary with her husband and two boys and enjoys travelling with them whenever possible.  

 

]]> Sat, 10 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko, Djaka Blais-Amare) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/djaka-tB8CBRia Djaka Blais-Amare (she/her) is the Director, Grants and Racial Equity Strategy with Calgary Foundation. In this new role, Djaka guides the Calgary Foundation through an ongoing journey towards a Racial Equity Culture, defined by Equity in the Centre as one that is focused on proactive counteraction of race inequities inside and outside an organization. The Calgary Foundation’s racial equity journey closely intersects and builds on our Reconciliation Journey. She also works collaboratively with the Grants Team to deliver a broad range of grantmaking activities, including, supporting community partners through the process of developing project concepts and proposals for the Community Grants Program. She also fosters partnerships with community stakeholders and other funders and assists organizations through capacity building advice.

Before joining Calgary Foundation, Djaka worked for several years with the federal government where she administered a variety of funding programs, including the Official Languages Program, Multiculturalism Program and Settlement Programs.

Djaka is currently a fellow with the Justice Funders Harmony Initiative and a founding member of the Foundation for Black Communities, the first philanthropic foundation for Black communities in Canada.  

Djaka was born on unceded Indigenous lands on the Island of Tiohtiá:ke or Montréal and now lives, works, and plays in Moh’kinsstis or Calgary with her husband and two boys and enjoys travelling with them whenever possible.  

 

]]> Discomfort Versus Safety in Conversations Pertaining to Racism Dr. Gina Ko, Djaka Blais-Amare 00:42:33 Djaka talks about the importance of educating oneself and the significance of self-care due to emotional labour when addressing racism. She explains the difference between discomfort and safety when someone hears that their words and actions are considered racist. Djaka talks about the importance of educating oneself and the significance of self-care due to emotional labour when addressing racism. She explains the difference between discomfort and safety when someone hears that their words and actions are considered racist. racism, safety false full 11 af746b84-1930-43e4-8776-136d7b6b0665 Stories of Racism from the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway Lawyer Walter Chi Yan Tom is the principal partner of a law firm specializing in immigration and business law but his real passion is community activism.  Among his numerous volunteer activities, Lawyer Tom has been an executive board member and advisor of more than a dozen community and professional organizations, such as: the Federation of Chinese Canadian Professionals-Quebec, the Chinese Canadian National Council, the Federation of Filipino-Canadian Association of Quebec, Pinay, the Nigerian Association of Canada,  the Centre for Research Action and Race Relations, the Canadian Bar Association- Quebec Immigration section, the American Association of Jurists- continental section, the Montreal Mayor’s Foundation for Youth,  a City of Montreal advisor on municipal policies on economic development, immigration and integration of ethnocultural communities.

]]> Sat, 3 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Walter Chi Yan Tom, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/stories-of-racism-from-the-building-of-the-canadian-pacific-railway-w5fvLsUt Lawyer Walter Chi Yan Tom is the principal partner of a law firm specializing in immigration and business law but his real passion is community activism.  Among his numerous volunteer activities, Lawyer Tom has been an executive board member and advisor of more than a dozen community and professional organizations, such as: the Federation of Chinese Canadian Professionals-Quebec, the Chinese Canadian National Council, the Federation of Filipino-Canadian Association of Quebec, Pinay, the Nigerian Association of Canada,  the Centre for Research Action and Race Relations, the Canadian Bar Association- Quebec Immigration section, the American Association of Jurists- continental section, the Montreal Mayor’s Foundation for Youth,  a City of Montreal advisor on municipal policies on economic development, immigration and integration of ethnocultural communities.

