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
	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.
	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.
	Emily Ellwood (she/her) is a doctoral recipient in Educational Leadership. “Dr. Emily” previously completed her Masters of Education in Equity and Social Justice from Western University in 2019, her Bachelor of Education in 2005 from the University of Ottawa, and her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 2004 from Carleton University. She presently works as a disabilities counsellor at the Centre for Accessible Learning and part time faculty in the BME program at Algonquin College. Her current research is focused on using an anti-oppressive lens to investigate the factors that undermine service delivery for folks with disabilities. She grounds her professional practice in radical humility, offering a student-centered approach to teaching and learning.
	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.
	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.
	Melissa Martinez (she/her) is an Executive Assistant in Academic Services at Algonquin College. A multi-disciplinary coordinator and trained crisis interventionist, Melissa has diverse professional experience working in the field of education, outreach, mental health, and community services. Melissa is a proud member of the LGBTQI2SA+ community, has a passion for advocacy and inclusivity, and has collaborated with diverse populations for over a decade. She is the daughter to immigrant parents and is among one of the first members of her family born in Canada.
	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.

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: Kin Choi, Vice President Human Resources

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