Past Alan Shepard EDI Awards Recipients

Student

Deangela Provo, Child and Youth Care, Faculty of Community Services

Deangela is a third-year student in the School of Child and Youth Care within the Faculty of Community Services who is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Committed to empowering diverse youth and children, she has channeled her efforts to supporting communities in Toronto’s Regent Park, Moss Park and beyond.

Emerging from a background marked by adversity, Deangela's journey is fueled by a passionate drive to give back and uplift the lives of youth who share similar experiences. She cultivates meaningful relationships and serves as a role model, particularly for young Black women, showcasing the boundless possibilities attainable despite challenges.

At MLSE LaunchPad, Deangela assumes the pivotal role of mentor, guiding youth through transformative programs. Notably, she spearheaded a project analyzing members' experiences to forge new pathways, with a keen focus on employment opportunities crucial for Moss Park's youth. Beyond mentoring, Deangela extends her impact by coaching the Girls STOMP Dance Team, nurturing confidence and empowerment through movement.

Outside MLSE LaunchPad, Deangela volunteers at Dixon Hall, championing the Girls Fit program tailored for adolescents aged 11 to 15. She empowers young women through holistic health education, promoting positive lifestyle choices and well-being. Additionally, Deangela provides support to first-time mothers through leisure counseling and aids low-income families through a community income tax clinic.

A cornerstone of Deangela's advocacy lies in supporting young people, particularly those raised by single mothers who are navigating the complexities of social assistance. Through her multifaceted contributions and unwavering advocacy, Deangela embodies the transformative potential of compassion and action, leaving an indelible mark on the communities she serves.

Faculty

Dr. Art Blake, Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Arts

Dr. Art Blake is a Professor in the Department of History within the Faculty of Arts and a trailblazer in championing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) within academia. Serving as the inaugural Director of the Dimensions Pilot Program at TMU, Dr. Blake's leadership has been instrumental in advancing EDIA in scholarly research and creative activities (SRC) at the university.

Under Dr. Blake's guidance, a team of faculty Dimensions leads, conducted extensive consultations, resulting in a plan to further integrate EDIA throughout TMU's research ecosystem, and a successful application for recognition by the federal Dimensions Pilot Program. This achievement has reinforced TMU’s standing as a leader in EDIA within the academic sphere.

This award recognizes Dr. Blake's tireless mentorship, successful academic program development and innovative research initiatives at TMU, infusing EDIA in everything he does. Noteworthy contributions in addition to leading the Dimensions Pilot Program include advocacy for the new Minor in 2SLGBTQ+ Studies and formation of the 2SLGBTQ+ SRC Network at TMU. Additionally, Dr. Blake's involvement in the Positive Space Faculty and Staff Network and the VPFA’s Advisory Group underscores his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

Dr. Blake's research endeavors reflect his intentional integration of EDIA principles. His publications, such as Audible Citizenship and Audiomobility: Race,Technology, and CB Radio and his current project on the cross-dressing community's history, exemplify his dedication to exploring EDIA themes.

In addition to his scholarly contributions, Dr. Blake's impact extends to the student experience, where his commitment to creating a positive environment is deeply felt. His exceptional dedication to identifying and addressing systemic barriers, developing innovative programs and providing access to underrepresented individuals embodies excellence and service to TMU and the broader community.

Dr. Blake's unwavering dedication to advancing EDIA across research, pedagogy, student experience and university life distinguishes him as a worthy recipient of the Alan Shepard EDI Award. His profound impact resonates not only within TMU but also within the hearts and minds of its students, faculty and staff.

Staff

Dr. Grace-Camille Munroe, Interim Director, Black Scholarship Institute, Faculty of Community Services

Dr. Grace-Camille Munroe serves as the Interim Director of TMU’s Black Scholarship Institute within the Faculty of Community Services. Prior to this role, she was the Program Manager of the Presidential Implementation Committee to Confront Anti-Black Racism (PICCABR). Recognized for her dedication to fostering Black flourishing at TMU, Dr. Munroe champions equity-driven excellence, reshaping the experiences and capabilities of Black students, faculty and staff. Her commitment has continually extended beyond her official duties where she has cultivated a culture of inspiration and equity transformations.

