Diversity & Inclusion Episodes

Welcome back to Coffee With Convery. Today’s conversation is for anyone who has ever askedthemselves: Am I on the right path? What if I want to pivot? How do I connect what I’m studying to the real world? Because here’s the truth. Careers today are no longer linear. They are dynamic, evolving, and often unpredictable. I’m excited to welcome Jake Okechukwu Effoduh. Jake is an Assistant Professor at the Lincoln AlexanderSchool of Law, where his work focuses on artificial intelligence, tec...

Welcome back to Coffee With Convery, today’s conversationasks us to slow down, lean in, and really listen. Because sometimes, the most important work happening inthe world isn’t loud, it’s deep. It’s thoughtful. And it’s rooted in truth. In a time where we talk a lot about innovation,disruption, and the future of work… We don’t always talk enough about the human stories thatshape who we are and who we become. Today’s guest lives at that intersection where researchmeets lived experience, wher...

Coffee With Convery – Special Edition | Live with Northeastern University Toronto Students Today’s Special Edition features four exceptional graduate students from Northeastern University Toronto who are navigating the Canadian job market as innovators, newcomers, and future leaders. Meet the Guests John Justice Abban John is a biotechnology graduate student with experience spanning GMP manufacturing in Canada and regulatory operations in Ghana. From placing 2nd in an AI in Life Sciences Hackat...

Most people are not stuck because they lack talent. They are stuck because they are hiding. Hiding their voice. Hiding their truth. Hiding who they really are. Today’s conversation is about what happens when you stop editing yourself and start owning the stage. My guest is Ava Val. She is a John Candy Award winning comedian, musician, and actress. She has written for This Hour Has 22 Minutes, appeared on Roast Battle Canada, and stunned audiences on Canada's Got Talent with a full sweep o...

Welcome to Coffee With Convery, the podcast that’s your launchpad for career inspiration. Today’s guest doesn’t just work inside systems -- he questions them, rewrites them, and asks who they were actually built for in the first place. Colin Belcourt is an author, certified sustainability practitioner, award-winning DEI & belonging leader, business intelligence professional, and a queer systems thinker. Colin’s career didn’t start with a title or a straight line. It started at the front desk...

Welcome back to Coffee with Convery, where we caffeinateyour curiosity with bold stories, actionable insights, and fresh takes on how we define and design success. Today’s guest is a leader in AI innovation, a keynotespeaker, and an advocate for mental health and resilience. Please welcome TJ Walia — creator of the PWR-AI Framework, former Microsoft leader, and passionate mentor helping professionals and entrepreneurs thrive withoutburning out. TJ’s journey is one many can relate to — after 15...

Welcome back to Coffee with Convery, where wecaffeinate your curiosity with bold stories, actionable insights, and fresh takes on how we define and design success. Today’s guest is a dynamic legal mind, mentor, andaward-winning thought leader in appellate and judicial review litigation. Please welcome Marco Falco — Partner at Torkin Manes LLP, distinguished University of Toronto alumnus, and champion for diversity and mentorship in thelegal field. Marco is more than a lawyer — he’s a storytel...

Welcome back to Coffee with Convery, where wecaffeinate your curiosity with bold stories, actionable insights, and fresh takes on how we define and design success. Today’s guest is a talent acquisition powerhouse, diversitychampion, and connector of people and possibilities. Please welcome Jessie Penman—Talent Acquisition Advisor at BDC, passionate advocate for inclusive hiring, and living proof that empathy can be a competitive advantage. Jessie doesn’t just fill roles—she builds futures. Wit...

Hey everyone! Welcome back to Coffee with Convery—your go-to podcast for real talk, bold ideas, and human-first career stories that inspire the next generation of talent. Today’s episode is going to blow your mind—literally. Joining me is someone who’s made it his mission to help people understand how we think, how we decide, and how we unlearn bias in the workplace and beyond. He’s a social scientist, a trainer, a speaker, a former EMT, and an all-around force for good. He’s facilitated work...

Welcome to Coffee with Convery ☕️, the podcast where we sit down with industry leaders, and outstanding individuals making a difference. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing our esteemed guest, David Levangie. 🎙 David is a Partner-Litigation at Fogler Rubinoff LLP in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With an impressive 16 years of experience in the legal field, David has become a leading figure in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group at Fogler Rubinoff. ⚖️ David's practice focuses on compl...

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we dive into the stories of changemakers, thought leaders, and trailblazers shaping the future of business and leadership. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Steve Yacovelli, also known as “The Gay Leadership Dude®”—a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership development expert who has dedicated his career to fostering inclusive, resilient, and purpose-driven leadership. With a background spanning The Walt Disney Company, IBM, and Tupperware Brands, Steve...

