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Janelle Benjamin is a Juris Doctor with almost 20 years of experience in diversity and inclusion, accessibility, and human rights. Her journey to becoming a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is shaped by her unique background and a strong commitment to justice. Born in Canada to immigrant parents from Trinidad and Tobago, she faced the challenges of being a first-generation Canadian, dealing with issues of identity and acceptance.
Navigating Identity and Overcoming Barriers
Growing up in a working-class family, Janelle experienced discrimination and felt like an outsider, not always seen as "Canadian Enough." Despite these challenges, her interest in human rights and social justice grew during her studies in sociology and other courses, leading her to law.
After studying in the United States, Janelle returned to Canada but encountered barriers to having her professional qualifications recognized. These experiences fueled her determination to address discrimination and help others facing similar licensing obstacles. Working first at the Ontario Human Rights Commission and then at the Office of the Fairness Commissioner in Ontario, Janelle was able to make significant contributions to human rights and fair registration practices in Ontario’s regulated professions and health regulatory colleges. Individuals have had faster, fairer, access to their professions as a direct result of Janelle’s work.
Due to setbacks in her career, Janelle founded her own company, aligning her professional work experiences and personal values to her role as the Chief Equity Officer once again helping organizations review their policies and practices to ensure diverse, inclusive, and safe work environments for everyone. Janelle also works at North York General Hospital (NYGH) as the Manager of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, leading the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic vision to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion for patients' families, caregivers, community, and people (staff, physicians, learners, and volunteers). Her story reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to justice. Through her experiences, Janelle has become a passionate advocate for those facing discrimination and harassment, and working towards a world where everyone feels seen and heard, regardless of their background.
In her professional roles, Janelle Benjamin is driven by an unwavering passion for equity across all communities. She firmly believes that conversations about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) should encompass the experiences of every group, emphasizing the need to address issues with an intersectional lens, beyond a singular focus. While acknowledging the importance of addressing specific issues like anti-black racism, Janelle emphasizes the necessity of viewing equity through the lens of the scales of justice, ensuring a balanced approach that considers the experiences of all individuals.
Insights on Integrating IEHPs in Canada
Janelle Benjamin envisions a promising future for the integration of Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHPs) in Canada's healthcare system, with a particular focus on the initiatives undertaken by North York General Hospital.
The IEHP program at North York General Hospital is a successful one for integrating internationally educated professionals into its highly diverse workforce. The program plays a crucial serving one of the most culturally and racially diverse areas of Toronto. It also goes a long way toward fostering a collaborative and inclusive healthcare environment. Janelle sees the bright future ahead, fueled by North York General Hospital 's commitment to people-centered care and the representation of diverse perspectives in healthcare delivery. She is truly excited to work at an organization that has made the advancement of EDI a priority in its strategic plan and is taking a comprehensive approach to creating a safe, inclusive, and anti-racist space for all people. NYGH also has a long-term commitment to health equity.
Addressing biases in hiring processes and actively recruiting individuals from various backgrounds are key aspects of North York General Hospital 's approach. Janelle emphasizes the importance of connecting with external organizations and establishing recruitment frameworks to advance these efforts. She recognizes that foreign qualified professionals are vital contributors to the healthcare workforce and stresses the need to look beyond traditional pipelines for talent.
With acknowledgment of existing shortages in the healthcare workforce, Janelle stresses the importance of integrating professionals with diverse career experiences. This approach not only addresses immediate workforce needs but also leverages the valuable expertise that IEHPs bring to the table.
Janelle Benjamin's vision for the future of IEHP integration involves a concerted effort to break down barriers, challenge biases, and create a healthcare system that truly reflects the diversity of Canada's population. Through programs like those at North York General Hospital, she sees the potential to build a healthcare workforce that is not only skilled and competent but also representative of the rich tapestry of talent available in the country.
Janelle emphasizes the importance of not discounting the experiences that individuals bring from their home countries. Recognizing the wealth of expertise and skills these professionals possess is crucial in fostering an inclusive and appreciative environment. Addressing the challenges that skilled newcomers often face upon arriving in Canada, Janelle advises organizations to familiarize themselves with the complexities of the education systems, tools, and systems relevant to these internationally trained individuals. Understanding foreign credentials, the foreign credential recognition or accreditation process, bridging programs, work experiences gained abroad, and available pathways to registration and licensure is vital in facilitating a smoother integration process.
Janelle underscores the need to avoid making assumptions based on country of original education, language, or speaking ability. Many IEHPs are proficient in English and have met high educational standards in the country they trained. It is essential not to prejudge individuals based on their lack of Canadian education or experiences as well. IEHPs also face assumptions based on their communication style or presentation. Giving everyone a fair opportunity to demonstrate their competency is paramount, as overlooking valuable talent due to assumptions can lead to missed contributions to the healthcare field.
In essence, Janelle's advice emphasizes the importance of approaching the integration of IEHPs with an open mind, acknowledging the unique experiences and qualifications they bring. By being informed, avoiding assumptions, and providing fair opportunities, hospitals and organizations can create a more inclusive environment that leverages the full spectrum of talent and expertise within the healthcare sector.
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