Featured Interview With V.Ophelia Rigault
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a highly accomplished professional with a Master’s degree in Education specializing in Educational Leadership. With over 20+ years of experience in the field of equity, diversity, and inclusion, I am a sought-after Speaker and Trainer. I am also the owner of Real Talk Solutions, a company dedicated to providing training in equity and diversity to inclusive leaders and organizations.
I am passionate about creating communities of belonging, and I am committed to partnering with inclusive leaders and organizations to foster equitable and inclusive work cultures and communities.
Through my engaging keynote speeches, impactful training sessions, community-building initiatives, and media appearances, I actively promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
Having personally experienced exclusion based on gender and race, I bring a deep understanding and empathy to my work. Drawing on my extensive background as a business consultant, entrepreneur, educator, and mindset coach spanning over 20 years, I possess a unique ability to engage diverse groups of people across various sectors.
My expertise lies in facilitating difficult conversations about race, gender, privilege, mental health awareness, and equity. I empower HR managers, business owners, and community leaders to develop their equity-building skills and create spaces where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.
Approaching my work with empathy, compassion, and encouragement, I am dedicated to forging a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My passion for books blossomed around the tender age of 7 or 8, when I found myself newly immigrated to Canada without my large extended family around me and books became my refuge, offering me the chance to explore new realms and expand my horizons.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Some of my favorite authors include romance novelists like Danielle Steel and Barbara Cartland from my teenage years. In high school, I was captivated by William Shakespeare, and later on, I delved into horror, crime stories, and classics by authors such as Stephen King, John Grisham, Toni Morrison, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, bell hooks, and James Baldwin.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
The message in my book is that being an inclusive leader goes beyond organizational policies and humanitarian laws; it requires a genuine commitment to promoting equity. That’s why I titled my book “CAREING Leader” with the ‘E’ in the middle, emphasizing the importance of equity in leadership. True caring leadership involves recognizing and addressing historical systemic discrimination to ensure everyone is treated equitably in the organization.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles