Kicking off SVAM with Melissa and Jemima in Partnership with the YWCA Banff

This week on the Overheard Podcast, recorded live in Banff, we’re opening up a conversation that matters to this community right now. As part of SVAM (Sexual Violence Awareness Month), we sit down with Melissa and Jemima to unpack how prevention, workplace culture, and everyday behaviour all intersect here in the Bow Valley. Melissa works with Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence, bringing a research-driven approach to prevention, while Jemima leads local efforts through the Harmony Project with YWCA Banff. Together, they’re working directly with hospitality businesses across Banff to strengthen workplace culture using the Signal System. This episode breaks down what that actually looks like on the ground. We get into: * Why Banff’s transient, international workforce creates unique challenges* The “live, work, and play together” dynamic and how it shapes behaviour* Why people sometimes hesitate to speak up in workplace situations* The idea of “calling in” instead of calling out* How small, everyday actions signal what’s acceptable in a workplace* The normalization of certain behaviours in hospitality environments* What real culture change looks like from both staff and management perspectives* How SVAM is showing up in the Bow Valley and how you can get involved This is a real, local conversation rooted in solutions, awareness, and the role we all play in shaping the culture around us. Resources & Support (Bow Valley)If you or someone you know is looking for support, information, or ways to get involved, you can explore the Harmony Project here: ywcabanff.ca/programs-services/harmony-project/ Presented by DrinkshaftStart early. Do the day right. The Bow Valley’s go-to cold brew. Support the ShowMerch → www.overheardpodbanff.com If it’s your first time here, hit subscribe. It goes a long way in helping us keep these conversations going. Follow Overheard PodcastInstagram | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Podcasts See you next Tuesday.