Towards a More Decolonial, Anti-racist and Feminist Public Engagement: Incorporating Better Practices

Sarah Danks has worked in the non-profit sector for six years. Most recently, she worked for VIDEA as their Communication and Fundraising Officer, where she headed VIDEA’s annual fundraiser, the Global Solidarity Challenge. She has experience in event planning, social media management, inclusive and accessible engagement, and finance support. Sarah is also a Spur Change 2022 Youth Champion and is currently completing her Master of Communication at Carleton University. Sarah was born and raised on the traditional and unceded territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking people and she now lives and learns on the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation. Sarah is passionate about learning, human rights, photography, and accessibility.

Leila Moumouni-Tchouassi is a Black Bamileke Bazoo and Zarma gender-fluid person living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities that have directly informed their understanding and practice of this work both on the side of international cooperation and in their direct community building and activism. Having studied international development and globalization, Leila left the sector disappointed by the lack of awareness and acknowledgment of the effects of colonialism, racism notably, anti-Black racism, and the dependence of western nations on dangerous and ineffective power imbalances. During their hiatus from this work, Leila focused their efforts on gender equity at the intersection of other systems of oppression throughout the non-profit sector. Now that they are back in the sector, Leila is excited to be tackling their work at the ARC Hub from a space grounded in exploring traditional and holistic approaches to decolonization, localization and other areas of focus for our sector. In their consultancy, educational, and activism work, Leila has learned that strong, resourced, and uplifted communities are the foundation of long-term, systemic and revolutionary change. That is what they have come back to this sector to see actualised: they want to start that work of building together by co-creating our sectors vision for the future of our work and spaces for conversation about this new path forward that could revolutionize our sector.

Esperanza Monsalve is currently the Manager of the YMCA International Program and also the co-chair of the Indigenous Reconciliation Working Group; a team of staff members who came together with the commitment to promote and coordinate the YMCA of GTA efforts to contribute to the TRC Calls to Action. Esperanza has participated in cross-collaborative projects both in Canada and the Global South and through her current role she provides leadership to the YMCA of GTA partnerships with the YMCA in Liberia, Senegal, Ghana, Mexico, Colombia and Peru, and to the local public engagement programs in the GTA. She is also a member of the Partnership Brokers Association.

Jenna Robar (she/her) is a passionate speaker, advocate, and traditional hand drum carrier and singer. Jenna has carried the title of ‘National Ambassador of Hope’ with the Canadian organization ‘We Matter’ for 3 years, frequently travelling across Canada to speak to Indigenous youth on life promotion. Seasoned in speaking up for what she believes in, she has spoken and drummed in the House of Commons, with the United Nations Association of Canada, and in schools and universities on behalf of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Jenna is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, providing non-partisan advice to the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada on issues of importance to Canadians.

Veronica Nyirongo is a Specialist – Community-Based Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, based in Lusaka, Zambia. Veronica was a 2022 Spur Change Youth Champion and a delegate at the United Nation’s 66th Commission on the Status of Women. She was recently accepted into the Coady Institute’s Feminist Leadership for Justice, Equity and Ecology course. Veronica graduated in 2019 with a Diploma in Art and English and holds certificates in life skills, entrepreneurship, ICT, critical thinking and problem solving. Veronica always fights hard to help her community to fight against early marriages, gendered violence, and works towards gender equality and helping young girls by counselling and motivating them.

Lili Coyes-Loiselle (she/her) works at VIDEA as the Manager of Indigenous youth engagement and reconciliation where she is privileged to facilitate and collaborate on a number of VIDEA programs, including the Cwelelep – Journeys From the Heart program, the International Indigenous Youth internships, and the Silenced and Stolen, Human Trafficking Awareness Project. Born and raised on Treaty 6 Territory in Amiskwacîwâskahikan or Edmonton, Alberta, she is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Lili is passionate about addressing issues connected to gender inequality, climate justice, colonial violence, and the intersections between them all.