As we welcome July, we celebrate Disability Pride Awareness Month, honouring the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities and advocating for greater inclusivity. This month is not only about honoring the contributions of individuals with disabilities but also about embracing disabled identity and challenging the negative attitudes and misconceptions that often hold them back. More on how we can do this below.

As we think about this spirit of inclusivity, I’m reminded of how much hockey became a huge part of people's lives, especially here in Edmonton. As a proud Edmontonian, and not necessarily a huge hockey fan previously, it was breathtaking to watch the Edmonton Oilers' journey through the Stanley Cup playoffs. But even more inspiring was witnessing the unifying power of sports, as the playoffs brought our community together. It seemed that no matter your identity, as long as you were cheering on the Oilers in your jersey, you seemed to belong to something greater. For me, this sense of unity offered a glimpse into what a more inclusive world could look like. Looking forward, post-playoffs, my question is how we can harness this energy for continued good in our city and beyond, without needing to wear the jersey to feel that sense of belonging. Perhaps sports can bring a larger teaching to my work in the future!

June also saw the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Awards, where I had the privilege of celebrating the incredible achievements of women entrepreneurs. It was an inspiring evening, highlighting the strength and innovation within our entrepreneurial community. Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and recipients. Your contributions are paving the way for future generations of women leaders.

Additionally, and as an extension of my work in the Inclusion in the Field, I had the honour of co-presented on "Advocating for Change Through Mentorship" at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum National Conference. The workshop emphasized the importance of mentorship in promoting inclusivity in the skilled trades. By focusing on soft skills and authentic leadership, we aimed to create a more inclusive environment. What an amazing world we can continue to build as we emphasize the importance of inclusion in all work environments. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project as we look to celebrate our 5-year anniversary of informing change in the field!

And lastly, you might have been expected a different tone to this letter, as I’ve been committed to taking the summer months off in the past. I’ve also shared that this practice is an art, not a science, and as such I will be in the office some of July. This is in anticipation of some time off in September for an exciting opportunity. I’ll be participating in the Women Leading Program in Lecce, Italy, a unique part of the world where the locals are deeply connected to their way of life, not just their work. This experience is about rediscovering the balance between our personal lives and professional commitments, reminding us to get the most out of life. I look forward to immersing myself in this transformative journey, learning from each session, and bringing back new insights and inspirations to our work together.

In closing, as we embrace Disability Pride Awareness Month, let's continue to reflect on the moments that matter, celebrate diversity, and strive for a more inclusive world together. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Let's make July a month of reflection, action, and progress.

With gratitude,