Copy of Jada Yee: Redefining Inclusion and Driving Economic Reconciliation

A Beacon of Change in a Divided World

In a world that often feels divided, it is more important than ever to celebrate and learn from visionary leaders who are breaking down barriers, building bridges, and driving positive change. As part of my commitment to showcasing these trailblazers, I am thrilled to introduce Jada Yee, a leader whose approach to inclusion and economic reconciliation deeply resonates with me and exemplifies the type of transformative leadership our society needs.

A Fresh Perspective on Inclusion

Jada, the newest Partner at OneHoop, an Indigenous consulting firm at the forefront of driving inclusive growth, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on what true inclusion means. With over two decades of senior leadership experience spanning diverse sectors, Jada has honed his expertise in navigating complex challenges and fostering understanding among all communities.

What distinguishes Jada's approach is his commitment to addressing inclusion in a meaningful and impactful way. He recognizes that genuine inclusion requires more than just representation; it demands active engagement, mutual understanding, and a willingness to learn from one another. As Jada puts it,

"I strongly believe that being a leader, both in business and in the community, you need to use your platform to assist others that share your values and that need your assistance."

This statement demonstrates Jada's dedication to leveraging his position to support and uplift marginalized communities, a key aspect of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEIB) in action.

A Personal Journey of Leadership and Community Service

Beyond his impressive professional achievements, Jada's personal experiences have profoundly shaped his perspective on leadership and community service. He recently shared a poignant story about his appointment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation board for the Saskatchewan Chapter.

"I wanted to be on this board and be the representative for Regina and Southern Saskatchewan because I wanted to use my platform to raise awareness and sponsorship for Make-A-Wish foundations," Jada explains.

"I look forward to helping Make-A-Wish Foundation make an impact in Southern Saskatchewan and to help raise as much sponsorship to help lessen the burden for families that are dealing with a child that has a critical illness." This commitment to supporting families in need, regardless of their background, showcases Jada's dedication to inclusivity and equity in his community service efforts.

Jada's motivation to dedicate his time and energy to community organizations and initiatives stems from a deep sense of responsibility to future generations.

"My Indigenous Elders' always taught me, 'We don't inherit this earth from our Ancestors, but we borrow it from our children', so what we do today will impact tomorrow. I want to ensure that I am making a positive impact for all of our children," he shares.

Jada's commitment to creating a better community, city, and country for tomorrow drives him to be a bridge between Indigenous interests and the broader community, advocating for Truth and Reconciliation. This focus on intergenerational impact and bridging diverse communities exemplifies DEIB in action, as Jada works to create a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Balancing Career and Community Involvement

Jada's dedication to his demanding career and community involvement is a testament to his exceptional time management skills. When asked about how he manages to juggle his busy schedule, Jada emphatically responds,

"Two words...Time Management!" he emphasizes. "When I first began my career and community service, I would volunteer for everything. As I got older and more advanced, I started to volunteer for boards that I shared values with."

Jada's strategy for maintaining balance involves setting clear boundaries and focusing on causes he is passionate about.

"When it comes to finding balance, I would suggest that you volunteer for no more than 2 boards that you are passionate about. For me, this was the balance for Family, Work and Community Service," he explains.

Jada's experience has taught him the importance of being selective with his commitments to ensure that he can make a meaningful impact without sacrificing his personal and professional responsibilities. This approach to balance and self-care is crucial for sustaining long-term efforts in promoting DEIB, as it allows leaders like Jada to maintain their energy and focus on creating lasting change.

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change

Jada's journey has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant moments in his career was when he decided to walk away from a high-paying job to become a business owner. "In my last role, I felt that I wasn't making the impact that I wanted to make. I had some very close friends, who are leaders in their own field, that felt the same way," Jada recalls. "My friend created a company and I left to be a partner and together we created OneHoop Indigenous Advisory Services."

"This taught me that I have the power to make the changes and impacts that I want to see. I had to tell myself that I could no longer be dependent on an organization, but to believe in my strengths to create my own organization that will focus on collaborating with businesses with their Reconciliation efforts," he shares.

This bold move taught Jada a valuable lesson about the power of believing in oneself and taking action to create the change one wants to see. Jada's willingness to embrace change and take calculated risks has been instrumental in his success as a leader and change-maker. This story illustrates how Jada's commitment to DEIB extends beyond his personal efforts, as he actively works to create organizations and structures that prioritize inclusion and reconciliation.

The Role of Empathy in Leadership and Community Engagement

Empathy lies at the core of Jada's leadership philosophy. He firmly believes that "empathetic leadership means having the ability to understand the needs of others, and being aware of their feelings and thoughts." Guided by his Lakota teaching of Mitakye Owasin, which means "All my relations," Jada recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the far-reaching impact of his decisions.

"Whenever I meet and interact with people, I always remember my teachings need to 'come from a good place', so when I speak and even have uncomfortable conversations, I always speak from a 'good place' so it's not coming across as negative or vindictive," Jada explains.

By approaching interactions with empathy and a genuine desire to understand others, Jada creates an environment where meaningful dialogue and positive change can flourish. This empathetic approach is a cornerstone of DEIB, as it fosters understanding, respect, and inclusivity in all interactions.

