Season 3, Episode 10 | Guest: Sonia Sangha

In recognition of the International Day of Tolerance on November 16, we’re exploring the importance of fostering acceptance and understanding through meaningful conversations. In the latest episode of CCDI’s Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we welcome Sonia Sangha, Global Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader at IKEA, for a deep dive into tolerance in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA).

With over 20 years of experience shaped by global, national, and regional perspectives, Sonia’s approach to DEIA is profoundly shaped by her background as a first-generation Indo-Canadian. Join us as we discuss Sonia’s career journey, from her early experiences to her advocacy for South Asian and underrepresented communities in Canada and beyond.

Listen to Sonia’s perspectives on allyship, and practical steps for fostering tolerance and challenging misinformation. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Global Senior Leader at IKEA, Sonia Sangha. 
• IKEA’s Refugee Skills for Employment Initiative that Sonia co-created. 
• Her personal journey to choosing a career in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 
• How her early experiences shaped who she is. 
• The challenge of racism and inclusion for South Asian individuals in Canada.
• Unpacking what might be behind racism and prejudice towards South Asians. 
• How to raise awareness for workplaces on South Asian racism.
• Art, entertainment, and cultural events that bring people together. 
• What allyship truly means in relation to combating misinformation and stereotypes. 
• Some ideas on what it might look like to gain exposure to different perspectives. 
• How the work that Sonia does is supporting the people of IKEA. 
• Staying strong in the challenging arena of this work. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Sonia Sangha on LinkedIn
• South Asian Immigration to Canada Statistics Chart
• Environics Institute - Canadian public opinion about immigration and refugees - Fall 2024
• Canada’s Far-Right is Targeting South Asian and Sikh Canadians to Incite Anti-Immigrant Hate
• Front Burner CBC podcast - The rise of anti-South Asian content online
• Stop AAPI Hate – Empowered/Imperiled – The Rise of South Asian Representation and Anti-South Asian Racism
• Rioters carry out violent, racist attacks across several British cities. What happened, and what comes next?
• South Asian newcomers to Canada say online hate is taking a toll
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham