Ivan Leonce

Background

About Ivan Leonce

If not for ourselves; for our grandchildren and the full, liberated lives I know is theirs to live. Whether on a remote campsite counselling queer & trans youth, or in a busy hospital on the frontlines of the Downtown Eastside, at a small nonprofit tackling the HIV epidemic or a large university supporting survivors of sexual violence — my purpose comes alive when faced with the wicked problems of this world. In these moments, I find meaning through using my strengths to bring connectedness to complexity, build systems out of silos, and facilitate experiences that honour the uniqueness of each person’s story. My experience spans over 10 years working alongside & in support of queer, trans, immigrant, refugee, Black and Indigenous communities. As an educator, counsellor & social worker — I am dedicated to undoing the harms of colonization wherever I may encounter them. My present work is focused on supporting: marginalised communities seeking healthcare that is attentive to the realities of a world not designed with us in mind — with counselling & medical social work staff on the frontlines & behind the scenes of social justice organizations — with teaching & facilitation nonprofits working to expand access to resources at the institutional level — with board service & consulting