Michèle Newton’s story
Speaker | Expert | Advocate
Michèle Newton’s lived experience as a bi-racial woman led her to feel out of place in her own skin. Finding strength in her individuality, she adopted a “better together” philosophy, becoming an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) expert. Now, Michèle is bringing to light the need for not only inclusion, but true belonging for all.
Growing up in an all-white household with her mother and adoptive father, she couldn’t have felt less Black. Despite their continuous support, she was often between worlds, unsure where or how she belonged. Having faced racism and exclusion, Michèle’s personal encounters have inspired her to take action, building a better future through consulting, speaking, education and advocacy.
For Michèle, inspiring growth and open mindedness intersects as her mission, passion, vocation and profession. Bringing this purpose to every project, she creates safe spaces, prompting participants to look internally to discover and address their biases and infuse their personal and professional worlds with this new perspective.
As a tenured communicator with over 25 years’ experience, Michèle stresses the powerful position the communicator holds. Making the discovery that many corporate brands often hold only one viewpoint, the dominant, or white perspective, Michèle now plays an educational role in changing this mindset.
Transitioning from communications to advocacy after having her daughter, Jules, Michèle is inspired by what the future can look like for the next generation. By slowing down, switching off autopilot and committing to continuous learning, leaders, communicators, organizations and communities can chart an inclusive path forward.
Vision
A world where everyone belongs.
A world free from exclusion.
Mission
Build inclusion and belonging worldwide, through inspirational speaking, expert guidance and advocacy that activates people and organizations to create social change together.
Career highlights
- Over 25 years public relations and communications experience across various industry sectors
- Selected as a TEDx U of T Speaker 2023
- Recognized as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women
- Recognized as Peace Champion YMCA Simcoe Muskoka
- Recipient of Philanthropist of the Year Award Innisfil YMCA
- Founder and creator of Our Mosaic Lives™, Blog, Art Exhibit & Black Coffee – Community of Black Women
- Co-founder of Making Change
- TV Host and Community Producer with Rogers TV Barrie, On the Mic: Community Conversations
- Monthly diversity and inclusion columnist for Simcoe.com/Torstar
- Media appearances: CBC Fresh Air, CBC Morning, Global Regina, CTV Barrie, ByBlacks and many more

Values
Socially conscious – leading, amplifying and activating social change
Collaboration – engaging my “Better Together” philosophy and approach
Inclusion – valuing all others intentionally and equitably
Resourceful – innovatively building on experience, networks, connections and ideas
Leadership – boldly creating paths and opportunities
Learning - engaging in ongoing personal and professional development
Openness – speaking my truth with clarity, consideration and empathy
Vision
A world where everyone belongs. A world free from exclusion.
Mission
Build inclusion and belonging worldwide, through inspirational speaking, expert guidance and advocacy that activates people and organizations to create social change together.

Values
Socially conscious – leading, amplifying and activating social change
Collaboration – engaging my “Better Together” philosophy and approach
Inclusion – valuing all others intentionally and equitably
Resourceful – innovatively building on experience, networks, connections and ideas
Leadership – boldly creating paths and opportunities
Learning - engaging in ongoing personal and professional development
Openness – speaking my truth with clarity, consideration and empathy
Career highlights
- Over 25 years public relations and communications experience across various industry sectors
- Recognized as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women
- Recognized as Peace Champion YMCA Simcoe Muskoka
- Recipient of Philanthropist of the Year Award Innisfil YMCA
- Founder and creator of Our Mosaic Lives™, Blog, Art Exhibit & Black Coffee – Community of Black Women
- Co-founder of Making Change
- TV Host and Community Producer with Rogers TV Barrie, On the Mic: Community Conversations
- Monthly diversity and inclusion columnist for Simcoe.com/Torstar
- Media appearances: CBC Fresh Air, CBC Morning, Global Regina, CTV Barrie, ByBlacks and many more