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'''<big>[[AMA|Main AMA Page]] | [[Journée internationale des personnes handicapées : L'inclusion signifie tout le monde|FR]]</big>'''
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'''<big>[[AMA|Main AMA Page]] | [[Mois de l'histoire des Noirs : Le progrès est précieux - Célébrer l'excellence|FR]]</big>'''
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<big>[[File:ENG December 2024 Poster.png|frameless|500x500px]]</big>
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<big>[[File:ENG AMA February 2025 Poster.png|alt=|frameless|500x500px]]</big>
    
<big><br />
 
<big><br />
'''Featuring:''' Michel Marcelin, Debbie Patterson, and Jeffrey Stark</big>
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'''Featuring:''' Ngina Matondo, Baye Mohamed Mbengue, and Dr. David Nanang</big>
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<big>'''Co-hosted by''' Sarah Francescutti and Samantha Moonsammy</big>  
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<big>'''Opening Remarks by''' Lyrique Richards</big>
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<big>'''Date and time:''' Wednesday, December 11, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM EST</big>
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<big>'''Co-hosted by''' Paul Galiba and Marie-Monique Jean-Baptiste</big>
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<big>'''Date and time:''' Wednesday, February 19, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM EST</big>
    
<big>'''Audience:''' Open to all Government of Canada employees</big>
 
<big>'''Audience:''' Open to all Government of Canada employees</big>
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<big>'''Link to join:''' [https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTljYzdkYTktNmRiYS00Zjk0LTg3NWEtMzA3YTYzZGNjMDcy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22325b4494-1587-40d5-bb31-8b660b7f1038%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22905de883-ee9c-42a6-bfee-cc866f97f03e%22%7d Join the event]</big>
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<big>'''Link to join:''' [https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGFkYzJmYzEtNmNhZi00NTU2LThjMDYtZWJlNTYzYWI4MTUx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22325b4494-1587-40d5-bb31-8b660b7f1038%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22905de883-ee9c-42a6-bfee-cc866f97f03e%22%7d Join the event]</big>
 
==<big>'''Event description'''</big>==
 
==<big>'''Event description'''</big>==
<big>Join us for an engaging Ask Me Anything session in celebration of International Day for Persons with Disabilities! This event is a unique opportunity to explore and discuss topics related to accessibility, inclusion, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Hear from advocates and individuals with lived experiences who will answer your questions, share insights, and discuss ways to create a more inclusive world. Whether you're looking to learn more about disability rights, inclusive design, or personal stories, this interactive session is open to everyone and encourages all to participate. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect, learn, and champion accessibility for all!</big>
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<big>Join us for February’s Ask Me Anything event, where we honour Black History Month through an honest, open, and transparent conversation. This year’s theme celebrates excellence in public service by highlighting and uplifting the voices of Black employees, with insights from public servants and inclusive leaders representing diverse backgrounds, departments, and life stages.</big>
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<big>Join us as our speakers share their sincere stories and candid reflections on the Ask Me Anything stage!</big>
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<big>Our speakers will engage in real and raw discussions, sharing their multifaceted stories that shed light on the complex experiences of Black Canadians. These narratives provide a deeper understanding of the resilience, innovation, and contributions that continue to shape our nation.</big>
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<big>Black History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the invaluable impact of Black individuals throughout Canada’s history and into the present day. It is a call to embrace unity, togetherness, and the shared vision of a country where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.</big>
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<big>Whether you’re a new or seasoned member of the Federal Public Service, this event offers a chance to learn from our diverse panellists. Their experiences and reflections will inspire and equip you to navigate your public service career through a diversity and inclusion lens.</big>
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<big>Don’t miss this opportunity to join us on the Ask Me Anything stage and hear these powerful and sincere stories firsthand. Let’s celebrate excellence together!</big>
    
