Alana is an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) educator and human rights practitioner with over 20 years of experience across public education, postsecondary institutions, and community-based advocacy. Their work spans anti-racism, institutional change, policy development, and applied research, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing meaningful inclusion.

Alana has led and supported large-scale systems change initiatives in collaboration with Black student leaders, educators, and community organizations, centering lived experience as a critical driver of institutional transformation. They bring deep expertise in designing and implementing EDI strategies, facilitating complex and often challenging conversations, and translating human rights principles into actionable policies, practices, and learning environments.

Grounded in a commitment to equity and accountability, Alana’s work prioritizes creating sustainable change within institutions and centring the leadership, knowledge, and experiences of those most impacted by exclusion.

Alana is currently completing a Master of Arts in Social Justice Education at the University of Toronto.

With Brock since 2002, she brings over 20 years’ experience in post-secondary institutions and believes that true inclusion is an anticipatory process that requires ongoing reflection and flexibility. She is a Disability and Human Rights Advocate and Professional. Her academic research focuses on representation, identity and the rhetoric of disability and mental health, and has a particular interest in the relationship between disability and embodiment.  She has expertise in rights-based negotiation, conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution, as well as labour, employment, and public policy administration. In her spare time, she instructs post-secondary courses in Disability Justice, Human Rights, and UDL, and is active in animal and wildlife rescue and conservation.  

I am my mother’s daughter. Raised in government housing by a single mother (community activist and mobilizer), Chelsea was encouraged to understand the uniqueness of intersectional experiences and the importance of social justice and collective care as acts of resistance. As a settler on this land of Finnish, French, Jewish and Chinese descent, and a Survivor of family and sexual violence, Chelsea is committed to transformative social change, accountable actions and to dismantling all forms of intersecting oppressions within organizations and institutions grounded in listening to and learning from diverse communities and stakeholders.

Chelsea is an EDI and human rights organizational change specialist with over 20 years of experience in designing and delivering systems change initiatives based on equity, anti-oppression, trauma informed practices, social justice, and human rights. They started their activism journey at the age of 8 as a member of the Jr Board of Directors within their housing co-op. At the age of 13, responsive to the lack of affordable local youth programs, they co-founded SEYA, a youth led social justice advocacy organization resulting in recognition through national awards.

Over the last 20 years, Chelsea has worked for a variety of community based and educational institutions. Their work involves managing complex, large scale, public facing human rights concerns and facilitating restorative and transformative healing-centred responses grounded in cultural safety and collective care. Additionally, they have transformed schools and institutions through the co-construction, facilitation, and reporting on multi-year EDI strategic plans including professional learning, ongoing gathering of quantitative and qualitative stakeholder data, and community engagement events, programs, and campaigns. Chelsea’s practices are grounded in anti-oppressive, anti-racist, anti-colonial, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, feminist, critical, and intersectional approaches, theories, and pedagogies.

In her role as the Manager of Gender and Sexual Violence (GSV) Intake, Katie is an excellent collaborator and advocate for positive change. At the heart of her mission is a dedication to anti-oppressive and decolonial practices, survivor-centered care, and a trauma-informed approach, all of which underscore her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Katie works directly with survivors, offering compassionate guidance, and serving as a steadfast advocate, ensuring they are aware of the full spectrum of options available to them. She also provides collaborative leadership for GSV support programs and in strategic planning for sexual violence prevention, education, and response. In every aspect of her work, she aims to empower survivors to reclaim their agency and voice.

Gita works at the intersection of human rights, education, and institutional change, with a focus on supporting individuals and organizations in navigating sensitive issues and addressing systemic barriers with care, clarity, and accountability.

She brings experience across public education, senior organizational leadership, and community-based organizing. Prior to joining Brock, she served as the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Corporate Communications at Scholastic Canada, where she led the organization’s first national DEI strategy and developed systemic responses to complex equity issues.

She holds a Master’s degree in Social Justice Education and has taught and published in the areas of educational justice and critical pedagogy. Her work is grounded in a commitment to dignity and collective care, and to supporting people, institutions, and communities in navigating conflict and harm in ways that are thoughtful, just, and transformative.

