Meet our CEC members: Leonie Wizzard

April 14, 2023

We are Women’s offers the WCH community a chance to get to know each other and share our stories. As WCH’s Corporate Equity Committee (CEC) prepares to transition new members, we are profiling current CEC members and their term on the committee.

Name: Leonie Wizzard

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Title & Department: Administrative and Patient Flow Supervisor Crossroads Clinic and TAPMI Pain Clinic

On the WCH team for: 9 years


1. What made you decide to join the Corporate Equity Committee (CEC)?

I joined the Corporate Equity Committee (CEC) to promote and play an active role in diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring that everyone in the organization is treated fairly, feels valued and respected, has equal access to opportunities regardless of their background or identity, as well as to help to create a more positive work environment, eliminate discrimination and bias, support a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees, build relationships with colleagues from different departments and backgrounds and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of employees and the organization as a whole. It is an opportunity for me to be part of something bigger than oneself and to contribute to making the workplace a better and more equitable place for all.

2. What are you most proud of accomplishing on the CEC?

As an inaugural member of the CEC, I am proud to be a part of a team that is committed to promoting and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in the organization. By collaborating with colleagues across different departments, we were able to identify and address systemic barriers, promote cultural competency, and create a more inclusive environment for all employees. I am elated with the efforts made to help build a working environment that values and celebrates the unique perspectives and contributions of everyone, and I am honored to be a part of this important work.

3. What would you like to see from the CEC in the next two years?

Conduct regular equity assessments to identify areas of improvement and track progress over time. These assessments should encompass various aspects of the organization, such as hiring, promotion, compensation, retention and employee engagement. Also, engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including employees, community members and leaders who share our values of equity, diversity, and inclusion can help ensure that the CEC’s work is informed by diverse perspectives and that the outcomes are relevant and impactful. Overall, the CEC should take an active and intentional approach to promote and create a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion and respect within the organization and the broader community. This requires ongoing effort and commitment from all members of the organization.

4. For someone who is considering applying to join the CEC, how would you describe the experience? What kinds of things can they expect to work on and do?

Joining the CEC can be a valuable and rewarding experience for those who are passionate about promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the organization. As a committee member, you can expect to collaborate with other like-minded individuals on various tasks to identify, assess and address systemic inequalities within the organization and develop strategies to promote a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture. Some of the things you may work on as a member include developing and implementing policies and initiatives, reviewing and assessing current policies and providing guidance and support to employees who are experiencing discrimination or other issues related to equity and inclusion. In addition, you may be responsible for organizing events, engaging with the wider organization to promote awareness and encourage participation, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the organization regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation or other characteristics. This could include providing resources and support for individuals who have experienced discrimination or harassment in the workplace.

Overall, being a member of the CEC can be a fulfilling, challenging, meaningful and impactful way to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture. It also provides an opportunity to contribute to positive change within the organization and beyond, making it an excellent choice for those looking to join. Having the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues with empathy and openness requires commitment to ongoing learning and growth, as well as a willingness to collaborate and work towards a common goal with other committee members.

5. Tell us one to three things that your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you!

  • Started at WCH as a volunteer
  • Avid sports fanatic! I was an athlete specializing in 100m and 200m sprints
  • Love, adore and embrace all form of artworks and was an art gallery curator