Building Inclusive Communities
Building Inclusive Communities – Video
Jodi Fick-Dryka
Jodi Fick-Dryka has been with the City of Saskatoon for 19 years. She spent 9 years as the Diversity Coordinator working to build a diverse civic workforce that is representative of the community and to create an inclusive workplace culture in order to achieve the City’s strategic goals.
Most recently Jodi moved to Organizational Development at the City, where she is leading the team currently focused on work in DEI, learning and development, leadership development.
Leon Prescesky
Leon Prescesky was born in North Battleford and relocated to Saskatoon to continue his education in 1998.
Leon has spent most of his career working in corrections and then started True Blue Glass, but continues to hold a part time position within the corrections sector.
True Blue Glass is a one-stop glass shop in Saskatoon. They will do nearly anything related to glass, from windshield repairs and auto glass to custom flat glass.
True Blue is a small glass business. They thrive to have a solid team, with a family-like atmosphere. They believe in working together to allow our individual strengths show through while developing their weaknesses into strengths.
Spencer McCall
Spencer McCall is branch manager for The Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan Saskatoon ReStore. He is an environmentalist at heart and is passionate about the work they do at the store in reducing waste directed to our province’s landfills.
He believes in an inclusive sense of community and is proud to partner with such agencies as SaskAbilities and Light of the Prairies in providing a volunteer force to help fulfill the charity’s missions.
He has a degree in English Literature and Celtic Studies from the University of Toronto. He was an English teacher for many years before transitioning into a management career. It has been his privilege to contribute to the city of Saskatoon in a positive and impactful way.
Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan
Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan mobilizes volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promotes homeownership as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty in Saskatchewan. Habitat Saskatchewan has served thousands of families throughout their existence, providing a hand up to more than 200 families so parents and children can have a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.
The organization recognizes the importance of both low-income housing and affordable homes, which is why families selected to partner with Habitat Saskatchewan will potentially become a homeowner and have access to affordable mortgages. These families are also responsible for completing 500 volunteer hours before their mortgage is signed, helping to build their own homes and other low-income housing projects.
Tanya Yano
As General Manager of Merlis Belsher Place on the University of Saskatchewan Campus, Tanya’s responsibilities include day-to-day administration, operation, and management of Merlis Belsher Place, developing a strong working relationship with the University of Saskatchewan, Huskie Athletics, Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association, and other community and event user groups. Tanya guides marketing initiatives, programming, and direction for two ice pads, two gymnasiums, meeting space, and event spaces within Merlis Belsher Place. Developing a strong team atmosphere and, “Doing what it takes,” are key driving fundamentals of Merlis Belsher Place.
Merlis Belsher Place
In February of 2018, Tanya was brought on to the Nustadia team as General Manager of Merlis Belsher Place during the pre-opening phase to guide the start-up of the facility. Responsibilities at this phase included hiring of all management and staff, creating an operational budget, selecting all FF&E for the project, negotiating leases with third party vendors, contractors and facility user groups, as well as providing advice and solutions for day-to-day operations.
Gary Baba
Gary is part owner of Wendel Clark’s Classic Bar and Grill in Saskatoon. Born and raised in Moose Jaw, he started working in the restaurant industry in 1983. He married to his wife Nicole and has three daughters; Brooklyn, Kaitlin and Ashlynn. He owned Bonanza Restaurant in Saskatoon for over 22 years and opened Wendel Clark’s in December of 2018. Wendel Clark’s is a sports-themed restaurant which has daily drink and food specials for everyone. They have Wing nights on Wednesdays and Sundays and kids eat free on Sundays as well.
Kirk Heidecker
Graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce, Kirk Heidecker has 19 years of experience working as a human resources professional in non-profit industries. Through his career, he has gained experience and knowledge with job accommodations, return-to-work planning, coaching, team building, policy development, and strategic planning. Kirk has a passion for fostering a positive work culture, developing strong leadership skills and promoting inclusivity in the workplace.