==<big>'''Meet our panellists'''</big>==
 
==<big>'''Meet our panellists'''</big>==
=====<big>'''Michel Marcelin, Accessibility Advisor, Health Canada'''</big>=====
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'''<big>Opening Remarks</big>'''
[[File:MM.jpg|left|frameless]]
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[[File:Screenshot 2023-12-20 at 8.19.01 AM.png|left|frameless]]
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==== <big>Lyrique Richards, Administrative Staff Officer, Diversity and Inclusion Office, Materiel Group, Department of National Defence</big> ====
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<big>Lyrique Richards is a Human Kinetics graduate from the University of Ottawa and a proud third-year public servant with experience at Health Canada and National Defence. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, to immigrant parents from Jamaica and Antigua, Lyrique’s Caribbean heritage is a cornerstone of her identity. From ten years as an Afro-Caribbean dancer to being an alum of the Afro-Caribbean Cotillion program, she carries her culture proudly, using it to foster understanding and celebrate diversity.</big>
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<big>Passionate about uplifting her peers, Lyrique is dedicated to inspiring those around her to embrace their authenticity and potential. A natural storyteller, she uses her voice to encourage and empower others.</big>
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<big>Guided by her mantra, "Just do you, and you’ll leave your mark," Lyrique is determined to make an impact.</big>
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=====<big>'''Ngina Matondo, Manager, production and Release Coordination Services, Production Assurance Division, Client Service Management Directorate, Canada Revenue Agency'''</big>=====
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[[File:NM.jpg|alt=|left|frameless]]
 
<big>My name is Michel Marcelin, and I work for Health Canada as an accessibility Advisor I am a first-generation Canadian of German and Mauritian descent. I am a person with multiple disabilities, both mild physically and learning oriented. Over my life, having a disability was always part of my identity. Still, I never really fully embraced what this truly means and the value that it holds to myself personally until fairly recently, when I realized that it is really my “superpower.”</big>  
 
<big>My name is Michel Marcelin, and I work for Health Canada as an accessibility Advisor I am a first-generation Canadian of German and Mauritian descent. I am a person with multiple disabilities, both mild physically and learning oriented. Over my life, having a disability was always part of my identity. Still, I never really fully embraced what this truly means and the value that it holds to myself personally until fairly recently, when I realized that it is really my “superpower.”</big>  
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<big>So, I had this tube for 14 years until, in a high school exam, I had similar symptoms of headache and dizziness combined with vomiting. Which essentially called for an ER visit and emergency surgery to have said tube replaced.</big>  
 
