Precious Abraham’s Post

Yesterday after work, I took a moment to invest in my personal and professional growth to finish this course on my development plan. As someone engaged in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging space, I am constantly learning, unlearning, and relearning to better serve and understand the communities I advocate for. I’m proud to have completed a course on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Culture, Colonization, and the Determinants of Health. This course offered profound insights into the impact of social and economic factors on these communities. It also broadened my understanding of cultural determinants of health within an Indigenous context and the far-reaching effects of colonial and post-colonial events on the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples. As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation annually observed 30th September, I encourage you to take the time to educate yourself on Indigenous histories and experiences. Knowledge is a powerful tool for change, and I firmly believe that true reconciliation can only be achieved by first acknowledging the truth. A special thank you to Ontario Health for putting together this invaluable resource. This experience has reinforced my dedication to continuous learning and growth in the DEI space, and I welcome opportunities to connect with and learn from like-minded professionals and organizations committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Let’s continue to empower ourselves and each other with the knowledge necessary to build a more equitable and just society. #thequitysis #indigenousrights #diversityequityinclusion #truthandreconciliation #continuouslearning #professionaldevelopment #deib #healthcare #inclusionmatters #ontariohealth #equity

I had the honor of meeting some of the most inspiring and innovative minds this past weekend at the African Impact Challenge Toronto Showcase at OneEleven in Toronto. This annual program by African Impact Initiative brought together visionary founders from across Africa, each presenting market-ready solutions to address some of their countries' most pressing challenges. It was more than just an event—I would describe it as a gathering of changemakers who are reimagining the future of Africa and beyond. Some of the incredible innovations showcased include Propela Labs, Umlilo Energy, deaftouch (I love this & you know why), Vas MedTech @FlexiGyn, Nubian Smarts, United Siyafunda NPC, Enlighten Edu Rocket Health 🚀, A-Lite Uganda, ChuChu Softies , and Cashful . Wait a second, did I tell you there is a face ID for cows as part of the innovators? Yes check out Leruo! Besides listening to over 20 innovators pitch for 3 minutes each to a diverse group of investors and allies, one of the high points for me was hearing the insights of industry leaders like Jean Philbert NSENGIMANA (Phil), Karlee Silver, and Dina randrianasolo during the panel session moderated by Efosa KC Obano. They tackled critical issues such as decolonizing aid, creating borderless entrepreneurship, and breaking down regulatory barriers that often hinder progress. It was clear that sustainable funding, trust, and better regulation are key to unlocking Africa's full potential. One question that stayed with me was: How can we, as a global community, better support these innovators in scaling their impact? As we continue to witness the rise of these groundbreaking solutions, along with numerous others not showcased, I encourage everyone not to just watch from the sidelines in the diaspora. Rather, engage, collaborate, and invest in these entrepreneurs to help create the future we all wish to see in Africa. It was also wonderful to connect with Wanting Zhou , Khalil Gdoura Wakyoboa Denis Kabika, Jordan C. O. Toni Bodunrin and catch up with Kelly Boyi, P.Eng., PMP, CSM Oluwatimileyin Aina Fikayo Aderoju CSM, CSPO during the event. Thank you to the amazing teams at African Impact Initiative who helped to bring this program to life and for the Nigerian jollof rice. #inclusiveinvestor #innovation #globalimpact #AfricanEntrepreneurs #AIC2023 #torontoshowcase

As we wrap up Indigenous History Month, I want to share an important recommendation: honour Indigenous people beyond June. It will go a long way to demonstrate how seriously we take the truth and reconciliation actions. Moving to Canada last year opened my eyes to the rich history and vibrant cultures of Indigenous Peoples. My initial introduction came through Professor Angele Alook during my graduate studies at York University. She shared her experiences as an Indigenous woman, educator, and climate justice advocate through her teaching. This was a profound eye-opener for me. This year, celebrating Indigenous History Month at Southlake Regional Health Centre was particularly personal to me. Not only did I have the opportunity to be part of the team that put together two educational events in observance of National Indigenous History Month at Southlake, but I also learned deeply about the significance of religious practices like smudging through the teachings of Jay Shae and Bobby Mac from the Odeiwin Foundation. Witnessing a smudging ceremony for the first time and learning how to smudge from Jay and Bobby was great. In the second event, I gained a profound understanding of the role of circles, dance, and healing songs in Indigenous culture from Jared Big Canoe, a member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, alongside Brian and Kim who I had earlier met at YorkU congress in 2023. Their teachings on how best to support Indigenous patients seeking care using the acts of healing practices were especially insightful to our team as they showed the best ways to offer genuine culturally sensitive care to Indigenous people. Learning about these cultural contexts has been an eye-opening and enriching experience this June. For me learning about Indigenous people or any other culture is a lifelong journey, not in a one-month celebration. Therefore, I encourage everyone to actively seek out knowledge about Indigenous history and their cultures continuously not just in June. Together, we can build a more respectful and inclusive future where every identity is preserved, valued and seen. #IndigenousHistoryMonth #Reconciliation #NeverStopLearning #Southlake #InclusiveSouthlake #TheEquitySis

This made a great read and I think people in my space will find it valuable.

The Power of Pause: A Lesson from my Mom Last week, my mom dropped a truth bomb on her WhatsApp status that resonated deeply. It was simple: "Don't let emotions cloud your judgment; stop and pray. Let God lead, He can change everything." These words struck a chord for me. As a strong believer in the power of prayer, I've witnessed firsthand how taking a moment to connect with God can shift perspectives, brings more clarity and open doors. Here's what resonated most for me in the post on my mom's status. The act of pause. In the heat of the moments of what evwr we are going through, emotions can be a terrible advisor when we make decisions then. For me, prayer is my way of pausing and connecting to God. This allows for clarity and a chance to see things from a calmer, more grounded perspective. It also presents me an opportunity to leave things at the feet of God. Within that period, reading the bible and praying does it for . Another thing that resonated with me is letting go and letting God. Yes, I agree this is not always easy going by our human nature but it is a powerful. We don't always have control, and that's okay. Surrendering to a higher power (whatever that means for you) can offer a sense of peace and open up possibilities we may not have seen before. Why am I sharing this? This is because in the fast-paced world of work, it's easy to get caught up in the stress and forget the power of a simple pause. Maybe you're facing a tough decision, feeling overwhelmed, or simply seeking a bit of guidance. Take a moment to pause and dont take decisions at that moment. Next time you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, try taking a moment to pause and reflect. Could be a prayer, meditation, a walk in nature - whatever helps you connect with yourself. Have you experienced a situation where taking a step back made a positive impact? Share your story in the comments below - let's inspire each other! Remember, sometimes the most powerful decisions are made when we choose to pause and breathe. And for many of us, that pause can be a powerful form of prayer. Have a great week everyone! #monday #newweek #blessed