]]> Stories of Racism from the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway Walter Chi Yan Tom, Dr. Gina Ko 00:50:33 Walter shares the history of the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the racism and injustice Chinese people have lived through to survive. He shares how there are laws that work against Asians at that time and for many years. Walter shares the history of the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the racism and injustice Chinese people have lived through to survive. He shares how there are laws that work against Asians at that time and for many years. racism, canadian false full 10 7fe28d70-083d-472b-945e-67e783309fa0 Rather than React, Investigate when Talking about Racism Dr. Gabrielle (nee Weasel Head) Lindstrom, PhD, is from the Kainaiwa First Nation in Southern Alberta. As educational development consultant for Indigenous ways of knowing with the Taylor Institute- University of Calgary, Dr. Lindstrom works closely with leadership for teaching & learning and Indigenous engagement to advance Indigenous ways of knowing in campus teaching and learning communities, cultures and practices. Her teaching background includes instructing in topics around First Nation, Métis and Inuit history and current issues, Indigenous Studies (Canadian and International perspectives), Indigenous cross-cultural approaches, and Indigenous research methods and ethics. Her dissertation research focused on the interplay between trauma and resilience in the postsecondary experiences of Indigenous adult learners. Other research interests include meaningful assessment in higher education, Indigenous homelessness, intercultural parallels in teaching and learning research, Indigenous lived experience of resilience, Indigenous community-based research, parenting assessment tools reform in child welfare, anti-colonial theory and antiracist pedagogy.

]]> Sat, 26 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gabrielle (nee Weasel Head) Lindstrom, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-gabrielle-nee-weasel-head-lindstrom-phd-USfnEsSa Dr. Gabrielle (nee Weasel Head) Lindstrom, PhD, is from the Kainaiwa First Nation in Southern Alberta. As educational development consultant for Indigenous ways of knowing with the Taylor Institute- University of Calgary, Dr. Lindstrom works closely with leadership for teaching & learning and Indigenous engagement to advance Indigenous ways of knowing in campus teaching and learning communities, cultures and practices. Her teaching background includes instructing in topics around First Nation, Métis and Inuit history and current issues, Indigenous Studies (Canadian and International perspectives), Indigenous cross-cultural approaches, and Indigenous research methods and ethics. Her dissertation research focused on the interplay between trauma and resilience in the postsecondary experiences of Indigenous adult learners. Other research interests include meaningful assessment in higher education, Indigenous homelessness, intercultural parallels in teaching and learning research, Indigenous lived experience of resilience, Indigenous community-based research, parenting assessment tools reform in child welfare, anti-colonial theory and antiracist pedagogy.

]]> Rather than React, Investigate when Talking about Racism Dr. Gabrielle (nee Weasel Head) Lindstrom, Dr. Gina Ko 00:45:43 Gabrielle talks about living in one of the largest reserves, the Blood Tribe reserve, in Canada. She and her family experienced racism outside of the reserve and white people would tell her to go back there. She notes her story is one of separateness and division and she does not understand why Indigenous people are so hated. She shares the importance of self-investigation in relation to racism. Gabrielle talks about living in one of the largest reserves, the Blood Tribe reserve, in Canada. She and her family experienced racism outside of the reserve and white people would tell her to go back there. She notes her story is one of separateness and division and she does not understand why Indigenous people are so hated. She shares the importance of self-investigation in relation to racism. racism, indigenous, canada, culture false full 9 9a95599d-4e5f-4a2c-9f71-efb6de608bbe Action & Accountability from Elected Officials Pronouns: she/her

Dr. Sonia Aujla-Bhullar holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Learning with a focus on anti-racism, diversity, inclusion and equity within education. Her current work focuses on multiethnic and anti-racism community engagement between schools and racialized families and students. She has published works that include critical analyses around the experiences of racialized minorities and women in education. She has taught both in the public school system and as an instructor at the University of Calgary.  As an avid volunteer and supporter of community engagement, she has organized both local and national initiatives within the Sikh community and is a board member of the World Sikh Organization. She is also Co-Chair of the South Asian Police Advisory Committee (SAPAC) for the Calgary Police Service, a previous council member of the Government of Alberta inaugural Anti-Racism Advisory Council (AARAC), and current co-chair to the City of Calgary Anti-Racism Action Committee (ARAC).

 

]]> Sat, 19 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/action-accountability-from-elected-officials-9mc4_lhJ Pronouns: she/her

Dr. Sonia Aujla-Bhullar holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Learning with a focus on anti-racism, diversity, inclusion and equity within education. Her current work focuses on multiethnic and anti-racism community engagement between schools and racialized families and students. She has published works that include critical analyses around the experiences of racialized minorities and women in education. She has taught both in the public school system and as an instructor at the University of Calgary.  As an avid volunteer and supporter of community engagement, she has organized both local and national initiatives within the Sikh community and is a board member of the World Sikh Organization. She is also Co-Chair of the South Asian Police Advisory Committee (SAPAC) for the Calgary Police Service, a previous council member of the Government of Alberta inaugural Anti-Racism Advisory Council (AARAC), and current co-chair to the City of Calgary Anti-Racism Action Committee (ARAC).

