Bridges of Belonging is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations on belonging and how it impacts our individual and collective journeys. Moderated by Andrea Carey, a Canadian Certified
Inclusion Professional, these sessions will feature two guests sharing their stories of belonging in their lived experiences. We are surrounded by diversity, and there is increasing appreciation that we need to create inclusive spaces and places in order to support the success of our diverse workforces and clients – but until we find ways to creates cultures where each person can belong, we will struggle to support people to thrive.
These conversations are an opportunity to think about our connections – and how we can be intentional in appreciating each other, listening to understand, acknowledging that we don’t know what we don’t know, and going on a learning journey together to share, learn, connect and create.
Featured guests for December 15, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time are:
Emily Glossop & Todd Nicholson
Emily Glossop is the Executive Director of Abilities Centre Ottawa and a former member of the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team serving as a guide skier to one of Canada’s top vision-impaired skiers, (Retired) and winning many World Cup Medals. She is also a motivational speaker, giving talks locally, nationally and internationally on the importance of physical activity for all, overcoming obstacles and following your dreams.
Emily is the recipient of the Order of Ottawa, Paul Harris Fellow Award and the Growing Up Great Award for Stable and Nurturing Relationships. Emily is extremely excited about her new role as Executive Director of Abilities Centre Ottawa and is dedicated to continually advocating for inclusion and equal access for all.
Todd Nicholson spent 23 years as a player on the National Paralympic Sledge Hockey Team (Retired), including serving as Captain for 15 years. Todd competed in 5 Winter Paralympic Games, numerous World Championships and international tournaments. He has competed internationally for 6 sports in both summer and winter at the National and International Level. Todd was Canada’s Chef de Mission for Team Canada’s Paralympic Team in 2018 PyeongChang, South Korea. Todd is a former governing Board Member for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Chairperson of the IPC Athletes Council from 2010 to 2018.
For more than 30 years Todd has been a leader in the Paralympic movement nationally and internationally. Todd is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Queen’s Golden and Silver Jubilee medals, Paralympic Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Disability Hall of Fame and received the Athletes Can Leadership Award to name a few. Todd currently is a board member with the Abilities Centre Ottawa and Whitby and Chairperson of the board for Own The Podium.