Hi, I’m Justine Abigail!
I am a storyteller, facilitator, and community builder whose expertise lies in growing organizations and social movements from the ground up through strategic, compelling, and accessible communication, as well as thoughtful community engagement rooted in curiosity, courage, and care.
You probably know me as the founder of Living Hyphen, a community and multimedia platform that explores the experiences of hyphenated Canadians – that is, individuals who call “Canada” home but who have roots elsewhere. But you may be surprised to know that I do a lot more!
I invite you to get curious about my work and think creatively about the ways we might be able to collaborate in making our world more just and equitable for all. I hope to hear from you soon!
MY WORK AT A GLANCE
POWERFUL STORYTELLING
Storytelling is a way for us to envision and create the change we want to see in our world. As the founder of Living Hyphen, I aim to create spaces for courageous and tender storytelling for racialized communities that dismantle systems of oppression and move us closer towards our shared liberation.
I also work in the publishing industry, the social impact space, and TV & film industry weaving stories in many different ways.
FACILITATION
Let’s dream and plan and bring our visions for the future to life…together! I work collaboratively with groups to create inclusive, supportive, and, most importantly, courageous spaces where meaningful dialogue and connection can emerge and thrive.
My approach to facilitation is guided by emergent strategy and a commitment to nonviolence while using art, writing, and embodied practices to guide us through complex conversations.
SPEAKING
I've been deeply fortunate to have been invited to speak at events across North America as a guest speaker, panelist, moderator, and workshop facilitator for government functions, corporate events, university conferences, and other gatherings. Tackling topics such as equity and anti-oppression, solidarity and allyship, race and identity, I have a breadth of experience in speaking and facilitating for large audiences of 500+ individuals to more intimate and interactive workshops.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & LIBERATION
Underpinning all of my work is my commitment to justice, equity, and collective liberation. From human rights reporting to experiential education, from press freedom advocacy to reproductive rights, from LGBTI activism to diversity and inclusion in marketing and media, this work has taken me across the globe to countries in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and North America. Learn more about my values and approach here.
NAMED CHANGEMAKER IN THE TORONTO STAR
“Justine Abigail Yu created a literary community to give voice to hyphenated Canadians.
In 2018, she launched Living Hyphen — a literary community and multimedia platform that celebrates the diverse stories of hyphenated Canadians...
Since then, things have taken off, with a podcast, a stage play, an upcoming third issue as well as ongoing cross-country cultural programming and training for students and interested Canadians.
Through short stories, photography, poetry and illustrations, the journal shares intimate human experiences tied to migration, immigration, displacement and settlement exploring ideas around connection to a homeland, ties to past generations, and finding a sense of self somewhere new.
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FEATURED IN THE GLOBE & MAIL
“That inclusive, community-driven business model makes Yu something of a pioneer, one who prefers partnership and collaboration over ruthless competition. ”
