Leda HR is a diversity and inclusion consulting practice that is grounded in foundational human resources. We help you to disrupt and evolve processes and practices to create equitable and people-centered workplace cultures, leadership, and teams.
We are passionate about inclusion, diversity, and equity in the workplace and beyond.
What’s in a name?
Leda (pronounced leh-da) is Swedish for lead or guide and reflects our philosophy to enable and empower you to be successful and have a positive impact – for your customers and employees. We guide you with our insights, practical advice and commitment to evolved HR options that build and enhance high-performing, engaged, and inclusive workplaces.
We draw on our shared Scandinavian heritage and borrow the best from these countries to apply in our work. Consistently rated at the top of the UN’s World Happiness Report, Scandinavian countries foster community and wellbeing and place a high value on happiness. We think those are worthy pursuits that are relevant – and essential – to creating healthy, inclusive workplaces.
Our Team
Kristin Bower
Partner
She/Her/Hers
Kristin brings over two decades of Human Resources experience creating equitable and inclusive workplaces to a wide variety of clients as an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) consultant. She was Vancity Credit Union’s first Manager of Diversity and has led work in the areas of EDI strategy development, disability and inclusive employment programs, mental health awareness and psychologically safe and heathy workplaces, intercultural competency, and unconscious bias training.
Kristin is a member of the CSA Group Technical Committee on the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace and CSA Group Technical Subcommittee for Mental Health and Well-being in Community Residential Care Settings, and works as an EDI editor for Pearson reviewing post-secondary level textbooks for inclusive language prior to publishing. She is also the co-author of the provincially and federally funded Untapped Talent: B2B Guide to Innovative Hiring and Retention.
Previously recognized with Open Door Group’s UnTapped Award for her mental health advocacy work, she is a frequent speaker at conferences and has collaborated with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Conference Board of Canada. Her writing has been published in People Talk and Visions magazines and the intelliHR blog, among other publications, and she has been featured in the Globe and Mail and on CBC Radio and Roundhouse Radio.
Kristin holds an Award of Achievement in Diversity & Inclusion from the University of British Columbia studied Human Resources Management at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
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Annika Lofstrand
Partner
She/Her/Hers
Annika’s HR expertise and business background enable her to understand and meet the needs of small and large organizations across sectors. She looks to build skill and capacity wherever possible and to ensure the strategy, framework, program, or service is aligned to the vision and organizational goals. In addition to her broad HR experience and expertise, Annika has a depth of knowledge and passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). She led the diversity strategy as the Director, Talent Management at Vancity Credit Union and provides consulting support around welcoming, inclusive, and respectful workplace cultures.
Annika has a BA in Political Science and Indigenous Anthropology from the University of British Columbia (UBC), a Diploma of Technology in Human Resource Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), a Certificate in Cooperative Studies from the University of Bologna (Italy) and is a Certified Practitioner in Human Resources (CPHR) through the BC Human Resources Management Association (BC HRMA).
Annika is a coach and advisor to senior leaders and teams on leadership effectiveness, DEI awareness and inclusive leadership. She is a post-secondary workshop facilitator and contributed to the Autism and Neurodiversity in the Workplace online learning program through Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism (CIRCA) at UBC. She is also a facilitator in the Peer-to-Peer Advisory Group Program for the Black North Initiative Black North Initiative who is committed to the removal of anti-Black systemic barriers negatively affecting the lives of Black Canadians. She works with Boards on EDI governance and was a longstanding member of the Board for Alexandra Neighbourhood House, leading the diversity and inclusion subcommittee of the Board.
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Affiliated Partners
We are pleased to announce that Dignii and Leda HR have formed a partnership! We have respected and appreciated each other’s contribution to the advancement of DEI in Canada for years. While each company remains distinct, this partnership allows us to draw upon each other’s expertise and work together to support our clients and the community on their respective DEI journeys in new ways.
Dignii Technologies provides world-leading DEI expertise and data analytics. They have created an intelligent data platform derived through human insights to advance dignity in the workplace. Read more about their expertise here.
We acknowledge where we have come from – our story and lived experience – what it is and what it is not. In our work, and personally, we acknowledge our privilege, power and perspective. We approach our work with humility and try to raise collective consciousness about why diversity and inclusion matter. We welcome diversity of thought, background and experience so we can offer the best solutions and advice to our clients.
Our Values
INTEGRITY
Integrity is the North Star that guides the choices and decisions that we make; we choose what is right, not what is convenient or comfortable. In the words of Brene Brown, “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort.”
CURIOSITY
We are curious about workplaces, people, and the world. We listen deeply and check our assumptions to ensure we really understand the specific needs of a client. Curiosity creates connection and enables understanding and empathy.