Self-Care: A Foundation for Strong Leadership

Amidst his numerous responsibilities and commitments, Jada recognizes the importance of self-care and well-being.

"Self-care is a must in my everyday life! If I am not working on myself, then I am not becoming a stronger leader for my staff, my community and my family," he emphasizes.

For Jada, self-care is a holistic practice that nurtures his mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. "For me, I smudge with sweetgrass every morning to pray to the creator for helping guide me to 'walk that good path'. I workout 5 days a week to help me physically, to which I have dropped 60 lbs in the last 6 months," he shares. By prioritizing self-care, Jada ensures that he has the strength, clarity, and resilience to lead with purpose and compassion. This commitment to self-care is essential for leaders working to advance DEIB efforts, as it enables them to maintain their energy, focus, and well-being while navigating the challenges and complexities of creating inclusive environments.

Proud Moments and Fulfillment in Supporting Marginalized Communities

Throughout his career, Jada has had numerous moments where he felt particularly proud and fulfilled in his efforts to support marginalized communities and individuals. One such moment was during his tenure as the first civilian chair of the Regina Police Service. "I was proud to hire Regina's first Muslim Chief of Police," he recalls. This appointment not only increased representation in leadership but also sent a powerful message about the importance of diversity and inclusion within law enforcement.

Jada's impact extends beyond individual appointments. He has successfully engaged with numerous companies, encouraging them to set employment targets for Indigenous hires.

"It takes a lot of conversations, and most times, uncomfortable conversations, but I do it because forcing organizations and leaders to be uncomfortable is where change happens!" he asserts.

Jada's unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized communities is a testament to his dedication to inclusion and economic reconciliation. These efforts demonstrate DEIB in action, as Jada works to break down barriers, challenge the status quo, and create more equitable and inclusive workplaces.

Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers

For those who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities, Jada offers valuable advice.

"Be engaged, learn the process and always ensure you engage and bring forth the interests of the community you are representing. This is not about being a lone wolf, but ensuring you are representing your community," he emphasizes.

Jada reminds us that creating change is not about individual accolades or titles, but about working together to build a better future for all. This advice underscores the importance of community engagement and collaboration in advancing DEIB efforts, as true progress requires the collective efforts of many individuals working towards a common goal.

Fostering Inclusivity: A Collective Responsibility

Creating a more inclusive society is a collective responsibility, and we all have a crucial role to play in fostering inclusivity within our own spheres of influence. Here are some additional concrete actions individuals can take to challenge their biases and create more welcoming, equitable spaces:

?? Embrace diversity in your personal life: Surround yourself with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Build genuine friendships and connections that allow you to learn from and appreciate different perspectives.

?? Attend diversity and inclusion workshops: Participate in workshops, seminars, or training sessions that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These learning opportunities can help you gain a deeper understanding of systemic inequalities and provide tools for creating more inclusive environments.

?? Support businesses owned by marginalized communities: Make a conscious effort to support businesses owned by individuals from marginalized communities. This can include restaurants, shops, services, and other establishments that contribute to the economic empowerment of these communities.

?? Share inclusive resources: When you come across articles, books, videos, or other resources that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, share them with your network. Encourage others to engage with these materials and start meaningful conversations about creating a more inclusive society.

?? Attend cultural events and festivals: Participate in cultural events and festivals that celebrate the diversity of your community. These events provide opportunities to learn about different traditions, customs, and histories while fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for cultural diversity.

?? Challenge your own assumptions: When you find yourself making assumptions about someone based on their appearance, background, or identity, take a moment to question those assumptions. Ask yourself if they are based on stereotypes or biases, and actively work to challenge and reframe your thinking.

??? Support policies and initiatives that promote equity: Use your voice and vote to support policies, initiatives, and candidates that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. Advocate for systemic changes that address disparities and create more equitable opportunities for all.

??? Engage in community outreach: Volunteer with organizations that serve marginalized communities or participate in community outreach programs. By directly engaging with and supporting these communities, you can help bridge gaps, build understanding, and contribute to creating a more inclusive society.

?? Foster an inclusive mindset in children: If you have children or work with young people, actively teach and model inclusive behaviors and attitudes. Encourage them to embrace diversity, practice empathy, and stand up against discrimination from an early age.

?? Advocate for inclusion in the workplace: If you are in a position of influence at work, use your platform to advocate for more inclusive policies, practices, and initiatives. Encourage your employer to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring, promotion, and decision-making processes.

A Call to Action for a More Inclusive Future

In a world that often feels divided, Jada Yee's unwavering dedication to inclusion and unity serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of empathy, understanding, and the courage to engage in meaningful dialogue. By redefining what it means to be truly inclusive and putting that philosophy into practice, Jada demonstrates that a more equitable and prosperous future is within reach—a future where all communities can thrive together, bound by mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to progress.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of our time, let us draw inspiration from visionary leaders like Jada Yee and take action in our own lives to drive positive change. Remember, creating inclusive spaces is an ongoing journey that requires continuous learning, self-reflection, and action. By incorporating these practices into your daily life and encouraging others to do the same, you can contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Together, guided by empathy and understanding, we can unlock the full potential of our shared future and build a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

To connect with Jada Yee or to find out more about the work that OneHoop is doing, check out the OneHoop LinkedIn page or go the their website link below.

Learn more about OneHoop

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