Simone helps organizations build anti-oppressive muscles with her signature Resistance & Recovery™ framework—offering embodied, reflective, and strategic equity consulting grounded in legal, fitness, and lived experience.
I help institutions create equity frameworks that honour the whole person—bodies, beliefs, and beyond. My work brings an intersectional lens rooted in anti-Blackness, body liberation, disability inclusion, and progressive Christian perspectives—because true equity can’t ignore our lived complexity.
As someone who has held multiple senior management level roles in equity, diversity, and inclusion in the federal government, non-profit, post-secondary and regulatory spaces, I have been able to affect organizational change benefitting staff, students and organizations. I was a Human Resources Advisor in Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the federal public service, the Director of Outreach at a province-wide non-profit organization working with marginalized and vulnerable young people, the Director of Inclusion at a non-profit based in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area, the Senior Advisor, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Office of the Vice-Provost, Division of Students, at one of Canada’s largest universities, and an EDI Specialist at a provincial regulatory body.
Before my career, during my university studies, I was the Associate Coordinator of the Glendon Women and Trans Centre, and I served on the national executive of the Black Law Students Association of Canada. I also have training as a Positive Space Champion, in the Working Mind and Mental Health First Aid courses (Mental Health Commission of Canada) and depression (Dr. Neil Nedley Depression Recovery).
I have been retained by organizations as a consultant on anti-racism and weight stigma, particularly in sports and fitness, and I have delivered webinars and an online course on cultivating anti-racism as a practice in fitness spaces.
My Unique Lens:
- Legal background + HR experience
- Fitness-informed, embodied equity approach
- Bilingual (English/French)
- Progressive Christian perspective
- Deep lived experience as a Black, fat, disabled woman navigating White institutions
Experience
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Panel Discussions
- Organizational change management
- Review of fitness and wellness training and certification products
- Revising marketing language of telemedicine start-up company to make it more size-inclusive
- Webinars and courses on anti-racism in fitness spaces
- Creation and implementation of an EDI plan and workplan, establishing metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Sitting on anti-racism working groups
My Signature Framework: Resistance & Recovery™
“Equity work is like strength training—you only grow stronger by learning how to resist. But resistance without recovery breaks the system down. Organizations need both: the courage to push back against oppression and the space to rest, reflect, and rebuild.”
Signature Services
1. DEI Readiness & Role Design Consulting
For orgs that want to hire a DEI lead but don’t know what they need.
I can help you assess:
- Is your organization ready for this role?
- Should you hire in-house or contract?
- What scope is realistic for one person?
- What support structures must be in place?
- What are the invisible traps they’re setting up?
Before you hire a DEI lead, hire me to make sure you’re ready.
2. DEI Leadership Support + Coaching Container
For existing DEI leads who are unsupported, isolated, and overwhelmed.
I can be your:
- Strategy coach
- Political sounding board
- Resistance unpacker
- Workshop co-designer
- Career path navigator
Holding the DEI role shouldn’t mean holding the weight alone.
3. Liberation Support for Harmed Staff
For employees—especially Black, Indigenous, disabled, or fat folks—who are being harmed and don’t know where to turn.
- A resource hub or digital guide (“What To Do If You’re Experiencing Workplace Discrimination”)
- 1:1 coaching (non-legal but strategic)
- Group workshops on building a paper trail, understanding rights, finding help
4. Equity-Centred Workshops
- Engaging sessions with follow-up “active recovery” support.
DEI training that builds muscle and momentum.
My Training Style: Resistance & Active Recovery
Possible Workshop Structure:
- Phase 1: Resistance (core session) — Intellectually and emotionally engaging
- Phase 2: Active Recovery — Follow-up reflection/discussion 1–2 weeks later
It can also include (but is not limited to):
- Optional journaling prompts
- Group “muscle check-ins”
- Wellness tools (e.g., breathwork, embodied reflection)
Other Services
- Size inclusiveness consultant
- Workshops, training or webinars on anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion
- Review, revision, creation of training materials
- Creation of diversity statements
Topics
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, Accessibility, Justice
- Anti-Racism (e.g. Anti-Black racism)
- Unconscious bias
- Allyship and Privilege
- Microaggressions
- Intersectionality
- Sexual diversity, orientation and gender identity (including sexual experience)
- Creation of land acknowledgments
- Weight stigma, fatphobia, body positivity, body liberation, weight neutrality, self-esteem particularly in the fitness industries
- Weight-Inclusive Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and/or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
- Reconciling religion (i.e. Christianity) with DEI
What People Say
“Everyone loved it! The feedback I’ve received from all the managers has been overwhelmingly positive. They couldn’t stop talking about how much they enjoyed it and guess what? They’re already counting down the days until the next [EDI] session.
