About

Just Work It is a platform for podcasts and live events about decent work for and by millennials. We’re interested in the gig economy, democracy, side hustles, unions, technology, activism, innovation, power and much more. This podcast is part of an initiative that gives the mic to people who are leaders in the movement for decent work across Canada and around the world. It amplifies their voices and creates space for new stories, insights and action — online and offline. We call it Atkinson Live.

The Just Work It Team includes Ausma Malik, Nora Cole and Pat Thompson. They are indebted to Atkinson’s long-time creative and digital co-conspirators at Studio:Blackwell and Gallivan Media,  illustrators Jenn Liv (Series 1), Maia Boakye (Series 2), and Flavia Lopez (Series 3), and composer Nathan Burley who created the theme music for the first two series. Series 1 and 2 were produced by Vocal Fry Studios. Series 3 began with a live event produced by Radiyah Chowdhury . Radiyah and  Eva Voinigescu  provided production support on additional episodes in the third series.

Ausma is Atkinson’s Director of Advocacy and Organizing.  A lifelong human rights activist and community leader, she’s a social justice superhero known for her  powerful voice, organizing savvy, conversational genius, comedic timing, and fabulous collection of enamel pins.  As you’ll discover, Ausma is also a lover of all things pop culture and digital — especially podcasts.

Nora  manages a wide range of projects at Atkinson.  She has her black belt in community outreach, issue organizing,  communications, and policy research.  Without her leadership, there would be no guests, no gram, no show notes, and no end to meetings.  Her music library is crowded with more than 15 podcasts on all the things she loves — current events, storytelling, feminism, bad movies, and the West Wing.

Pat is Atkinson’s Director of Strategy and Learning. We think of her as an honorary millennial for her forward-thinking, tenacity and appreciation for popular culture. But really she’s more of a modern-day Dumbledore — a guardian of Atkinson’s strategic vision, a conjurer of new initiatives, a creative consort, and a wizard with words. She’s pictured here with Nil Sendil, an organizer with the Workers’ Action Centre and a Series 1 guest.

The Atkinson Foundation promotes social and economic justice. Inspired by the Atkinson Principles, we are grant makers, advocates and investors who have been working to make Ontario more equitable, inclusive and prosperous since 1942.  Executive Director Colette Murphy and the rest of the team focus on strengthening movements for decent work and a fair economy. Learn more about our people, agenda, community and progress here.