 

]]> Action & Accountability from Elected Officials Gina Ko 00:38:40 Sonia talks about her experiences of racism whereby she and her young son was told to go back to their country and were threatened with violence. She tried to report it to the police and they said there is not much they could do about it. She urges everyone to take action and reach out to elected officials to be a part of systemic change. Sonia talks about her experiences of racism whereby she and her young son was told to go back to their country and were threatened with violence. She tried to report it to the police and they said there is not much they could do about it. She urges everyone to take action and reach out to elected officials to be a part of systemic change. false full 8 4b05f52e-07d8-4a54-9136-b4e12d1aa88e Change from the Inside Out Dr. Chipo McNichols is a Registered Psychologist who has been drawn to the growing knowledge around neurodevelopment because of personal experience as an African immigrant parent with lived experience, and professional experience working with populations that have, and continue to experience transgenerational traumas. She supports Indigenous communities across the lower mainland of BC, as well as incarcerated adult survivors of childhood trauma. A CityU alumni, she has recently returned to City University in the role of Associate Director for Social Justice and Advocacy, giving back to what she calls one of her communities of learning.  As a psychologist and supervisor for master’s and doctoral level psychology interns, Chipo is committed to practicing and inviting others to expand their scope of clinical practice in ways that seek justice and create culturally safe spaces for non-Eurocentric worldviews.

]]> Sat, 12 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (dr. gina ko, Dr. Chipo McNichols) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/change-from-the-inside-out-xIWRrdp8 Dr. Chipo McNichols is a Registered Psychologist who has been drawn to the growing knowledge around neurodevelopment because of personal experience as an African immigrant parent with lived experience, and professional experience working with populations that have, and continue to experience transgenerational traumas. She supports Indigenous communities across the lower mainland of BC, as well as incarcerated adult survivors of childhood trauma. A CityU alumni, she has recently returned to City University in the role of Associate Director for Social Justice and Advocacy, giving back to what she calls one of her communities of learning.  As a psychologist and supervisor for master’s and doctoral level psychology interns, Chipo is committed to practicing and inviting others to expand their scope of clinical practice in ways that seek justice and create culturally safe spaces for non-Eurocentric worldviews.

]]> Change from the Inside Out dr. gina ko, Dr. Chipo McNichols 00:51:34 Chipo talks about growing up in Zambia and then moved to England for post-secondary education and eventually to Canada to complete her graduate degrees. She shares her lived experiences as a mother and psychologist. She voiced the importance of self-reflection, believing in people when they tell you they have experienced injustice and racism, and providing space for people to process. Chipo talks about growing up in Zambia and then moved to England for post-secondary education and eventually to Canada to complete her graduate degrees. She shares her lived experiences as a mother and psychologist. She voiced the importance of self-reflection, believing in people when they tell you they have experienced injustice and racism, and providing space for people to process. racism, change false full 7 f05b136b-8608-4ab5-9391-a7a5bdb9d76f Racism as Verb Dr. Michael Anthony Hart is a proud citizen of Fisher River Cree Nation in central Turtle Island. In 2018 he moved to the University of Calgary to be the inaugural Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement, and professor in the Faculty of Social Work. Previously, he held a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledges and Social Work through the University of Manitoba from 2012 to 2018. Dr. Hart led the development of the Master of Social Work in Indigenous Knowledges program at the University of Manitoba and was the first Director of the program. His research focuses on Indigenist helping perspectives, theories, and practices. He holds a BSW, MSW, and PhD in Social Work from the University of Manitoba, as well as a BA in Psychology from the University of Manitoba.

 

]]> Sat, 5 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Wong, Dr. Michael Anthony Hart) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/racism-as-verb-7VV98MCb Dr. Michael Anthony Hart is a proud citizen of Fisher River Cree Nation in central Turtle Island. In 2018 he moved to the University of Calgary to be the inaugural Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement, and professor in the Faculty of Social Work. Previously, he held a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledges and Social Work through the University of Manitoba from 2012 to 2018. Dr. Hart led the development of the Master of Social Work in Indigenous Knowledges program at the University of Manitoba and was the first Director of the program. His research focuses on Indigenist helping perspectives, theories, and practices. He holds a BSW, MSW, and PhD in Social Work from the University of Manitoba, as well as a BA in Psychology from the University of Manitoba.

