This program gave me the confidence to challenge systems, ask difficult questions, and advocate for meaningful change. It has given me frameworks to work in this space but also pushed the dial differently. Now, I look at things from different perspectives—both personally and professionally.
Kelly Chhor, Graduate, UBC Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
For Kelly Chhor, the UBC Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) was part of a deeply personal journey. Growing up as the daughter of refugee parents, who were trying to fit into a new culture and way of life, Kelly was often told to “not cause a fuss, stay quiet – speaking out will cause trouble.” As an adult she can understand her parents struggles, “I saw how systems weren’t designed for people like my parents. They worked incredibly hard but still faced countless barriers—language, access, bias. That’s always stayed with me and has driven my passion for this work,” she shares.
Her lived experience as a racialized woman with ADHD, who coaches other women of colour, further fuels her advocacy. Diagnosed later in life, Kelly became aware of how neurodivergent individuals are often misunderstood or unsupported in traditional workplace systems. The intersection of neurodivergence and race became a powerful point of reflection for Kelly. “As people of colour, we're often taught to build strong shields — to overwork, stay silent, and suppress our struggles,” she shared. “But talking about these experiences matters. It helps people process what they’ve internalized and realize they’re not alone.” This realization motivated her to push for more inclusive and accessible policies in her organization.
In early 2020, Kelly was tasked with leading internal anti-racism learning initiatives at Vancity. She reflects on how the state of the world and the events occurring around EDI affected her, “The state of the world pushed me to confront my own identity and relationship to anti-racism. I had to face the reality that I didn’t need to stay silent about the things happening to me — and that I didn’t have to just accept them.” Shortly after, another opportunity arose as Vancity was moving deeper into the EDI space. “This felt like a natural opportunity to grow and explore a new space,” Kelly shared. “As a lifelong learner, I was curious and wanted to deepen my understanding. I figured, if this felt uncomfortable or challenging, it was probably something I needed to lean into.”
In this new role, Kelly quickly recognized that lived experience alone wasn’t enough to influence large-scale, systemic change. “I was doing the work, but I realized I lacked the knowledge of formal frameworks – I wanted to explore what has been done in the field and what best practices were out there. Certification also would strengthen my credibility in the field.” she explains. UBC Extended Learning’s EDI program stood out not only for its rigor but for its focus on Canadian realities and Indigenous reconciliation—an element missing from other programs she had researched. The online format also made it accessible while balancing her demanding role and personal commitments.
Throughout the program, Kelly gained practical frameworks to embed equity into systems and policies. She highlights how the program gave her the language and evidence-based strategies to challenge organizational practices with confidence. “As a racialized woman, it’s easy for people to dismiss your perspective as anecdotal. But with the certification, I could say, ‘No—this is based on proven frameworks.’ It gave me more power and credibility in the room.”
While enrolled in the program Kelly progressed through a few EDI leadership roles at Vancity and is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Reconciliation. In this role she applies the program’s learnings at a higher level, “What I’m doing now is working in a much more complex, systems-focused space,” she explains. “My lived experience, professional growth, and the EDI certification all add to my toolkit — they help me show up with the depth and perspective needed to navigate and influence that complexity. I am fortunate to be working with others who are knowledgeable and passionate in the space, and as a team, we foster equity in our organization.”
For anyone considering the program, Kelly offers this advice, “If you’re serious about making a difference, this program will give you the structure, confidence, and language to create real change. It’s not just about theory—it’s about applying what you learn to challenge inequities in your workplace and beyond.”