MIKHAELA HEATHER CONNELL
Toronto,Ontario
Summary
Strategic policy and equity professional with extensive experience in anti-Black racism work, public policy development, human services, and community engagement. Proven expertise in leading equity-focused projects, developing inclusive policies, and facilitating meaningful relationships with Black community stakeholders. Adept at managing multi-stakeholder initiatives and producing actionable research and analysis to advance racial equity and systemic change.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Specialist, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Legal Aid Ontario
Toronto, Canada
10.2024 - Current
- Lead implementation of LAO's EDIB strategy, aligning with goals to deliver equitable services to marginalized communities, including Black Ontarians.
- Draft and recommend internal policies, action plans, and equity-based guidelines enhancing inclusive legal service delivery.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to evaluate and report on organizational inclusion practices.
- Design and deliver learning initiatives and strategic awareness campaigns grounded in anti-Black racism and equity frameworks.
- Provide strategic advice on employee matters and HR processes through an anti-racist lens, improving recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.
Research Assistant - Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Conduct research on anti-racism training impacts in educational and professional settings across Ontario.
- Analyze policy trends and legislative changes related to workforce equity and racial justice.
- Design evaluation frameworks and facilitate public engagement events focused on systemic racism and inclusion.
Lead, Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Safety (JEDIS)
Greenpeace Canada
Toronto, Canada
07.2022 - 09.2024
- Directed national projects and policies advancing anti-Black racism and Indigenous Rights across organizational operations.
- Managed strategic budgets (up to $90,000) supporting wellness, cultural safety, and justice fund programs for BIPOC staff.
- Developed and evaluated organizational strategies including Indigenous language guides, training curricula, and internal policy reform.
- Advised senior leadership on inclusive practices, reducing systemic barriers and enhancing representation of Black and marginalized communities.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to embed racial equity across campaigns and governance.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Justice Education
OISE, University of Toronto
12-2025
Project Management Professional -
Google Career Certificate
09-2025
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Political Science
Queen's University
04-2020
Skills
- Strategic Policy Development & Program Evaluation
- Anti-Black Racism Research & Frameworks
- Community Engagement & Partnership Building
- Government Relations & Stakeholder Consultation
- Inclusive Economic and Social Policy Planning
- Legislative & Regulatory Compliance (OHRC, AODA)
- Data Analysis, Monitoring & Reporting
- Employee Learning & Organizational Development
- Budget Management
- Cross-Divisional Collaboration
- Report Writing & Policy Briefing for Senior Leaders
Select Projects And Initiatives
- BIPOC Wellness & Healing Justice Fund - Designed and managed community-based fund addressing racial trauma and access to culturally relevant supports.
- Climate & Justice Training Modules - Delivered intersectional educational content integrating anti-racism and environmental justice for national and international audiences.
- Indigenous Cultural Safety Integration - Led internal policy transformation initiatives including cultural protocols, training programs, and strategic consultation.
Timeline
Research Assistant - Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
01.2025 - 05.2025
Specialist, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Legal Aid Ontario
10.2024 - Current
Lead, Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Safety (JEDIS)
Greenpeace Canada
07.2022 - 09.2024
Master of Arts - Social Justice Education
OISE, University of Toronto
Project Management Professional -
Google Career Certificate
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Political Science
Queen's University
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