 

]]> Racism as Verb Dr. Gina Wong, Dr. Michael Anthony Hart 00:54:00 Dr. Michael shares his experience as an Indigenous person growing up in Canada. He was raised by a single mother during the 60s scoop and was almost taken away but his mother would not let that happen. Some topics explored are sharing circles, variations within cultures, and cultural genocide. He notes that racism is not a term whereby one is or is not racist. He voiced, “racism is a verb” because it is in how someone behaves, speaks, and acts that convey racism. Dr. Michael shares his experience as an Indigenous person growing up in Canada. He was raised by a single mother during the 60s scoop and was almost taken away but his mother would not let that happen. Some topics explored are sharing circles, variations within cultures, and cultural genocide. He notes that racism is not a term whereby one is or is not racist. He voiced, “racism is a verb” because it is in how someone behaves, speaks, and acts that convey racism. racism, dialogue, indigenous, cultural genocide false full 6 1d8c20cb-90a5-4bdf-afde-ed114fd1fb35 Be kind and get to know people who are from different backgrounds Young In Kim is a Canada Connects program facilitator and a registered social worker at Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, providing settlement and social-emotional support to newcomers by matching them with Canadian-established volunteers in Calgary. Previously, she worked with newcomers directly as a settlement counsellor at the same agency for their settlement and integration into Canadian society. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University. She is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Calgary, providing supervision and mentoring to students during their field practicum. Young In also has work experience in the non-profit sector with seniors with diverse backgrounds in New York. She is an active volunteer with non-profit groups, assisting the Calgary Korean Health Advocacy Society and Certified Listeners Society.

]]> Sat, 29 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Young In Kim, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/be-kind-and-get-to-know-people-who-are-from-different-backgrounds-mMOPxZlI Young In Kim is a Canada Connects program facilitator and a registered social worker at Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, providing settlement and social-emotional support to newcomers by matching them with Canadian-established volunteers in Calgary. Previously, she worked with newcomers directly as a settlement counsellor at the same agency for their settlement and integration into Canadian society. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University. She is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Calgary, providing supervision and mentoring to students during their field practicum. Young In also has work experience in the non-profit sector with seniors with diverse backgrounds in New York. She is an active volunteer with non-profit groups, assisting the Calgary Korean Health Advocacy Society and Certified Listeners Society.

]]> Be kind and get to know people who are from different backgrounds Young In Kim, Dr. Gina Ko 00:44:01 Young In talks about coming to Canada at 12 years old from Korea and feeling like an outsider as she did not speak English. She is currently helping newcomers adjust to life in Canada. Some Young In shares some important calls to action such as being kind to everyone. Young In talks about coming to Canada at 12 years old from Korea and feeling like an outsider as she did not speak English. She is currently helping newcomers adjust to life in Canada. Some Young In shares some important calls to action such as being kind to everyone. racism, asian canadian, be kind false full 5 a0835a2d-fa40-4de7-8b4d-1f107aae812d Educate Yourself and Support Others Emma is a 16-year-old proud biracial woman. She is a singer and dancer who is always willing to give book recommendations. She is one of the Youth Ambassadors of the Asian Gold Ribbon campaign (https://asiangoldribbon.com/). 

]]> Sat, 22 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Emma Yee, Dr Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/emma-yee-No6lQT64 Emma is a 16-year-old proud biracial woman. She is a singer and dancer who is always willing to give book recommendations. She is one of the Youth Ambassadors of the Asian Gold Ribbon campaign (https://asiangoldribbon.com/). 

