A conversation about inclusivity

Birgit Umaigba is a registered nurse and PhD student at Queen's University's School of Nursing. She is also a thought leader, speaker, health equity advocate, nurse educator, and consultant. At the heart of her work is a commitment to integrating an equity-focused perspective into nursing, particularly in addressing the needs of Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities. Patricia Strachan, host of Radical Nurse Talk, first learned of Birgit’s advocacy through an article in The Canadian Nurse in 2024. The article highlighted Birgit's efforts to push for the collection and publication of race-based data in Canadian healthcare—a critical step toward identifying and addressing systemic racism. Racism and inequality remain pervasive challenges in Canadian healthcare, affecting patients, families, and nurses alike. In this conversation, Birgit shares her insights on how we can all be part of the solution, advocating for a shift toward a more inclusive society and nursing practice. She explores how our everyday interactions—our language, attitudes, and actions—can foster inclusivity, allowing both healthcare providers and patients to show up authentically. These principles are vital not just in nursing, but in all healthcare conversations, particularly when caring for people facing serious illness. For more information and to access resources visit: radicalnursetalk.com