25 May, 2016
Chikezirim Nwakanma is a man with a mission. A licensed diesel engine technician with the City of Ottawa’s OC Transpo Transit Services, he was recently recognised with one of the city’s highest awards, the Diversity and Inclusion award. This honour confered by Mayor Jim Watson himself, was in recognition of his role in bringing inclusive and diverse peer counselling services to OC Transpo vast work force, as a member of OC Transpo Peers Support Network. One of the main goals of this service is to dismantle the stigma and systemic barriers associated with seeking support for psychological and mental health issues.
Chikezirim however does not limit his advocacy role to his workplace. He also serves his community as Financial Secretary to the Igbo Association of Ottawa, a volunteer-run community organisation dedicated to the preservation of Igbo culture, while supporting and assisting its members in integrating into Ottawa’s diverse racial and ethnic mosaic.
The Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes individuals and teams within the City of Ottawa who strive to promote diversity and inclusion for employees and residents. Internal or external initiatives that recognize and engage the skills, experience and knowledge of diverse groups and foster inclusive policies, programs or services, are honoured for helping to create a City for everyone.