]]> Educate Yourself and Support Others Emma Yee, Dr Gina Ko 00:35:18 Emma talks about her experience as a 4th generation immigrant. Her father’s family originated from China and her great-great-grandfather came to Canada in 1910. She shares how she interviewed her yeh yeh (paternal grandfather) to learn of her family’s history story. Her mother is Caucasian and helps her lean into her Chinese heritage. She talks about systemic racism and the importance of education and supporting others who are experiencing racism. Emma talks about her experience as a 4th generation immigrant. Her father’s family originated from China and her great-great-grandfather came to Canada in 1910. She shares how she interviewed her yeh yeh (paternal grandfather) to learn of her family’s history story. Her mother is Caucasian and helps her lean into her Chinese heritage. She talks about systemic racism and the importance of education and supporting others who are experiencing racism. racism, anti asian racism, biracial, anti asian hate false full 4 f4a06591-7117-48f3-a056-efb267903d71 Racist Hate Crimes Need to be Reported and Acknowledged in an Inclusive Way Steven is Vancouver-based lawyer working as senior counsel in a technology company. He is involved with various community organizations that advance equity, justice and opportunity for Asian Canadian legal professionals and the broader community. In addition, he is the founder of Beyond the A, an organization that seeks to destigmatize anxiety and empower lawyers to thrive in their careers (http://beyondthea.co). Previously, he has worked in Calgary, Istanbul, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Outside of law, he enjoys learning tennis, writing music and is currently learning four languages. Previously, he has worked in Calgary, Istanbul, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Outside of law, he enjoys learning tennis, writing music and is currently learning four languages.

Here is the website to visit to write to the Vancouver police so that the reporting process can be more inclusive: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­https://fixpolicereporting.ca/ 

]]> Sat, 15 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Steven Ngo, Dr Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/racist-hate-crimes-need-to-be-reported-and-acknowledged-in-an-inclusive-way-lbqbQNMN Steven is Vancouver-based lawyer working as senior counsel in a technology company. He is involved with various community organizations that advance equity, justice and opportunity for Asian Canadian legal professionals and the broader community. In addition, he is the founder of Beyond the A, an organization that seeks to destigmatize anxiety and empower lawyers to thrive in their careers (http://beyondthea.co). Previously, he has worked in Calgary, Istanbul, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Outside of law, he enjoys learning tennis, writing music and is currently learning four languages. Previously, he has worked in Calgary, Istanbul, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Outside of law, he enjoys learning tennis, writing music and is currently learning four languages.

Here is the website to visit to write to the Vancouver police so that the reporting process can be more inclusive: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­https://fixpolicereporting.ca/ 

]]> Racist Hate Crimes Need to be Reported and Acknowledged in an Inclusive Way Steven Ngo, Dr Gina Ko 00:44:13 Steven shares his experience growing up in Canada with Chinese and Vietnamese roots as his parents are from China and Vietnam. He talks about his experiences of racism as a child and a recent incident when some men threw trash at him and yelled a racial slur with profanity. He has spoken to many news outlets about this and hopes to generate awareness. Steven shares his experience growing up in Canada with Chinese and Vietnamese roots as his parents are from China and Vietnam. He talks about his experiences of racism as a child and a recent incident when some men threw trash at him and yelled a racial slur with profanity. He has spoken to many news outlets about this and hopes to generate awareness. racism, inclusive, police, hate crimes false full 3 e2b65bb0-e4df-4c15-b909-e43f4dffc4db Episode 2: Speak up and Take Action Against Racism Teresa is a tireless advocate for diversity, social inclusion, and active civic participation. She is known for her ability in bringing diverse people together to joint efforts, break new grounds and create bigger impacts in society. She is the first Asian Canadian woman elected to the Calgary Board of Education (1995-2000), the Alberta Legislature, and Cabinet Minister in Alberta (2008-2015). Teresa founded and built 7 non-profit organizations over a span of 40 plus years including the ACCT Foundation (Asian Canadians Together-ACT2EndRacism Network), Asian Heritage Foundation, Action Dignity, and the Calgary Chinese Community Service Association. Teresa was appointed Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation by the Governor in Council in 2018 and is also Chair of ACCT Foundation, Founding member of the ACT2EndRacism National Network, Chair of Asian Heritage Foundation, Board member of Calgary Arts Foundation. (Honorary Member of the Korean Women’s Association and the Malaysian Singapore Brunei Cultural Association).

 

Calls to action: 

speak up, learn, don’t be a bystander, take action.