What's up, hustlers and dream-chasers! 🚀💪 Welcome to another high-energy episode of Coffee With Convery🎙️💥 Today we're about to crank the volume up to 11! 🔊🔥 We've got a real estate rockstar 🏠🎸 Cody Galloway-Braman in the house. He's flipping the script on how we think about buying and selling homes. He's a 3x franchise owner 🏆🏆🏆, a community builder 🤝🌟, and an athlete who's still crushing it in the gym 💪🏋️‍♂️. Let's dive into this no-holds-barred conversation that's guaranteed to leave you ...

🎙️ Welcome to a special episode of Coffee with Convery! Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to a remarkable individual who is making waves both on and off the ice. Meet Carson Gates, a dedicated student at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who's not just chasing pucks 🏒 as the goalie on the Men’s Hockey Team but also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism 📰. Carson currently holds the role of Editor in Chief at "The Communiqué," where he has been shaping narratives a...

Welcome to Coffee with Convery ☕️, where each conversation embarks on a journey of discovery and inspiration. Today, as we commemorate International Transgender Day of Visibility, observed annually on March 31st, we stand in solidarity with transgender individuals worldwide. This day is a poignant reminder to celebrate their identities, shed light on the discrimination they endure, and honor their invaluable contributions to society. 🏳️‍⚧️ On this significant occasion, we are honored to host R...

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, the podcast where we brew up insightful conversations with fascinating guests from various industries. 🌈 Happy Pride! 🌈 Today, we're celebrating diversity and diving into the world of culinary creativity, community, and entrepreneurship with a truly unique duo. Chih Lin and Michael Dorsey have taken a leap of faith from corporate America into the vibrant culinary scene of Houston, Texas. They've built a one-of-a-kind dumpling-making experience that you simply hav...

Welcome to Coffee with Convery! ☕️ Today, we have a remarkable guest whose journey encapsulates resilience, faith, and the power of inclusion. Meet Andrew Fitisemanu, a dynamic individual who not only shines on the rugby field but also advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both sports and corporate environments. 🏉🌈 Andrew’s story is one of evolution and empowerment. Growing up as a Catholic in New Zealand, Andrew found solace and strength in his faith. However, his path took a trans...

Welcome back to Coffee with Convery, where we dive into the journeys, insights, and innovations shaping the future of business, leadership, and community. Today, we’re spotlighting an incredible student organization making waves at the Schulich School of Business—Schulich Pride Alliance. Schulich Pride Alliance has been a beacon of inclusivity, fostering a welcoming space for 2SLGBTQ+ students to connect, learn, and thrive. Through community-building, education, professional development, and m...

Welcome back to Coffee with Convery for a powerful conversation with Mark Dembo, an expert in executive education, EdTech, and talent management. Mark shares his journey from Cornell to leadership roles at top organizations, offering career wisdom for navigating transitions, building strong networks, and adapting to the rapidly changing workforce. Don't miss his insights on the importance of lifelong learning, mentorship, and preparing for the future of work. Whether you're a student or early...

Welcome to another episode of Coffee with Convery, where we delve into the diverse journeys of professionals across various industries. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Stina Borth, Founder and CEO of Keymaker Services, an organization dedicated to elevating workforce productivity and youthdevelopment. Stina is an award-winning educator, neurodiversity specialist, and passionate advocate for inclusive, high-performance environments. With a Master's in Education and a wealth of exper...

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore stories, insights, and careers that inspire. In this special edition / bonus track of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, I sit down with Diallo Farquharson—an innovative entrepreneur tackling housing inequality and sustainable urban development. As the Co-Founder of TurnKey Developers Inc., Diallo is on a mission to revolutionize housing solutions by making backyard suites more accessible, helping homeownersmaximize their property value whil...

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore stories, insights, and careers that inspire. In this special edition of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, I sit down with Reggie Waterman—a visionary leader in marketing, mentorship and professional development. With over 15 years of experience driving strategy in Canada’s largest communications and technology companies, Reggie has built a career at the intersection of innovation and leadership. As the Founder of NEXT TEN and Easy Apply Inc...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Coffee with Convery, where we continue our Legacy in Motion series in honor of Black History Month. Today, we are privileged to sit down with an extraordinary leader who is shaping the future of work and opportunity—Mo Ekujumi. Mo is the Co-Founder and CEO of SkillHat, a transformative global tech company dedicated to launching people of color, women, and newcomers in North America into thriving tech careers. With a deep passion for education and empowerm...

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore stories, insights, and careers that inspire the next generation. In this special edition of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, we sit down with Dr. Camisha Sibblis - an influential leader in Social Justice, Mental Health, and Black Scholars. A 2024 honoree of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women and one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch 2022, Dr. Sibblis is an Assistant Professor and the Director ofthe Black Scholars Institute at the...

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we explore stories, insights, and careers that inspire the next generation. In this special edition of Legacy in Motion: Black History Month, we sit down with Dr. Patience Adamu—an influential leader in equity, diversity, and inclusion. With a wealth of experience in social impact, policy, and education, she is dedicated to empowering historically underrepresented communities. Whether you're navigating your first job, looking to make a meaningful career s...