During her tenure from 2020 to 2023 as Program Manager of PICCABR, Dr. Munroe spearheaded efforts to implement recommendations from the  (PDF file) 2020 Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review Report. As the inaugural Interim Director of TMU’s Black Scholarship Institute, Dr. Munroe continues to lead its efforts, driven by a genuine sense of community service. She introduced community updates to foster engagement and awareness within TMU and the broader public regarding anti-Black racism initiatives. Under her guidance, program, administrative and financial frameworks were established to support anti-Black racism initiatives, including the creation of a Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Black Scholars.

Dr. Munroe's reverence for past, present and future leaders, coupled with her commitment to engaging and embracing the full richness of Black students, communities, faculty and staff, defines her visionary leadership. With a calming presence and clarity of purpose, she propels forward a vision of equity and possibility.

Team

Positive Space Faculty and Staff Network

• Michael Turco, Manager of Operations, Administration, & Equity, School of Journalism
• Dan Cantiller, Decision Support Analyst, Ted Rogers School of Management
• Ryan Kerr, Events and Communications Specialist, Ceremonials Office
• Andrea Ridgley, Manager, Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching (The Centre)

The Positive Space Faculty and Staff Network’s Michael Turco, Dan Cantiller, Ryan Kerr and Andrea Ridgley are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for 2SLGBTQ+ community members at TMU and go above and beyond to address barriers to full participation in university life. 

As volunteers who contribute their time in addition to their full-time roles, Michael, Dan, Ryan and Andrea have collaborated at all levels of the university to organize over 24 events in the past year to honour and celebrate TMU community members of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions, and to educate and raise awareness for the straight/cis majority. 

One example of their extensive work was their partnership with the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, to spearhead initiatives that showcased the Minor in LGBTQ2S+ Studies, amplifying queer and trans experiences in the classroom and curriculum.

Positive Space’s commitment to creating an inclusive space for members of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions and to creating work and learning environments that are safe and inclusive for 2SLGBTQ+ community members at TMU is exceptional. Through their efforts, Michael, Dan, Ryan and Andrea have embodied Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to EDI, with dedication and passion, and are a testament to the spirit of the Alan Shepard EDI Award.

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Student

Jyoti Ruparell | School of Graphic Communications Management, The Creative School

As a member of the school’s varsity team, Jyoti contributes more to the fabric of the team than just on-court abilities. She is the social media manager, and in this role she is responsible for posting promotional and in-game content. She has done a great job at establishing and growing the team’s social media presence. She has worked with her fellow athletes and students to maintain the team’s social media presence. In addition to her social media role, she has taken the lead on many community engagement programs throughout her years at the university. Jyoti is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council where she represents the team, while also contributing to inclusion and diversity from a different vantage point. Her advocacy is demonstrated through her participation in the successful student wellness referendum. She was able to help mobilize students, specifically varsity athletes to take action and vote. Jyoti has been involved with many programs such as RyePack, the TMU Indian Students Association and TMU Centre for Safe Sex and Sexual Violence Support. Not only does her participation in these programs highlight her unique ability to lead, manage her time and work within teams but also her commitment to inclusion and diversity here at TMU. Since she was a first-year athlete, she has stressed the importance of diversity and inclusion in sport and on our campus, and has demonstrated that by joining committees, being a voice of change and leading by example.

Employees 

Faculty award recipient

Susan Silver, Faculty of Community Services

Dr. Susan Silver has dedicated her 28-year career at TMU to advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion, helping ensure that everyone has a voice and equal opportunity. Her research, teaching and service have all been guided by social justice. Dr. Silver has established a legacy of hiring social work faculty members with diverse and intersecting identities including race, gender, sexual orientation and disability. As co-chair of the Employees with Disabilities Community Network and co-chair of the Late Career Faculty Group, she continues to tirelessly promote accessibility, accommodation and inclusion. 

Staff award recipient

Yu-Ching (Jean) Tsai, Student Wellbeing

Jean has been a key leader in building robust pathways of care for Black and Indigenous students. She has been an instrumental stalwart in the collection of equity data to better understand the experiences and service needs of students from equity-deserving groups, for the purpose of reducing barriers and increasing their quality of care. She has led the Centre for Student Development and Counselling through a transformative change process which has included the creation of equity focused counselling positions, an innovative partnership with Aboriginal Student Services and changes to hiring processes in order to foster equity, diversity and inclusion. This has led to a more equitable CSDC for students and staff at TMU.

