Affinity Group Conversation Communities
Affinity Group Conversation Communities at Algonquin College are identity-based networking groups for equity-deserving employees and their allies. Here the experiences of Algonquin College employees belonging to equity-deserving groups are centred, celebrated, and supported through knowledge sharing, dialogue and the appreciation of our differences.
Employee affinity groups comprised of Racialized Identities, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, Women and employees interested in Allyship are supported for regular gatherings to foster community building, shared lived experience networking, and the development of a greater sense of belonging among participants. The Affinity Group program runs parallel to a program for Indigenous Employees. Please contact Anita Tenasco or Sarah Gauen to be added to the invite list for the Indigenous Employee Circle; gauens@algonquincollege.com.
If you are interested in learning more about participating, please reach out to one of the co-leads for affinity groups or email diversity@algonquincollege.com. If you are ready to join the conversation, sign up as a participant using this link.
Co-Leaders for the below conversation communities are the organizers and leadership representatives for gatherings, events, and learning opportunities put on by each respective affinity group. These representatives work in collaboration with the AC I.D.E.A. team.
AC Women’s Collective
The purpose under which we gather is to allow women to feel welcome, safe, heard and supported. Our vision for how this community will evolve and be strengthened over time includes creating a space where women can share their experiences, knowledge, and perspectives, fostering personal and professional growth. We envision a community that empowers women to lead, innovate, and advocate for themselves and others. Leaders and participants contributing to this community are employees of Algonquin College who identify as women. The Women’s Collective membership is welcoming of all women. This includes non-binary people, trans women, Two-spirit and gender non-conforming individuals who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.
Learn More About The Women’s Collective
Co-Leadership for the AC Women’s Collective Affinity Group:
Nadzeya Rahavaya (She/Her) | Nadzeya Rahavaya has been a faculty member in the Department of Applied Science and Environmental Technology at Algonquin College since 2018. In August 2024, Nadzeya joined the Co-op and Career Centre as a Co-op Student Advisor. With a teaching career that began in 2008, she has been serving the international student community. At Algonquin College alone, Nadzeya has worked with over 2,000 students, many of whom she remains in touch with today. Co-leading and participating in the women’s affinity group is an opportunity to contribute to the cause Nadzeya is passionate about. As a woman whose identity is shaped by the intersectionality of her mixed ethnic background, immigrant experience, and living with ADHD, she is committed to creating safe spaces for women from different walks of life where they feel supported and empowered.
Emily Roberts (She/Her) | With over 18 years of dedicated service, Emily Roberts has made significant contributions to Algonquin College. Her diverse roles, spanning from the Registrar’s Office to part-time faculty and her current position as Associate Chair, Student Affairs for the School of Business & Hospitality, have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the institution. Emily is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all employees. She previously coordinated the Leadership Development for Women Community of Practice and is excited to continue her work in the new Women’s Collective affinity group. Her passion for collaborative learning and professional growth drives her to enhance the Algonquin experience for everyone.
More About the AC Women’s Collective Affinity Group | Leaders and participants contributing to this community are employees of Algonquin College who identify as women. Belonging to this community means feeling accepted and supported, and much more for all who participate. Participating in the Women’s Collective means connecting with like-minded peers, sharing experiences, and receiving emotional support. It’s a platform for personal and professional growth, where members can acquire new skills, build confidence, and develop leadership abilities. Moreover, we will be empowering women to address issues affecting them and promote gender equality. As such, we will connect regularly to continuously work towards the following key objectives:
Key Objective 1: Educate and Learn.
Key Objective 2: Build a community of support.
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AC A.C.T.I.O.N. | Cross-Racial Solidarity Affinity Group
Our name holds profound meaning and significance for this community because it is representative of cross-racial communities in collaboration and solidarity with each other. A.C.T.I.O.N. refers to “All Cultures Together In One Network” working toward positive change for people belonging to racialized communities. This encapsulates the core values of inclusivity and unity. It represents a deliberate effort to bring together diverse cultural and racial backgrounds under one collaborative umbrella, fostering a space where various cultural expressions and racial experiences are not only acknowledged but celebrated.