<big>So, I had this tube for 14 years until, in a high school exam, I had similar symptoms of headache and dizziness combined with vomiting. Which essentially called for an ER visit and emergency surgery to have said tube replaced.</big>  
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<big>Ironically enough, something similar recently happened a few weeks ago in October. And I spent days in hospital recovering from the same surgery.</big>  
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<big>Ironically enough, something similar recently happened a few weeks ago in October. And I spent days in hospital recovering from the same surgery.</big>
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=====<big>'''Baye Mohamed Mbengue, Consultant, Environment and Climate Change Canada'''</big>=====
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[[File:Mo.jpg|alt=|left|frameless]]
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<big>Proud father of 3, proud African and eternal optimist. Mohamed started working for the federal government (Environment Canada ECCC) in 2018 after spending two years as a consultant for ECCC. He has a bachelor’s in economics and political science, a certificate in project management and he is undertaking a master’s degree in Environment. Mohamed volunteers the Senegalese association in Canada (RGSC) and in the union (PSAC), he is a local president and responsible for political action in the District of Montreal. He likes politics, reading, swimming, spending time with family.</big>  
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<big>I tell you this story to express to you the importance of resilience and perseverance when facing challenges of many kinds. It is this resilience that I have developed over my life (even educationally and professionally) that has carried me through hard times. As a student with a learning disability, recognizing not my weakness but my strength and allowing this strength to propel me forward has really been my superpower!</big>
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=====<big>'''Debbie Patterson, Strategic Manager, National Defence'''</big>=====
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[[File:LDP.jpg|left|frameless]]
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<big>'''About Lily:''' I am a brown Portuguese wavy coat waterdog who trained for more than two and a half years to be a Service Dog. My full-time job is to support and work for my handler. By law, I can go anywhere my handler goes. I have signed a non-disclosure clause. I am not a circus dog, and I don’t do tricks, although I do know some. I have webbed toes that help water dogs become better swimmers. I am barrel-chested, so I have a larger lung capacity. I love to work! This is because Portuguese water dogs were bred to be working dogs and were initially used by Portuguese fishers to pull heavy nets between fishing boats and dive into deep water to retrieve items. I do not shed hair, so I don’t leave a mess wherever I go. I have no dander, so people with allergies are comfortable around me. Different cultures attach meaning to black dogs, so my brown colour means that persons from different cultures do not need to fear me or be superstitious about me, and I should not cause them discomfort. Some people recognize me as the “Obama dog” as the former US president had a dog named ‘Beau’ exactly like me, while others think I am some sort of doodle, which I am not. I am not an emotional support animal nor a companion animal; however, when I am not working and doing my job, I am very good around people, and children love me. Some people find it amusing that the acronym for Portuguese Water dog is PWD, and so is the acronym for ‘Persons’ with Disabilities’ which is also PWD.</big>
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<big>'''About Debbie:''' I am blessed to have insight from many perspectives as I come from a multi-generational military family; I am a military orphan, an ex-sea cadet, a part-time reservist while I attended university in my youth, a military spouse, a military mother, and enjoyed a long, fulfilling career as a fulltime military member in DND. I have worn approximately seven different military uniforms over the course of my military career, which spans three decades. I am a woman and a female injured veteran with both visible and invisible disabilities. For approximately fifteen (15) years, I have been a proud civilian federal public servant since my release from the military. I have had the opportunity and privilege to work in most L1s in DND throughout my 45-year career in a diverse number of positions, as both a military member and later a civilian. I am a proud Maritimer, and I have coached sports, volunteered, and worked with youth groups throughout my life. As an advocate for change, I have been labelled a ‘troublemaker,’ my head is sore from breaking through “glass ceilings.” I now advocate for ‘cultural change’ and proudly participate in the ADM MAT LLMC initiative led by Samantha and her team.</big>
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<big>I am most proud of changing and advancing outdated policies and procedures and being an advocate for others, especially those who are not able to advocate for themselves. Initially responsible for personnel administration and logistics in the military, I later became the first compassionate services officer in NDHQ/NCR. For over 10 years, I was an EAP referral agent in DND, a previous co-chair for the Defense Advisory Group (DAG) for persons with disabilities (PWD) - first as the military co-chair at NDHQ and then as a civilian Co-chair in the NCR. I have advocated for the fairness of military widows reservists killed in Afghanistan and equality in the workplace, clothing and equipment from a GBA+ perspective, resulting in asset changes and updating of dress regulations. I was qualified as an assisting officer, contributed towards the development of casualty administration, headquarters transformation, and a wide variety of projects. I belong to the various DND DAGs and WiDs as a member.  I continue to volunteer with various organizations including those that involve persons from EE groups, such as blind hockey.</big>
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=====<big>'''Jeffrey Stark, Principal Advisor for the Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology program, Shared Services Canada'''</big>=====
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[[File:Jeffrey-stark.png|left|frameless]]
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<big>Jeffrey Stark is an expert in inclusive and accessible Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and a passionate advocate for disability issues. He frequently speaks on accessibility standards, guidelines, best practices, and the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, aiming to eliminate systemic barriers in Canada and beyond.</big>
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<big>Throughout his career, Jeffrey has led research and developed solutions for people with various disabilities (vision, hearing, physical, cognitive, learning, etc.). He has contributed to new approaches and technologies to remove workplace barriers and chairs several digital accessibility working groups. Jeffrey has also trained thousands of professionals, including developers, publishers, and technicians across Canada, on accessible application design, digital/web accessibility, inclusive service design, and adaptive computer technology.</big>
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<big>Currently, Jeffrey is the Principal Advisor to the Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) program. This internationally recognized group is a driving force for the digital inclusion of people with disabilities. AAACT has implemented a “hub and spoke” service approach across government departments to build capacity, foster collaboration, and provide services and support.</big>
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=====<big>'''Dr. David Nanang, Vice-President of Science, Canadian Food Inspection Agency'''</big>=====
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[[File:DN.png|alt=|left|frameless]]
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<big>Dr. David Nanang is currently the Vice-President of Science at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Prior to this, he was Associate Vice-President of Operations for 2 and half years at the CFIA.  </big>
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<big>His previous experiences include Regional Director General for the Central and Arctic Region of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Director General at Natural Resources Canada’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie.  </big>
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<big>David is an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto and holds degrees in natural resources management, a master’s in forestry (Lakehead University) and a PhD in forest economics from the University of Alberta.</big>
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<big><br /></big>
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<big><br /></big>
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<big><br /></big>
 
