I AM.... A Photography Exhibition of Black Newcomer Women Leaders to Address Systemic Racism and Discrimination in Workplaces

What is I AM……?

I AM…..is a photography exhibition that aims to combine storytelling with a networking event to address systemic racism and workplace discrimination faced by Black Newcomer Women Leaders (BNWLs) in Edmonton.

The photography exhibition will capture stories of how unfair policies within workplaces have affected BNWLs and provide information and strategies about their coping, resilience and support they had in overcoming the challenges which eventually led them to leadership positions. The photography exhibition would give the BNWLs a platform to share their personal and professional journeys, highlighting their diverse experiences in navigating the job market and recruitment, workplace experiences and micro-aggressions, and career advancement while integrating into the Canadian workplace.

The photography exhibition will provide a safe and inclusive space where established leaders and emerging professionals can connect, share experiences, and forge lasting relationships. The event will reduce isolation, strengthen peer and professional networks, and amplify voices that challenge inequities in recruitment, workplace culture, and career advancement.

The event would be hosted to bring black women leaders together with early career or transitioning newcomer women. There would be a short session for the black women leaders to address questions from other women attending the event. This event also aims to:

• Create a space for women to connect, share experiences and build relationships. It would also reduce isolation, especially for newly landed newcomers or those navigating career transitions. Also, it will connect participants with potential mentors, collaborators, employers and open doors to new opportunities, resources and partnerships.
• Provide an opportunity for representatives from organizations to build connections and start conversations on how they can partner together on projects that aims to dismantle individual and structural racism within organizations.

Edmontonians and black newcomer women. 

Why is I AM….Initiative Important?

1. Edmontonians are more aware of racism and its impact and have a greater understanding of how to take action to address it

The stories shared in the exhibition will bring an awareness of racism within organizations to support advocacy, change highlighting systemic barriers within organizations, and inspire action on how to change this as well as bring policy changes.

1. Edmontonians will work together to build a diverse, inclusive and equitable city.

   The networking event will provide an opportunity for representatives from organisations to build connections and start conversations on how they can partner together on projects that aim to dismantle individual and structural racism within organisations and other areas.

2. Build Empathy and Connection: The women leaders’ stories will foster emotional engagement, helping early career or transitioning newcomer women get a better understanding of how to navigate the workplace to fully integrate and excel. It will also strengthen community bonds among women with shared goals and challenges.
3. Boost Confidence and Visibility: The sharing of the stories will help the women leaders own their achievements and build self-esteem in themselves and the early career or transitioning newcomer women. It also raises visibility for underrepresented voices, especially for black newcomer women.