As the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor at Brock University, Megan leverages her extensive experience in social work to foster inclusive environments. Holding a Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work from Trent University, as well as a Master of Applied Disability Studies from Brock University, Megan brings a comprehensive understanding of social systems and critical disability studies to her work. With her professional experience in Northern Ontario, Megan has held various roles, including working with people experiencing gender-based violence, working as an in-school youth addictions worker, and a disability case manager in Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services funded programs. In her role as a case manager, Megan supported people in navigating high-risk situations, such as incarceration, homelessness, and job loss. Guided by a client-centered and solution-focused approach, Megan consistently prioritizes supporting people and communities in removing barriers. With a passion for advancing equity and inclusivity through policy development, education, and community engagement, Megan continues her work at Brock University!

Rabia is an intersectional artist, educator and scholar with a passion for social justice, equity, gender and sexual violence education and prevention, disability justice and activism.  They have over five (5) years of experience working and volunteering in marginalized communities, as an educator, facilitator, and peer support person. Rabia is devoted to decolonization, anti-racism and QTBIPOC equity within community spaces and academia.

In their role, Rabia supports students experiencing various forms of oppression and/or discrimination through a trauma-informed, survivor centered framework. They also supervise and support student staff in their learning as activists and advocates for equity and social change.

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With over 20 years of experience and execution in both non-profit and for-profit sectors, across equity, diversity, & inclusion, social & community impact, art & culture, and an industry leading global start-up, Shaka is a highly innovative visionary, organizational leader, strategist, and connector.  Passionate about the intersections of race, class, culture, and community, Shaka brings exceptional range and understanding to the practice and principles of anti-racism, anti-Black racism, and inclusion, amongst others.

Tassia’s journey toward a career dedicated to creating meaningful and transformative change through service to those in need traces back to her early fascination with the human condition and the intricacies of the mind. Growing up, she eagerly delved into books and documentaries, using them as tools to psychoanalyze characters and vicariously connect with their experiences. 

Her passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others became evident during her undergraduate years, where she pursued a BA in Sociology. During this time, Tassia actively engaged in volunteer work with numerous community service organizations, a commitment she continues to uphold to this day. These experiences served as a confirmation of her desire to create positive change. 

After completing her undergraduate studies in Sociology, Tassia furthered her education by pursuing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is now a registered professional (RP-Q) Psychotherapist, with a wealth of clinical training that has provided invaluable insights into the psychological impact of challenges within both home environments and broader society. Her work acknowledges the profound ways in which these tribulations manifest within individuals, shaping their lived experiences. 

Tassia’s tireless advocacy for social justice is a core aspect of her mission. She is dedicated to combating oppression, decolonizing access to mental health services, and amplifying mental health awareness in historically excluded and under-resourced communities. Her multifaceted approach to effecting change includes representation, education, art, and wellness. 

With a keen awareness of the intricate interplay between class, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation and other forms of discrimination, Tassia brings a holistic perspective to her work. Her dedication extends to her recent role as the Gender & Sexual Violence Intake Support Coordinator on the Human Rights & Equity Team (HRE), where she has dedicated herself over the past year. Currently, Tassia serves as the Counsellor of Anti-Oppression & Justice within HRE and takes on the role of Co-Coordinator in the Black Student Success Centre. 

Outside of her various roles, you’ll often find Tassia spending time with her family and friends, seeking new adventures in far-off places, getting lost in the pages of a good book, reconnecting with nature through hikes and some good tunes, and indulging in fresh culinary experiences. 

Taylor joined the team with a near decade of volunteer and work experience dealing directly with victims of all forms of violence. A graduate of the Criminal Justice & Public Policy program at the University of Guelph, Taylor’s career has focused on victimology after discovering the concerning prevalence of sexual violence that occurs within a university campus.

Taylor has worn many hats during her time in the industry. Beginning with phone support, Taylor gained volunteer experience in Crisis Support with the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre (CARSA) and SAVIS of Halton. Taylor has also provided in person support as a Facilitator at the University of Guelph’s Office of Diversity & Human Rights, as well as being a Hospital Response Worker dealing personally with victims of Sexual-based violence. During the four years spent at Victim Services Niagara, Taylor balanced a client case load, while also managing a team of volunteers who provided support for survivors.

Taylor strives to be an ally first, understanding that universities are a melting pot of diversity. She is encouraged by the opportunity to support students as she can relate to the many risks that exist on campus. Taylor thinks her biggest strength is her knowledge of the Niagara Region and her experience working directly with many local avenues for support.

Outside of work, Taylor loves to hang out with her daughter and her kitten. She likes to explore local markets and loves to go to the beach.