Inch by Inch Empowerment

Thank you all for your thoughtful messages and support following my 1:1 conversation with Roli Adetula, an intern student with the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA).

Our conversation left me deeply reflective, and I realized there were two significant points we discussed that I must share.

We explored the role of youth, bullying, and educators in shaping environments of safety and respect. The culture of a school—or any workplace—starts at the top. When leaders like superintendents show kindness and compassion to their principals, it sets a tone that ripples downward. Perhaps, just perhaps, this approach could help reduce bullying. I shared my own experiences of physical, emotional, and mental abuse at the hands of peers from grades 3 to 8, and the power, influence, and control a senior biology teacher wielded over me in OAC (grade 13).

We also spoke about the heartbreaking reality faced by individuals with disabilities—especially those with developmental disabilities—who experience violence that too often goes unreported because their voices are dismissed or disbelieved.

Violence doesn’t discriminate. Violence is violence. And the work to eradicate it is far from over.

Saw this new coffee shop on 's e-mail the other day.

Walking distance. (30 min) Bonus!

It's a really cool concept. It's a coffee shop yes, and a bike and ski repair shop too. Providing simple tune-ups. It has homemade Turkish pastries. Tara and I enjoyed splitting an apple cookie. Not to sweet.

We most likely will be coming back again, soon.

I'm learning how to play chess! It was neat.

🙏🏻 Grateful for the incredible work being done by CIWA ( Calgary Immigrant Women's Association ) here in Calgary, supporting women in university to create meaningful projects that drive real change in our country. I had the privilege of being part of Roli's project, which focuses on policies around gender-based violence and closing the gaps in how we, as a community and a nation, can do better.

💜 Today, Roli interviewed me 1:1, and we had a powerful conversation that touched on so many critical issues:

- The invisible kinds of abuse that often go unnoticed but leave lasting scars.

- My own experience with intimate partner violence during university and why education and awareness are vital.

- The fears within the 2SLGBTQ+ community when it comes to reporting to the police and the systemic barriers that perpetuate this silence.

- The importance of diversity training for police recruits—and the ongoing education needed for officers to better serve all communities.

✒️ Change takes time, especially in the realm of policy work, but conversations like these are a start. More education, awareness, and action are needed at every level.

📢 If your organization is ready to learn about the invisible forms of partner violence and how to support survivors, I invite you to reach out. I would be honoured to speak with your team about this critical issue. Gender-based violence and intimate partner violence do not discriminate—and neither should our efforts to address them.

🤝 Let’s work together to create safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone.

What an extraordinary and profoundly moving day. Thank you, CIWA, for hosting this impactful event.

Stories were shared, ideas ignited, and connections forged. I spoke about the often-overlooked invisible forms of violence, sharing my own university experience. I amplified the voices of youth and the 2SLGBTQ+ community and highlighted the urgent need for education and awareness—something I’ve been advocating for since beginning my entrepreneurial journey in 2011.

Our discussions delved into critical gaps: gender-based violence, policy shortcomings, youth challenges, homelessness, policing, and more.

Here’s a startling fact: Did you know there’s no unified national policy on gender-based violence? Each province focuses on its own priorities, leaving critical gaps that demand attention.

The work is far from over. Policy creation must be prioritized, and action is needed.

I’ll return Friday for a one-on-one interview to delve deeper into these pressing themes. The footage from today and Friday will contribute to a documentary for CIWA’s website and YouTube, amplifying this vital conversation even further.

The journey continues, but together, we’re moving the needle.

What an extraordinary and profoundly moving day. Thank you, CIWA, for hosting this impactful event.

Stories were shared, ideas ignited, and connections forged. I spoke about the often-overlooked invisible forms of violence, sharing my own university experience. I amplified the voices of youth and the 2SLGBTQ+ community and highlighted the urgent need for education and awareness—something I’ve been advocating for since beginning my entrepreneurial journey in 2011.

Our discussions delved into critical gaps: gender-based violence, policy shortcomings, youth challenges, homelessness, policing, and more.

