Not every presentation leaves a room sitting with its own assumptions. This one did. Sue Cook introduced Debbie Opoku and Lisa Harripersad from Georgian College, two experts in unconscious and hidden bias, for what turned out to be the final segment of a year-long exploration of the theme “rethinking.” The timing felt right.
Debbie leads the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Centre at Georgian College and is nearing completion of her PhD in counselling psychology. Lisa manages well-being and care, with a focus on student mental health and holistic care. Together, they walked the Club through how bias works, not as a character flaw, but as a function of how the brain processes the world. Mental shortcuts shaped by family, media, culture, and experience develop without our awareness, and without examination, they can shape how we perceive leadership, ability, and behaviour in ways that lead to discrimination.
Debbie shared a personal example of crossing the street after seeing a hooded man, only to realize later that her reaction was rooted in unconscious bias. The point was not to generate guilt but to generate awareness. The key message was that bias is automatic but manageable through compassion, accountability, learning, and open dialogue. Participants were encouraged to pause, question assumptions, seek evidence, and remain open to complexity. David Bell and President Jeff thanked both speakers for a presentation that was as thought-provoking as it was necessary.