]]> Sat, 8 May 2021 15:00:00 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Teresa Woo-Paw, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/teresa-woo-paw-zIGYiv3R Teresa is a tireless advocate for diversity, social inclusion, and active civic participation. She is known for her ability in bringing diverse people together to joint efforts, break new grounds and create bigger impacts in society. She is the first Asian Canadian woman elected to the Calgary Board of Education (1995-2000), the Alberta Legislature, and Cabinet Minister in Alberta (2008-2015). Teresa founded and built 7 non-profit organizations over a span of 40 plus years including the ACCT Foundation (Asian Canadians Together-ACT2EndRacism Network), Asian Heritage Foundation, Action Dignity, and the Calgary Chinese Community Service Association. Teresa was appointed Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation by the Governor in Council in 2018 and is also Chair of ACCT Foundation, Founding member of the ACT2EndRacism National Network, Chair of Asian Heritage Foundation, Board member of Calgary Arts Foundation. (Honorary Member of the Korean Women’s Association and the Malaysian Singapore Brunei Cultural Association).

 

Calls to action: 

speak up, learn, don’t be a bystander, take action.

]]> Episode 2: Speak up and Take Action Against Racism Teresa Woo-Paw, Dr. Gina Ko 00:47:13 Teresa speaks about coming to Canada in 1972 as a fourth-generation Chinese Canadian and also an immigrant. She shares how her great grandfather helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway. She endured racism when she ran and won as School Board Trustee and was elected as an MLA in Calgary. Calls to action: speak up, learn, don’t be a bystander, take action. Teresa speaks about coming to Canada in 1972 as a fourth-generation Chinese Canadian and also an immigrant. She shares how her great grandfather helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway. She endured racism when she ran and won as School Board Trustee and was elected as an MLA in Calgary. Calls to action: speak up, learn, don’t be a bystander, take action. racism, teresa woo-paw, political, anti-racism, anti-asian hate, asian-canadian, take action false full 2 26f277ca-70d9-4183-a8cc-b8e8dc80f65d Introduction by Dr. Gina Ko Sat, 1 May 2021 02:28:03 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/introduction-by-dr-gina-ko-3FjaNn31 Introduction by Dr. Gina Ko Dr. Gina Ko 00:07:44 An introduction to Against the Tides of Racism Podcast by Dr. Gina Ko. An introduction to Against the Tides of Racism Podcast by Dr. Gina Ko. racism, introduction, anti-asian racism, anti-racism, anti-asian hate false full 0 ca4af071-1579-4e2d-8ee9-9d646c7e893a Founder and Ambassador of the Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign Speaks Intimately about Experiences of Racism About Dr. Gina Wong

Dr. Gina Wong founded the Asian Gold Ribbon campaign in 2021 driven by the desire for change in visibility of the racial inequities surrounding Asians in pandemic times. She is a Registered Psychologist and Full Professor in the Faculty of Health Disciplines, Master of Counselling Program at Athabasca University. She has published several books including Mothering in East Asian Communities: Politics and Practices (Duncan & Wong, 2014) and has delivered keynote addresses and workshops on a variety of topics including the impact of anti-Asian racism on our communities.

 

Asian Gold Ribbon Website

@AsianGoldRibbon

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

#AsianGoldRibbon

]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2021 19:51:07 +0000 dr.ginako@gmail.com (Dr. Gina Wong, Dr. Gina Ko) https://against-the-tides-of-racism.simplecast.com/episodes/dr-gina-wong-UTvssCf_ About Dr. Gina Wong

Dr. Gina Wong founded the Asian Gold Ribbon campaign in 2021 driven by the desire for change in visibility of the racial inequities surrounding Asians in pandemic times. She is a Registered Psychologist and Full Professor in the Faculty of Health Disciplines, Master of Counselling Program at Athabasca University. She has published several books including Mothering in East Asian Communities: Politics and Practices (Duncan & Wong, 2014) and has delivered keynote addresses and workshops on a variety of topics including the impact of anti-Asian racism on our communities.

 

Asian Gold Ribbon Website

@AsianGoldRibbon

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

#AsianGoldRibbon

]]> Founder and Ambassador of the Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign Speaks Intimately about Experiences of Racism Dr. Gina Wong, Dr. Gina Ko 00:47:57 Gina shares her experiences as a young child growing up in Montreal. She has experienced overt and covert racism. She founded the Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness about anti-Asian racism that has come to the fore during this pandemic.  Gina shares her experiences as a young child growing up in Montreal. She has experienced overt and covert racism. She founded the Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness about anti-Asian racism that has come to the fore during this pandemic.  anti-asian, anti-asian racism, dr gina ko, asian gold ribbon, dr gina wong false full 1