===<big>Meet our co-hosts</big>===
 
===<big>Meet our co-hosts</big>===
====<big>'''Sarah Francescutti, Senior GBA Plus and Culture Evolution Strategy Advisor, National Defence'''</big>====
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====<big>'''Paul Galiba, Senior Project Officer, Health Canada'''</big>====
 
[[File:Sarah 083.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:Sarah 083.jpg|left|frameless]]
<big>Sarah Francescutti has dedicated over 21 years to leadership roles within the federal government. Her journey began with six years of service as a full-time Army Reservist, where she honed her leadership skills before transitioning to civilian life due to a military injury. With a decade of experience in disability management, Sarah has supported military personnel facing illness and injury through the Transition Centre, as well as civilian public servants needing medical accommodation through the Office of Disability Management.</big>
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<big>Paul Galiba is a results-driven Senior Project Officer at Health Canada, recognized for advancing diversity, inclusion, and digital transformation. Winner of the 2023 Deputy Minister Award, Paul brings over a decade of leadership in public service and the private sector.</big>
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<big>Sarah previously served as the National Chair for the Equity Committee with the Commissionaires, a national organization committed to providing employment opportunities for veterans across Canada. Currently, she is the Senior GBA Plus Culture Evolution Strategy Advisor at the Materiel Group within the Department of National Defence, where she focuses on fostering inclusive workplace practices.</big>
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<big>With expertise in project management, event planning, and strategic advising, he excels in driving initiatives and fostering collaborative networks. Former President of CRA's Young Professional Network (2016–2017), Paul holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Human Resource Development from Towson University.</big>
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<big>Sarah holds an MBA and an executive leadership coach certification. Outside of her professional endeavours, she is also the Vice President for BC Hands & Voices, where she supports families with children who have hearing loss.</big>
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<big>Committed to excellence and continuous improvement, Paul’s innovative mindset and dedication have made him a trusted leader in creating positive change.</big>
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====<big>'''Samantha Moonsammy, Section Head Lead Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion, National Defence'''</big>====
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====<big>'''Marie-Monique Jean-Baptiste, Co-Champion, Black Employee Network, Women and Gender Equality Canada'''</big>====
 
[[File:Samantha-0001 1.jpg|left|frameless|264x264px]]
 
[[File:Samantha-0001 1.jpg|left|frameless|264x264px]]
<big>Samantha has spent over 20 years in the public service working in numerous communications, outreach and engagement initiatives that focus on the people side of business. But Samantha is much more than that. Her layers include being a woman, mother, partner, daughter, sister, community builder and immigrant.</big>
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<big>Marie-Monique was appointed on November 1, 2024, by the Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality Canada as a co-champion for the Black Employee Network. She has been involved in organizing activities for Black History Month since her arrival. Her interests encompass wellness and mental health, addressing racism and the anti-Black movement, and promoting equity initiatives. Notably, she has received three WAGE Deputy Minister’s Awards of Excellence in 2022 and 2023 and a Québécor scholarship for cultural diversity.</big>
 
