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Have you ever felt isolated or as the “only” in the room? Do you long for a sense of connection and acceptance in professional spaces where you are underrepresented? In this episode, Gayathri sits down with Kathy Nelson, an accomplished engineer and leader, to explore what it means to build community in STEM spaces. Kathy reflects on her personal journey, sharing the challenges she’s faced and the triumphs that have shaped her mission to foster connection through her podcast, Ordinarily Extraordinary. Together, they discuss the power of community and strategies to create environments where women can thrive as their authentic selves.
Whether you find yourself as the only or you're working to build more inclusive spaces, this episode offers insights, hope, and inspiration.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Kathy’s Consulting ServicesOrdinarily Extraordinary PodcastEmail: [email protected] on LinkedInGayathri on LinkedIn -
One of the biggest fears about allyship is the worry of saying or doing the wrong thing. Many people want to show up and support others but hesitate, unsure how to act without causing harm or misunderstanding.
In this episode, Gayathri speaks with Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley, a mechanical engineer, Vanier Scholar and EDI specialist, who breaks down three practical, research-backed strategies to overcome these fears and foster real inclusion. Drawing on insights from her PhD project, "Activating Allies," Jocelyn shares how to confidently step into the role of an ally and create psychologically safe workplaces for everyone.
Resources mentioned in episode:
www.jocelynpeltierhuntley.ca/
www.prairiecatalyst.ca/active-allies-course
Jocelyn's LinkedIn
Gayathri's LinkedIn
www.campfirekinship.com -
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Is it possible to lead with empathy while still holding your team accountable for achieving shared goals? In this episode of Heart to Heart, host Gayathri dives deep with Erin, leader, coach, and author, to tackle the common fear that empathy weakens accountability.
Erin shares her journey from engineering to becoming a champion for empathetic leadership, revealing how understanding emotions—both personal and within teams—can foster a sense of belonging, especially with those from underrepresented backgrounds. Through real-life stories and practical insights, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can build trust, leverage diverse perspectives, and turn emotional intelligence into a powerful force for team success.
Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership in today’s world.
www.erinthorp.ca
Podcast – Tactical Empathy
Book – Inside Out Empathy
Erin’s LinkedIn
www.campfirekinship.com
Gayathri’s LinkedIn
www.instagram.com/campfire_kinship -
Feeling you belong can be tricky when you are the "only" in a team. In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Monica Hernandez, an engineer with over 20 years of experience and founder of Infinity Growth, shares her journey of navigating gender bias. Host Gayathri and Monica discuss the importance of self-care, effective communication, and setting boundaries, offering valuable insights for all leaders on creating inclusive workplaces.
Tune in to be inspired by Monica's story of self-belief and perseverance, as she shares, "I feel a sense of belonging when I am connected, when time passes without notice, and I truly connect with the person I am with."
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Materials Business podcast
infinitygrowth.ca
linkedin.com/in/monica-hernandez
campfirekinship.com -
"Last month, I attended my first 10-day Vipassana silent meditation retreat. Many asked how it went, and I am opening my heart to share candidly in this episode.
"As an entrepreneur and EDIB (equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging) practitioner, I embarked on this journey hoping to deepen my practice of concepts like embracing discomfort, unlearning, and journey over destination. From the struggle of sitting in silence to the embracing of self-awareness and equanimity, this experience is reshaping how I view life and work."
In this solo episode, join Gayathri Shukla as she reflects on her deeply transformative journey and lessons learned.
Links mentioned in episode:
www.dhamma.org
www.campfirekinship.com/resources/blogs/vipassana
www.instagram.com/campfire_kinship
www.linkedin.com/company/campfire-kinship -
In this solo episode, Gayathri shares her reflections from Indigenous History Month. She explores what it means to be in good relations having experienced the privilege of sharing meals and stories with Indigenous Elders in a dinner and dialogue series called Aisinna'kiiks.
She unpacks the experience of "bringing your whole self to work", and how setting aside personal agendas in favour of trust can infuse belonging in our daily interactions. In a surprising twist, Gayathri also announces her preparation for a personal journey of self-discovery - Vipassana - connecting ancient wisdom with modern practices of meditation. Tune in to follow along on her transformative journey!
Aisinna'kiiks is a Blackfoot word that means those who write, draw or make their mark. We are grateful for the invitation from Calgary Arts Development and to be hosted by Calgary Board of Education's high-schools.
Links mentioned in episode -
Instagram: @campfire_kinship
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/campfire-kinship
www.campfirekinship.com -
Content Warning: This episode includes discussions on trauma and gender-based violence which may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
"We don't just bring our intergenerational cycles of trauma but also intergenerational cycles of wisdom." – Dr. Meghna Bhat
In this episode, Dr. Meghna Bhat, a renowned gender and social justice consultant and storyteller, explores the delicate balance of trauma-informed storytelling within the gender-based violence prevention field. Gayathri and Meghna delve into the practical aspects of creating safe, inclusive spaces for storytelling. Listeners will gain insights into the power of storytelling to foster connection, community, and healing, all while navigating the ethical considerations essential to maintaining the dignity and agency of survivors.
