Strength in diversity - A reflection by Laura Bowman

A reflection by Laura Bowman, project manager for research and evaluation on the employment pathways team and co-lead for Jewish Employee Resource Group (ERG). 

“The Jewish Employee Resource Group at Holland Bloorview has provided a meaningful space for Jewish staff and allies. In the past few years, the Toronto Jewish community has faced a great deal of negativity, which impacts our wellbeing and ability to show up as our best selves at work. Having a space to share our experiences, seek guidance, have a central voice, educate our Holland Bloorview community on our culture, and celebrate Jewish joy helps us feel comfortable, safe, and motivated to support the healthy futures for all children, youth and families living with disabilities. Through the Jewish ERG and with the support of our IDEAA office, we have celebrated holidays together, shared our religion and culture with others in the hospital through talks, videos, and events, supported the creation of information for clinicians on considerations for working with Jewish clients and families, and hosted resiliency-oriented education for our Jewish staff. As a co-lead of the Jewish ERG, I am grateful to have contributed to the creation of a space where our community can share their experiences, have a sounding board to consider how to deal with uncomfortable or discriminatory instances, and support one another. For example, when overt or covert antisemitic instances have arisen over the past few years, the Jewish ERG has been able to act as a source of information for our Jewish staff, a source of information and education for our hospital and teams, and a representative to advocate for our staff and clients to rectify what happens.  With the support and understanding of our IDEAA office, we look forward to further celebration, support, and advocacy for our Jewish Holland Bloorview community, along with our broader wonderfully diverse Holland Bloorview community.” - Laura Bowman, project manager for research and evaluation on the employment pathways team and co-lead for Jewish Employee Resource Group (ERG).