February 4, 2026
In recognition of Black History Month, and as St.Amant continues to strengthen its commitment to staff development, engagement, and inclusion, we sat down with Ibukun Adetoro, Senior Manager, Staff Development & Engagement, to reflect on his journey, leadership approach, and the work underway to support staff and volunteers across the organization. In this conversation, Ibukun shares what drives his people-centered leadership, how meaningful engagement supports our mission, and what he values most about working at St.Amant.
Interview by Marcel Fisette, Manager of Corporate Communications.
Marcel Fisette: Congratulations on your role, Ibukun! Can you tell us about this position and what it means to you?
Ibukun Adetoro:
This position – Senior Manager, Staff Development & Engagement – represents both a professional milestone and a deeply personal opportunity to contribute meaningfully to an organization whose values strongly align with my own. It goes far beyond a traditional management role; it is about fostering a culture of continuous learning, inclusion, and compassion within a dynamic, mission-driven environment. The position is uniquely situated at the intersection of operational leadership and cultural transformation, enabling me to play a significant role in enhancing the employee and volunteer experience while contributing to our broader strategic objectives.
What excites me most about this role is its broad scope and intentional focus on creating meaningful change across multiple dimensions – administrative efficiency, enhancement of French language, leadership development, DEIA, and volunteer engagement. Leading Administrative Support Services, Corporate Education, French Language Services, and Volunteer Services requires a combination of vision, passion, empathy, and execution. Each of these areas touches the heart of organizational culture and provides tangible opportunities to uplift the daily experiences of staff, volunteers, and the people we support.
Being a DEIA Co-Lead also carries deep personal significance. The opportunity to champion equity and accessibility across the organization is one I approach with humility. I recognize the importance of listening deeply, reflecting honestly, and acting with courage to dismantle systemic barriers and create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This role aligns perfectly with my passion for professional development and people-centered leadership. I truly believe that when people thrive, organizations flourish.
MF: You’ve been part of the St.Amant team for a while now – can you share a bit about your journey within the organization?
IA:
Personally and professionally, being part of St.Amant has been both a privilege and a transformative experience. When I first joined, I was drawn to our mission and its unwavering commitment to the people we support. From the beginning, it was clear that this was not just a workplace, but a community built on respect, inclusion, and meaningful connection.
Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to step into progressively responsible roles, each one stretching my abilities and deepening my understanding of the organization’s operations and culture. One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been working with dedicated teams and leaders who truly embody our values.
A particularly meaningful part of my journey has been engaging in DEIA work. Participating in conversations that address equity, accessibility, and representation has been both humbling and energizing. This work has shaped me not only as a leader, but as a more self-aware and inclusive person. Overall, my journey here has been one of purpose, challenge, and growth, and I’m grateful for every step along the way.
MF: What inspired you to take on this challenge in staff development and engagement?
IA:
What inspired me most was the opportunity to make a meaningful, organization-wide impact through a role that aligns so closely with my values and strengths. I’ve seen firsthand how empowered, supported, and engaged staff directly influence the quality of care and connection we provide. I strongly believe that investing in people is investing in the future of the organization.
My passion for learning and development, combined with my background in program implementation, administrative excellence, change management, and organizational culture, made this role a natural next step. The DEIA component was also a powerful motivator – it is both strategic and people-focused. This role allows me to help ensure that equity and accessibility are not just ideas, but everyday lived experiences for our staff and volunteers.
MF: Looking back at your time here, what are some moments or experiences that have shaped your leadership style?
IA:
Being part of cross-departmental initiatives where collaboration was essential has been incredibly formative. Working with teams that bring diverse perspectives taught me the importance of inclusive leadership – listening deeply, creating space for different voices, and fostering psychological safety.
Supporting staff through times of organizational change also shaped my leadership. These moments required empathy, transparency, and steadiness, and reinforced the importance of clear communication and active listening. I’ve also been deeply influenced by mentoring relationships, both as a mentor and a mentee. These experiences taught me that leadership is about trust, vulnerability, and empowering others to discover their potential.
MF: How do you define meaningful staff engagement, and why is it important at St.Amant?
IA:
Meaningful staff engagement means creating an environment where employees feel valued, connected, and empowered. It goes beyond job satisfaction – it’s about purpose, inclusion, and shared commitment. Engaged staff feel heard, supported, and motivated to contribute.
At St.Amant, engagement is especially critical given the compassionate and demanding nature of our work. When staff are engaged, they are better equipped to provide high-quality care and build meaningful relationships with the people we support. Engagement also fuels innovation and continuous improvement by ensuring staff voices help shape decisions and practices.
MF: What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in this role?
IA:
I’m most looking forward to strengthening the connection between staff development, engagement, and organizational excellence. My focus is on building sustainable programs that support individual growth while elevating workplace culture. I want staff and volunteers to feel equipped, valued, and inspired.
Deepening our commitment to DEIA is also a key priority. I want to help move our efforts beyond awareness into action by embedding inclusive practices into our systems and daily interactions. Ultimately, my goal is to help build a resilient, people-centered culture where everyone feels supported and empowered to thrive.
MF: What’s something your colleagues might not know about you?
IA:
My faith in Jesus Christ plays an important role in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally. It guides me to lead with compassion, integrity, humility, and a servant-leadership mindset.
I’m also passionate about football (soccer). The sport has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and perseverance – qualities that translate directly into how I lead and collaborate. Together, my faith and love of soccer influence how I show up as a leader and how I strive to foster a culture of respect and shared purpose.
MF: When you’re not working, how do you like to unwind or recharge?
IA:
Spending quality time with my family is how I recharge. Those moments help me maintain balance and perspective, allowing me to return to work energized and fully present.
MF: What’s one lesson you’ve learned at St.Amant that continues to guide you?
IA:
Leading with empathy and humility is essential. Effective leadership here is about understanding and respecting the experiences of both the people we support and our colleagues. Listening actively and leading with compassion builds trust and keeps our work grounded in our mission.
MF: Is there anything you’d like to share with your colleagues as you continue this chapter?
IA:
I want to share how grateful and excited I am to continue growing alongside such a dedicated and passionate team. Our strength lies in our diversity of experiences and perspectives. I welcome your feedback, ideas, and collaboration as we work together to build a workplace culture where everyone can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.
