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Dan Cuddy‘s degree from Nipissing University in the mid-2000’s was a springboard to his career in post-secondary. Dan worked at Niagara College in the mid-to-late 2000’s in Residence Life, before joining Algonquin College Ottawa Campus for the next 13 years. Missing his home roots, Dan returned to Pembroke and the Pembroke Campus in 2021. In his role as the Chair of the IDEA Committee, Dan has two goals, one personal & one professional: 1) Learn & Grow – learn about experiences, situations, struggles or difficulties felt by others at the Pembroke Campus and/or in the local community that may not be familiar to him and grow in being a stronger ally for those around him. 2) Lead – lead the Committee in its mandate of service to the Pembroke Campus community by encouraging a respectful, safe and productive environment for Committee members to contribute their perspectives in creating/maintaining a healthy, diverse, and safe campus community. |
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Chrystal Toop is an Algonquin Anishinaabe Healing and Wellness Counsellor and member of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Chrystal is a social entrepreneur who serves the community through her practice, Blackbird Medicines. Through the Indigenous Death Doula Collective, The Many Ways Collective, and Righting Relations, Chrystal provides communications, adult education, workshops and programs, Storytelling/public speaking, sacred plant medicines, and Spiritual Counseling. Chrystal joined the IDEA Committee wanting to contribute to increased awareness of Indigenous rights and issues in Renfrew County, while utilizing her knowledge of the region to the benefit of newcomers and college students alike. Visit my Instagram @blackbird_medicines, Facebook page or website www.blackbirdmedicines.ca |
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Gabriella Salera (she/her) is the Project Assistant with Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) – Lanark & Renfrew County. As a new member of the IDEA Committee, she hopes to utilize her own experiences as an immigrant and knowledge gathered from research conducted by LIP to contribute to positive and meaningful changes at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus. |
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As a queer, female presenting person in a male dominated outdoor industry, Jen Wills (she/they) has a passion to help improve Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility for folks who have experienced the bias and discrimination that is still present in society today. With a drive to see change, Jen works as part of the promotions team to ensure that everyone on campus knows that they are a part of a thriving and diverse community where bias will be confronted and discrimination will not be tolerated. |
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Jessica Boldt is the Indigenous Student Support Officer as well as part-time professor at Algonquin College. She herself is Anishinaabe and Pikwàkanagàn First Nations member. Jessica serves as a mentor, guide, and advocate for Indigenous students, offering a safe space where they can explore their heritage, address challenges, and celebrate achievements. Whether it’s providing academic support, facilitating cultural workshops, or advocating for Indigenous representation within the institution, Jessica with the support of the IDEA committee is committed to ensuring that every Indigenous student feels seen, heard, and valued. |
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Mackenzie Mancell is the Administrative Assistant and Financial Officer for the Community and Student Affairs Department at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus, having previously worked as a member of the Local Immigration Partnership: Lanark and Renfrew County team. She joined the IDEA committee hoping to learn and help make The Pembroke Campus a welcoming non-judgmental space for all who walk through the doors. Mackenzie would like to see Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus continue to grow its role as a leader in the area; not only as a first-class post-secondary education choice for students, but as a shining example of an institution putting words and plans to action on the road of achieving meaningful inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility at all levels. |
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McKenzie Mitchell (He/Him) has been a student representative on the IDEA committee since he started the Environmental technician program at Algonquin Pembroke in September 2023. He is extremely passionate about local action and community organization. As a member of the IDEA committee, he hopes to work alongside faculty and alumni to remove social barriers and inspire other students to be involved in bettering their local communities. |
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Sara Lehnen (she/her) has been a library technician at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus since 2016. She earned her B.A. in History from the University of Victoria and her MLIS from the University of Western Ontario, and she appreciates the value that research, dissemination of information, and literature of all kinds contribute to the formation of values and ideals, and how past and current events can shape our futures. She was an inaugural member of the IDEA Committee, currently serving this third term as the Promotions lead, and maintains the AC Library’s subject guide on Inclusion & Diversity. As a member of the Committee Sara hopes to continue listening, learning, and lending her voice to help break down barriers and ensure that everyone feels welcome and safe in their school community. |
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Shawna Enright (she/her) has worked at the college for many years as a Community Studies Professor in the Health and Community Studies department, and more recently over the last two years, as the International Student Success Specialist. Shawna strives to support all students while helping to create a safe, inclusive environment where students feel a sense of belonging and community. |
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Kate Gaudette |
