Progressive Perspectives With Shirley Anne Off

Kim Clark continues her conversation with Director of Communications for the Justice Champion for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Shirley Anne Off on how to navigate DEI initiatives by diving even deeper into her personal journey of self-discovery. Not only does Shirley Anne Off explore her upbringing, but she also shares just how much her experiences have shaped her professional journey. Together, they talk redefining womanhood, recognizing white privilege and what it means to be a white woman. They even tackle the vital steps needed to building an anti-racist society both in and out of the workplace. About The Guest: Shirley Anne Off has been the Director General of Communications sine 2016 where she leads a dynamic, creative and strategic team of communicators both in the NCR and the Regions. Since 2017, she has also been Justice’s Champion for Indigenous Peoples. Shirley Anne started her public affairs career in the not-for-profit and arts sectors and joined the federal public service in 1996 with Parks Canada. She later moved to what was then Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, where she held a series of progressive communications positions including various management positions in Treaties and Aboriginal Government, Issues Management, Media Relations and Ministerial Liaison. In 2010, she became Director, Operations and Clients Services. She was appointed Associate Director General, Strategic, Corporate and Internal Communications in 2013. In October 2015, she took on the role of Acting Director General, Communications. Shirley Anne Off holds a Master’s of Arts, Communications with a specialization in feminist cultural policy from the School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University. She also earned a Bachelor of Education from University of Ottawa and graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours Bachelor of Arts. LinkedIn: Shirley Anne Off About Kim: Kim Clark (she/her) focuses her work on the communicator and content creator's role in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She is the co-author of The Conscious Communicator: The fine art of not saying stupid sh*t, an Amazon #1 bestseller and the leading voice for DEI communications and social justice messaging for brands. She speaks at conferences, writes custom workshops, writes inclusive communications guides, and consults with companies on all things related to diversity, equity, and inclusion communications. Kim is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a cisgender woman, Native American (Muscogee Nation) and a mom of two kids with disabilities. These marginalized identities and the privileges that come with society seeing her as White motivate her daily for social change. Communicate Like You Give A Damn Podcast Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube TikTok Thank you for listening! Please review, leave a comment and subscribe!