In addition to being the director of inclusion, leadership and talent development, Micki Mulima is also the chair of KHSC’s Inclusion Steering Council and working to make the organization an inclusive environment for all.
Credit
Matthew Manor/KHSC
Black History Month means different things to different people.
For Micki Mulima, Kingston Health Sciences Centre's (KHSC) director of inclusion, leadership and talent development, it’s about recognizing the achievements of Black people, both past and present, all year round.
“We know there are lots of contributions throughout history from Black people, but they were either ignored, erased or not deemed to be important,” explains Mulima.
“There’s now this awareness about those past contributions which is great, but it’s about moving forward too.
"We need to make sure we continue to highlight and document the many achievements being made by Black people now and in the future. Attending to the living history.”
And having records is key. Mulima could be KHSC’s first non-clinical Black director, when she was appointed 12 years ago.
“We actually don’t know because there’s nothing documented to say whether I am or not. I’ve been with the organization for more than 20 years so I can only go off what I know, but that’s part of the issue. There isn’t that information in the archives to confirm.”
Being the first isn’t important to Mulima, she’s more focused on making KHSC an inclusive environment for all.
Part of her role includes being the chair of the Inclusion Steering Council, which was formed in 2022.
“What’s great about the council is it’s made up of people from different backgrounds who work across the organization, from front line to management.
"We wanted that representation because when we talk about inclusion, we’re really talking about things related to diversity, equity, sense of belonging, and access to opportunities.
“We’re not there yet, but we have this foundation and building on it, and that’s exciting to see.”
And one of those building blocks is creating sub-groups for KHSC staff to join, including a Black staff community group.
“Together we’re a KHSC community, but there’s also other communities within that. It’s about connecting people so they don’t feel like that lonely only. We’re trying to create that sense of belonging, where staff can come together, feel welcome and share in a safe space, while they learn and grow their careers at KHSC.”
Gallery
In addition to being the director of inclusion, leadership and talent development, Micki Mulima is also the chair of KHSC’s Inclusion Steering Council and working to make the organization an inclusive environment for all.
