Submitted by Amy Shelley, Innovation and Business Engagement
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, on Thursday, April 6, 5-7:30 pm at SLC's Kingston campus.
A thought-provoking panel 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.
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 – Coordinator, Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest
- Moderator: Elizabeth Hesp - Career Transition, Entrepreneurship & Leadership Coach, Cultural Intelligence Consultant
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 Entrepreneurs Awards established by Kingston Economic Development in partnership with Kingston Immigration Partnership.
We are looking forward to welcoming all members of the community to this event to listen, share, reflect, and celebrate!
Space is limited, please register ahead of time. Light food and refreshments will be served. Register here.