Indigenous and Black staff, faculty and clinical faculty within the Faculty of Medicine are invited to an affinity lunch on Thursday, Feb 26th, 2026 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PT) at the Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre. This gathering, co-hosted by REDI Equity Advisor Madison Tardif and REDI Digital Content & Engagement Strategist Mary Kostandy, offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange insights, and develop collaborative networks that can drive sustainable change. Connect with colleagues across the Faculty, share your valuable perspectives on future REDI initiatives, and strengthen professional relationships that foster both personal and professional growth. Come ready to inspire and be inspired, and leave with actionable ideas and expanded networks across the Faculty.
This event is specifically for Faculty of Medicine (FoM) staff, faculty and clinical Faculty who identify as Indigenous, Black, Afro-Indigenous, or of Afro-Caribbean descent. For more on the importance of dedicated spaces for IBPOC communities, read this article by Kelsey Blackwell. We appreciate your understanding and support. For questions or concerns, please contact REDI at redi.office@ubc.ca
Topic: Building Networks for Lasting Impact: An Affinity Lunch for Indigenous & Black Staff, Faculty, & Clinical Faculty in the FoM
Date: Thursday, Feb 26th, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM (PT)
Location: Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre.
Audience: Faculty of Medicine (FoM) staff, faculty and clinical faculty who identify as Indigenous, Black, Afro-Indigenous, or of Afro-Caribbean descent.
Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.
Co-hosts
Madison Tardif (She/Her/Hers), Equity Advisor,
Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI), Faculty of Medicine
Mary Kostandy (She/Her/Hers), Digital Content & Engagement Strategist,
Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI), Faculty of Medicine
Event Organizer
Brian Fukushima (He/Him),
Administrative Coordinator, REDI
What Will I Gain?
You will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues across the Faculty, be inspired, and leave with actionable ideas and expanded networks that empower sustainable change.