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<big>As an Indo-Caribbean Canadian, she was born in Guyana, South America and immigrated to Canada as a toddler. From a young age, dating back to elementary school to the present, Samantha has been a leader in diversity, inclusion and equity, always helping to amplify the voice of others and create sustainable change in organizations to build deeper respect and understanding for all humans. Samantha lives in the Ottawa area and spent time in Toronto and Barbados during her Master’s degree in Communications and Culture. She is a passionate world traveller who has worked and studied in India, China, France and the Caribbean. Her daily mantra:  Be the change you wish to see in the world.</big>
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<big>Marie-Monique holds a master’s degree in public administration and a Certificate in Project Management from HEC Montréal, a Major in Sociology from Université Laval and a Certificate in Social Work. Additionally, she has studied communications within a Media Arts and Technologies program.</big>
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<big>Marie-Monique has built her career experience in project management, partner relations, event organization, communications, resource management, and policy development. She has worked with various government departments, including Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Parks Canada, and Service Canada.</big>
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<big>She participated in the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circle in 2023 and 2024 and interdepartmental initiatives from the Women’s Black Federal Employee Caucus and FBEC. From 2007 to 2009, she created educational projects in Montreal for Black History Month, where nearly 1,600 attendees engaged with her presentations on the sensitive topic of slavery with a historical and non-judgmental perspective.</big>
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==<big>'''About the Ask Me Anything series'''</big>==
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== <big>'''About the Ask Me Anything series'''</big> ==
 
<big>This session is part of a series of Ask Me Anything discussions that give us a platform to share stories, listen, ask respectful questions and continue on our journey towards more inclusive organizations.</big>
 
<big>This session is part of a series of Ask Me Anything discussions that give us a platform to share stories, listen, ask respectful questions and continue on our journey towards more inclusive organizations.</big>
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<big>It is important that we find value in the experiences, and in the unique characteristics of each other. When we develop our cultural competence, we can work better together within our teams and respond to each other with relevant empathy and compassion. By celebrating and sharing our authentic selves, we gain a greater appreciation for each other and the diversity that surrounds us.</big>
 
<big>It is important that we find value in the experiences, and in the unique characteristics of each other. When we develop our cultural competence, we can work better together within our teams and respond to each other with relevant empathy and compassion. By celebrating and sharing our authentic selves, we gain a greater appreciation for each other and the diversity that surrounds us.</big>
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=====<big>Thank you to our contributors</big>=====
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==<big>[https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGFkYzJmYzEtNmNhZi00NTU2LThjMDYtZWJlNTYzYWI4MTUx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22325b4494-1587-40d5-bb31-8b660b7f1038%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22905de883-ee9c-42a6-bfee-cc866f97f03e%22%7d Join the live event]</big>==
{| class="wikitable"
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|<big>Thank you to our contributors from across the Public Service of Canada – National Defence, Health Canada, and Shared Services Canada</big>
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{|
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|<big>MCs:</big>
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|<big>Sarah Francescutti and Samantha Moonsammy</big>
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|-
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|<big>Panellists:</big>
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|<big>Michel Marcelin, Debbie Patterson, and Jeffrey Stark</big>
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|-
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|<big>Production Team:</big>
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|<big>Lyrique Richards, Adele Dacres, Marika Brown</big>
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|}
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|}
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==<big>[https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTljYzdkYTktNmRiYS00Zjk0LTg3NWEtMzA3YTYzZGNjMDcy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22325b4494-1587-40d5-bb31-8b660b7f1038%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22905de883-ee9c-42a6-bfee-cc866f97f03e%22%7d Join the live event]</big>==
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== <big>[[:en:images/1/13/ENG_Resource_Guide_-_AMA_December_2024.pdf|Resource Guide]]</big> ==
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== <big>Resource Guide</big> ==
 
==<big>Canada.ca</big>==
 
==<big>Canada.ca</big>==
    
==<big>Session Recording</big>==
 
==<big>Session Recording</big>==
{{Special:IframePage/YouTube|path=XqPlIIlMskA}}
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==<big>Post Event Article</big>==
 
==<big>Post Event Article</big>==
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