COLLABORATION
We believe that collaborating with knowledge experts or thought leaders within different areas of expertise – accessibility and disability, LGBTQ+2S, Indigenous peoples, People of Colour - allow us to provide the best possible solutions for our clients.
COMMUNITY
We believe that building happy, healthy communities is our responsibility. Creating equitable workplaces that celebrate diversity enables financial participation and social inclusion for all.
PASSION
We are passionate about people and building healthy, safe workplace cultures where every employee feels a sense of belonging – where they feel seen, heard, valued. We know what is possible and what can get in the way.
COMMITMENT
We are dedicated to building trust and providing the right solutions, at the right time. When we make a commitment to a client or a partner, we follow through on our promise.
Kind words from clients
“We felt heard through the connections you made.”
- Belinda Kindschi, CEO, Service Alternatives
Thank you so much for joining us at our two-day leadership session and facilitating your half day Inclusive Leadership Workshop. We received excellent feedback, and I am so appreciative of the thoughtful way in which you weaved in our vision, mission, SA Way, strategic plan, etc. throughout. We felt heard through the connections you made.
“They both bring strong technical skills as consultants, but also a keen awareness of the complexities of creating and implementing an EDI plan for all levels of engagement.”
- Pia Collins, Vice President, Human Resources, Science World
I had the opportunity to work with LedaHR over the last few months developing a long term EDI strategy for our organization. Kristin and Annika were a delight to work with and understood not only the subject matter, but also the operational needs of our organization. They both bring strong technical skills as consultants, but also a keen awareness of the complexities of creating and implementing an EDI plan for all levels of engagement. I really enjoyed working with them throughout this project, and would not hesitate to recommend them for future work.
“They combined storytelling, examples and thought-provoking questionnaires that left conference attendees reflecting and ready to take their next steps on their allyship journeys…”
- Rosine Hage-Moussa, Director of Events, Programs & EDI Initiatives, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
Kristin and Annika delivered a workshop at our conference on allyship and adapted the content to ensure it was accessible and practical for our audience. They combined storytelling, examples and thought-provoking questionnaires that left conference attendees reflecting and ready to take their next steps on their allyship journeys. We would recommend Kristin and Annika for anyone seeking EDI training for their workplace!
Kristin and Annika’s keynote address to our Human Resources team provided a clear and actionable line of sight to what we are trying to achieve, and the inclusive workplace experience we can all create together when using the right lens and staying curious. I am so grateful for their authenticity; I truly believe we all left feeling a greater appreciation for how far the small steps can take us…and that taking those steps is easier than we all think when we place the focus on wanting to help another person.
Thank you to Kristin and Annika for your passion, energy, and real message. I know that they made a difference that will create ripples that will continue to move us forward.
“I am so grateful for their authenticity; I truly believe we all left feeling a greater appreciation for how far the small steps can take us…”
- Josiane Bergeron, Human Resources Manager, WorkSafe BC
“They are experienced, knowledgeable, and very down to earth and helpful at both an aspirational and pragmatic level.”
- William Azaroff, CEO, Brightside Community Homes
We hired Kristin and Annika to help do a Diversity & Inclusion audit at Brightside. Their findings were shared throughout the organization, from our Board through management and the entire staff. The report helped us further down the path of creating a more diverse and inclusive organization. We have continued working with Kristin and Annika to help shape our entire people plan and HR roadmap, so that everyone of any background and ability can do their best work at Brightside.
I enjoy working with Kristin and Annika a lot. They are experienced, knowledgeable, and very down to earth and helpful at both an aspirational and pragmatic level. I hope to continue working with them both as we continue to evolve and improve.
“If an organization wants to move quickly on these issues, then I would highly recommend Annika and Kristin.”
- Liz Bailey-Connor, Chief People & Culture Officer, First West Credit Union
I have known both Annika and Kristin in a professional capacity for many years (since approximately 2006) and both women are results focused and have the highest level of integrity and professionalism. More recently, I have contracted with Annika to support my team with the development and implementation of a strategy and framework for Inclusion and Diversity and an action plan for addressing employment equity, specifically implementing an employment systems review. We aim to, once implemented, reduce or eliminate systemic barriers to inclusion for groups such as Indigenous people, LGBTQ2S+, people with disabilities. If an organization wants to move quickly on these issues, then I would highly recommend Annika and Kristin.
“Kristin is a trusted partner and her interaction with our employees and leaders was well received; she provided a safe and inclusive environment for feedback that was appreciated by all participants in the assessment.”
- Catherine Salter, Manager Organizational Development, ICBC
Kristin Bower conducted an Inclusion Audit for ICBC. The scope of her work was to help ICBC determine barriers that employees were experiencing with respect to representation within ICBC’s workforce.
