In this episode, our CEO Ian Mclean sits down with Suzie Taka is the Executive Director of Spectrum. She has been a dedicated community organizer and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate in Waterloo Region for over a decade. She has extensive experience in the non-profit and public sectors, most recently as part of the Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team at the Region of Waterloo. Suzie brings a strong background in stakeholder and government relations, community engagement, communications, public policy, and grant writing.

Her personal projects include producing multiple years of Rainbow Reels Queer and Trans Film Festival and co-founding LOL—KW’s first queer and feminist monthly stand-up comedy show. Suzie also served on Spectrum’s Board of Directors from October 20, 2019 – July 18, 2021.

She applies an anti-oppressive lens to her work and is committed to community building rooted in anti-racism and Truth and Reconciliation.

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.