Shahana Arain
Hampton,ON
Summary
Equity driven educational leader with a proven commitment to advancing Indigenous rights, human rights, and equity across school communities. Recognized for cultivating collaborative, inclusive environments and driving academic excellence through strategic planning and culturally responsive leadership. Skilled in leading diverse teams, navigating complex organizational dynamics, and adapting to evolving educational landscapes. Dedicated to fostering positive learning and working environments where belonging, well-being, and high-quality education are central to every decision.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Facilitator, Creating Inclusive Spaces
Ontario Principals' Council
10.2025 - Current
- Facilitator of “Creating Inclusive Spaces for Muslim Students” professional development course for school administrators, focusing on understanding Islamophobia and Muslim youth perspectives to foster human rights informed leadership in education.
- Using adult learning model principles, foster an environment supporting reflexivity and continuous learning among participants.
- Provide regular feedback using multimodal mechanisms to assess participant understanding and improve sessions
- Responsible for reviewing and adapting e-learning content where appropriate, ensuring alignment with learner interest and module goals and objectives.
Director of EDI
University of Toronto, Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
10.2023 - Current
- Cultivated strategic leadership and collaborative partner across academic, administrative and student leadership teams to develop and implement initiatives aimed at reflecting social work code of ethics, while advancing human rights and equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Key point of contact and expert resource providing strategic guidance and advice to the Dean and executive team on matters related to human rights and EDI related issues and policy.
- Led strategic equity planning with oversight of EDI committee structures, working groups, and TRC committee consultations to improve EDI Office effectiveness and community engagement
- Collect, analyze and report on faculty specific recruitment data, employment trends, and student demographics in alignment with academic strategic priorities and Institutional Equity Office goals.
- Lead revisions of internal and public-facing EDI and Truth and Reconciliation communications, including community messaging related to October 7th, through strategic consultation and diplomatic engagement enhancing transparency and accountability across constituencies.
- Provide mentorship and consultation to staff, students, faculty, field instructors seeking to advance EDI principles as a part of improving curriculum design, learning environment, working environment, and student engagement
- Receive and respond to discrimination and harassment concerns and complaints from staff, students and faculty, providing resolution pathways, access to resources, and connection to central offices
- Actively promote a culture of inclusion and belonging prioritizing psychological safety and well-being with oversight of staff retreat
- Ensure strategic alignment with institutional EDI offices and Office of Indigenous Initiatives through the organization of professional development and extracurricular programming focused on University of Toronto task force reports
- Document and monitor faculty progress using Ministry, institutional, and committee level reporting structures
- Engage in cross faculty collaborations, facilitating sessions on Difficult Dialogues During Global Crisis, Building Healthy Relationships and Advocacy in Practicum, and AODA compliance.
EDI Learning Specialist, Executive Office
Hospital for Sick Children
01.2023 - 10.2023
- Led 3 collaborative working groups in design and implementation of organization wide EDI Education Strategy with focus on environmental scan identifying gaps and overlaps in current education and training models, resources, policies and procedures across departments.
- Developed action focused work plan supporting release of workforce census data, including communications plan with introduction of Anti Racism Policy.
- Lead member of Health Equity Steering Committee, established critical pathway for addressing core priorities in launch of Health Equity Education and Data Collection Strategy, including organizational wide learning goals for clinical and non-clinical staff, training for point of contact staff, and education for critical Sick Kids partners.
- Reviewed current analytics and equity specific LMS iLearn modules, adapting and updating modules using TAHSN recommendations and research-based evidence, developed LMS modules (Health Equity, Anti Black Racism, Gender Affirming Care) introducing tiered certificate based model for improved access increasing staff engagement to 700 modules completed in 6 months
- Initiated leadership specific modules on psychological safety and inclusive leadership delivered to over 50 Directors and Program leaders
- Strategized mapping of Human Resources Inclusive Recruitment Guide, reviewing Ministry and Human Rights policies while aligning best practices in the development of voluntary demographic survey as supported by relevant Indigenous and equity focused guidelines regarding the collection of identity based data
- Partnered with Indigenous Patient Navigator in design of Indigenous Education Strategy centering Truth and Reconciliation and UNDRIP, activating Indigenous Health Strategy as driver.
- Initiated community of practice across 12 SickKids' departments and units identifying key equity leads supporting improved collaboration, continuity, and monitoring of organizational goals and initiatives in EDI.
- Facilitated EDI and TRC professional development for Human Resources, administrative, and nursing staff totaling over 750 employees
- Lead educator, consultant, facilitator, and presenter on pilot Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression patient registration initiative, monitored patient engagement rate, and provided ongoing onsite guidance to pediatric cancer team on topics of gender affirming care, relationship building, and approaches to addressing conflict or competing rights
OPC EDI Representative
Ontario Principal’s Council
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Served as key contact for administrators seeking guidance on equity related concerns, opportunities, or consultations, specifically in relation to OPC and DESA initiatives and available resources.
