From Fiction to Foundation
Rethinking EDI Work in Policing Organizations
Virtual Workshop: November 4, 2025 @ 1:00 - 3:00 PM MST
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is an evolving area in policing that carries both great opportunity and complexity. As expectations for inclusive, community-responsive policing increase – especially in light of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and broader public accountability – many agencies are seeking ways to strengthen internal culture and lead with clarity, compassion, and credibility. This session offers a space for policing professionals, EDI leads, and key decision-makers to revisit the foundation of EDI – clarifying what it means, why it matters, and how to embed it meaningfully in a policing context. It acknowledges the complexity of the work, including barriers like discomfort, differing levels of understanding, and the absence of profession-specific supports.
Rather than focusing solely on policies or checklists, this session supports participants in building shared understanding, internal motivation, and the confidence to lead inclusive conversations within their own teams. Participants will explore low-risk, high-impact ways to talk about complex topics such as race, reconciliation, bias, and inclusion, both within the workplace and in service to the community. This approach not only supports internal trust and engagement but also aligns with broader goals of public safety, truth, and relationship-building. Ultimately, the session is designed to empower leaders to return to their organizations with a deeper sense of purpose, better tools for conversation, and a clearer understanding of how foundational EDI work contributes to both respectful workplaces and stronger community outcomes.
Thank you for learning with us.
If you are interested in connecting directly with Dr. Janelle Abela, please email [email protected]. We appreciate your commitment to ongoing learning, growth, and innovation!
If you have not yet completed the post-learning survey, please access it here:
Post-Learning Survey
These training materials are the exclusive property of theDiverse Solutions Strategy Firm Inc. and are provided solely for the use of participants enrolled in this From Friction to Foundation learning session. Unauthorized copying, distribution, reproduction, or disclosure of any portion of these materials, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the prior written consent of the Diverse Solutions Strategy Firm Inc.
Facilitator: Dr. Janelle Abela
Janelle Abela, B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed., PhD is the CEO of Diverse Solutions Strategy Firm Inc. She works directly with police organizations at all levels across Canada and the U.S. With a background in teaching, coaching, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a grounded, practical approach to professional development, meeting teams where they are and guiding them toward meaningful, sustainable change. Drawing on experience across sectors including law enforcement, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and professional athletics, she helps organizations build trust, culture, and high-impact performance through clear, accessible strategies. Her work bridges research and real-world application, focusing on what works in everyday practice, especially in complex and high-pressure environments like policing.
Connect with Janelle on LinkedIn.
