In the fall, Niagara College, in partnership with the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), announced the creation and self nomination process for Niagara College’s Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce. The Taskforce reflects Niagara College and NCSAC’s shared support for inclusion on all dimensions and human rights for all people, and will design a blueprint to support NC’s ongoing commitment to create a more inclusive, diverse and culturally engaged college community.
Following a thorough nomination process, 20 talented and dedicated individuals who embody the Niagara College DNA and share a commitment to equity, diversity, respect and inclusion were appointed to the Taskforce. This group of students and employees includes representation from across the college community, and brings a breadth of backgrounds and lived experiences that will inform the important work of the Taskforce.
Niagara College’s Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce members are:
- Charles Ahanonu, international student advisor, International Student Services
- Shadwa Ali, administrative assistant, associate dean, School of Business & Management Studies
- Theresa Anzovino, professor, School of Liberal Studies
- Emmanuelle Atsain, student, International Business Management
- Ashley Buck, Indigenous student success leader, Indigenous Education
- Frank Ciastek, student, Mechanical Engineering Technician Program
- Amal Driouich, research project manager, Research & Innovation
- Dawit Eshetu, professor, School of Business & Management Studies
- Fernando Gama, regional international student recruitment manager, Americas, International
- Harveen Grewal, student, Child & Youth Care
- Caitriona Hawthorne, student, Pre-Health Science for Advanced Diplomas & Degrees
- Deana Huntsbarger, student, Commercial Cannabis Production Program
- Cindy Ko, professor, School of Nursing & Personal Support Worker Studies Student Recruitment
- Jessica Morris, professor, School of Community Services
- Ryan Pierce, student, Environmental Management & Assessment
- Shanyn Porter, community projects manager, Workforce Development
- Felix Pozojevic, student, Greenhouse Technician Program
- Martha Sanusi, student, Child & Youth Care
- Femy Shaji, student, Business Administration, Human Resources
- Amy Wilson, student, Child & Youth Care
Niagara College’s Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce will undertake a broad consultation process and work together to write a blueprint that will identify the College’s goals for inclusion and diversity, and the broad actions that are required to meet these goals. This blueprint will be presented to NC’s Executive Team in June 2021 and will be an important input into the College’s next strategic plan, to ensure that this essential work is part of NC’s long-term vision.
There was an extremely high level of interest in the Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce from the NC community. The blueprint is just the beginning of this work and it is expected there will be continued opportunities to leverage the expertise, interest and experience of the college community through consultations and collaboration over the longer term.
Special thanks the nomination committee consisting of Fope Akomolafe, director of Tourism, Hospitality and Sport for NCSAC, Karen Csoli, associate director, Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services, Guhan Ilgazli, associate dean, School of English Language Studies and Hafsah Shaikh, manager, Student Rights & Responsibilities for their time and dedication to selecting a Taskforce that will guide Niagara College as we work to foster a cultural evolution that is a true expression of the College’s ‘welcoming’ NC DNA. Also, thank you to Julie Stitt and the team in the Centre for Professional and Organizational Development for providing leadership and resource support to the process and the ongoing work of the Taskforce.
The Taskforce will be supported by members of the college community who will provide input, guidance, knowledge or expertise to the Taskforce.
For more information, please visit Niagara College’s Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce webpage.