- Strategically facilitated listening tours, anonymous surveys, and courageous conversations across 67 administrators to initiate review of potential discriminatory practices embedded within local OPC and DESA organizational constitution, resource allocation practices, and committee selection process.
- Highlighted experiences of equity deserving administrators to OPC executive committees, providing recommendations to increase representation in key decision-making roles within the council.
- Provided administrators with monthly platform for integrated EDI and Human Rights professional development opportunities.
- Improved access to equity resources and opportunities by streamlining OPC and DESA EDI communications at system leadership meetings.
- Established a strategic partnership between OPC Durham and DDSB to strengthen internal capacity by sponsoring administrator participation in the Human Rights Law Certification program at Osgoode Law School.
- Initiated OPC Duty Bearer Award of Excellence, highlighting organizational best practices and administrator achievements
- Collaborated directly with the DDSB Leadership Department as the OPC EDI representative to support administrator development through equity-focused dialogue, planning, and resource sharing.
Principal EDI Representative, Human Rights Implementation Equity Round Table
DDSB
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Partnered with lead representatives from education sector unions including OSSTF, ETFO, CUPE, OPC in the review, planning, implementation, and design of Human Rights professional development and training modules.
- Identified barriers and priorities in unionized environments in respect of Human Rights professional development with considerations to access to opportunity, entry points, and differentiated service models for end users.
- Collaborated with the Associate Director and round table members, providing recommendations with short and long term learning goals tailored to meet the needs of various employee groups.
Steering Committee, DDSB Exclusion, Suspension, Expulsion Procedure Review
DDSB
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Applied critical thinking with a focus on student well-being to analyze provincial trends showing disproportionate suspension rates among Indigenous, Black, and radicalized students, recommended policy revisions to DDSB’s student suspension practices to promote equity and accountability.
- Analyzed suspension procedures in alignment with DDSB Indigenous Rights, Human Rights, and Ministry of Education policies and procedures.
- Evaluated current DDSB suspension practices identifying operational gaps and inconsistencies with DDSB Equity Strategy.
- Provided recommendation for improvements identifying collaboration across system leads, administrators, parents, and community by deepening culturally responsive community resources and mental health supports.
- Organized focus groups with unions, student advocacy groups, and administrators, outcomes highlighted need for real time data for improved understanding of suspension related improvements and concerns
- Designed professional development pathway for administrators with focus on AOP driven leadership, included communication plan presented to Superintendents and school liaison officers.
Chair, Affinity Networks of Durham
Durham Region
01.2017 - 12.2022
- Cultivated collaborative creation of formal Terms of Reference and Partnership Agreement between Affinity Networks of Durham (Keenanow Indigenous Employee Network, Durham Black Educators’ Network, Muslim Educators’ Network of Durham, Durham Employee Network of South Asians, Shalom Durham, Neurodivergent Infinity Network of Educators, Durham Asian Educators Network).
- Partnered with Indigenous System leads and Human Rights Advisor for enhanced accountability, ensuring alignment between Terms of Reference in respect of UNDRIP, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, and DDSB Strategic Priorities
- Secured agreement for interdepartmental representation by Network members in key system portfolios including Student Success and Achievement, Equity, Leadership Development, and Human Resources.
- Engaged in extensive constituent review and consultation process partnering with Director, Human Rights Advisor and Superintendents of Equity and Inclusion, identifying implicit and explicit bias as addressed by executive summary of employee experience survey.
- As Chair, provided consultative support to systems leads in respect of student identity data and staff census findings
- Supported draft revision of Human Rights policy and procedure as representative of Affinity Durham groups.
- Initiated formal invitation between Affinity group representatives and board trustees to support relationship building and community connection.
- Mentored Pride Network and Shalom Durham leads in the development of internal organizational structures and communications strategy.
- Coordinate enhanced networking, relationship-building, and consultation among EDI leaders from neighboring Ontario school boards in York, Peel, and Toronto, to address shared concerns and advance inclusive leadership practices.
Founder and Chair, Muslim Educators’ Network of Durham
Durham Region
01.2017 - 12.2022
- Established Ontario’s first nonprofit Muslim Educators Network in response to increasing evidence of Islamophobia in schools and public settings.
- Inspired leadership through onboarding of over 45 Muslim identifying employees and allies at all levels of the organization.
- Fostered a key partnership with the Muslim Moms of Durham community group to strengthen parent engagement and promote inclusive initiatives aligned with MEND and DDSB equity goals.
- Using Anti Oppressive lens, designed and implemented network constitution with a focus on intersectional experiences, anti-Muslim racism, and ABR.
- Curriculum writing lead on Islamophobia and Muslim identity resources, professional development presenter for administrators and educators.
