Strength in diversity - A reflection by Iman Elzinie

A reflection by Iman Elzinie, divisional coordinator and senior executive assistant,  experience, transformation and social accountability and co-lead, Black Employee Resource Group (BERG)

“Before joining Holland Bloorview in May 2024, my experience in previous organizations was often marked by a quiet sense of isolation that can come with being part of an under-represented community in a large workplace. Even in environments committed to inclusion, it was sometimes challenging to navigate experiences that were uniquely tied to being Black and feel that the full nuance of those experiences was widely understood.

Everything shifted when I started at Holland Bloorview. Shortly after I began, the Black Employee Resource Group (BERG) was launched in August 2024 as a voluntary, employee-led community for Black, African, Caribbean, and Afro-Canadian staff. From the first gatherings, BERG became a space of affirmation, shared experience, and collective strength. Over time, trust has grown and relationships have deepened. What once felt isolating has become a powerful source of connection, mentorship, and advocacy.

To me, diversity means recognizing the richness and complexity of people’s identities and lived experiences. True inclusion is cultivating environments where people can show up authentically, safely, and proudly. Initiatives like BERG, rooted in genuine listening and driven by community need, reflect the ongoing commitment to equity and belonging - a commitment supported by Holland Bloorview’s IDEAA office and its work toward fostering anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and inclusive spaces for clients, families, and staff” - Iman Elzinie, divisional coordinator and senior executive assistant,  experience, transformation and social accountability and co-lead, Black Employee Resource Group (BERG)