Resources mentioned in episode:
www.gulabistories.com
www.meghnabhat.com
linkedin.com/in/meghnabhat
instagram.com/gulabi_stories
www.campfirekinship.com -
Land Acknowledgements are a crucial part of reconciliation, recognizing historical and ongoing relationships with Indigenous peoples. However, these acknowledgements can easily become scripted and lose their impact.
In this episode, Gayathri and her guest, aloT of Poetry, a Nigerian-South African Poet now based in Mohkinstis, explore how poetry can cultivate genuine understanding and respect. Crafting a poem might seem daunting, but it can help us navigate the complex emotions and histories that come with reflecting on the place we may now call home.
Tune into this episode to discover aloT of Poetry's insights on infusing personal and emotional depth into your Land Acknowledgments, transforming them from scripted formalities into powerful, heartfelt recognitions. Plus, don't miss her reading her own poem and Land Acknowledgement for Treaty 7.
Links mentioned in episode:
www.alotofpoetry.com
www.campfirekinship.com
www.instagram.com/alot.of.poetry/
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Vulnerability in sharing our stories allows us to show up as our true selves and helps to deepen belonging with others. Yet, embracing vulnerability raises important questions about the balance between authenticity and psychological safety. How can vulnerability act as a bridge to more meaningful bonds without leaving us feeling exposed? Let's dive deep with Dr. Roselle Gonsalves as she draws from her impactful work in inclusion and reconciliation, and insights from her latest book, The Ordinary Turned Precious!
Links mentioned in the episode:
www.rmgonsalves.com
Campfire Kinship
www.cjsw.com/program/hearth2heart
The Ordinary Turned Precious -
In this new launch, host Gayathri Shukla unveils her plans for Season 2's theme, Belonging! She recaps her journey thus far, expressing gratitude for listeners' feedback and providing a glimpse of what you can expect in upcoming episodes.
IG: campfire_kinship
Campfire Kinship -
In this final episode of Season 1, host Gayathri and Elena share their learnings from working together on the Landed project. Tune in to hear their fun recap of favourite moments plus a sneak preview of future aspirations!
Elena Esina is an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary where she manages an initiative called Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence. Elena holds a master’s in social work and a bachelor’s in financial management. For the last 10 years, Elena has been managing multiple large-scale research projects. She leads Immigrant Women Work-Integrated Learning Hub that provides work experience placements for internationally trained women from all over the world in the academic setting. Elena also is a co-founder of Shift to Learn, an online learning platform that aims to stop violence before it starts. She is a recipient of the 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal in recognition of her leadership in supporting immigrant communities.
Links mentioned in episode:
Shift to Learn
Instagram: @campfire_kinship
Elena's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-esina-21745315/
www.campfirekinship.com -
"I feel a sense of belonging when I am surrounded by people who care about me, and people who are sincere to me."
In this episode, we'll be exploring the story of Landed co-author Melike Tasdelen, an immigrant woman who defied cultural norms to pursue her education and economic opportunities. Coming from a part of the world where society values women based on their roles as wives and mothers, Melike's journey of self-discovery and determination to succeed is inspiring. She moved from Turkey to Canada by herself after graduating from accounting in 2013. She also has a degree from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and works as an accountant.
Join us as we delve into her story of struggle and triumph, and learn how she navigated societal expectations as well as the additional obstacles of starting from scratch as an international student. campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship -
"I feel a sense of belonging when communities show care and compassion."
Children of immigrants often find themselves living in two worlds. In this episode, Landed co-author and second-generation Filipina-Canadian Jesiebelle Salcedo shares how giving voice to her mom's immigration story has helped her heal her relationship with her mom while honouring her family's roots.
Jesie is a teacher, reader, and writer based in Calgary, Alberta. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Canadian studies and elementary English as an additional language from the University of Calgary. To date, she has worked with many first-generation and immigrant youth in local non-profit settings and within the school system, fueling her passion for anti-racism education. In her spare time, Jesie enjoys baking up a storm, exploring new foods, creating pottery pieces, and spending time with her friends and family. Find her on Instagram: @jbreadsandwrites; @jbs_fooddiariescampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship -
"When I became an independent, single, immigrant woman homeowner in Calgary...that was like a proud, proud moment...a fantastic feeling of belonging in Canada, and calling it a home."
In this episode, Landed co-author Dr. Swati Dhingra joins us to share her immigration journey from India to Canada. She offers tips about the hurdles she faced along the way, including overcoming criticism.
