Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Arooj Ali

Brampton,ON

Summary

Forward-thinking and compassionate Equity and Diversity Advisor with over 5 years of experience in developing and implementing comprehensive diversity and inclusion lens within large complex organizations. Extensive expertise in removing barriers, research, and policy development, and a strong focus on supporting and uplifting marginalized people. Excellent proficiency in social justice market strategies for folks at multiple intersections especially, the South Asian community. Commitment to promoting equity, inclusivity, and understanding across all levels of operation to achieve objectives. Seeking to contribute these skills and experiences to the City of Brampton's Equity Office as an Advisor.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

Nisa Homes
05.2021 - Current
  • Led development and execution of organization's first Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, enhancing cultural competency and supporting integration of South Asian women and youth resulting in 40% increase in employee satisfaction regarding workplace inclusivity within first year.
  • Conducted research and benchmarking analysis against 10 major organizations to identify gaps and barriers in workplace policies services which led to introduction of 5 key policy changes accessibility and equity.
  • Developed and delivered new diversity training programs and materials that increased staff's self-reported cultural competency by 50% according to pre- and post-training surveys.
  • Facilitated over 30 stakeholder engagement sessions with educational institutions, and internal teams resulting in successful implementation of 3 major community support programs tailored for South Asian Muslim women.
  • Designed and delivered training materials and resources focused on anti-oppression, anti-racism, and intersectionality of identity, significantly raising staff awareness and competency levels.
  • Maintained database to track and analyze operational data.
  • Recognized as top performer consistently exceeding targets
  • Implemented new training programs leading to higher employee retention rates and overall performance.

Community Outreach Coordinator

Toronto Community Housing
09.2019 - 03.2021
  • Spearheaded 15 community engagement initiatives per year by targeting marginalized groups, reaching over 5000 individuals annually establishing strong networks and support systems
  • Strengthened relationships towards equal access through regular communication and collaboration on joint initiatives enhancing program reach and efficacy by 25% through collaborative efforts.
  • Developed long-lasting partnerships with local leaders, management team and peers with active engagement, exemplary communication and consistent issue resolution.
  • Collaborated with external agencies to address specific needs of diversity: including but not limited to, differently-abled, socio-economic, ethnographic-cultural, equity setting, 2SLGBTQ+, racialized, and faith-based groups.
  • Served as liaison between organization and key stakeholders, fostering trust through open communication and transparent decision-making processes.
  • Advocated for underrepresented populations within community, ensuring their voices were heard when shaping organizational policies or planning new programs.
  • Utilized measurement tools and research methodologies to evaluate program effectiveness, leading to data-driven enhancements with 30% improvement in service delivery and community outreach strategies based on feedback and outcomes analysis.

Education

Credential - Strategic Project Management

Harvard University
Online
06.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto, ON
06.2018

Certification - Jack Layton Leadership: Social Justice

Toronto Metropolitan University :
Toronto, ON
02.2017

Ontario College Advanced Diploma - Jouranalism

Centennial College of Applied Arts And Technology
Toronto, ON
06.2014

Skills

  • Knowledgeable and critical thinker of equity and diversity principles, including anti-oppression, anti-racism frameworks, and the Ontario Human Rights Code
  • Understanding of the intersectional complexities of identity through a lens of anti-oppression, ableism, anti-racism, anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, gender identity and expression, and issues surrounding sexual violence
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Calls to Action and United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous People and Ontario Human Rights Code
  • Strong analytical skills, with a proven ability to collect, organize, and analyze information
  • Excellent communication skills, adept at preparing reports, presentations, and training materials for senior managers
  • Effective project management capabilities, with a track record of managing multiple projects under tight deadlines

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
Punjabi
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

Nisa Homes
05.2021 - Current

Community Outreach Coordinator

Toronto Community Housing
09.2019 - 03.2021

Credential - Strategic Project Management

Harvard University

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Toronto Metropolitan University

Certification - Jack Layton Leadership: Social Justice

Toronto Metropolitan University :

Ontario College Advanced Diploma - Jouranalism

Centennial College of Applied Arts And Technology
Arooj Ali