Angelina Brathwaite shares her vision for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Brunel

Angelina studied Business Administration and Criminology.  After graduation she worked for the Royal Bank of Canada where she managed the Staff Banking Centre then switched gears and worked as a news reporter covering crime and other magazine format shows.

She eventually transitioned seamlessly into the recruiting industry. She said of that transition “you had to use some of the same investigation skills to find the right fit for your client. Twenty years ago we did not have the social media we have today.  Back then you really had to but your detective skills to work and find creative ways to find candidates.”

Detailing her role as Senior Client Partner, Brathwaite said, “it entails a passion for people. It means building relationships with your internal stakeholders, your clients, candidates and members of the community.  It is my responsibility to lead and mentor the Canadian Life Science team to ensure our recruitment processes align with our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging strategy."

You serve as the Regional Leader for D.I.B. in the Americas, how did that come about? Why was that so important to you to take on?

Well, let’s be transparent here. I’m a woman and I’m also a woman of color. So I’ve had my own personal challenges and struggles in this life relating to my gender and ethnicity. But the spark that truly ignited it for me was George Floyd’s murder in the US.

I was thinking about my family, our children, and ancestry. I was just in a sad place.

If you remain silent, you’re contributing to the problem, so I decided to be part of the solution. I am so fortunate to work for an organization whose mission is Passion for People, so I knew I was not alone in what I was feeling.

I started to see some recognition and acknowledgement from some of our clients, primarily in the United States, offering their support of George Floyd and I said I wanted to stand in solidarity. I started asking ‘what can we do? How can we actually promote and support?’

I approached my Country Manager, Kerrianne MacMullin, about how I was feeling and the impact of racism and how unfair practices continue to exist in our society.  That conversation and empathy led to the creation of the DIB committee for our region.

Who is your favorite DIB Leader

To be honest, I have to say one of my best friends Kike Ojo Thompson. Kike has been a leader in Equity consultancy for over 20 years.  I would encourage any organization that wants “real talk” as it relates to Diversity and Equity to google her name and you will see how she has shaped and impacted our society. I have learned so much from her over the years.  What I admire most about her is her ability to be unapologetically real about systemic racism and equity. Her organization Kojo institute has provided tools and support for companies to really help their employees successfully navigate through barriers.

Is there anything else you’d like to let people know?

Just that I’m happy to be a part of the process and part of the solution. I’m grateful for Committee and all of the work they are doing for our internal employees, candidates, contractors and clients.  I am very fortunate to work for an organization whose mission and vision aligns with mine.  It is also important to note that much credit needs to be extended to our leaders. Beth (Brunel’s President for the Americas Region) the support from Kerrianne (Brunel’s Country Manager in Canada) and for the support from our clients.

Brunel is always looking for ways to encourage diversity, inclusion and belonging in our own internal practices as well as looking to influence the Oil and Gas, Mining, Renewable Energy and Life Sciences industries to be more diverse as well through our recruiting efforts. For more information about work on DIB please read a summary of one of our recent "Moving the Needle on Diversity" Events.