Karen Brown (BA ’91) believes that profound joy can be found by having the courage to venture into the unknown. The President of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and long-time advocate for inclusion in public education will speak at the next Women in Leadership event later this month.

The Faculty of Social Sciences Distinguished Graduate for 2022 says she is looking forward to sharing “tactics for navigating unfamiliar terrain, exhibiting resilience in leadership, seizing pivotal opportunities and embracing uncertainty.”

Brown made history in August 2021 when she became the first Black president of the ETFO, which represents approximately 83,000 members as Canada’s largest public sector union.

Brown’s presentation, “Discovering the Leader Within: Maintaining Grace Amidst Challenges,” will take place on Thursday, May 23 from noon to 1 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. Details on this and other upcoming Women in Leadership sessions, including dates, descriptions and login information are available on the WIL website.

Women in Leadership is committed to supporting and advancing persons who identify as women to achieve and succeed in leadership. All are welcome. Individuals can join the WIL channel on Microsoft Teams or contact Jeannie Mackintosh to be added to the WIL email distribution list.