Alan Shepard Awards recognize community members advancing equity, diversity and inclusion

The Anti-Asian Racism Awareness team at TMU and the Tri-Mentoring Program team are among the recipients being recognized at the Alan Shepard Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Awards ceremony on March 16. Yu-Ching (Jean) Tsai, a counsellor in Student Wellbeing, social work professor Susan Silver and student Jyoti Ruparell will also receive the award.

"TMU has been on an ongoing journey to address systemic racism and oppression, but those who tackle these issues know that this is also difficult and tiring work,” says Tanya (Toni) De Mello, vice-president, equity and community inclusion (ECI). 

“It gives me so much joy to celebrate the inspiring people and teams who are doing this critical work to make our campus more inclusive and human-rights centred,” says De Mello. “I think of these people as the champions and ambassadors of the work that the ECI office is doing and we know the campus is a different and more welcoming place because of them. Your work has not gone unnoticed.”

Meet the 2023 Alan Shepard EDI Award recipients 

The Alan Shepard EDI Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams who advance equity, diversity and inclusion at TMU, and are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and accessible campus environment. Part of the university’s Toronto Met Awards program, the award is named after Alan Shepard, the university’s provost and vice-president, academic from 2007 to 2012 who championed equity, diversity and inclusion during his tenure.

TMU staff members Gabriel Ciufo, Josel Angelica Gerardo, Janet Lum, Eunkyung Josie Lee, Wincy Li, Yumi Numata, and Melissa Yu Vanti are being honoured for their collective efforts and achievements in addressing issues of anti-Asian racism and uplifting the diverse Asian community on campus.

Recognizing the collective need for Asian members of the university community to come together for support during a time marked by increased anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wincy Li, Yumi Numata and Melissa Yu Vanti collaborated to co-convene the Asian Faculty and Staff Community Network, a much-needed space within the university to provide support, connection and community for staff and faculty with their Asian peers. 

“The work done by my colleagues and fellow award winners is a labour of love,” says Politics and Public Administration professor and award recipient Janet Lum. “I am thrilled to be part of a community that is raising the profile of accomplished individuals from the Asian community and creating a sense of pride around Asian heritage, culture and identity. It’s important to address not just the struggles, but to spotlight and celebrate the achievements of our community, something we really strive to do.”

With  a mandate to foster a greater sense of community and belonging among those who identify with Asian communities, the network was formed to help combat anti-Asian racism and institutional discrimination, as well as champion equity by providing access and opportunities through programs and activities that foster an inclusive campus environment.

Ciufo, Gerardo, Lum, Lee, Li, Numata and Yu Vanti are also recognized as driving forces in supporting the creation and planning of the 2021 National Forum on Anti-Asian Racism, a conference that brought together thousands of participants from various universities. The event was aimed at deepening understandings of systemic racism in higher education, driving meaningful action and inspiring solutions and solidarities. The individuals took on leadership roles helping to develop a framework for the conference, and logistical efforts in organizing the event. 

The network has also supported other initiatives in support of the Asian community on campus including the Asian Heritage Month Celebration in May. Open to all faculty and staff, and known for its jubilant celebration of the Asian-Canadian community, the event also touches on topics related to anti-Asian racism and resilience.

Staff award: Yu-Ching (Jean) Tsai, Student Wellbeing
Jean Tsai has led the Centre for Student Development and Counselling through a transformative change process which has included the creation of equity focused supports for students, including robust pathways of care for Black and Indigenous students.

Faculty award: Susan Silver, Faculty of Community Services
Susan Silver was nominated by peers for dedicating her 28-year career at TMU to advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion, helping ensure that everyone has a voice and equal opportunity. She has contributed in countless ways. To name a few, she was central in establishing a legacy of hiring social work faculty members with diverse and intersecting identities including race, gender, sexual orientation and disability.

Team award: Anti-Asian Racism Awareness
This passionate team has worked very hard to lead the fight against anti-Asian racism, and in the celebration of Asian-Canadian identities, culture and history. They have been central in the creation of networks of support and affirmation within the TMU community, and striven to support inclusivity and understanding. 

• Gabriel Ciufo, Office of the President
• Josel Angelica Gerardo, Faculty of Arts
• Josie Lee, Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat
• Wincy Li, Student Affairs
• Janet Lum, Faculty of Arts
• Yumi Numata, Faculty of Arts
• Melissa Yu Vanti, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion

Team award: The Tri-Mentoring Program
Founded in 2001 as one of the first resources for students from equity-deserving groups, the Tri-Mentoring Program promotes retention of racialized students as they navigate various systems at the university. Their mission and priority is to mentor students through their individual experience to find a sense of belonging on campus. Mentorship is often an informal pathway to greater student success, career connections and makes an invaluable difference in mentees’ lives - having someone “show you the ropes” matters.

• Rena Jennifer Barcelona, Student Affairs
• Shailee Koranne, Student Affairs
• Tashana McDonald, Student Affairs
• Eboni Morgan, Student Affairs
• Rudhra Persad, Student Affairs
• Samantha Tome, Student Affairs

Student award: Jyoti Ruparell, School of Graphic Communications Management, The Creative School
As a member of the school’s varsity team, Jyoti Ruparell contributes more to the fabric of the team than just on-court abilities. She is also a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council where she represents the team, while also contributing to inclusion and diversity. Her advocacy is demonstrated through her participation in the successful student wellness referendum, helping mobilize varsity athletes to take action and vote. Ruparell has been involved with many programs such as RyePack, the TMU Indian Students Association and TMU Centre for Safe Sex and Sexual Violence Support.

The TMU community is invited to celebrate champions of equity, diversity and inclusion at the 11th Annual Alan Shepard EDI Awards:

Alan Shepard EDI Awards Ceremony
Date: March 16, 2023
Time: 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT
Location: Sears Atrium
Link: Register here

Related stories: 

- Toronto Met Awards recognize extraordinary achievements of faculty and staff
- Q&A with Pamela Sugiman on systemic racism in higher education
- Creating culturally relevant mental health support for students