Each year, on December 3rd, the United Nations observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. Systemic, cultural, and attitudinal challenges underscore the importance of creating inclusive and accessible environments.

In this new episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we are honoured to welcome Angela Bonfanti, President and CEO of the CNIB Foundation. Angela shares her invaluable insights on advocacy, leadership, and empowering the blind community to access meaningful employment. Our discussion highlights how fostering inclusivity and accessibility not only enhances organizational culture and drives business success.

Since joining CNIB in 2011, Angela has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s strategic vision and addressing the challenges Canadians face with sight loss. She reflects on her journey into advocacy, inspired by witnessing the barriers her father faced due to a debilitating eye condition. Angela also discusses the innovative initiatives she is most passionate about and CNIB’s ongoing efforts to address the limitations of Canada’s infrastructure.

Join us as we explore Angela’s story and her commitment to creating a more inclusive future.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Angela and CNIB, one of Canada’s longest-standing NFP organizations. 
• Her story of falling into advocacy after witnessing her father’s struggle with disability barriers.
• The biggest barrier the disabled community faces: the attitudes of others. 
• Why it's crucial to consider new arrivals to Canada.
• Angela’s journey into leadership and what she learned as an aide in the House of Commons. 
• Moving from philanthropy to government relations.
• What it’s like to be the 8th CEO of CNIB in 106 years and the first female. 
• The mission and mandate of CNIB and how it has evolved throughout its existence.
• Dwindling numbers of community organizations and challenges in 2020.
• Insight into navigating the job market as a blind professional.
• How Angela’s work in employment advocacy has unfolded with five system stages.
• Why inclusivity is good for culture and business.
• CNIB’s work to create safe transportation options for the people they serve.
• How Angela ultimately sees her role: to future-proof CNIB. 
• Suggestions of how to support CNIB’s work. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• CNIB Foundation
• Angela Bonfanti
• Angela Bonfanti on LinkedIn
• Angela Bonfanti on Instagram
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham