My Commitment to Anti-Racism

I acknowledge my many privileges as a white settler on Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), Haudenosaunee, Mississauga, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation land* (Hamilton, Ontario).

I’m actively working on a personal and professional commitment to anti-racism, and this statement is inspired by action recommended in the Reimagining Small Business Town Hall and the associated Anti-Racism Pledge, of which I am a signatory.

Below are some of the ways in which I am embedding anti-racism into my business operations:

  • As a sole-proprietor, I (Nicole Catenazzi), I am committed to continuously evaluating and improving on diversity, equity and inclusion when it comes to working with independent contractors, future employees, clients, collaborators, and the greater community of which I am a part.

  • I am committed to ongoing anti-racism education, training, or exploration (activities for 2020 have included the Reimagining Small Business Town Hall, Sharing Privilege with GOODBODYFEEL and uncovering unconscious biases with Leesa Renee Hall’s Inner Field Trip).

  • I invest a minimum of 30% of my operations budget into business services provided by Black-owned, Indigenous-owned or Person of Colour-owned businesses.

As my business grows, I look forward to: 

  • Hiring a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant to evaluate and make recommendations that strengthen anti-racism practices in my business.

  • Establishing and upholding anti-racism standards, policies and procedures across all business areas.

  • Committing to donating a fixed percentage of business profits towards charities, causes or non-profit organizations that support BIPOC-focused (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour) people, needs and culture.

Being human, I know I will make mistakes along this journey. I know “anti-racist” or “ally” are not labels I can wear, but practices I must commit to on a daily basis. I am always open to receive feedback about how I can do better.

With love and courage,

Nicole Catenazzi

*With credit and gratitude to https://land.codeforanchorage.org/ for the Land Acknowledgment.

Last updated: December 2020