MELISSA THEODORE
Summary
Hello, my name is Melissa and I use she/her pronouns. I am an equity & inclusion strategist and have a steadfast commitment in dismantling systemic oppression by embedding EDI practices. Using anti-oppressive, change management and consulting practices, I specialize in developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives and believe that it is a necessary step in creating change. EDI is a shared responsibility and should be embedded in all facets of an organization. It’s important for everyone to have an understanding of how an EDI lens should be integrated into their roles.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Advisor, DEDI, Education & Communications
Centre For Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion; York University
Toronto, ON
10.2021 - Current
- Manage the implementation of the Decolonization, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy at the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change through an Action Plan. Initiatives include a new holistic Peer Health & Wellness Program to increase engagement, retention and support; improved the Experiential Education program by creating an Equity Profile for Community Partners; DEDI training for staff.
- Manage the implementation of the Black Inclusion Action Plan within the of the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change that supports the pathway of Black students from recruitment, their university experience to graduation, and engaging alumni. This includes the new Black Community Space and Black Mentorship Program.
- Provide support to the RISE, SexGen and Enable committees that advise on matters concerning the following equity deserving groups: Black, Indigenous and racialized, the 2SLGBTQIIA+ community, and people with disabilities.
- Advise, coach, and consult on DEDI initiatives across the York community.
- Facilitate and present DEDI training sessions.
- Execute institutional-wide events during Inclusion Week, Black History Month, and Pride that featured members of equity-deserving communities.
- Supervise work study students.
- Led the content development for the DEDI Toolkit that accompanies the DEDI Strategy.
- Conducted an inquiry and produced a report on an anti-Black racist incident at Osgoode Hall Law School.
EDI Accountability Initiatives Coordinator
Sheridan College Institute of Technology
Brampton, ON
01.2021 - 03.2021
- Consolidated and assessed existing institutional equity, diversity & inclusion baseline assessment data using the Global Diversity & Inclusion Benchmark Initiative (GDIB).
- Consolidated Sheridan’s equity, diversity & inclusion charter agreements and protocols.
- Coordinated the development phase for the Access Pipeline Initiatives program for Black and Indigenous youth. Researched best practices of targeted access programs in post-secondary institutions; developed a project plan and coordinated the meetings of the working group.
Equity & Human Rights Advisor
Canadian Federation of Students
Toronto, ON
01.2016 - 03.2019
- Coordinated complaints for over 300 delegates at the Annual General Meetings
- First point of contact for instances of harassment, discrimination and accessibility matters
- Built relationships with delegates to foster trust and build rapport using interpersonal skills.
- Provided mediation, conflict resolution and peer support to arrive at appropriate resolutions in accordance with the Policy & Procedures
- Referred delegates to appropriate services in their communities
Vice President Equity
University Of Toronto Mississauga Students Union
Mississauga, ON
05.2014 - 04.2015
- Elected to a one year mandate by a membership of over 13, 000 students.
- Implemented an Anti-Oppressive/ Anti-Black Racism Framework by introducing mandatory land acknowledgment & equity statements, anti-oppressive workshops, ethical purchasing throughout the organization and instilling values that coincided with existing policies.
- Managed events such as Black History Month, Expression Against Oppression, Multicultural week, DisOrientation, Queer Orientation and Pride at UTM.
- Founded equity-seeking groups: Racialized Coalition, Mental Health Peer Support Group, The Womens’ Coalition and Food Justice Assembly.
- Advocated for resources and support for people who experience sexual violence on campus through Bill 168, that also influenced the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment.
Education
Certificate - Big Data Analytics
York University
Toronto, ON09.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy; Political Science;Women & Gender Stud.
University Of Toronto
Mississauga , ON06.2014
Skills
- Equity & Inclusion Strategist
- Anti-Oppressive Practice
- Strategic Planning
- Community Engagement
- Project Management
- Program Development
- Change Management
- Facilitations, Presentations and Public Speaking
- Private Consultant
- Research & Policy Analysis
- Data Analysis
Certification
- Strategic Planning, Charity Village
- Change Management, LinkedIn Learning
- Community Leadership Program, Regional Diversity Roundtable
- Workplace Investigations, Rubin Thomlinson
- Indigenous Canada, University of Alberta
Affiliations
- Programs Director, St. Lucia Young Leaders in Canada
- Board of Director, Equity Offer
Timeline
Senior Advisor, DEDI, Education & Communications
Centre For Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion; York University
10.2021 - Current
EDI Accountability Initiatives Coordinator
Sheridan College Institute of Technology
01.2021 - 03.2021
Equity & Human Rights Advisor
Canadian Federation of Students
01.2016 - 03.2019
Vice President Equity
University Of Toronto Mississauga Students Union
05.2014 - 04.2015
Certificate - Big Data Analytics
York University
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy; Political Science;Women & Gender Stud.
University Of Toronto
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