- Advised and provided mentorship for Muslim Educator Networks in Ottawa Carleton District School Board, York District School Board, and Peel District School Board.
- Designed dynamic social media presence via MEND website, providing a cross section of resources and supports for students, staff, allies, and families.
- Provided periodic consultation on systems communications relating to Muslim or faith-based communities as needed
- Created culturally responsive mentorship and leadership strategy fostering Human Rights and AOP principles for members exploring DDSB leadership opportunities,
- Provided strategic consultation to system leadership on current institutional barriers and emerging trends, while supporting responsive action to constituent advocacy efforts as needed.
Program Facilitator, Indigenous and Racialized Leaders
DDSB
01.2016 - 12.2022
- Facilitated programming used to inspire developing Indigenous and radicalized leaders at DDSB, and institutions including Ontario Technology University, Trent University, and Ottawa Carleton District School Board.
- Partnered with York District School Board Human Resources in collaborative leadership model designed using EDI approaches of leadership supported by employee resource groups and reverse mentorship models.
- Worked collaboratively with Durham District School Board Human Resources Department to activate culturally responsive professional learning and networking onboarding opportunities.
- Mentored equity deserving staff in key system roles including Indigenous Support Lead, Equity and Diversity Facilitator, French Facilitator, and Administration.
Principal
Durham District School Board
01.2015 - 12.2022
- Led strategic planning initiatives through driver of school learning plan at Alexander Graham Bell, Northern Dancer, and Southwood Park schools by grounding Indigenous Rights, Human Rights, and anti-Black racism practices.
- Elicited community and student voice survey in the collection and analysis of student achievement and identity-based data informing teaching and learning in the classroom responsive to oppressive practices and barriers to student success.
- Facilitated partnership agreements with community organizations focused on student mental health, wellness, and anti-Black racism—specifically with the Durham Family and Cultural Centre and Infarada Centre for Excellence—resulting in the establishment of onsite satellite locations and service provisions supporting both students and families.
- Elevated diverse leadership using equitable hiring practices and funding allocations for leadership initiatives supporting EDI and student advocacy leadership models (Black Student Matters, GSA, MSA, Tamil Student Association)
- Collaborated with board trustee and senior leadership in developing structures to the support skill development of radicalized and newcomer families, including job shadowing and culturally responsive volunteer opportunities.
- Used timetabling, system lead collaborations, professional development in ABR and anti-Indigenous racism and school wide instruction designed to challenging educator bias and center duty bearer responsibility, to create blocks for through 4-8 on dedicated instruction on mental health and wellness, human rights, and inclusion. Created First 20 Days of Identity.
- Led research and investigation of achievement gap of elementary black male students in Gr. 3 reading through explorations of parent study, academic achievement, CRRP, AOP, and teacher critical consciousness.
- Developed Science of Reading school wide diagnostic plan in collaboration with Inclusive Student Service, Literacy Coach, school literacy leads, and SERT, using lunch and learns, grade partner release time, NTIP mentorship, and instructional walk throughs as activators for capacity building
- Prioritized school operations using Ministry and Board strategic plans.
Provincial Facilitator, Anti-Oppression and Courageous Leadership for Senior Leaders
Ontario Association of Children’s’ Aid Society
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Facilitated by York Children’s Aid Society and funded by Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, contracted to deliver, and facilitate training and professional development to senior leaders working in public sectors including education, social services, and mental health in the areas of anti-oppressive practices, anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism, Human Rights, and inclusion.
- Designed learning specific to Cycles of Oppression, supporting leaders in recognizing and dismantling institutional structures leading to barriers in accessing services.
- Guided leaders in the use of transformational leadership strategies in the examination of potential barriers found resource allocation, strategic planning, recruitment, promotion processes, and stakeholder engagement.
- Encouraged senior leaders to develop capacity to actively use de-escalation and conflict resolution strategies in creating collaborative environments and addressing personal and constituent dissonance and unconscious bias.
- Supported leader engagement in organizational inventory of practices and procedures supporting equity and inclusion by identifying opportunities for leadership growth.
- Inspired the use of inclusive institutional structures such as coaching, mentorship, and belonging through the facilitation of employee resource groups.
- Focused on use of tools such as Iceberg, Steptool, staff census, and job embedded scenarios in practical application of organizational equity strategies.
- Advised on the use of metrics and monitoring cycles supported by culturally relevant and responsive mechanisms.
- Coached leaders across the creation of organizational plans centering AOP leadership.
- Built rapport with leaders providing modelling of Courageous conversations
Writing Team, DDSB Creed and Religious Accommodations Document
DDSB
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Reviewed and rewrote system leadership document in respect of OHRC and DDSB policies and procedures.
- Embedded 6 Threads of Inclusive Design, expanded definition of accommodation to include creed-based requests, engaged in consultation with faith-based communities, and streamlined request for accommodation process.
