b'PROFESSIONAL PROFILEBs laptop and mug of tea.B hosting a SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity & expression) presentation.heard of this. I could lose my safety, mycreative, and youre going to improve job, my family and my friends. Thateverything in your organization.online correspondent was Alix, who is nowAdairs company now works in Adairs partner. They have been marriedmultiple industries across Canada and for eight years and now live together inhas seen a recent boom in businessB worked for the Blue Jaysrural Alberta. due to people appreciating a differentthis year as a DEI virtual facilitator,When it comes to some commonperspective. Im primarily asked to offerso a Blue Jays game acts asworkplace improvements for DEI policies,[DEI] training and education sessions,another version of his office.Adair is quick to provide input. Policy- says Adair. specific language is a big one. I haveDue to the pandemic, Adair has two- or three-hour workshops where weprimarily been providing services online just talk about language, he explains.for the last few years; however, Adair Its important that all employees knowsays, Ive been getting back into a few DEI policies exist, and how to submitin-person workshops, where my focus a complaint or a concern. If its knownis always creating a brave space to have that a manager will have to address aconversations. I dont just speak at youcomplaint, it really does remove a lot its interactive, reflective and allows folks of barriers. to see how this applies at work, at school DEI policies can also be a positiveInterview with CTV on mental health factor in attracting and retaining genderor at home.advocacy in rural Alberta.and sexually diverse talent in a workplace.When it comes to some of his When someone is looking for a job, theyllproudest accomplishments, being part look at [the companys] website and socialof a supportive network for the SOGIE mediathats a huge factor, explains(sexual orientation, gender identity & Adair. When you have public statementsexpression) community tops Adairs list. that say you respect and protect folks fromIve developed a reputation in a rural discrimination based on all protectedarea as someone safe to talk to, explains grounds, you know its on their radar andAdair. I do a lot of work with kids and theyll do something about it. mental health. I get regular calls and A companys implementation ofmessages about kids who get kicked out DEI policies is a mutually beneficialof their home because they just came circumstance, Adair explains. Whenout. Realizing Im even on that call list is you see a company that states they hireincredible. I didnt have that growing up,B in the sunshine in front of folks for lived experience, you know theyso my goal is to be that person who wasnthis garden beds.understand that a diverse team is morehere before. Issue 22022 | QBiz CANADA |25'