Learn More About AC A.C.T.I.O.N. | Cross-Racial Solidarity Affinity Group
Co-Leadership for the AC A.C.T.I.O.N. | Cross-Racial Solidarity Affinity Group
Sandra Wu (she/her) | Sandra is the Department Chair at the School of Business and Hospitality, as well as a Board Director of the Hong Kong Canada Business Association and formerly served as CAO and Executive Director of the Department of Medicine at The Ottawa Hospital. With 24 years of multi-sector experience, Sandra excels in inspiring teams, building solid relationships, navigating complex challenges, and driving change. Her global perspective enhances her commitment to ‘Human-Centered Design,’ ensuring top-tier service delivery and outstanding experiences for clients and employees. You can find out more about Sandra by visiting her Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-wu-swu/
Kara Evelyn-McNeil (she/ her) | Kara is a dedicated and experienced Human Resources and Inclusion professional. She currently serves as the Partner – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, where she provides leadership, advisement and support for the College’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Blueprint Strategy. Kara is a Board Member for Pride at Work Canada, contributing to advancing 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces across the country. She is pursuing her Master of Education with Athabasca University, specializing in Open, Digital, and Distance Education and aims to apply her learning to equity and inclusion training projects for employees working in higher education.
More About AC A.C.T.I.O.N. | Cross-Racial Solidarity Affinity Group | Our vision for how this community will evolve and be strengthened over time includes fostering a vibrant, inclusive community at Algonquin College where every culture and racial identity is valued and united. We strive to be a leading network that actively embraces diversity through meaningful actions and collaboration. Participating in the AC A.C.T.I.O.N. community will enhance mutual understanding and cultural enrichment, thereby crafting a dynamic environment where all voices are heard and celebrated. Through continuous engagement and innovative initiatives, we aim to empower our members to become Catalysts for Change, advocating for equity and contributing to a globally informed and culturally competent community. We will continuously work towards the following key objectives:
Key Objective 1: Engage in volunteering initiatives that serve and uplift our community, enhancing the collective well-being and social fabric of those around us.
Key Objective 2: Conduct educational sessions that clearly define racism and outline proactive steps towards fostering acceptance, inclusion, and respect, while promoting constructive ways to manage disagreements.
Key Objective 3: Host celebrations that honour and appreciate the rich diversity of racial experiences and cultural backgrounds within our community, highlighting the unique contributions of each identity.
AC Rainbow Connection
We want to create a space that encourages a sense of belonging for all Algonquin College employees who identify as part of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Rainbow refers to the spectrum of folks who identify under this umbrella and connection expresses the desire for this affinity group to be a space where employees can feel like they can connect with each other. The purpose under which we gather is to provide a space for our members to develop broader connections with other employees who identify as part of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Our vision for how this community will evolve and be strengthened over time includes creating a regular meeting space for 2SLGBTQ+ employees to be able to build connections with each other and promote belonging and inclusivity at the college.
Learn More About The AC Rainbow Connection
Co-Leadership for the AC Rainbow Connection Affinity Group:
Sheila O’Brien (she/her) | Sheila has been with Algonquin College Pembroke for nearly a decade, and is currently working as a part time Learning Strategist and Professor of Communication. In addition to being a professional artist, Sheila has been teaching for 20 years, and has recently translated her love of both disciplines into a successful business that brings people together to paint in an inclusive environment. Sheila loves spending her down time with her wife, child and dog.
Robbie Atchison (he/him) | Robbie joined the Algonquin College community over two years ago, and currently serves as the Acting Associate Chair for The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE). Robbie brings over 15 years of community-based social service experience having worked with individuals living with HIV and/or severe mental illness, as well as his teaching experience in Psychology and English as a Second Language. As a proud member of the gay community, he lives with his husband and their 2 cats.
More About the AC Rainbow Connection Affinity Group | Leaders and participants contributing to this community are employees of Algonquin College who identify as part of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Belonging to this community means coming together to collaborate, support each other, serve as a resource to the college, and have fun. Participating in the Rainbow Connection community involves a commitment to anti-oppressive perspectives when strengthening the capacity of 2SLGBTQ+ networks at the college. From time to time this community will gather in the presence of employees who are interested in allyship. The concept of allyship specific to this community requires a commitment to unlearning internalized heteronormativity and cisnormativity. Our Community willl connect regularly to continuously work towards the following key objectives:
Key Objective 1: Strengthen relationships among 2SLGBTQ+ employees by bringing new ideas and approaches to inclusion.
Key Objective 2: Highlight intersectionality and celebrate and amplify accomplishments and strengths of 2SLGBTQ+ employees.
AC Allyship Alliance
The purpose of Allyship Alliance is to create a safe space for allies (AC employees) to raise awareness of societal issues faced by other marginalized communities, advocate for these communities, and champion initiatives supporting inclusion, diversity, equity & accessibility (IDEA) at Algonquin College. Although the Allyship Alliance is an employee-led group, we collaborate widely across the college to achieve our goals.