- Wrote administrator compendium document as guideline in the creation of faith-based and reflection spaces.
- Collated collection of community agencies as supporting resource, coached and mentored Principal and educator colleagues in the implementation of procedure, and supported solution centered approaches to accommodation.
Education
Master of Education - Equity, Diversity, Social Justice
University of Western
London, ON08-2024
Basic Qualifications - Intermediate Math, Junior Division, Intermediate and Senior English and History
UOIT
Oshawa, ON01.2014
Bachelor of Education - Faculty of Education
Queen’s University
Kingston, ON01.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Trent University
Peterborough, ON01.2003
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Community outreach
- Critical thinking
- Conflict resolution skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Websites
Accomplishments
Author, Reclaiming Equity in Education. Register Magazine, Fall Issue. OPC. October 2025
True Blue Award Recipient, University of Toronto, 2025
Contributing Author, Goodbye for Now: True Stories of Life, Love, and Loss, November 2024
Author, Share Your Story. Register Magazine, Equity Issue. OPC.
October 2022
Certification
- Human Rights Law Certification for Education Professionals, Osgoode Law Hall - 2022
Additional Qualifications
Mentorship Qualifications, OPC, 2021
- Special Education for Administrators Qualification, OPC, 2020
- Principal’s Qualification Program, Part 1, York University, 2013
- Principal’s Qualification Program, Part 2, York University, 2015
- Special Education Specialist, York University, 2012
- Special Education, Part 2, York University, 2012
- History Specialist, Queen’s University, 2006
- Special Education, Part 1, York University, 2005
Work Related Experience
Emcee, Building Inclusive Environments: Addressing Anti-South Asian Discrimination in University Environments
May 2025
Guest Speaker, Inner Landscapes of Leadership with Dr. Vidya Shah, Unlearn Podcast Series. OPC.
October 2022
Human Rights Policy and Procedure Implementation, Equity Round Table (DDSB)
May 2022
Ottawa Carleton District School Board, Racialized Leaders Speaker
April 2022
Trent University Faculty of Education, Racialized Leaders Speaker
March 2022
Ontario Tech University Faculty of Education, Racialized Leaders Speaker
March 2022
Institute for Educational Leadership: Moving from Awareness to Action, Writing Team
February 2022
Durham District School Board, Budget Review Committee
Jan 2022- Dec 2022
Durham District School Board, Suspension Procedure Review
Jan 2022- Dec 2022
Compendium Writer, Reflection Spaces in Schools
Jan 2022- Dec 2022
Ontario Principal’s Council Equity Representative
June 2021- Dec 2022
Co-Lead, Affinity Networks of DDSB
2018- present
Success for Black Male Students Conference, Organizer
Feb 2017
Durham District School Board Indigenous and Racialized Leaders
Dec 2016- present
Durham District School Board Vice-Principal Network, Co-Chair
Sept 2016- Sept 2017
Durham District School Board: New to The V.P. Role, Mentor
Sept 2016- present
Writing Team, Creed, and Religious Accommodations Guide
Sept 2016
Durham District School Board Anti-Oppression Program Facilitator
June 2015- present
YDSB/DDSB Anti-Oppression Facilitator and Course Writing Teams
Jan 2014- June 2015
Durham District School Board Equity Conference, Presenter
April 2014
Restorative Practices Facilitator
Sept 2009
Timeline
Facilitator, Creating Inclusive Spaces
Ontario Principals' Council
10.2025 - Current
Director of EDI
University of Toronto, Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
10.2023 - Current
EDI Learning Specialist, Executive Office
Hospital for Sick Children
01.2023 - 10.2023
OPC EDI Representative
Ontario Principal’s Council
01.2021 - 12.2022
Principal EDI Representative, Human Rights Implementation Equity Round Table
DDSB
01.2021 - 12.2022
Steering Committee, DDSB Exclusion, Suspension, Expulsion Procedure Review
DDSB
01.2021 - 12.2022
Provincial Facilitator, Anti-Oppression and Courageous Leadership for Senior Leaders
Ontario Association of Children’s’ Aid Society
01.2018 - 12.2018
Chair, Affinity Networks of Durham
Durham Region
01.2017 - 12.2022
Founder and Chair, Muslim Educators’ Network of Durham
Durham Region
01.2017 - 12.2022
Program Facilitator, Indigenous and Racialized Leaders
DDSB
01.2016 - 12.2022
Writing Team, DDSB Creed and Religious Accommodations Document
DDSB
01.2016 - 12.2017
Principal
Durham District School Board
01.2015 - 12.2022
Master of Education - Equity, Diversity, Social Justice
University of Western
Basic Qualifications - Intermediate Math, Junior Division, Intermediate and Senior English and History
UOIT
Bachelor of Education - Faculty of Education
Queen’s University
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Trent University