City of Richmond Diversity Symposium: Our Stories, Our Strengths

The City of Richmond Diversity Symposium is a free conference for professionals, volunteers and community members who are interested in learning, sharing and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their communities. Held annually each fall, the Symposium equips participants with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to help build diverse, equitable and inclusive communities.

This year’s theme, “Our Stories, Our Strength: Celebrating What Connects Us,” invites participants to explore storytelling as a powerful platform for understanding DEI and celebrating the shared experiences that contribute to community connection and resilience. Taking place at Richmond City Hall and the Richmond Cultural Centre over two days, the symposium will foster learning, dialogue and connection through keynote sessions, interactive workshops and a film screening.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we work, make decisions and deliver services. In this keynote presentation, Wyle Baoween explores how organizations can embrace AI while keeping people at the centre of every decision. Drawing on his leadership experience with Inclusivity and Vital AI, Wyle will examine both the opportunities and risks of AI, including how bias can become embedded in technology and contribute to misleading narratives. He will also share practical strategies for developing responsible AI governance. Participants will be encouraged to view AI not only as a technology challenge but as a leadership opportunity, one where inclusive design, responsible governance and authentic stories can help create stronger organizations and more equitable communities.

Speaker: Wyle Baoween, Inclusivity and Vital AI

Building Connections and Opportunities: Richmond’s Immigrant Mentorship Program

This workshop highlights the collaboration between the City of Richmond and the Immigrant Employment Council of BC in addressing barriers to professional labour market integration for newcomers. Participants will learn from best practices developed through Richmond’s Immigrant Mentorship Program, which pairs City staff mentors with newcomer mentees to support professional growth and build workplace connections. The workshop will cover practical strategies for helping skilled newcomers build meaningful career opportunities, professional networks and stronger connections within the community.

Speakers: Florence Bellanastasia and Jabin Itagi, Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC), Shant Goswami, City of Richmond

Ethical Storytelling and the Power of Representation

This workshop explores the ethics of representation and how responsible storytelling can foster trust, understanding and genuine relationships. Through guided discussion and hands-on exercises, participants will learn to practice reflexivity around power and positionality. Participants will gain practical tools for sharing stories in ways that respect the people and communities represented, ensuring their experiences are treated with fairness, authenticity and care.

Speaker: Amy Bu, Research and Strategy Consultant

The Role of Peer Support in Building Community Wellbeing

This workshop explores best practices from RASS’ Community Peer Outreach Program, demonstrating how shared lived experiences can help bridge the gap between clinical care and community connection. Participants will learn how honouring personal stories and integrating peer support into clinical settings can help reduce stigma, build trust and foster a stronger sense of belonging.

Speakers: Daniel Remedios and Jas Grewal, Richmond Addiction Services Society (RASS)

In this closing session, accessibility and inclusion advocate Yat Li brings together the key insights from the day's workshops. Drawing on his own experiences, Yat explores how vulnerability, storytelling and intentional organizational support can help address systematic barriers and build trust among community groups. Participants will reflect on the shared themes of the day and examine how personal narratives can advance social equity and create greater understanding. This session will conclude with practical takeaways for uplifting and protecting underrepresented voices within community spaces.

Speaker: Yat Li, Accessibility and Inclusion Advocate

(2026) takes viewers inside the vibrant spaces of Richmond’s Asian malls where every shop tells a story and everyday activities become opportunities for connection and belonging. Following the screening, a panel featuring community members with long-standing and newer connections to Richmond will explore how inclusive design can create meaningful spaces for cultural expression and belonging, and the important role these shared spaces play in bringing residents together and strengthening a sense of place.

Presented in partnership with .

Register here for the Film Screening and Panel Discussion.

We strive to create an inclusive and accessible event environment for all attendees. For more information on venue accessibility, please visit the Diversity Symposium website. If you require accessible seating, ASL interpretation or other accommodations, please indicate this in your registration. For inquiries about accessibility, please contact Peggy Chen, Planner 2 (Inclusion), at [email protected] or 604-276-4104.

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Richmond City Hall, 6911 Number 3 Road, Richmond, Canada

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