IDEAA-nomics (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Anti-Racism)

Anti-Racism Ambassadors Network Podcast
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Join our host, Niha Shahzad, Gabriel Cormier, and Vishala Shembedasie on exploring difficult, funny, and heartfelt conversations on race, equity and diversity in Canada and the US. This podcast is produced by Marcela Popowich, and brought to you by the Anti-Racism Ambassadors Network, a Government of Canada employee network.

  1. 2.7 Mama Lawson Road of Self-Love

    FEB 5

    2.7 Mama Lawson Road of Self-Love

    In this episode Niha talks to Mama Lawson. She shares her story of being born into a large family, where she was the seventh child. Most of her childhood was spent in Oregon, where she faced much adversity as they were the first family of color in the town. She was a teacher for over 30 years and continues to use her talent to uplift and encourage. She is currently traveling the world with her son Comedian Preacher Lawson.  This episode is hosted by Niha Shahzad and produced by Marcela Popowich.

    39 min
  2. 2.6 Nambi - Leaving a Musical Legacy

    JAN 22

    2.6 Nambi - Leaving a Musical Legacy

    Join us as we talk to Ottawa-born singer-songwriter Nambi! She has become one of her city’s most darling and well-respected voices. She talks to Niha and Gabriel about her music journey, having a family, her inspirations and the meaning and importance of building a community. On Jan 17 2025, NAMBI released her EP “latebloomer vol. 1” (Produced by Sammae). The seven-track EP, now available on all major streaming platforms, captures the essence of growth, love, and self-discovery while paying homage to the iconic sounds of the mid-90s to early 2000s female R&B era, inspired by legends such as Aaliyah, Brandy, Janet Jackson, and Lauryn Hill. Each track on Latebloomer vol. 1 tells a story of resilience and transformation, with themes of forgiveness, patience, and grace woven throughout. Listen to Nambi on Apple Music and Spotify Find her on Instagram @nambimusic This episode is hosted by Niha Shahzad and Gabriel Cormier and produced by Marcela Popowich.

    36 min

  3. 12/20/2024

    2.5 Connor Smithers-Mapp - Nova Scotia and Black Activism

    Part 2 of the Story of Connor Smithers-Mapp sees Connor sharing his thoughts on diversity readiness, system racism and the convergence of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Our regular host Niha Shazad is joined by Gabriel Cormier n a conversation with Connor Smithers-Mapp.

    30 min

  4. 12/17/2024

    2.4 Connor Smithers-Mapp - Nova Scotia and Black Activism

    Join us today as Connor Smithers-Mapp shares his story of growing up as a black child in Nova Scotia - in a time where communities pooled money together and had to choose one black child to send off to a better high school to how his parents worked several jobs, found time to be activists and make a difference for their community. Our regular host Niha Shahzad is joined by Gabriel Cormier in a conversation with Connor.

    25 min
  5. 2.3 The Hon. Minister Marci Ien on Comedy, Art, GBV, Economic Abuse, and the health of men and boys

    12/13/2024

    2.3 The Hon. Minister Marci Ien on Comedy, Art, GBV, Economic Abuse, and the health of men and boys

    Curious about what a Minister thinks of Kendrick's new album, Jamie Foxx, and Kevin Hart? Find the answers in this episode of the IDEAA-nomics podcast! Niha Shahzad, Host and Sr. Director of the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment, speaks with the ⁠Hon. Minister Marci Ien,⁠ Minister of Women, Gender Equality and Youth about Gender-Based Violence, Economic Abuse, importantly the health of men and boys, and how comedy and art have the power to heal. In this episode, they talk about the good work of Canadian organizations WhiteRibbon , NextGenMen to help men and boys. They also highlight the new way that the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment (CCFWE) is engaging the public on Economic Abuse including the CCFWE's new original song, Ascending (out now on Apple Music and Spotify), the accompanying Music Video and Social Media and Dance Challenges (complete with Gift prizes) ending on Dec 20, to raise awareness about Economic Abuse.   Canadian artists and comedians that came into the mix:  ⁠Jesse Singh, a.k.a. The Punjabi Timbit⁠: The hilarious stand-up comedian and social worker, who is helping young men and boys find healthy emotional outlets through art therapy.  SABRE: the lead artist on CCFWE's song Ascending, raising awareness on Economic Abuse Ottawa Dance Schools Vibes Dance Academy and Upasana Spirit of Dance who brought the powerful story about women facing economic abuse to life in CCFWE's Help Us Rise Music Video. Nambi, the incomparable Award-winning musician, who produced the theme song for the IDEAA-nomics podcast. Cranium Arts Project that is hosting a Hip Hop Food Drive today, Dec 13, to support over 10 Food banks in Ottawa.  Koga, an Ottawa-based music collective, which includes R&B artist Yoharis, whose music touches on toxicity in relationships.