Learn More About The Allyship Alliance Affinity Group
AC Allyship Alliance
Co-Leadership for the Allyship Alliance Affinity Group:
Marisa Spicer (she/her) | P art-Time Faculty in Community Studies. Marisa has had many years of experience working in the Community Supports field. First, in the early learning sector and for the last eighteen years teaching at Algonquin College. Affinity groups. She believes in the importance of cultivating community and belonging and is looking forward to being a part of developing safe spaces where people can connect.
David Corson (he/him) | ITS Case Resolution & Process Development Specialist. David has been a part of the ITS Client Care team at Algonquin College since 2011. He started here as a student worker and has transitioned from part-time to full-time work with the College in 2018. In previous years, David was an active participant in student governance, serving as a Board Member of the AC Student Association for two years, including a term as President from 2012 to 2013. He is a recipient of the MS Society Certificate of Merit and a Canadian Adult Literacy Award. Presently, David serves as a dedicated member of the Ontario Multifaith Spirituality and Religious Care (OMSRC), working to support individuals in Tier One facilities such as hospitals, jails, and schools, helping them reconnect with their faith. He is excited to continue making an impact on the communities he is a part of as a Co-Lead for Algonquin College’s Allyship Alliance Affinity Group.
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AC Breaking Barriers | Persons with Disabilities Affinity Group
AC Breaking Barriers is an affinity group comprised of Persons with Disabilities who are committed to identifying and removing as many barriers to access as possible for all members of the Algonquin College community. For this community, belonging means holding a shared commitment to making all aspects of Algonquin College operations as accessible as possible for all through meaningful discourse with colleagues of all levels of ability. This is a community where people of all levels of ability will feel comfortable sharing the barriers they experience, be empowered to provide input and recommend changes, and supported in their efforts to create a more accessible workplace for all. We are committed to understanding and respecting the wide range of ability levels within the College community, gathering regularly to share our experiences, identify barriers and work together toward the creation of a more accessible and inclusive Algonquin.
Learn More About The PWD Affinity Group
AC Persons with Disabilities Affinity Group
Co-Leadership for the Persons with Disabilities Affinity Group:
- Sue Cowin (She/Her) | Sue works at the Apprenticeship Success Centre, supporting apprenticeship students with disabilities. As a wheelchair user with a complex disability and several comorbidities, she brings personal experience to her role. Sue is also the parent of a multi-neurodiverse 17-year-old and has extensive experience working and volunteering with students with disabilities, from junior kindergarten to university.In her earlier career, Sue was a Residential Councillor in group homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is passionate about improving accessibility for people with disabilities in all aspects of life, including education and the built environment. Sue holds an Honours Degree in Conservation Biology and a Bachelor of Education with additional qualifications in Special Education.
Sue has served as the Vice-Chair and Community Representative for the Special Education Advisory Committee for the Ottawa Carleton District School Board for many years. She also volunteers with one of Ontario’s oldest music festivals on their Accessibility Committee. Currently, Sue is excited to be one of the Co-Leads for the Affinity Group for Employees with Disabilities at AC.
- Matthew Jerabek is the Associate Manager of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Algonquin College, dedicated to fostering inclusive and diverse ecosystems where creativity and innovation thrive. With a background in entrepreneurship and a passion for amplifying diverse perspectives, Matthew believes that meaningful change happens when we actively listen, learn, and create spaces where everyone belongs. His work is driven by the belief that the world benefits most when inclusivity is at the core of everything we build, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all. Through collaboration, mentorship, and strategic initiatives, Matthew is committed to shaping a future where innovation is both impactful and inclusive.
More About the AC Breaking Barriers Affinity Group | Participating in the Breaking Barriers community requires gathering and sharing a wide diversity of viewpoints. As such, we will connect regularly and work continuously towards the following key objectives:
- Key objective 1 – Gaining a better understanding of the accessibility barriers and needs of employees at Algonquin College.
- Key objective 2 – Establishing guidelines and best practices for the creation of more accessible places, services & events.
To ensure the safety and support of all who participate in our events, activities, and initiatives, we operate under the following community guidelines:
- Members do not need to share medical information or the nature of their disability with the leads or anyone else in the community.
- While perfect accessibility in all areas is impossible, we want to hear everyone’s experience with barriers and the ways in which we could work toward overcoming them.
- We will strive to be as inclusive as possible in everything we do. Should any of our efforts create barriers, we want to know so that we can work toward addressing them.