Kristin is a trusted partner and her interaction with our employees and leaders was well received; she provided a safe and inclusive environment for feedback that was appreciated by all participants in the assessment. Should the opportunity present itself in the future, we would definitely engage Kristin’s services.
“I highly value Annika’s integrity, flexibility, and commitment, as well as her broad expertise. I consider her to be an integral part of our ‘extended’ team and strongly recommend her as a senior HR consultant and partner.”
- Sandi de Domenico, Associate VP, Human Resources, Simon Fraser University
Annika has consulted with SFU on a range of projects that support our HR team and leaders across campus. Annika demonstrates her ability to understand and be guided by the vision, strategic plans, and culture, and to adapt her approach to meet the needs of those she is working with. She understands change and how to be intentional about change planning and support. I highly value Annika’s integrity, flexibility, and commitment, as well as her broad expertise. I consider her to be an integral part of our ‘extended’ team and strongly recommend her as a senior HR consultant and partner.
“Kristin's friendly and empathetic demeanor makes her a great communicator and an approachable employment coach. I have truly enjoyed working with her and would recommend her without hesitation.”
- Matt Smedley, Executive Director, Mission Possible
Kristin Bower is an insightful and seasoned consultant in the diversity and inclusion space. Her skills in research and writing were evident in her work on the Untapped Talent guidebook project (www.untappedtalent.info), where she did in-person interviews and surveys among social enterprises. This research was translated into an invaluable employment resource offering best practices for inclusive hiring and retention. Kristin's friendly and empathetic demeanor makes her a great communicator and an approachable employment coach. I have truly enjoyed working with her and would recommend her without hesitation.
“Over the past few years Annika’s thoughtful approach has helped Alexandra Neighbourhood House navigate change, as we build our capacity to support our growing community. I am very grateful for Annika’s willingness to engage in community work and contribute her expertise so generously.”
- Penny Bradley, Executive Director, Alexandra Neighbourhood House
As a Community Board Member Annika Lofstrand has been instrumental in providing Alexandra Neighbourhood House with the tools that we needed to strengthen the Board’s governance work and identify priority areas. Annika's human resources experience and expertise, coupled with her ability to engage colleagues, allowed us to implement a recruitment process that has generated considerable interest in our organization. The tools she developed integrated our unique organizational values, while recognizing the need to build a board that can support our emergent work.
Annika has also been fundamental in creating a learning environment that has supported the board’s work around diversity and inclusion. Her understanding of anti-bias work has created a foundation for ongoing work that will include strengthening our understanding of Indigenous values, and how we can support the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action. Over the past few years Annika’s thoughtful approach has helped Alexandra Neighbourhood House navigate change, as we build our capacity to support our growing community. I am very grateful for Annika’s willingness to engage in community work and contribute her expertise so generously.
“We are deeply grateful for Kristin's guidance and would recommend to anyone looking to begin their Diversity, Equity & Inclusion journey to reach out and start the conversation with her.“
- Jeff Bos, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, the Non-GMO Project
When our organization decided to take the first meaningful step on our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey, we turned to Kristin to help guide the way. Through a series of accessible, inclusive and creative consultations with our HR leaders, Kristin helped us reflect and be ready to engage our team in this critical work together. Kristin then facilitated an all-day staff retreat where her wisdom, experience and humor opened the door to a common understanding of the diversity, equity and inclusion space. By creating a safe and inclusive space we started to find our place in this work together. Through our partnership, Kristin helped inspire an organizational-level commitment to exploring opportunities to integrate D, E&I practices into our day-to-day interactions, our HR policies and our mission-driven work in the world.
“Kristin speaks knowledgeably, confidently and passionately about both workplace mental health and diversity and inclusion.”
- Charles Boyer, Senior Network Manager, The Conference Board of Canada
I’ve worked with Kristin on several events with The Conference Board of Canada. Kristin speaks knowledgeably, confidently and passionately about both workplace mental health and diversity and inclusion. I look forward to continuing to work with Kristin in supporting workplace health in Canadian workplaces.
“Her dedication to share her own expertise and experience, while also creating an environment that is open to learn, develop, and encourage new ways of looking at things is impressive.”
- Alona Puehse, Chief Operating Officer, Open Door Group
Genuine, collaborative, progressive, brave, talented, inspiring – all words that come to mind when I think about Kristin. I’ve had the good fortune to work with Kristin on several projects primarily relating to community impact and diversity and inclusion. She’s my go-to person when it comes to engagement projects around diversity and inclusion, particularly when working with the business community. Her dedication to share her own expertise and experience, while also creating an environment that is open to learn, develop, and encourage new ways of looking at things is impressive. Amazing public speaker, genuinely committed to building success through diversity and inclusion, forward-thinking brainstormer, and all-round fabulous gal - Kristin is a talent that anyone would be fortunate to work with/learn from.