Inclusion and Diversity Circle

What is the Inclusion and Diversity Circle?

Algonquin College’s Inclusion and Diversity Circle is a group of interested and committed employees who are bringing their own knowledge and lived experiences to jumpstart and manage Inclusion and Diversity progress.

The circle is advising and assisting in the identification, development and implementation of mechanisms to ensure there are no groups excluded from the structure and systems comprising Algonquin College workplaces. This includes:

• Identifying ways to eliminate barriers in employment policies, procedures and practices.
• Supporting the implementation and monitoring of an employment equity program.
• Informing the development of an Inclusion and Diversity Policy, Strategy, and subsequent monitoring of adherence and implementation.
• Being a catalyst for new initiatives that will help our workforce develop an understanding of, and commitment to, inclusion and diversity.
• Communicating Algonquin College’s clear commitment to inclusion and diversity for employees.

Membership List:

	In her role as the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, Kara McNeil (she/her) works to convene the Inclusion and Diversity Circle and provide support and guidance to the members in achieving their goals. Kara is passionate about inclusive communications, she has earned her B.A. in English Literature from York University, and Post Graduate Diploma, Advanced Film and Television, from Sheridan College. Kara also completed her Management Certificate in Human Resources from the Sprott School of Business and Certificate in Leadership and Inclusion from Centennial College.
	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
	Amanda Braks (she/her) has worked in Human Resources for over 10 years and started at Algonquin College in 2018 where she worked on the Talent Acquisition Team and participated in many initiatives to help in recruiting a more diverse workforce. Most recently Amanda transferred to the Employee and Labour Relations Team. As a daughter and granddaughter of an immigrant parent and grandparents, Amanda is looking forward to sharing her experiences and continuing to contribute to creating an inclusive work environment.
	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.
	Ali Rose (she, her) has worked as a Learning Strategist at AC’s Center for Accessible Learning (CAL) for 6 years. She studied Concurrent Education at Queen’s, but chose a career in Counseling/Social Service work over teaching in the classroom. Her mission is to promote strength-based approaches in working with the gifts of neuro-diverse, disAbled populations and to recognize their value in educational systems, workplaces, and society at large. She has worked in this field for 24 years and has loved . . . and still loves, every second of it!!!
	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.
	Hai Anh Vu is the Senior Regional Manager for Southeast Asia at Algonquin College’s International Education Centre. Her work helps to bring more international students to the college and help them succeed in Canada. Having worked with on various projects to promote women and LGBTQ rights in her previous role as the Public Affairs Officer at the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam, she expects to see an inclusive and welcoming environment for all college community member, regardless of their differences or backgrounds.
	Jodi Bucholtz (she/her) Pembroke’s Waterfront Campus of Algonquin College (AC) representative in the Inclusion & Diversity Circle. As the Manager of Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew, her goal is to tell the Algonquin College story, a story that reflects the amazing people, the sense of community, and the connections made at the campus.
	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.
	Zainub Ibrahim (she/her) Professor of Hospitality and Tourism. Zainub is a geographer with an interest in people and places and their interaction through the different phenomena surrounding tourism and travel. As an educator and faculty member she hopes to contribute towards building an equitable and inclusive community environment.

Adjunct Trainers For Ethical Upstander Workshops

	Angela Lyrette (she/her) Professor and Coordinator School of Business. Angela’s role is primarily to prepare students for careers where empathy and the ability to translate complex ideas into stories are key competencies. Angela has been working with employers to recognize bias and remove barriers when interviewing students and graduates since 2009.
	Chris Doré (he/him) – Coordinator and Professor, Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Chris is entrepreneurial, a minimalist and a passionate educator, who focuses on contributing to the lives of others through his passion for technology, education and social capital. He has over over 24+ years of private sector experience in various key business roles and currently operates a leadership consultancy focused on creating authentic leadership in individuals and organizations.
	Dr Martin Lee (he/him) is an immigrant to Canada, a professor of biotechnology, and an activist for equity. He worked with others to present “Leveraging Privilege in the Classroom”, and has presented workshops for new faculty on the importance of equitable teaching. Outside of the college, he is a proud member of the faculty union, and helps to coordinate the annual Pride float.

Executive Sponsor: Diane McCutcheon, Vice President Human Resources

Want to learn more? Contact Sarah Gauen, Inclusion and Diversity Specialist at gauens@algonquincollege.com