This is part two of my conversation with Ikram Carpan.And part one, Ikram gave me a new perspective on child development. It's all about letting young people be involved in their own decision making and problem solving--and creating a need for them to learn. If you'd like to reach out to Ikram to talk about his community development ambitions, you can reach him at: ikramcarpan20@gmail.comHe also talked about growing up in Russia, Bangladesh and Turkey, and coming to Canada after hi...

This is the first part of my two-part deep conversation with Ikram Carpan.Ikram came to Waterloo Region from Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic, reconnecting with members of his family who fled to Canada after being targeted by the Turkish government for being followers of Fethullah Gulen. Ikram is a fascinating young man, who grew up in Russia and Bangladesh, and studied in Turkey before coming here. He has a passion for teaching and child development - and his life experiences have given h...

Marjorie Knight. Marjorie is an anti-poverty advocate and a two-time candidate for the Ontario NDP in Cambridge. She is a family outreach worker for the House of Friendship and a founder of Rhythm and Blues Cambridge, which works to provide a safe engaging space to empower, inform and inspire the Black community in Cambridge.In this deep conversation between Marjorie discusses her experiences as a single black mother in Canada, who despite being well educated and having rich work experience, ...

This is part one of a two-part deep conversation with K. Fran Davis, who's Haudenosaunee from the Grand River Territory. She is an Indigenous consultant, researcher, teacher, and owner of Indigenous Learn: Two Row Education Services. In this episode, we learn a bit about Davis' life story and her journey to becoming an Indigenous educator. We also talk about the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Haldimand Tract, and the continuing effect of colonial policies.Learn more about Davis' te...

This is Part 2 of a deep conversation with K. Fran Davis, who's Haudenosaunee from the Grand River Territory. She is an Indigenous consultant, researcher, teacher, and owner of Indigenous Learn: Two Row Education Services. In this episode we talk about the struggles Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people have with accepting the realities of the Residential School System, the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools, and how Kelly strives to turn anger into compassion as...

In this deep conversation with Geraldine Stafford (the first civilian Manager of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion with the Waterloo Regional Police Service) we talk about her role in engaging police officers and community members to increase awareness, empathy and equity. We discuss the challenges police have building trust among racialized groups, and their ongoing efforts to foster trust. Geraldine also speaks about importance of having diverse voices at the table in our institutions an...

A deep conversation with Abiha Syed. Abiha immigrated to Canada, and Waterloo Region, 28 years ago, and has spent many of those years building connections between the Muslim community and the larger community. She is a co-founder and co-chair of the Muslim Woman of Cambridge and a Community Engagement Coordinator for Immigration Partnership Waterloo Region. Abiha was recently honored by YWCA Cambridge with a Woman of Distinction Award for her efforts supporting vulnerable people during t...

A deep conversation with Kathy Foster about her life story. Kathy is a resident of Supportive Housing of Waterloo. Her personal tragedy triggered a period of homelessness that lasted 18 years. She spent most of that time on the streets of Waterloo Region. In this episode of Deep Conversations with Strangers, Kathy courageously shares a story of loss and learning. At Supportive Housing of Waterloo, they believe housing is a fundamental right for everyone. Beyond affordable housing, ...

New Hamburg resident Allan Strong spent his career in the mental health sector, working within local agencies to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. He helped start the groundbreaking Skills for Safer Living program. His mission to improve mental health resources in the community was driven by personal experiences. He spent much of his youth taking care of his mentally ill mother. Then, as an adult, Allan was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 2 and also attempted s...