About Becca
Becca Schwenk is the Founder and Director of Kaleid. She previously founded Bakau Consulting’s Facilitation Certificate Program, as well as mutual aid project Shiva Delivers. With a background in business, non-profit, and social justice, she has centred her career on equity and fulfillment for all.
Becca completed her Bachelor’s degree at McGill University, majoring in both Sociology and Gender, Sexuality, Feminism, and Social Justice (GSFS). She began her professional path conducting research for the West End Sex Workers Memorial History Project, with the project resulting in the installation of a memorial lamp post on Jervis and Pendrell streets. She went on to provide support services in centres for survivors of sexual assault, as well as for unhoused young adults.
Becca then channeled her inclusive proficiency into the business realm, leading the operations at Shebah: an Australia-wide feminist ride hail startup. Upon her return to Canada, Becca joined Bakau Consulting, a top Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultancy. As Bakau’s first employee and COO, she lent her expertise to the company’s evolution from a startup of 2, to a team of 20 who have transformed over 600 client organizations across the globe. Becca created and directed Bakau’s 3-month Facilitation Certificate Program (FCP), certifying numerous cohorts in Inclusive Facilitation since 2021.
Most recently, Becca founded Kaleid, whose mission is to create healthier workplaces through trauma-informed programming. She is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Psychology in order to safely and responsibly carry out this mission. In the meantime, you can book Becca for speaking events, attend Kaleid’s monthly Seasonal Sound Baths, and reach out with any questions or requests.
Becca Schwenk is a creative force, a community builder, a strategic innovator, and a values-forward professional.
Kaleid creates healthier work environments by addressing root causes. Through trauma-informed programming…
About Kaleid
Defining complex trauma:
When we think of Trauma, we typically think of a distressing incident that triggers a fight, flight, or freeze response. This type of trauma is also referred to as ‘Big-T Trauma.’ Complex trauma, or ‘Little-T trauma,’ refers to a series of adverse events, behaviours, or circumstances that impact us over time. It also refers to the patterns and difficulties that arise as a result of adapting to or trying to cope with these experiences.
Workplace dynamics are informed by workers, and workers are informed by our pasts. All of us have experienced some form of trauma in our lives, but because it remains stigmatized and misunderstood, its influence persists. Moreover, we miss the opportunity to listen to our pain and learn from its wisdom.
Throughout my career, I have seen organizations giving their all to bettering the workplace, yet struggling to enact meaningful changes that stand the test of time. The organizations I witnessed in the throes of toxic dynamics were, without exception, composed of dedicated people with open minds and good intentions. I wondered why, despite this, they remained stuck in unhealthy situations.
I created Kaleid to target trauma as a root cause. I know personally, professionally, and academically how trauma’s remnants stubbornly nestle within us. I also know how listening to our minds and bodies can provide us with the richest wisdom for lifelong healing. Through directly addressing the concept of trauma, Kaleid empowers workplaces to deepen their understanding of symptoms, and strengthen their healing abilities.