Testimonials
"I have long been an admirer of Kais Padamshi as a cultural worker and talented emerging mult-disciplinary artist. As the lead artist developing the interactive historical timeline installation for BIGGER THAN WE 2, the Black 2SLGBTQ+ inter generational community art event held in September 2021, I had the pleasure to work with Kais as a community volunteer. In this role, Kais contributed greatly to the development of the installation, taking on research duties, providing thoughtful critical feedback, sharing personal history, working late into the night assisting with construction, and acting as a community animator guiding attendees through the installation and encouraging engagement. My distant admiration deepened into gratitude for the gifts that Kais brought to this 3 month commitment, and continues to bring to his work in the cultural sector in Toronto and his own evolving artistic practice. Kais represents the best of a new generation of artist-organizers who bring all of themselves, their skills, passions and deeply-held commitment to the ongoing project of achieving equity and social justice through art and cultural practices".
- Courtnay McFarlane, Visual artist, poet and manager of children, youth and adult services at Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Community Health Centre
"I've been privileged to work with Kais in many capacities. As an active listener, he is attentive, kind, and makes space for the complexities of emotions that arise. He is able to understand the emotional impacts on participants when addressing and unpacking systems of oppression. His approach centers compassionate care for those facing and feeling the brunt of disrupting inequity. As a co-consultant, he is principled and presents valued questions and solutions. He is a fantastic team member; you want Kais on your team!
- Pascale Diverlus, Communications Specialist. Educator, Activist - Co-Founder Black Lives Matter Toronto
Kais was excellent as the Public Programming and Partnerships Manager at Workman Arts. He successfully built relationships in the community, managed a very busy "to do" list, created numerous opportunities for artists and always brought enthusiasm and energy to his work.
- Kelly Straughan, Executive & Artistic Director at Workman Arts
"Kais is a thoughtful and thorough consultant. He's a pleasure to work with because he listens well, has great ideas and thinks through a process end to end in order to execute well. Specifically, Kais was responsible to co-facilitate workshops rested to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, he was responsible to edit and/or write portions of our final reports for multiple projects. He'll do everything he can to make sure the job is done well. I'd highly recommend working with him".
- Nailah Tyrell , Human Resources Leader & Business Consultant
"I strongly recommend Kais Padamshi to work in any creative business that values being on top of projects and is looking for a highly competent individual with a caring and calm approach".
- Duane Bobbsemple, Founder of Banded Purple
"Kais is a brilliant, compassionate and dedicated person, artist and peer. Working with Kais on a young men and masculine youth focused project was an absolute pleasure. The way Kais approaches knowledge sharing and seeking in an embodied, connective and expansive way is both refreshing and contagious. Holding space for the complexity of his own experiences and the experiences of others is something I deeply value in Kais, as he is reflexive leader with integrity and deep care for those around him".
- Makai Livingstone, Planned Parenthood Toronto, You Masculinities Peer Project Coordinator
I had the pleasure of working with Kais Padamshi while he was an elected official on the Board of Directors of the OCAD Student Union. Kais is unparalleled in his dedication to reflection, learning, and self-improvement. He is committed to not only his own personal and professional growth but also to facilitating transformative learning opportunities for others. At the OCAD Student Union, Kais coordinated workshops and trainings rooted in principles of equity, social justice, and anti-oppression. Kais also advocated for the University to provide cross-curricular educational opportunities to engage students in critical thinking, community engagement, and socially-conscious development.
Kais is also keenly aware of how systemic inequalities affect access to education. At the OCAD Student Union, Kais developed a number of projects to reduce barriers and provide support to equity-seeking groups. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kais launched a fund to provide financial support for Black and Indigenous students. He was also instrumental in developing a toolkit to help students navigate information and services related to government benefits, housing, travel, food, employment, and other relevant resources.
Kais is affirming, positive, and demonstrates genuine care and attention for the people around him. I unreservedly recommend Kais and his services.
- Nicole Cropley, OCADSU Finance Manager