Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Advisory Committee

What is the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Advisory Committee (EDIAC)?

Algonquin College’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Advisory Committee (EDIAC) is a group of interested and committed employees who are bringing their professional expertise and lived experiences to guide and inform Inclusion and Diversity programming and strategy. The mission of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee (EDIAC) is to advance Algonquin College’s strategic objective of fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment.

The EDIAC is tasked with:

Advising on the identification and implementation of strategies and programs to ensure no groups are excluded within Algonquin College’s workplace structures and systems.
Recommending adaptations and developments to the IDEA department and Human Resources regarding policies and programming.

Specific responsibilities include:

Informing the elimination of barriers in employment policies, procedures, practices, and Human Resources programs.
Advising on the implementation and monitoring of the College’s employment equity program.
Contributing to the development and implementation of EDI policies, programs, and communications.

Membership List:

	Abhay Sharma (he/him) Professor & Coordinator in School of Design Studies. Abhay is committed to learner success and teaching excellence. Creating conducive learning experiences through planning, development, and quality assurance of the program keeping it relevant and responsive to the needs of the students, employers, and community at large. As a member of IDC Abhay is looking forward to bringing an authentic approach to inclusion and spark genuine curiosity of learning about other cultures and how to look at problems from different perspectives
	Ali Habous As a CPA and MBA, Ali brings extensive global experience across Canada, England, and Lebanon to his role as Supervisor of Treasury at Algonquin College. This diverse background has shaped his strong commitment to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in every professional environment he joins. Throughout his career, from global financial services roles with Citibank in Cairo to cross‑functional leadership positions in Ottawa, Ali has collaborated with teams representing a wide range of cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences. These experiences have strengthened his ability to build relationships grounded in respect, clear communication, and shared purpose. His international experience continues to inform his belief that inclusive environments enhance collaboration, improve outcomes, and enable individuals from all walks of life to thrive.
	Ala’ Qadi is a professor at the Electrical Engineering Technology Program at ACCE in Algonquin College. He has joined Algonquin College in 2013, full time since 2014.Ala’ also worked in the Mechanical Engineering Technologist program before moving to the Electrical Engineering Program. Ala’ is the 2nd Vice President of the Algonquin College Faculty Union, OPSEU Local 415. An immigrant, Palestinian Canadian who lived in Palestine, USA and Canada. Ala’ is a social justice activist who is passionate about defending equity, diversity and inclusion in the work place and every aspect of every day life. Ala’ has been in active exposing a few issues in the national capital region affecting people with disabilities and seniors accessibility to public parks and has been active in counter-racism and anti-discrimination events in the national capital region.
	Amandah Selvey, (she/her) joined Algonquin College in 1999 as a part-time instructor in Academic Upgrading. Since then she has been part-time faculty in the building trades programs, teaching Communications and General Education. She has also been an Academic Coach, Associate Chair, and is currently the Academic Chair for Architecture, Construction and Civil. Amandah is looking to remove barriers for diverse populations in the building trades as well as in the College community.
	David Soltis (He/Him) joined the College in December of 2020 as Director, People and Culture. In his role David provides strategic leadership in a number of areas including Organizational Learning, Change Management, Strategic Talent and Workforce Planning, Accessibility and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. David looks forward to listening and learning from other members, and driving change that strives to build a diverse and caring workplace, where employees feel safe, respected and a sense of belonging.
	Shirley Piersma joined Algonquin College in May 2023 as Academic Chair, Media Studies, bringing with her a strong background in leadership, accessibility, and social impact. She came to the College from the Rick Hansen Foundation, where she served as Manager, Training and Memberships, overseeing the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ training portfolio. Prior to that, Shirley was the National Manager, Partnership Development at Prince’s Trust Canada (now King’s Trust Canada), where she built strategic partnerships and co-created programs advancing youth employment, sustainability, and veteran support. Her career also includes more than a decade at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary, AB, where she held progressively senior marketing roles, including Associate Director, Marketing and Recruitment. Shirley holds a master’s degree in leadership from Royal Roads University, complemented by earlier studies in journalism. Together, these experiences have shaped her empathetic, authenticity-driven leadership style and fostered a strong curiosity mindset. She is delighted to serve on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee and remains deeply committed to learning from and contributing to meaningful, impactful EDI practices across the College community.
	Gabriella Salera (she/her) is the Acting Administrator for Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) – Lanark & Renfrew County. As a representative of the Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus of Algonquin College and an immigrant, she aims to utilize the research conducted by LIP to contribute towards positive changes. Gabriella hopes that her contributions to the Inclusion & Diversity Circle will support in continuing to create welcoming environments for all students and faculty at Algonquin College Campuses.
	André Leger is an educator, academic developer, and leader committed to advancing inclusive, equitable, and accessible teaching and learning practices. As Chair of Teaching Excellence and Innovation, he works in partnership with the Learning and Teaching Services (LTS) team to build faculty capacity and support learning environments where all learners can thrive and feel a sense of belonging. André’s work is grounded in values based leadership, a commitment to reconciliation, and the belief that meaningful relationships are central to educational transformation. A bilingual Franco Ontarian with Acadian heritage, he brings over 20 years of experience working in both French and English across diverse postsecondary contexts. André looks forward to contributing to Algonquin College’s ongoing IDEA journey as a member of the IDEA Advisory Committee.
	Nicole Lewis (she/her) is a counsellor in Counselling Services having worked at both Pembroke and Ottawa Campuses. As a trainer for positive space and a regular advocate for creating inclusion in outdoor industries in Canada; she has focused on working with marginalized populations. Nicole looks to help advocate in a way that allows people to share their varied stories. Ensuring that we expand beyond the one story and allow for all intersections of our stories to be heard and celebrated.
	Rita Cuccia (she/her) Finance Officer and Administrative Assistant, Marketing and Recruitment. First hand experience as a second-generation immigrant and all the opportunities (and disadvantages this entails). Looking forward to creating positive, sustainable change at Algonquin.
	Sacha Leduc (she/her) Program Support Specialist, AC Online and Part-time Professor, School of Community Studies. Sacha has worked in program support, student success and retention by supporting online and on-campus learners. She has held several positions at the college in student support services and academic departments.