By Kenzie Love
As a self-described “pracademic”, Dr. Julia Fursova balances theory with practice—ensuring that research informs real-world solutions, and practice shapes evidence-based strategies. Thus it was fitting that Fursova, a member of the nonprofit consulting co-op Transform Practice, was inspired by her experience with the co-op to dig deeper into the systemic issues that surfaced. The result was a research project on supporting justice, equity, diversity, decolonization and Inclusion in the Canadian worker co-op sector. The project examines how worker co-operatives led by members of Equity-Denied Groups (EDGs), including women, newcomers, racialized individuals, LGBTQ2S+ communities, and persons with disabilities, connect and collaborate within Canada’s co-operative sector.
“Our journey as a worker co-op, our coming together and emerging as a worker co-op and our experience with other co-ops, and observations about the co-op ecosystem as a whole, inspired this research project,” she says. “And its commitments, to conduct, co-design, and co-implement the research, with other worker co-ops led by members of equity denied groups. So, to do it with them, rather than on them.”
Through interviews with worker co-op members from equity-denied groups, Fursova wasn’t surprised to learn that many of these people come from countries with strong, longstanding co-operative traditions. What came as more of a revelation, however, was the discovery that this didn’t make for an easy transition to the Canadian worker co-op ecosystem, with its more rigid, formal structure, and that many of the connections members of these groups have forged have been accidental rather than intentional.
Fursova believes that the research project’s presentation at the 2025 CWCF conference, as well as an online presentation in April 2026, means things are at least trending in the right direction when it comes to strengthening the co-op network for equity-denied groups.
“I think there is momentum now,” she says, “and because of the conversations we had, suddenly, this is sort of in the spotlight. There is attention to this matter. I think there is that momentum on which we need to build to really facilitate that shift towards more intentional, consistent, network building.”
For Fursova, the project has been not just about the research she’s conducted with her colleagues, but the relationships she’s strengthened in the process. The work she’s done alongside CWCF staff members and members of the project’s community advisory circle has been the most rewarding part of the project for her.
“Getting to know other worker co-ops and seeing and experiencing examples of solidarity and cooperation throughout this whole project, realizing that we’re not alone in this, we are in this together,” she says. “And as an individual researcher, and together as a collective of researchers and co-operators, we can help co-ops strengthen their connection and grow those networks’ rooted in shared purpose and values in cooperation.”
Going forward, Fursova hopes there will be broader recognition of the fact that JEDDI work requires an intentional and steady flow of resources if it is going to have a transformative impact on the worker co-op sector. She hopes CWCF will continue weaving a strong network of support for equity-denied group-led worker co-ops and that, in keeping with her beliefs as a pracademic, the research she’s done will go far beyond the printed page.