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Client Testimonials

"Collaborating with VitalShift for over nine years has been a very positive experience for our firm. We are an Indigenous and women-owned creative agency that designs inclusive and accessible solutions. Together with VitalShift, we have co-created impactful infographics that effectively communicate DEIB concepts and best practices.

We also hired VitalShift to deliver an impactful webinar to our team on applying a DEIB lens to graphic design. The skillfully facilitated webinar equipped us with an increased understanding of key concepts as well as application-oriented tools to improve the way that we design inclusively.

Our ongoing collaboration with VitalShift aligns with our mission to promote inclusion and accessibility through creative design solutions. We wholeheartedly recommend VitalShift."
Jennifer Taback, she / her / kwe, Co-CEO
Meggan Van Harten, she / her, Co-CEO

Design de Plume Inc.
"VitalShift has been a valued partner to Special Olympics Canada (SOC) since 2013, serving as our trusted experts in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).

VitalShift’s work with SOC has been far-ranging and impactful. Their contributions have included DEIB workshops, webinars, e-modules, and informative infographics, all designed to enhance our understanding and implementation of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging principles.

Their ability to operate in both English and French has been key to us as a national organization, ensuring all materials are accessible to our Provincial and Territorial Chapters in both languages.

In addition to supporting our educational needs, VitalShift has expertly guided us through policy development and review, overseen requests for proposals designed to outsmart unconscious bias in vendor selection, provided input into our Strategic Plan and administered comprehensive demographic surveys and global benchmarking tools.

The impact of their work has extended beyond our organization and our national borders as we have shared the valuable resources created by VitalShift with other sporting organizations. Working with VitalShift has been an incredibly positive and collaborative experience. Their team is professional, knowledgeable and also engaging and enjoyable to work with.

The professional relationship we have built has been invaluable, and we have personally gained a wealth of knowledge through our collaboration. We highly recommend VitalShift."
Gail Hamamoto, she / elle, Chief Executive Officer | Chef de la direction
Tom Davies, he / il, Vice-President, Sport | Vice-président, Sports
 
Special Olympics Canada
"We had a wonderful experience with VitalShift Consulting. VitalShift collaborated with the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers Forum to facilitate a session in November 2023 about gender inclusion.

VitalShift helped us deepen our understanding of key concepts, explore our mission and mandate, and create a practical roadmap for the WLF to become even more inclusive. The approach that VitalShift took was comprehensive and creative. The learning started even before the formal session, with an input survey and bilingual pre-work. The facilitated session was hybrid, with both in-person and virtual participation from across the country. The hybrid session involved a powerful blend of theory, lived experience, and lively interactive discussion expertly facilitated by the consultant, Kate. The use of online tools allowed all participants – in-person and virtual – to be engaged.

Kate fostered a safe and productive space and at the end of the half-day together, we had:

- a deepened knowledge of concepts and terms
- a better understanding of gender inclusion efforts across the CBA
- actionable next steps
- a takeaway tool to post on our website, and
- additional bilingual resources to explore.

We would highly recommend VitalShift!"
Catherine Ewasiuk, She / Her, Chair, Women Lawyers Forum (CBA Section)
Jennifer Taylor, She / Her, Past Chair, Women Lawyers Forum (CBA Section)
 
Canadian Bar Association
"The PGA of Canada has been lucky to work with Kate and the team at VitalShift for several years, and they have been instrumental in supporting our learning and development in the IDEA space. We are extremely fortunate to leverage not only Kate’s expertise, but also the work she has done with other sport organizations, such as Special Olympics Canada, to build our own training and resources.

The PGA of Canada is proud to have launched the online training module created by VitalShift, Build Success through Diversity & Inclusion in 2019 in our Training Academy presented by Titleist and Footjoy, and its updated version by VitalShift in 2024; Build Success through Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. This course is part of the required training for all National and Zone staff, as well as for Board members across the country. The course will become a core education requirement for new Apprentices entering the PGA of Canada in 2025.

In addition, we have made a commitment to host yearly training for our stakeholders and have just launched our infographic series with the first two resources created by VitalShift titled: “A" Game: Acting in Allyship on a regular basis to make everyone feel a sense of inclusion and belonging, and: "Why Share Your Pronouns? What is all this talk about sharing pronouns? What does it mean? How does it impact me and my business?"
The PGA of Canada supports a safe, open, and inclusive environment for everyone, and we look forward to continuing our work with Kate and the VitalShift team for years to come."
Kendra Isaak, She / Her / Elle, Chief Operating Officer
 
PGA of Canada
“I have to say that I was coming in with a slight reluctance to start, but kept my mind open. I thought I knew a thing or two about diversity, but I learned so much!