Here’s a startling fact: Did you know there’s no unified national policy on gender-based violence? Each province focuses on its own priorities, leaving critical gaps that demand attention.

The work is far from over. Policy creation must be prioritized, and action is needed.

I’ll return Friday for a one-on-one interview to delve deeper into these pressing themes. The footage from today and Friday will contribute to a documentary for CIWA’s website and YouTube, amplifying this vital conversation even further.

The journey continues, but together, we’re moving the needle.

I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been invited by the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA) to be part of a powerful and youth-led initiative focused on addressing disparities in Gender-Based Violence policies within Alberta and Canada.

Tomorrow, January 22, 2025, I will have the privilege of participating in both a one-on-one interview with Roli, a passionate Policy Studies student at the University of Calgary, and a roundtable discussion alongside other advocates and experts. Together, we will explore the gaps in these policies, the impact on marginalized women, and actionable ways to advocate for meaningful change.

This opportunity is a reminder of the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and challenging systems that fail to protect the most vulnerable. I am deeply grateful to be asked to contribute my perspectives and experiences to this critical conversation.

Thank you to CIWA and Roli for including me in this vital work. It is a privilege to stand alongside such incredible advocates as we work toward creating a safer, more equitable society.

What is your word or theme of the year for 2025...Mine this year coming for 2025 is Nourish.

As I can nourish my relationship with Tara.
I can nourish my business connections.
I can nourish my business. I can nourish my health (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual).
I can nourish my body.
I can nourish my friendships.

And much more.

What about you? Would love to hear.

Have a peaceful Christmas week everyone.

I will see you back here in 2025 Jan. 6/25 to be exact with exciting news!

Till next time, be brave! Be bold! And be yourself!

Are you a small business seeking to enhance your DEI hiring practices and equip your team with vital knowledge and training?

I specialize in this area, bringing over 10 years of experience focused on the disability, mental health, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. I can help you create inclusive job postings and comprehensive policy documents, along with onboarding packages that resonate with diverse candidates.

Additionally, I provide targeted training and coaching for senior management and staff, fostering a deeper understanding of disabilities, pronouns, mental health, and more. Let’s work together to build a more inclusive workplace that values everyone.

https://www.fiverr.com/aime_f48

LinkedIn This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 I am saddened and angered to read that the 3 new AB government policies that will harm and even un-alive trans youth had their third reading today and will most likely pass very, very soon.

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 These new policies are un-aliving trans youth. I heard on the news tonight that a Dr in Calgary that provides gender affirming healthcare to trans youth has seen a spike in requests by families to meet him. If youth are already taking puberty blockers they will be still allowed to take this life saving medication.

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 When the new rules come into law and youth with their families want to start the puberty blockers for the youth this will be illegal for youth under 16 years of age.

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 I will continue to be a voice for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Support youth on their own coming out journey. I will continue to facilitate and speak to businesses about creating a safer and inclusive workplace for both the 2SLGBTQ+ and disability community.

media3.giphy.com

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇨🇦 Hi...My name is Aime. I am a proud feminist and le***an, and I will not be silenced. I stand for those who fear sharing their truth, for the voiceless, and for those who live in constant fear of embracing their authentic selves in every area of their lives.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇨🇦 Especially for the children—those who grapple with self-identity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Kids find their own safe spaces and choose who they confide in, and it isn’t always their parents.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇨🇦 This is a free country. If my message bothers you, feel free to delete and block me. I wish you well, but I will not tolerate negativity in my world. I’ve even blocked long-time friends for their comments on my posts. It wasn’t easy, but my social media wall and my business page are sanctuaries—welcoming, safe spaces for diverse youth and adults alike.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇨🇦 And no, I will not tone it down. In fact, I may get louder for those in the back who didn’t hear me the first time.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇨🇦 Here’s a glimpse of my life, photos of me and my wife, standing proudly together as le***ans in our community, including our handfasting ceremony.

***an

This is our new Halloween tradition. I think the friends I tagged would be fun to go with Tara and I.

thank you for having this event.