Building Inclusive Communities

St. Lawrence College and Kingston Economic Development are pleased to be providing the platform for a community event “Building Inclusive Communities – The Beauty to Belong .”

In a panel format, a thought-provoking discussion by community leaders and attendees will explore the meaning of community and belonging. All are welcome to attend this free community event, which is inspired by the recent upskilling program “Texture with Confidence: Sharpening Skills in Hairstyling,” an Employment Ontario Program funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. “Texture with Confidence” was delivered to over 40 local hair stylists and apprentices with the goal of increasing inclusive hairstyling service offerings in our community. This event will dive deeper into how essential it is that communities support diversity through access to services, products, and programs, and how this access impacts the sense of belonging for community members.

In addition, this event will celebrate and recognize the contributions made by exceptional and visionary individuals in Kingston with the presentation of the 2023 Newcomer Entrepreneur Awards established by Kingston Economic Development in partnership with Kingston Immigration Partnership. The process of moving and settling in a new country is often challenging and can include multiple barriers to settling into new ways of life in the community. To recognize the contributions made by exceptional and visionary individuals in Kingston, the Kingston Economic Development Corporation and Kingston Immigration Partnership have established the Kingston Newcomer Entrepreneurs Awards, recognizing newcomers who have arrived in Kingston in the past 10 years and chose to establish their business here.

We are looking forward to welcoming all members of the community to this event to listen, share, reflect, and celebrate!

This is a free community event open to the public, however, space is limited and attendees are asked to register ahead of time. Light food and refreshments will be served.

We are grateful to live, learn, and gather on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples.

Panelists Include:

Andrea Sampson – CEO and Founder of Efe Magazine, Lead Instructor – Texture with Confidence Program

Tianna Edwards – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Coordinator for Yellow House, the Centre for Inclusion

Muhammad Ahsan – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager – The City of Kingston

Lindsey Pilon – Programs Associate – Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest, Outdoor Educator at Kingston Forest & Nature School, Inclusion Coach – KEYS Inclusion Charter Team

Moderator:

Elizabeth Hesp – Cultural Intelligence Consultant & Facilitator, Career Transitions, Leadership & Entrepreneurship Coach

NOTICE OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Please be aware that photography and videography will be taken at this event. By participating in this event, you consent to being photographed and/or recorded.

The images and recordings may be used by Kingston Economic Development and its partners for promotional and marketing purposes, including but not limited to social media, newsletters, brochures and website content. If you do not wish to have your image or recording used, please notify Nour Mazloum, Marketing & Communications Manager – mazloum@investkingston.ca.