Drexler Ortiz, MSc.
Talk 1: Foundations of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
Words such as “inclusion” and “diversity” are often thrown around as buzzwords. When this happens, there is an assumption that most people understand these concepts or that each of the unique meanings of these words are unimportant. Neither of these things are true. This talk offers an introduction or refresher on what inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) each mean, and why it is important for groups to increase their engagement with IDEA in order to effectively and sensitively support others, create a culture that is led by IDEA, and successfully promote wellness. IDEA is critical for businesses and organizations to embody, and this talk provides the key foundational knowledge needed to do so.
After this talk, attendees will be able to…
Know the difference between inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
Understand why IDEA is important for success and wellness of groups
See examples of applying IDEA in different environments
Identify common pitfalls and misunderstandings of IDEA
Talk 2: Principles of Solidarity and Anti-Racism
Over the last few years, there has been a surge in media coverage about the nature of discrimination and hate crimes targeted at particular groups. This has led to more conversations about how to support those who belong to targeted groups who may feel unsafe, but often people still feel uncertain about what to do. This talk provides evidence-based principles of solidarity and examines its application to recent events such as BLM and COVID-19. The aim is to educate others on these principles in order to get a sense of how to respond from a place of solidarity rather than performativity.
After this talk, attendees will be able to…
Understand what allyship and solidarity is
Gain fundamental insight into the basic principles of solidarity
Identify what works to effectively participate in and promote solidarity
Understand how to avoid performative allyship
Interested in one of these inclusivity & solidarity talks? Get in touch!
Drexler provides inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility speaking services in Winnipeg, MB (and Vancouver, BC starting in September 2025) and virtually across Canada. He also loves to travel, so contact us to inquire about opportunities in other cities.
About Drexler
Drexler Ortiz (he/him) received his Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Victoria and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 19016) in BC. Drexler is currently completing his PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Victoria, and is an accomplished researcher and advocate for those who identify as a minority. He has been awarded three research fellowships, has co-authored several peer-reviewed scientific publications, and has contributed to numerous academic conference presentations, all focusing on the experiences and mental health of immigrant communities. Drexler is also a member of the Integrating Mobile Police and Crisis Team where he works with the Victoria Police Department to evaluate the effectiveness of police officers in reducing criminality within the context of mental health calls. In his clinical practice, Drexler primarily works with marginalized communities such as in immigrants, Indigenous Peoples, and queer-identifying individuals.
Through his role as a Research lead in a non-profit community organization for BIPOC folks (the Table), and through his work providing pre-school support services with the Edmonton School Board, Drexler has extensive experience delivering workshops and presentations to teachers and parents discussing parenting and child development from a culturally sensitive lens. Drexler has also provided speaking and consulting services for UBC’s Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and more. Drexler is a member of the Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Program’s (CCPPP) Anti-Racism Task Force, where he mobilizes his expertise of anti-racism, anti-oppression, discrimination, reconciliation, and solidarity to create frameworks and protocols for other mental health clinicians to follow in their clinical practice.