    26 min
  6. 2.2. Niha Shahzad, Senior Director CCFWE - A Song & Dance for Economic Empowerment

    11/25/2024

    2.2. Niha Shahzad, Senior Director CCFWE - A Song & Dance for Economic Empowerment

    In this episode, Rene Fortier asks Niha Shahzad about her work as a Senior Director for the national non-profit, the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment. She talks about the importance of raising awareness about Domestic Economic Abuse, a form of abuse that affects 1 out of 3 women in Canada. Niha also discusses the production of an original song by the CCFWE, for their annual Help Us Rise campaign to raise awareness about Economic Abuse. The song called Ascending with local Toronto artist, SABRE ft. Niha is about the experience of leaving any difficult relationship. The song will be accompanied by a Music Video, produced by CCFWE, which with local Ottawa dance schools, Vibes Dance Academy and Upasana Spirit of Dance. The video will release on Nov 26 Economic Abuse Awareness Day (Watch the teaser) Download the song Ascending on ⁠⁠Spotify or ⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠ Register for ⁠CCFWE's Panel event on Nov 26 about Digital Economic Abuse⁠, and follow @CCFWE on LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or Youtube to learn more.

    17 min
  7. Jesse Singh a.k.a. the Punjabi Timbit - Comedy, Social Work and Mental Health

    11/01/2024

    Jesse Singh a.k.a. the Punjabi Timbit - Comedy, Social Work and Mental Health

    Comedian and social worker, Jesse Singh a.k.a. the Punjabi Timbit talks to us about comedy in Canada, his life as a social worker, and his experience in an immigrant family growing up at Jane and Finch in Toronto. In this funny and heartfelt episode, Jesse talks about the nature of comedy in Canada and the South Asian community. He talks about his story of being in a household of abuse, as a result of trauma from the war in Punjab. We hear about the strength of his mother who became a single mother and raised two children. We hear about how both social work and comedy focus on meeting people where they are, and helping shift their perspectives to achieve empowerment. Follow Jesse Singh on Instagram or TikTok @ThePunjabiTimbit.

    57 min

  8. 10/07/2024

    21. Refugee to Lawyer: the Sebastien N'Singi Story Part 1

    Niha speaks to Sebastien N'Singi, Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice working at the Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Secretariat. His conviction for fighting wrongdoing did not start at the public service. Rather a career in Government is an outcome of his constant dedication to advocate for what is right, even if it threatened his life. While at university in the 1970s, Sebastien participated in protests against the dictatorship regime of President Mobutu in Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to the substantial risk, he was forced to flee his home country as a refugee. After landing in Portugal, he came to Canada, after a the Commissioner of the UN High Commission for Refugees took notice of Sebastien, and his proficiency in French. Here in Canada, he continued his education and was encouraged by mentors to become a lawyer, and eventually he found himself at the Department of Justice. Sebastien’s story is a fascinating tale of resilience and justice with an inspiring ending, coming in Part 2. We're convinced he'll have a documentary soon.

    20 min
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About

Join our host, Niha Shahzad, Gabriel Cormier, and Vishala Shembedasie on exploring difficult, funny, and heartfelt conversations on race, equity and diversity in Canada and the US. This podcast is produced by Marcela Popowich, and brought to you by the Anti-Racism Ambassadors Network, a Government of Canada employee network.

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