Hello & Welcome
My journey toward creating more inclusive environments is shaped by a rich blend of professional experiences and personal insights. From frontline mental health work and youth engagement to years spent within the education system, I've dedicated my career to fostering belonging. As a Youth Support Worker, Psychiatric Aide, Teacher, EAL Consultant, and Diversity Consultant, I’ve honed a deep understanding of how to uplift diverse voices and build spaces where everyone thrives.
These roles, combined with leadership and governance experience, and my own lived experiences across intersecting identities, have shown me the transformative power of intentional inclusion. I’ve seen firsthand how equitable practices empower individuals and reshape communities, whether by supporting educators in their work with multilingual students or advocating for inclusive policies.
This passion led me to establish Unity Crescent Consulting, where we provide schools and organizations with the tools to dismantle systemic barriers and create lasting change. Our workshops, consulting services, and resources are designed to build cultures of belonging, ensuring every individual is valued for who they are.
I invite you to join me on this journey toward equity, inclusion, and social justice. Together, we can create spaces where everyone feels heard, understood, and empowered to succeed.
The Story
Welcome to Unity Crescent Consulting, a space where you can learn, grow, and bring your best to the table—wherever that table may be.
I’m Youssra Badr, and I invite you to join me on your journey of knowing better to do better. My perspective is shaped by the lived experiences of a young(ish) woman born and raised in Mill Woods, Edmonton, Alberta, as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants. My parents came to Canada in search of a better life, knowing little about this land’s history, but hoping to create opportunities for themselves and their children. Growing up as "the other," constantly feeling like an outsider, gave me a unique view of the world—a yearning to belong while knowing I was different.
Through these lenses, I’ve navigated various roles: Student, Door-to-Door Salesperson, Psychiatric Aide, Crisis and Youth Worker, Teacher, EAL Consultant, Diversity Consultant, Adoptive Parent, Mother of four, Board Director, and passionate Community Volunteer. In every role, whether it’s someone’s best day or worst, I’ve aimed to create safe spaces for learning and reflection—spaces that foster growth and allow people to show up as their best, informed selves.
This approach has led me to where I am today, supporting others with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. Everything I do is rooted in a blend of research, experience, and evidence-based teaching practices. I’ve done the reading and research so you don’t have to!
Let’s walk together on this journey to empower you and your organization to thrive.
More to Know
Education
Masters In Counselling - CityU - In Progress
Masters In Educational Policy - Theoretical, Cultural and International Studies - University of Alberta
Bachelor Of Education - After Degree - University of Alberta
Bachelor Of Arts - Double Major - Psychology/Sociology - University of Alberta
Leadership and Governance
Canadian Teachers Federation
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Member, Advisory Group on Eliminating Systemic Racism, Oppression, and Discrimination
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Chair, International Decade for the People of African Descent Subgroup
Alberta Teachers’ Association
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Member, Teacher Education and Certification Committee
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Member, Diversity Equity and Human Rights Committee
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PD Director, English as an Additional Language Council
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Member, Inclusive Education Focus Groups
Islamic Family Social Services Association
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Director
Council for the Advancement of Africans in Alberta and Edmonton Community Foundation
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Chair, Scholarship Adjudication Committee (in 2023 over 70K awarded to 40+ students)
Centre for Race and Culture
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Director
Coalitions Creating Equity
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Member
Edmonton Public Schools
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Anti-racism and Equity Policy Review Advisory Committee Member
Grant MacEwan University
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Member, Indigenous Parent and Caregiver Advisory Council
Government of Alberta
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Focus Group Member, Alberta Learning Curriculum Development Focus Groups
Big Brothers Big Sisters
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International Teacher Mentor
Publications
Badr, Y. (2024, February, 20). Islamic Events an Opportunity to Celebrate Diversity. ATA News.
Badr, Y. (2024). Tie Your Camel. In D. DeGagné (Ed.), Weaving hope Through our Education System (pp. 71–84). essay, Peter Lang.
Badr, Y. (2023, December 5). Embrace Diversity During Holiday Season and Beyond. ATA News.
Badr, Y. (2018, October 27). Using The Circle Way In The Classroom. The Circle Way.
Forthcoming - Badr, Y. (2025). Social Justice Education: Critical Practices That Can Lead to Curriculum Transformation. In Kariwo. M & Bouhali. C (Ed.)
Certificates and Awards
Permanent Alberta Leadership Certificate - Government of Alberta
Permanent Professional Alberta Teaching Certificate -Government of Alberta
Certified Circle Way Practitioner Certification -The Circle Way
Certified Google Educator - Google
Train the Trainer Circle Facilitator Certification - International Institute of Restorative Practices
Trauma Informed Care - Alberta Health Services
Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Certificate - University of Toronto – Center for Addiction and Mental Health
Top 40 Under 40 - Edify Magazine - see the write up here