Alana is an energetic, engaging, experienced equity and systems change advocate who has worked for over two decades in various positions in her field. As an equity advisor, arts educator and media producer, Alana remains passionate about advocating for communities’ rights to be self-determined in creating the communities they want to live and thrive in. Alana’s anti-oppression and equity education journey began in her youth as a peer facilitator and coordinator with several grassroots nonprofits. At the Metro Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children, Alana learned the foundations of equity and anti-oppression from Black and Queer feminists. There she learned to develop and deliver gender-based violence workshops within an anti-oppression framework that recognized how the intersections of identity (race, ability, income, sexuality, gender identity, spirituality and age) impact youth and families’ experiences of violence.

Alana has extensive experience in a variety of educational institutions and spaces, working in collaboration with Black student leaders, staff and community organizations, Alana led systems change projects to strengthen the public education system for Black students experiencing exclusion. As a director, organizational consultant and media producer with Stolen From Africa, a Black-led arts education organization, Alana led advocacy training and created resources for youth and families to increase their efficacy skills to combat anti-Black racism. Alana is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces, services and resources that centre the voices and experiences of those experiencing exclusion with an outgoing commitment to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Alana is completing her MEd in Social Justice Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in 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.  

Katie’s lived experience and intersectional identity, marked by privilege and oppression as a (White, low-income, cis-hetero) survivor of sexual violence and a woman with a disability, further enriches the collaborative ethos she brings to her role. Her exceptional academic achievements, including a Master’s degree in Social Justice and Equity Studies, reflect her intellectual rigor and dedication to breaking down systemic barriers. Katie also serves as a Director on the Board of Directors of the YWCA Niagara Region, channeling her lived experience with homelessness into community advocacy. Her active involvement in the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization’s (PACHRED’s) Sexual Violence Prevention Sub-Committee since 2020 and ongoing work to advocate for survivor-centered and trauma-informed changes in the university’s Sexual Assault and Harassment Policy (SAHP) further highlight her exceptional leadership. Katie is not just a collaborator; she’s a catalyst for change who continuously challenges herself and her family, friends, and peers to confront biases and strive for a more inclusive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed culture. Her ultimate goal is to create a campus environment that not only acknowledges the gravity of sexual violence but actively works to prevent it, fostering a culture of consent, accountability, and collective empowerment. 

Dr. Wilson is an educator and an anti-racist consultant. She worked in the Ontario public education system for fifteen years. Her roles included being a principal of a secondary school, a vice-principal, the coordinator of anti-Black racism education, the coordinator of Indigenous education, and a classroom teacher. In addition, Dr. Wilson taught sociology and human rights courses at a college. Prior to joining Brock University, Dr. Wilson was an anti-racist consultant for the United Nations. Dr. Wilson completed her PhD in Social Justice Education at the University of Toronto in 2021.

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 are devoted to decolonization, anti-racism and QTBIPOC equity within community spaces and academia.

With over five (5) years of experience working and volunteering in marginalized communities, as an educator, facilitator, and peer support person, Rabia is currently a Masters in Social Justice and Equity Studies (SJES) candidate at Brock University.

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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. 

Zhane Hamilton is a dedicated professional with a strong background in Business Administration. She pursued her education at Humber College, where she honed her skills and gained valuable insights into the world of business. Currently, she holds the position of Executive Assistant in the Office of Human Rights and Equity. In this role, Zhane plays a pivotal part in supporting the office’s initiatives and ensuring the promotion of fairness and inclusivity across the institution.  

In this role, Zhane’s responsibilities include coordinating and managing administrative tasks, assisting in the planning and execution of equity-focused projects, and ensuring efficient communication within the office and with external stakeholders 

Zhane finds joy in hosting gatherings and cherishing moments with her loved ones. She has a passion for culinary exploration, constantly seeking new food experiences and experimenting with flavours in her spare time!