Your workshop made me feel more open. Isn't that great!? THANK YOU!”
Workshop Participant

Four Villages Community Health Centre
“VitalShift delivered a series of impactful webinars to our senior leaders on DEIB, Unconscious Bias, and Allyship.

LAPORTE hired VitalShift with confidence in their ability to deliver DEIB education and their performance exceeded our expectations. The co-facilitation team complemented one another so well and enriched the sessions through both their subject matter expertise and their lived experience. They also incorporated relevant research and scenarios that our participants could relate to on a personal and professional level.

This tailored approach not only enhanced engagement but also facilitated a deeper understanding of the material. The scenarios provided the team with opportunities to apply their learning especially considering that we operate in both French and English, and VitalShift was able to tailor their teachings to meet our language requirements.”
Taraya Middleton, Senior Administrative Coordinator

LAPORTE
"The customized DEIB webinar series designed and delivered by VitalShift for our firm's staff and Partners was truly exceptional. The sessions helped us to level-set in terms of our understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. They also provided us with actionable ideas that we could implement to create a more inclusive environment. Following the sessions, VitalShift provided us with a series of recommendations that we could undertake as a firm to foster an environment supportive of DEIB.

The facilitators touched on key topics relevant to the legal sector and to our firm’s operations and client service, making the discussions incredibly pertinent and engaging. The interactive nature of the webinars allowed participants to share their own experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding. The facilitators' openness about their personal experiences created a safe space for honest dialogue, making the sessions not only informative but also deeply relatable. Their facilitation skills were top-notch and their commitment to raising awareness within our firm was evident throughout the series.

VitalShift is leading the way in encouraging openness and change in the legal field, which is often slow to evolve. The facilitators' vulnerability and leadership by example were inspiring and VitalShift's approach was very effective. I am confident that their work will have a lasting impact. I look forward to participating in more of VitalShift’s sessions in the future."
Meghan Hull, she / her, Partner

Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP
"The Town of Orangeville partnered with VitalShift to deliver a transformative series of webinars focused on outsmarting unconscious bias, building a foundational understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, as well as increasing skills through centered, connected communication.

The relevance and impact of the webinars were frequently highlighted in the participants' evaluations. Our staff and leadership felt the sessions were incredibly timely and valuable. The webinars were highly interactive with polls, breakout rooms and scenarios used to illustrate ideas and apply tools. We all left with practical steps for how we can make a positive difference in both work and home life.

The professionalism and expertise of the facilitators were key to the success of the training. Their excellent facilitation skills ensured a great training opportunity, with many participants expressing appreciation for the town's efforts to respond to the current social climate, self-reflect on organizational practices, and identify areas for growth.

In addition to the webinars, VitalShift collaborated with us on the creation of two training videos now used in onboarding at the Town to help new employees understand our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and provide them with tools to support this commitment.

The education provided by VitalShift through webinars and training videos have had a positive impact on our staff and leadership. We are excited about the future of the Town of Orangeville and welcome the opportunity to partner with VitalShift again in the future."
Cathy Moran, she / her, CHRL, Senior Lead, Human Resources and Health and Safety, Corporate Services

Town of Orangeville
"I was inspired to invite VitalShift to collaborate with the Editorial Freelancers Association after participating in a session led by them at the Editors Canada Conference on the topic of using inclusive language as a tool of transformation.

From our initial contact right through to the post-session follow-up, I was pleased with all aspects of our collaboration. VitalShift designed and delivered a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) webinar for our organization and tailored the session to fit our needs. The overall structure was clear and logical, and I was impressed by the way the co-facilitators traded smoothly between speakers to cover different topics. I also appreciated how they made the session interactive through the use of polls and discussions in small and large groups. Their exploration of how DEIB discussions can go wrong or right, based on individuals' experiences and reactions, was very helpful and particularly useful as someone in a leadership position.

VitalShift provided me with the tools to create change and the inspiration to learn more. I would welcome the opportunity to work with them again."
Sangeeta Mehta, she / her, Co-founder

Editorial Freelancers Association's Diversity Initiative
"I collaborated with Kate of VitalShift on two nationally implemented projects and continue to reach out to her for her expertise. Kate is great to work with – a generous collaborator, a conscientious thinker, overall brilliantly smart, and fun to work with.