Dr. Dhingra is a research coordinator at the University of Calgary. With her unique background in dentistry and oral medicine from India, she brings an exceptional blend of knowledge and expertise in academic, clinical and community research. She has contributed to several multi-disciplinary research projects at U of C and has been a part of community research projects with Alberta Health Services. Dr. Dhingra is passionate about social work and always looks for meaningful ways to give back to the community. She is also a trained classical Indian dancer and has an extraordinary love for music and travel. Find her at: https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/swati-dhingracampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship -
"I feel a sense of belonging when my heart feels at peace no matter where I am, and that is in beautiful Calgary with my family and friends, and I am at peace ."
Our latest episode on Hearth 2 Heart is with Kelly Kaur who grew up in Singapore and lives in Calgary. Kelly teaches at Mount Royal University and Athabasca University. She has been published in Qatar, Italy, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, Berlin, Prague, Australia, India, and the United States. Some works have appeared in New Asian Short Stories 2015, The Best Asian Stories 2020, and The Best Asian Poetry 2021. Her poems have been published in the International Human Rights Art Festival in New York. She has been published on UNESCO’s Cities of Literature website. Her novel, Letters to Singapore, released on May 1, 2022, by Stonehouse Publishing.
kellykaur.comcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship -
"Until true systemic change takes place, and racist, discriminatory and unjust structures are dismantled in our society, I know I will not be able to rest."Born in Montreal to a French-Canadian mother and a South Asian father, Anusha Kassan shares her experience of her writing her story in Landed.
Anusha is currently an associate professor with a high-impact position in the School and Applied Child Psychology Program at the University of British Columbia. Her scholarly interests are informed by her own bi-cultural identities and an overarching social justice framework. Anusha’s program of research presently includes two major foci: immigration experiences across different groups (i.e., newcomer youth, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples), and cultural and social justice responsiveness in professional psychology. Connect with Anusha at anushakassan.comcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship -
"I feel a sense of belonging when people believe in my strengths and skills and opportunity, and the other way when I give back to the community...when I help a new immigrant."
After having to move countries during a pandemic with a toddler in tow, Benazir Rahman joins us on this episode to share her tips for a successful transition, including the message from her story in Landed - "Be You, You Can". Born and raised in Bangladesh, and a researcher by profession, she now works at the University of Calgary as a Global Development Specialist. Her areas of interest include international trade, social work, and post-secondary education.
Having experienced generosity and kindness as a new immigrant in Calgary, Benazir believes in the power of giving back and is currently helping Afghan refugees find meaningful employment.
In addition, Benazir and Gayathri discuss the Landed book publication journey, and Gayathri peels back the curtains on her learnings in this episode.campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship -
"When I can share my honest mindset and vulnerabilities....I feel a sense of belonging."
- Shivi Agarwal, Landed co-author
Shivi holds a master's in management and has years of experience in human resources and learning & development. She currently works as customer success manager with Kudos®. In her previous work tenure in Calgary, she helped 100+ clients transition from the oil and gas division to find employment in the tech sector. Shivi also runs a talk show in Calgary, @thestartupimpact, as a side hustle. The saying she lives by is: "The only thing that matters is who you want to become and the price you are willing to pay to get there."
Links mentioned in the episode:
Shivi's IG: @shivi.a
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B7PSHKMRcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship -
"I feel a sense of belonging when I feel respected....Respect is something that no matter where you are, who you are, where you are from - it is how you can have a sense of belonging, connect, build a trusting environment for one another, and build a safe environment for everybody.”In this inspiring episode, Anam Kazim - author of the story "The Dusky Dawn" in Landed - provides a glimpse into the transformations of her life, moving from Pakistan to Canada, then east-west within Canada; and going from #engineering to becoming an MLA and then an #entrepreneur. She shares her wisdom in leveraging the power of a support network, seeing the beauty in a garden of differences, and owning your truth - as factors to help you transform.
Links mentioned in episode -
Anam Kazim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamkazim
Landed: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B7PSHKMR
Book launch: https://campfirekinship.com/launch-eventcampfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship -
“A sense of belonging comes when you can be your true authentic self.”In this episode, we talk about the role of curiosity in creating community with Landed’s co-author, Inez Ashworth. Inez, founder of Inclusive Concepts, is a cultural innovator and a trusted advocate with her own unique style. Her life and career have been dedicated to working for equality and justice, bringing people together and creating inclusive environments where everyone can be their authentic selves. Much of Inez’s energy and inspiration comes from community work, volunteering, and mentoring minority students. Inez is one of the sponsors of the Landed Book Launch celebration on Sep 17; as well as the co-founder of Human Movement from Sep18-20 which is one-of-a-kind event to inspire a community of changemakers to gather, reflect, and learn together.
https://thehumanmovement.ca
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/landed-book-launch-celebration-tickets-381683093407campfirekinship.com
IG: @campfire_kinship - Mehr anzeigen
