About Me
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion+Justice Consultant | Public Speaker | Leadership Coach
I am a Professor of Sociology and Criminology, a researcher, and an independent consultant who provides expert analysis, training, and strategies on DEI+Justice, communications, public policy, organizational development, and public relations.
I am also a multiple award-winning public speaker, well-known media commentator, trusted community leader and social justice advocate, and renowned leadership coach.
Inspired by my mother’s cancer journey and her experiences in the healthcare system, I began researching and writing about health inequities, disparities, and barriers for racialized immigrants over 15 years ago. I have since then expanded my research and advocacy efforts to explore and shed light on other forms of discrimination, unconscious bias and microaggressions in various public and private settings.
Having dealt with many barriers and obstacles in my career journey, including the experience of being a single mother and having lost my younger brother to a traumatic death half-way through my PhD, I have often been asked to share my story to inspire others. For many years, I had been involved in youth mentorship and leadership workshops, especially those focused on women’s empowerment. But, despite best efforts, I had always felt something lacking in the structure and delivery mode of existing training models and programs I was invited to be a part of.
This is what gave birth to “HOWN” – my leadership training program, developed and delivered by someone with lived experience as a racialized woman.
“Born Made to Lead”
Why Work With Me
DEI+J • HOWN Leadership • Public Speaking
I combine evidence-based research, industry best practices and an intersectional approach with change management, consensus building, and conflict resolution principles to guide you on the path to success.
Whether delivering a speech, facilitating a workshop, leadership training, or creating a DEI+J strategy, the services and resources I provide are never “off-the-shelf”. Everything I create is customized to you as an individual or your unique organisation, to ensure maximum effectiveness, impact, and success.
Services
The Importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Justice (DEI+J)
There has been a collective awakening recently on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion + justice (DEI+J). Some see it as a better business practice, some as a moral obligation, and others as a legacy ambition. One thing that is undeniable is that DEI+J awareness and organisational application is the way of the future, and if you are not on board and up to date, you will be left behind. But within a constantly changing DEI landscape, it is difficult to understand exactly where your organisation lies on the spectrum. Since social identities and the politics surrounding them are ever-changing and evolving, you are challenged to be constantly learning and reframing your DEI+J vision and goals, but with other pressing priorities, it is difficult for your organisation to keep up and dedicate the time needed to bring your DEI+J commitment and goals to life. That’s where I come into the picture. I am here to bring you up to speed, guide your vision, and set you up for both short- and long-term solutions and strategies. Wherever you are in your diversity, equity, and inclusion journey, I help you move forward.
“DEI+J is here to stay, let’s get it right.” – Dr Sabreena
“Sabreena provided excellent consultation and evidence-based research to inform the Board for a community event focused on combatting xenophobia. Sabreena was given a complex project to manage due to the sensitivity of the content of the video being created for the launch. She needed to keep the external agency on time and also leverage her knowledge to guide the content creation and ensure that the video was appropriate and took into account the impact on various stakeholders. Her focus on design, development and execution of the project while also her invaluable knowledge of community based statistics helped shape an inclusive, informative and innovative launch of the organization.”
“Dr. Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui is a dynamic speaker who has the ability to make powerful points with accuracy and authenticity. The points she makes are backed up with data and sound knowledge grounded in her field of sociology and with critical perspectives. She navigates sensitive topics such as hate and islamophobia and anchors them in local and international realities while being authentic to the Canadian experience. Dr. Ghaffar-Siddiqui was a pleasure to connect with, for our event, and she was responsive and genuine from first contact, which made our interaction easy and this means a lot when there are so many details to organize when hosting an event. Thanks Sabreena!”
“For our public engagement project, Sabreena provided excellent input in preparing and contextualizing our work. Her knowledge and lived experience in terms of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion were of tremendous value in ensuring a well considered approach and effective planning. As well, her work as a facilitator in the actual engagement was also of great value, in supporting fruitful discussion and dialogue. Her professionalism and sensitivity, in that role, helped create a safe and welcoming space for participants to share their views, and this contributed significantly to the overall success of the project.”
“As an advisor and SME in Diversity and Inclusion Sabreena provides a unique and thoughtful perspective, always in- touch and grounded in what is actually happening and what will drive impactful change. Her passion and integrity frames her ability to speak the truth and offer the brutal facts of the challenges we face in enabling a change in corporate systems. Her advice and guidance in areas of gender and race along with her drive for action will help any organization accelerate their mandates for change.”
TRUSTED BY GLOBAL BRANDS
Let’s Work Together
Drop your details below to be contacted.
“Together, we can build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where the success of one is the success of all.”
