Our Mission
My journey toward creating more inclusive environments is shaped by a rich blend of professional experiences and personal insight.
From frontline mental health work and youth engagement to years within the education system, I’ve dedicated my career to fostering belonging. In roles such as youth support worker, psychiatric aide, teacher, EAL consultant, and diversity consultant, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how to uplift diverse voices and build environments where everyone can thrive.
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 entire communities—whether through supporting educators in their work with multilingual students, advising leadership teams on inclusive hiring, or co-developing culturally responsive programming.
This passion led me to establish Unity Crescent Consulting, a firm rooted in equity, evidence-based practice, and lived experience. We work alongside schools and organizations to dismantle systemic barriers and co-create lasting change. Our workshops, consulting services, and customized resources are designed to cultivate cultures of belonging—ensuring every person feels valued, seen, and empowered.
Let’s build together. Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to deepen your impact, Unity Crescent can help you create spaces where inclusion isn’t just an idea—it’s embedded in your culture.
The Story
**Welcome to Unity Crescent Consulting**
I’m Youssra Badr—an educator, mother, and equity advocate committed to building spaces where people feel like they belong.
I was born and raised in Mill Woods, Edmonton, Alberta, the daughter of Egyptian immigrants who came to Canada in search of a better life. They arrived with hope, limited knowledge of this land’s history, and a desire to build something meaningful for their children.
As a child, I moved through the spaces in between—between school and home, culture and community—carrying the quiet knowledge that I was different, and a deep desire to feel like I belonged.
That experience continues to shape how I show up in the world.
Through the years, I’ve worn many hats—student, teacher, adoptive parent, board director, community volunteer. I’ve stood with others in moments of celebration and in times of pain. No matter the role, my goal is always the same: to create spaces where people feel safe—because only then can they truly learn, reflect, and grow into their full, informed selves.
Unity Crescent is an extension of that commitment. It’s a space grounded in care, research, experience, and the belief that when we know better, we do better.
I invite you to join me—not just in learning, but in transforming how we lead, teach, and connect with one another.
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 (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. (2025). Social justice education: Critical practice that can lead to curriculum transformation. In M. Kariwo & C. El Bouhali (Eds.), Decolonizing epistemologies and worldviews in education: New ways of knowing in education and policy (Chapter 8). Read it here
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). Peter Lang.
Badr, Y. (2023, December 5). Embracing diversity during the holiday season and beyond. ATA News.
Badr, Y. (2018, October 27). Using The Circle Way In The Classroom. The Circle Way.
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