About Adriana Leigh

Drawing on a unique blend of skills & lived experience, raised in a Montreal-based Jewish family with a history of social entrepreneurship, I come to ALG through a non-linear path and bring a one-of-a-kind perspective. As a “recovering human rights lawyer” I bring together the pragmatic problem solver in me, guiding others to make things better, and the neurodivergent creative facilitator, educator and communicator, with a deep passion for human growth, connection and empowerment. In my free time, you can find me fawning over Maya, the family dog, doing yoga or meditating and on walks, so many walks, in rain, shine or snow. Most importantly I am called to help humans create more compassionate, safe and inclusive spaces and organizations where all women can thrive. This is what lights me up and makes me tick. On International Women’s Day 2021 I was honoured to be featured by World Pulse in the article: “Her Story Makes History: 21 Women Leaders to Watch in 2021” in the company of a group of 21 changemakers from 13 different countries who are connecting online to power change on the ground, and to have received a CREA Global Award from Brainz Magazine in 2022 and 2023 recognizing leaders in innovation, diversity and inclusion and in mental health projects.

New Article! Why we Need a Heart-Centred Approach to Respect in the Workplace

The diversity, equity, and inclusion, sexual harassment and respect in the workplace landscape has shifted dramatically. Old approaches to tackling issues of sexual harassment and building workplace respect were rooted in a “compliance-centred” approach. This status quo is no longer an option. We need a new approach that is more heart and human-centred to transform

By |2022-04-08T01:28:12+00:00March 1st, 2022|

Supporting Women’s Well-being at Work

Women have faced disproportionate pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether it be home-schooling children, caring for family members, and/or taking on additional emotional labour. How can employers better support the well-being of women during this time? Read my new article as Executive Contributor at Brainz magazine for key tips you can bring to your team

By |2022-02-08T16:53:22+00:00February 8th, 2022|

After #metoo: Training the Military on Sexual Harassment

During the #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, I was honoured to be invited by UN Women Georgia to present to security partners, including the შინაგან საქმეთა სამინისტრო / Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and the Ministry of Defense during their training to build on and support their prevention of sexual harassment work. This

By |2023-01-25T15:00:19+00:00February 3rd, 2022|

Intimate Partner Violence and COVID-19 in the New World of Work

More than ever, we need to reimagine the world of work, and this includes how employers can build more safety and well-being for women. I was honoured to present and co-create a session on employer obligations for intimate partner violence in the new world of work, along with expert panelists and practitioners at a UN

By |2022-02-05T16:33:53+00:00February 2nd, 2022|

ALG by numbers

What a year it has been! As the holidays approach, I reflect on where all the dedicated people and organizations I have worked alongside on their journey towards building gender-based violence free and inclusive organizations and communities. A BIG THANK YOU goes to all ALG clients, emerging connections, supporters and followers! I share with you

By |2021-12-14T20:06:07+00:00December 14th, 2021|

Prevent Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse: 5 Good Practices

Is your organization grappling with the prevention of sexual exploitation, harassment, and abuse (PSHEA)? Read my 5 recommendations on good practices to follow, stemming from the recent report of the Independent Commission on the Review of the Allegations of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Made against WHO staff in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While there

By |2021-11-10T17:25:36+00:00November 5th, 2021|

Lauching Interaction’s PSEA Training Package

Hi folks, In 2021, we know that SEA is still a problem that continues to be underreported and unaddressed. We need new approaches if we truly wish to see its eradication from our humanitarian and development operations. InterAction has undertaken a complete updating and revisioning of its PSEA Basics Training Guide, which I was honoured

By |2021-10-14T14:32:33+00:00October 14th, 2021|

UN Women Training Centre Presentation: Gender Trainers & COVID-19: What have we learned from the Pandemic?

Hi folks! I had the pleasure this year of being a panelist at the 17th Virtual Dialogue hosted by the UN Women Training Centre’s Community of Practice (CoP). We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality trainers and training for gender equality across the globe. Find the report below, which summarizes the

By |2021-10-07T14:44:45+00:00October 7th, 2021|

Building Back Better: the 3Cs: Care, Compassion and Courage

Hi folks, this thought piece was first published on World Pulse, and independent women-led social network for social change. Accounts of violence against women continue to fill our news feeds. Recently, in North America we are seeing sympathy for a man arrested for the murder of seven women, six of whom were Asian, diverting the

By |2023-04-11T19:40:00+00:00June 28th, 2021|

UN Women Security Partners – Training on Sexual Harassment

What a joy and privilege it is to continue to train on an subject I am so passionate about. Building safe environments to report sexual harassment is an ongoing process of learning. Last week I had the pleasure to provide training on international good practices on sexual harassment, including integrating a survivor centered approach to

By |2021-06-16T20:39:19+00:00June 16th, 2021|

Building an Inclusive Culture of Well-being at Work

  5 Tips for Building Inclusive Well-being at Work I have been thinking a lot about what well-being looks like for different people, in their places of work. I work in gender equality and inclusion in workplaces which I believe is fundamentally about well-being. We are currently facing a series of global pandemics: physical health,

By |2022-04-28T20:10:41+00:00November 18th, 2020|
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