Hi I’m Rachel-Diane —
an Independent Consultant.

 
 
 

I am deeply passionate about exploring the impact of socio-cultural norms and systems of oppression on both communities' and individuals’ life trajectories and ability to strive.

My mission is to support vulnerable groups and individuals by helping them understand their circumstances in the context of structural inequities and systems of oppression. Through my work, I aim to boost their confidence, foster agency, and equip them to design a fulfilling life.

My dedication shines through my work with the following:

- Women and girls facing vulnerability, including those from African backgrounds, immigrants, and single mothers
- Communities marked by the legacy of colonialism and the postcolonial era, such as Africans and individuals of African heritage, people of Asian ancestry, and Indigenous communities
- Non-conforming individuals, encompassing gender and sexual minority groups

 

I’m dedicated to addressing historical injustices and empowering communities and individuals to thrive in an inclusive society.
Ready to embark on a transformative journey together? Let’s connect and create positive change today.

Learn About Our Services & How We Can Help Your Organization Grow

WELCOME TO RDE CONSULTING

Community Engagement

I facilitate inclusive spaces for dialogue and encourage diverse perspectives and contributions, leading to more inclusive and representative discussions.

Conscious Awareness Raising

Whether during community engagement or popular education sessions, I approach each interaction with an open mind, free of judgement, and ask questions that foster critical thinking, empathy, and connection.

Program Design

I help organizations create meaningful and lasting impacts on vulnerable groups by designing programs rooted in community needs.

Learn About Our Values & What Makes Us Dedicated

 

Agency — Individuals and communities should not just be the receiver of help but equally the driving force behind the changes. Popular education fosters agency in individuals and groups. I ensure that community members leave my sessions equipped with greater knowledge, capacity, power, and inclusion than when they began.

Curiosity — Rather than thinking I know the solution ahead, I focus on showing up with and open mind, free of judgement, and interested in asking questions to learn about the community/individuals being served.

Integrity — While I acknowledge the constraints often faced by programs and projects, such as funding, time, and political interests, my unwavering focus remains on advocating for and designing programs that are community-driven and centre the needs of the most vulnerable.

Humanity & Openness — Humanity and openness lie at the core of my community engagement approach. I believe that every person and group deserve to be heard and treated with dignity, regardless of economic output. It is also essential to inspire individuals and groups to be open by equipping them with knowledge and tools to navigate differences, embracing the complexity of humanity, to create genuine cohesion and drive change around shared purpose.

"I believe our world needs minds that are also equipped to be with the complexity of life. Minds that can stay grounded, centered, and open to the full range of what it means to be human. It is not about rectifying paradoxes but becoming big enough to hold the full spectrum of polarity."

— CORY MUSCARA

Rachel-Diane EPOUPA - DEI Consulting
 
 

WHO WE SERVE

Our Program Design Services are available to small and medium-sized organizations, including but not limited to:

â—† Women and girls facing vulnerability, including those from African backgrounds, immigrants, and single mothers
â—† Communities marked by the legacy of colonialism and the postcolonial era, such as Africans and individuals of African heritage, people of Asian ancestry, and Indigenous communities
â—† Non-conforming individuals, encompassing gender and sexual minority groups.

Recommendations

  • “Rachel-Diane is an incredibly thoughtful and effective leader with a passionate drive for diversity, equity, and the celebration of culture. Her expertise in these areas, coupled with her strong strategic communication skills, enable her to create a deep impact with everyone she works with. I’ve had the extreme pleasure of partnering with Rachel-Diane over the last year on her strategic and leadership growth. The authenticity she brings to each one of our encounters always leaves me feeling inspired.”

    Lauren E. Morrison, ACC Personal & Business Development Coach

  • “I had the opportunity to work with Rachel-Diane when she was working in the Office for prevention and harassment resolution at the École de technologie supĂ©rieure. Her ability to listen and clearly communicate her ideas are among the qualities that facilitate collaborative work. Rachel-Diane has a keen understanding of diversity and inclusion issues and puts the needs of marginalized and vulnerable people at the very heart of her work.”

    Alissa Lauriault, Conseillère en équité, diversité et inclusion École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) de Montréal

  • "Rachel-Diane is an insightful, determined, and active person with great empathy and a thirst for learning. ...She immediately impressed me with her drive and ambition to positively impact the world despite her young age. As I am older, at times she requested my advice and directions and valued my council. However, I also learned a lot from her by looking at the world through her eyes."

    Rudolph P. Saint Jean, Managing Director at JESCA Solutions

  • “Rachel-Diane is an incredibly competent, pleasant, efficient and collaborative individual. From the moment I met her, Rachel-Diane demonstrated her depth of knowledge, passion and reflective capacity on many subjects, and most particularly related to equity, diversity and inclusion of marginalized groups...I cannot recommend Rachel-Diane highly enough. Her motivation to bring change to vulnerable peoples across the world is an inspiration, and of great practical benefit to organizations.”

    Geralyn Klassen Manager, Human Resources at Crossroad International

FROM THE BLOG

 

Keep Up With My Writings

 
 
Featured
The Unique Experience of Single Immigrant Mothers
The Unique Experience of Single Immigrant Mothers

People immigrate for the opportunities and the possibilities that a new environment offers. However, immigration can also come at a high cost. Immigrants in general and first-generation immigrants precisely frequently encounter psychological, social, cultural, and economic barriers they often face without adequate resources. Single-mother immigrants are especially vulnerable…

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The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination on Black Women's Self-Esteem in Online Dating
The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination on Black Women's Self-Esteem in Online Dating

The inspiration for this reflection came from a personal experience using dating apps as a black and African woman in Canada.

A couple of years ago, after a divorce following my move to Montreal, my reality as a single mother and working student with limited time for social interactions made dating apps an optimal dating option. It was also the first time I dated in a predominantly white environment. I was surprised by the amount of specific ethnic and animalistic allusions that came as compliments from my interactions with men from other races. Sexual interactions as starter conversations were also the norm, even for those considered serious dating apps.

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The Fine Line Between Cultural Exchange and Appropriation
The Fine Line Between Cultural Exchange and Appropriation

The creative process for designers involves taking inspiration from external sources, which includes aesthetics from diverse cultures. When designers make a choice to take inspiration from a specific culture, most often, they are not aware that they become active participants in a cultural exchange. Cultural exchange is a beautiful thing. But when done carelessly, it could quickly become Cultural appropriation.

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Addressing historical injustices and empowering communities and individuals to thrive in an inclusive society