Listen to industry professionals share their background, story, and experiences that have shaped who they are. Learn how their intersecting identities influence and/or inform how they navigate a workplace as well as contribute to an organization. After hearing their stories, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions.

This workshop will consist of three speakers:

Chi-Chi Egbo is a career strategist, speaker and leader with more than eight years of experience helping individuals and teams achieve success at work. She has developed award-winning career development initiatives that have supported the career success of marginalized professionals, including people of colour. Having worked in both public and private sectors and most recently was the Director of Career Outcomes at Juno College of Technology, Chi-Chi's expertise lies in career engagement in the workplace, skills development and inclusive team design. Today, she is building Workthrough, a workplace engagement consultancy launching this summer.

Chi-Chi's Topic: Don’t Steal Your Joy: Break The Habit Of Comparison From Your Career Goals
They say, "Comparison is the thief of joy.”  If we know this, why do we continue to compare ourselves to others?  From the grades that determined our rank in school, the trophies that told us of our place or the colleague with two promotions on their resume, we formed the habit of comparison without knowing it. And for many of us, the habit of comparison impacts us the most when we’re trying to reach new career goals or navigate a career change. But there are ways to overcome this, which is what this talk is about. This talk uses the Possibility Preservation framework to teach you to navigate career growth with joy, without fear of losing it. Through consciously seeking inspiration rather than comparison, the framework will keep you motivated in your journey, dismantle detractors and focus on YOUR possibilities. 

Dani Gomez-Ortega is a diversity, equity and inclusion advocate with a mission to empower others to create spaces that are more inclusive. Currently, she works at Loblaw Companies Limited as one of their senior diversity and inclusion leaders, providing leadership and guidance to their 200 000 employees across Canada. She has also been a fierce advocate in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, taking leadership roles in many organizations including Dignity Network Canada, where she advocates for LGBTQ rights globally. She has won a number of awards for her work and looks forward to completing her MBA soon. Dani identifies as a Latinx transgender woman with an invisible disability.

Melissa Scalzo is a recent graduate of the Toronto Metropolitan University’s (formerly Ryerson University) Nutrition and Food Program. At a young age, she was diagnosed with a mild hearing impairment and Type 1 Diabetes. Through these experiences, she found a passion for nutrition, health and spreading disease awareness and education through public speaking. Today, more than ever, she is interested in learning and expanding her knowledge about the role nutrition plays in disease management and supporting individuals in living their healthiest and happiest lives.

This workshop will be facilitated by Ken Lee, one of our Career Coaches in Residence.

This program is part of the Networking and Mentorship series, powered by RBC.

Questions about online programs? Email us at programproposals@tpl.ca

Accessibility:
Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks' notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Navigating Identity in the Workplace