I have to say, your expertise, enthusiasm, and engaging delivery style hit the mark. The valuable insights and knowledge you shared have left a lasting impact on our team. Trust me, they’re hungry for more!
We truly value your dedication and the incredible impact you’ve made on our team. You’re doing an outstanding job, and we’re lucky to have you on board!”
Bryan
“Collaborating with Simone during the early stages of implementing DEI initiatives at RDM Lawyer was truly a game-changer. Simone’s approachability and excellent communication skills made every interaction a breeze. She took the time to truly understand our firm’s unique needs and challenges, which allowed her to tailor her communication style effectively.
“What truly stood out was Simone’s knack for using relatable examples to drive home complex concepts. Her presentations were not only informative but also engaging, making it easy for everyone to grasp the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. Furthermore, Simone didn’t just stop at the presentations; she followed up diligently to ensure that we had all the support and resources needed to implement the strategies discussed.
“The feedback from our managers was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for Simone’s inclusive and collaborative approach. Her genuine passion for fostering a more inclusive workplace was palpable, and it resonated well with our team. In short, Simone’s expertise, professionalism, and genuine commitment to DEI make her an invaluable asset to any organization. I wholeheartedly recommend her for any DEI initiatives or consulting work – you won’t be disappointed!”
Graham
Past and Current Clients
- Canadian Infrastructure Bank
- Canadian Race Relations Foundation
- Vanier College
- Concordia University – Zen Desk
- University of Toronto – Hart House
- Doctors Nova Scotia
- RDM Lawyers
- Kotn
- canfitpro
- Fitness Professionals Against Weight Stigma
- Body Positive Fitness Alliance
What People Say
“Simone Samuels demonstrated an exceptional ability to engage our diverse team and create a safe and inclusive space for meaningful dialogue. Her expertise in DEI issues was evident throughout the session, and she skillfully facilitated discussions on sensitive topics, fostering an environment of understanding and respect. Simone’s session was not only informative but also transformative. Her strategic approach to addressing DEI challenges within our geography showcased a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Canada in general and Toronto, in particular. The tailored solutions and actionable recommendations provided have since become integral to our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.
“Furthermore, Simone possesses excellent communication skills, ensuring that complex DEI concepts were conveyed in a clear and accessible manner. Her passion for promoting diversity and inclusion is truly contagious, and it resonated with our Leadership team. In addition to her professional competence, Simone exhibited a high level of professionalism and adaptability. She collaborated seamlessly with our People Operations team to define the scope of the session, followed up with the team and provided relevant material for pre- and post-reading, and customizing the session to align with our company’s industry and values.
Overall, Simone has made a lasting impact on our organization, and I wholeheartedly recommend her services to any company seeking to enhance its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her expertise, coupled with a personable and engaging facilitation style, makes her an invaluable asset for any organization navigating the complexities of DEI initiatives.”
Ijeoma
I highly recommend Simone Samuels. Simone provided our leadership team with outstanding training on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and has made a lasting impact. Her sessions were informative, well-structured and very engaging. Simone did a fabulous job of helping us understand why EDI is so important for building a fair and inclusive workplace.
Through practical examples and thoughtful discussions, Simone helped our leadership team gain a deeper understanding of how fostering diversity, equity and inclusion can create stronger, more cohesive teams. The training provided us with thought-provoking scenarios and actionable strategies to implement in our workplace, which we still visit on a monthly basis! It was clear that Simone is truly passionate about creating positive, inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected.
Our team walked away feeling more informed and empowered to make meaningful changes toward creating a more inclusive culture at all levels of our organization. If you’re looking for someone who can deliver impactful and thought-provoking EDI training, I highly recommend Simone!
Sheri, RDM Lawyers
“I had the pleasure of working with Simone on the review of the Foundations of Professional Personal Training course manual at Can-Fit-Pro. This was an industry first, and Can-Fit-Pro, having the flagship program reviewed, through the lens of DEI, was a fantastic experience. Simone communicated promptly, professionally, and most importantly, took the time to understand our concerns and use language that was welcoming and appropriate to our audience. Simone’s attitude and examples made a potentially difficult topic approachable and relatable allowing it to integrate into the curriculum with ease and acceptance. I am confident that new Personal Trainers (who learn from this resource) are now able to understand, and provide, better service to their clients, creating a safer space welcoming more people to fitness. I would work with Simone again anytime!”
Barb
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Simone Samuels 