Making space for important conversations with Inclusion Talks

On Monday, Feb. 28, SAIT will welcome Her Honour Mayann Francis — Nova Scotia’s first Black lieutenant-governor — to discuss her journey to the vice-regal office. It will be the first in a series of virtual events intended to spark conversation and move the needle on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) — at the institution and beyond.

Inclusion Talks is a new initiative from the Office of EDI that invites the SAIT community to share and learn from each others’ experiences and viewpoints. Open to students and employees, each event will explore an EDI-related theme — the first continues SAIT’s recognition of Black History Month, and the second event scheduled in March will explore the topic of women as storytellers in honour of International Women’s Day.

“The goal is to provide a safe learning environment where a variety of topics that focus on inclusion can be discussed respectfully,” says Felicia Adeniyi, Inclusion Talks coordinator and Administrative Assistant with the Office of EDI.

Not your average lunch and learn

Building on SAIT’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, a five-year roadmap to an even more inclusive campus, Inclusion Talks will often come with prework — a book, video or other resource attendees are encouraged to access for free ahead of time in preparation for the discussion.

Ahead of the Feb. 28 event featuring Her Honour Dr. Francis, students and employees can access the e-book of her candid memoir, Mayann Francis: An Honourable Life, for free through SAIT’s newly acquired EDI e-book subscription.

Weaving educational content into the series provides valuable context, ignites curiosity and sets the stage for both enriched conversation and deeper understanding.

Sessions will also highlight specific training and resources available at SAIT while exploring tangible next steps on our institution’s EDI path.

Attend a session — or facilitate one yourself

Register for upcoming events below and be sure to bookmark the Inclusion Talks page for updates and new event listings.

Inclusion Talks | Mayann Francis: An Honourable Life

Monday, Feb. 28
12:30 to 1:30 pm

Inclusion Talks | What if women had been the storytellers too?

Tuesday, March 29
1 to 2 pm

Are you passionate about public speaking or facilitating? Have you wanted to lead an interactive discussion with the SAIT community? Now’s your chance! The Office of EDI is seeking facilitators to lead Inclusion Talks. The facilitator can be a student or employee and will change each session. Send an email stating your interest to inclusion@sait.ca.

Learn more about EDI at SAIT

SAIT remembers student athlete with the John M. Smith Jr. Memorial Equity & Diversity Award

On Feb. 16, the Trojans hosted a memorial game celebrating the life of former School of Business and men’s basketball student athlete John M. Smith Jr., whose life was tragically taken in the fall of 2021. You can continue to honour this member of the SAIT community by contributing to the John M. Smith Jr. Memorial Equity & Diversity Award.