ABOUT
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Jade Pichette (they/them), BSW, MSW
Educator, Coordinator and Consultant
Jade Pichette (they/them) is an inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA!) professional based in Tkarón:to/Toronto. They are an award-winning educator, with a specialty in equity and organizational change. Jade in their primary role serves as the Director of Programs at Pride at Work Canada, where they work with over 250 large employers across Canada around gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation inclusion.
Previously, Jade served as the Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at the ArQuives, the Education Programs Coordinator at Kind Space, and has worked as an independant consultant for nearly 20 years. They were one of the authors of Transitioning Employers: A survey of policies and practices for trans inclusive workplaces and are the cohost of the Uncovering Belonging Podcast, which profiles IDEA leaders from across Canada on how they reach belonging.
They began their career in community organizing and social work: In the mid-2000s, Jade was one of the founders of Trans Youth Ottawa which led them to pursue Bachelor of Social Work (Highest Honours) from Carleton University in 2010, and a Master of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2013.
Jade is also an Ásatrú Gythia (priestess) where they have helped to found Rúnatýr Kindred (Ottawa), Vindisir Kindred (southern Ontario), and founded #HavamalWitches an international movement against sexism within Ásatrú and Heathen* communities. They also helped found the Canadian Pagan Declaration on Intolerance, and helped to organize Frith Forge 2020 an international gathering of inclusive Heathens. Jade was also the first trans-feminine person to present at the Parliament of World Religions in 2018. In their spare time they can be found geeking out over queer, trans, and Norse histories, science fiction, fantasy, disability justice, interfaith advocacy, firekeeping, and spending time with their chosen family.
Awards
2022 - Future of Good’s 2022 Young Impact Leaders [won]
2022 - Charity Village Best Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Individual) [Top 5]
2021 - Toronto Metropolitan University’s 2021 Pride Champions.
2012 - Ontario Graduate Scholarship
2007 - Capital Xtra Youth Activist of The Year
*Heathen is an umbrella term for Germanic Neo-Pagan polytheist religions, spiritualities and worldviews.
“Jade worked with ETFO to co-create the LGBTQ Education Timeline poster and booklet. The LGBTQ Education Timeline is a historical timeline resource that educators can use with their students to learn about LGBTQ history, communities and education. Jade was responsive, engaging, positive, resourceful and very clear about what needed to be included in the timeline for educators. [They were] purposeful in what information would be of interest to educators and worked well with all ETFO members, staff and volunteers on this project. Jade is very willing to share ideas, concerns and solutions and isn’t afraid to share [their] knowledge and passion with others."
Adam Peer / Staff Officer / Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario
“Jade Pichette's anti-oppression workshop was excellent. Our small group felt very intimate due to its size, but Jade was able to make us all feel like our space was being honoured and was made safe. The information provided was eye-opening and participants were able to challenge themselves on some complex issues not normally discussed in the tattoo workplace. We all have felt a lasting effect from Jade's time with us, and we have been practicing lateral conversations after learning about them in the class.
Jade taught us valuable skills for calling in over calling out, and for doing the work necessary when we find ourselves engaging in oppressive behaviour. My staff and our shop will all be better people for having met and learned from Jade."
Lizzie Renaud / Owner / Speakeasy Tattoo Studio