Working with Kate challenged me to think about diversity and inclusion at a much deeper level than ever before. My vocabulary expanded, my perspective broadened, my assumptions were challenged, and I developed new skills that I now apply in all elements of both my professional and personal life.

I thought I knew what it meant to be inclusive but I now have a much more substantial lens through which to view the world and support positive change."
Dr. Emma Stodel, Ph.D., she / her, Principal

Learning 4 Excellence
"Kate of VitalShift and I collaborated on several projects, including a wide range of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) infographics on multiple topics and e-modules on how to put DEIB into Action and Allyship.

Thanks to her, I learned a lot about unconscious biases, allyship, and gender-neutral language in French. She generously agreed to share her knowledge and expertise by giving presentations at the Editors Canada Conference, which were well attended and very instructive. She provided concrete examples and case scenarios, making it easy to implement the tips and new approaches discussed.

Kate is always willing to answer questions about ways to create respectful and inclusive environments for all, keeping in mind all underrepresented groups including the 2SLGBTQI+ communities. It’s always a pleasure to work with her."
Marie-Christine Payette, elle / she

Traductions Marie
"The presenters were amazing. I was able to learn a lot of theory to put words to my experiences in the workplace.

Since the webinar, I've already been able to have 4-5 conversations with EDI, both with those who were in attendance and others. I found the webinar extremely helpful as a tool for others to understand EDI topics and begin conversations which raise awareness to workplace issues.

I would like everyone to receive this training and would personally like to cover more EDI topics.

Making EDI a priority will foster a sense of belonging and safety in the group and will provide all kinds of benefits. When staff feel safe and supported, not only does that improve the company culture, but it allows them to speak highly of the company in a non-professional capacity which provides the message to our clients, the public and potential employees that our company is a great place to work and a great company to hire."
Webinar Participant
"I have to say that I was coming in with a slight reluctance to start but kept my mind open. I thought I knew a thing or two about diversity but I learned so much! Thank you for doing this work. Previous workshops I attended through another workplace were more about pointing fingers and I remember after one of them, I felt so drained/sad because I didn't know how to approach people anymore....but your workshop made me feel more loving, more open. Isn't that great!? THANK YOU!"
Workshop Participant
"I found the webinar extremely helpful as a tool for others to understand EDI topics and begin conversations which raise awareness to workplace issues. I would like everyone here to receive this training."
Webinar Participant
"This webinar will change how I do my work! I am already more conscious of my communication after the webinar. I am trying to be aware of how my actions could be interpreted and trying to build others up.

I've been using the EDI webinar as an avenue for starting conversations about discrimination in the workplace. It's been eye-opening to hear the stories from others and discussion how we could bring about change in the industry."
Webinar Participant
"The facilitators took everyone's POV into consideration and when answering questions they empathized with the people asking, and then provided information and explanation in a professional manner with the intention of teaching new viewpoints. Did not put down "old" mindsets.

They gave a broad overview of what is happening in the world and small things we can do to make a difference. There is much more to learn and I look forward to the opportunity to learn from them in in the future."
Workshop Participant
"The variety - polls, breakout groups/scenarios, chat option etc - made the virtual presentation interesting and I found the time passed by quickly. The pre homework was beneficial too."
Webinar Participant
"Great dynamic presenters and great content."
Webinar Participant
"I really liked the openness and the dialogue amongst everyone in the room.

As a lot of the information was new to most of us I felt that it was delivered in a way that helped us to really understand and provided practical examples for how to deal with/approach certain situations."
Workshop Participant
"I am so thankful for Astrid and Kate who put so much hard work into this. The legal field is slow to change but I believe with people doing work such as yours we will become more open. Well done. Thank you for being vulnerable and leading by example."
Webinar Participant
"They were absolutely amazing. I truly was captivated and enjoyed myself. They are exceptional at what they do. I hope to see them again :)"
Webinar Participant
"Format was wonderful. Facilitators were dynamic and engaging."
Workshop Participant
"These webinars have given me the confidence to speak out and up when I see systemic intolerance in the workplace."
Webinar Participant
"The session was informative and was in an environment that allowed for a safe space to ask sensitive questions."
Workshop Participant
"I would recommend this session. This was very eye opening."
Workshop Participant
"Informative, positive, real challenging at times, encouraging."
Webinar Participant
"Concepts and tools. Facilitators were excellent, making the concepts come alive.

Appreciated the personal stories/experiences used as examples."
Workshop Participant
"I appreciated the real life examples of how to use the tools."
Workshop Participant
"Yes - it was interactive, and I liked the diversity and humour the presenters had. The activities were very relatable."
Workshop Participant
"Heartfelt thanks for this workshop!"
Workshop Participant

j has over twenty years experience working with a wide range of clients on diverse projects connected to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and justice. j has extensive experience working in and for school boards supporting them to be more equitable and just, particularly in relation to gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.

j is an Assistant Professor in Queer Studies in Education at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan.  j teaches about “Education for Justice” and “Sex, Gender and Sexuality in Education”. j’s research interests include co-research with children, understanding ways young people are resisting transphobia and what young trans, Two Spirit and gender diverse people need to thrive. j completed a PhD in Curriculum Teaching and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto in 2022.

Jash takes a keen interest in combining public policy, equity, and inclusion at large corporations and organizations. He has played a role in driving diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) internally in organizations and institutions that he’s affiliated with as well as playing an external consulting role with others.

Jash is a graduate of the Honours Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business. While in London, Jash served as an educational consultant in multiple DEIB initiatives at both the Ivey Business School and Huron University College. He developed onboarding content focused on DEIB, along with self-reflection exercises that emphasized intercultural sensitivity and learning as central to the student experience. Jash has also delivered several guest lectures on equity and inclusion at Huron University College.

Additionally, Jash worked with the City of London as a Community Connector, advising on neighborhood activation and engagement strategies for various city-wide programs. He co-published two case studies with the City, which were incorporated into Ivey Business School’s third-year curriculum to enhance equity and inclusion initiatives at the school.

In addition to his DEIB consulting work with VitalShift, Jash works at RBC as a Product Manager in the Credit Cards Industry. Most recently, Jash is leading DEIB enablement efforts at RBC focussed at making identity and reflection a core part of the RBC employee experience. 

Jash is fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi. He also speaks basic French. He has lived in Canada since 2018 when he first arrived as an international student at Western University. In his free time, Jash likes to go on road trips, read Wikipedia pages and play with his dog, Mira.

Kevin is an award-winning educator with vast experience in working with adults and students in the broad spectrum of the educational system – locally and globally.   He has keynoted major professional development events, presented at numerous conferences and Faculties of Education, and trained countless educators on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) topics. His professional background also includes designing and delivering workshops and webinars for non-profit organizations and corporations.

With a focus on DEIB and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion, Kevin has worked extensively with public and private school boards throughout Ontario, Alberta, Yukon, and Newfoundland. He has worked as a curriculum consultant with the Toronto Catholic District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board for a combined thirteen years of his thirty years in education.  Kevin was seconded by the Ministry of Education to Egale Canada, the National Human Rights Organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues, where he worked extensively with administrators and educators for six years. 

Kevin is an annual instructor for the Ontario College of Teacher’s Additional Qualification Course “Teaching 2SLGBTQI+ Students” for Queen’s University. He is currently working with Rainbow Faith and Freedom to develop inclusive practices within faith-based schools.   He is adept at recognizing the sensitivity needed in working with delicate and challenging situations, especially within the school system.   His commitment and passion for social justice throughout his career was recognized when selected as Teacher of the Year by Toronto Secondary Unit in 2012, and the Family Life Educator of the Year Award in 2016. 

Kevin was educated at the University of Toronto School of Theology where he earned a M.Div and B.S.T. from Regis College.  His B.A is from Gannon University, in Pennsylvania.  As an Ontario College Teacher, he holds a BEd from the University of Toronto.

Kevin, with his partner, share 5 children – all with diverse identities in their unique ways.   For fun, Kevin is an avid cyclist, competitive table tennis player, creative gardener, and distance walker. 

Kate is a bilingual diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) subject matter expert and award-winning educator who ignites powerful transformations.  Drawing on her global insights, professional expertise and lived experience, Kate helps clients recognize patterns, shed limiting beliefs, and step boldly into their power to transform themselves, their teams and their organizations. 

With more than 30 years of leadership experience in the field of DEIB,  Kate is a seasoned professional. She has partnered with 80+ diverse organizational clients to support them in their DEIB journeys. A sought-after keynote speaker and co-facilitator, Kate delivers powerful workshops and webinars that leave a lasting impact. She has also co-authored customized eLearning modules on numerous DEIB topics for clients.

Kate brings a wealth of experience from working, volunteering, studying, and travelling in over 40 countries.  She is fluent in English and French and has a working knowledge of Spanish. Kate’s held leadership roles as Executive Director of the Ten Oaks Project, Manager of the Federal Multiculturalism Program, Facilitator with Skills for Change working with internationally educated professionals, Coordinator of Toronto Metropolitan University’s International Services for Students Department as well as leadership roles overseas with non-governmental organizations. 

In 2013, Kate founded VitalShift. After working more than 20 years in the corporate, non-profit and government sectors, she pursued her dream of creating a company that would help individuals and organizations to make meaningful and inclusive shifts. Seeking out other individuals who shared her belief in the power of DEIB, Kate brought together the talented, collaborative team that makes up VitalShift.

Kate holds an M.A. from Université Laval, a BEd. from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, a B.ES. from the University of Waterloo (including a year at the Université de Nantes, France), and is a certified Transformation and Leadership Coach from the Hendricks Institute. 

A parent, partner, and active 2SLGBTQI+ community member, Kate draws on her diverse background to fuel her work. In her free time, she enjoys open-water swimming, camping, travelling, reading, and time with her family.

Karen B. K. Chan (aka BK) is a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) subject matter expert and an award-winning educator with more than 25 years of experience. Above all, BK is dedicated to having difficult conversations that are real, transformative, and kind.

Known for her accessible style and sense of humour, BK integrates curriculum content into stories, and theory into practice. She works with individuals, groups, and organizations, and trains professionals across disciplines.
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In addition to being a DEIB professional, BK is a sex and emotional literacy educator. BK’s YouTube video Jam is used as a teaching resource internationally, and her chapter on the importance of creative play was part of the AASECT 2014 Book of the Year. BK’s work has also appeared in Toronto Book Award finalist Any Other Way (Coach House 2017), Sexology International, the Tete-a-Tete, and Action Canada’s national education manual.

BK has training in Creative Facilitation, Productive Thinking, Non-Violent Communication, and is a facilitator for YES!, which hosts intensive gatherings for social changemakers worldwide. These influences, and more, shaped her favourite ways to learn and teach: through stories, metaphors, diagrams, and things that make people laugh.

Aside from “synchronous” DEIB work via workshops and webinars, BK has also been the author, co-author and peer reviewer on multiple eLearning modules including DEIB fundamentals, Allyship, Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Competence.

Astrid brings extensive experience in DEIB to her consulting and training work at VitalShift. For over twenty years, Astrid has been a changemaker moving forward diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) initiatives in workplaces and the communities where she’s lived. She has extensive experience working with government, nonprofit organizations and corporations on anti-racism and other DEIB initiatives and training. Astrid has also been a leader in the creation of grassroots organizations addressing local issues.

Astrid has delivered workshops focused on DEIB to over 50 nonprofit organizations, boards and agencies in a career spanning almost two-decades with the federal and provincial governments. As a past Manager of the Multiculturalism Program for the Ontario region, she assisted more than twenty-five organizations in the development of short to long term anti-racism action plans and provided advice on issues of equity and diversity. Astrid also has experience offering consulting services to organizations on how to develop programming and policies using an anti-racism lens. 

Astrid was a senior manager with the Workplace Discrimination Harassment Prevention Office (WDHP) for the Ontario Public Service where she provided advice to senior management on how to address discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

As an engaged citizen, Astrid has volunteered with nonprofit organizations such as: GRILA – Group for Research and Initiative for the Liberation of Africa for over a decade. Astrid also hosted a pan-African radio show called Amandla for years for Saturday Morning Live with Norman Otis Richmond. She also co-founded several initiatives such as the Community Solidarity Against Racism in Construction in Toronto’s east end. This initiative successfully organized against the leaving of nooses for Black workers on construction sites and successfully lobbied for mandatory anti-racism plans in federal construction contracts. Astrid was also one of the co-founders of CMAST -The Committee to Memorialize the Abolition of the Slave trade. In addition, she organized several initiatives after the earthquake in Haiti, including La Maison d’Haiti du Grand Toronto. 

In addition to her consulting work with VitalShift, Astrid is currently a senior manager with the Ontario Public Service, where she leads a team that supports healthy organizational culture initiatives and programming as well as people engagement.