Team award

Anti-Asian Racism Awareness team

This passionate team has worked tirelessly to lead the fight against anti-Asian racism, and in the celebration of Asian-Canadian identities, culture and history at the university. They have been central in the creation of networks of support and affirmation within the TMU community, and they have striven to support inclusivity and understanding by highlighting historical context (both the good and the troubling) and further revealing the persistent problem of anti-Asian racism sentiments to the university and even the broader local community. Their efforts truly embody TMU's values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• 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

The Tri-Mentoring Program team

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. Over the last 21 years, the TMP has evolved from peer-to-peer mentoring, adding career mentoring and group mentoring as opportunities for students to succeed. In its history, 30,000+ students have benefited from this program.

• 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

Students

Ria Arora | School of Social Work, Faculty of Community Services

Ria advances equity, diversity and inclusion within and outside TMU and provides services for diverse populations. Her organization, The South Asian Yard, is a trans-disciplinary collective focused on experiences of race and gender for second-generation South Asian Canadians. Leader of the student group and volunteer for the Jack Layton Chair, she was also a key participant in the Leadership School, which supports students in developing their skills for engagement in social issues. Ria combines her passion for social justice with organizing workshops and creating social media campaigns, such as #TalkBicultural, that foster connection and belonging within the South Asian community.

Hemanshu Bhargav | Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science 

Hemanshu applies his software engineering skills towards innovative technology applications that advance equity, diversity and inclusion. A member of the Inclusive Media and Design Centre (IMDC), he works to ensure people with disabilities are not excluded in online and virtual environments. As a Graduate and Teaching Assistant, he has assisted in the teaching of accessible learning material for the Information Technology Management (ITM) course, and he also helps undergraduate students in the Web Design and Management course make accessible websites. Hemanshu also advocates for accessibility within the broader tech community, such as making AI and smartphone use more inclusive.

Jacqueline Chung | Business Technology Management, Ted Rogers School of Management 

Jacqueline is a leader in the STEM and social justice fields who draws on her experience in the IT industry to disrupt societal norms. She works to support women in STEM in overcoming gender barriers in the classroom and workplace in what is still a traditionally male-dominated field. As a mentor who encourages equity, diversity and inclusion, she guides women in the industry through complex issues such as imposter syndrome and unconscious bias. Her leadership role in school groups and her extracurricular initiatives demonstrate a passionate commitment to EDI, to advancing women in STEM, and to continuous professional development.

Ambika Jaipersaud | Criminology, Faculty of Arts 

Ambika is a co-founder and executive member of Women of Colour in Law, where her passion for social change and advocacy for EDI help pre-law students overcome societal barriers and challenges. As the Chair of Marketing for WOCinLaw, she single-handedly created the marketing department as well as the group’s branding and identity through its social media. She has also advocated for women in the workplace as a member of the Human Resources Student Association under the Ted Rogers School of Management and has played a pivotal role in several networking events designed to educate and empower students, such as Wo(men) in Innovation and the Diversity and Inclusion Showcase.

Tanvi Vyas | School of Performance: Production, The Creative School

Tanvi helps create a safe environment for students who identify within the BIPOC community by championing equity and creating both kind-hearted and thought-provoking art. She is the co-editor-in-chief of The Continuist, a student-run arts and literary publication with roots in social and political activism dedicated to amplifying the voices of creatives who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or people of colour. In her role, she supports and encourages artists who speak out on issues of racism, violence and representation, provides access and opportunities for artists from underrepresented populations, and has helped The Continuist grow as a publication and student group.

Team award

Society for Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Arts (formerly known as the Ryerson Library Arts Society)

The Society for Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (SASSH) is dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion among its own membership and within its disciplines. Recently, the group created the “Celebrating Indigenous Success” event. Its other initiatives include providing student grants and financial assistance, covering accessibility-related costs that allow all students to fully participate in opportunities, and financing half the budget for the BIPOC Peer Mentoring Program run through TMP. This year, SASSH appointed its first ever ECI Commissioner to oversee the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Incubator, a source of support and advocacy for students.

Employees 

Faculty award recipient

Dr. Julian Hasford | Assistant Professor, Faculty of Community Services

By providing services for diverse populations, fostering an inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom, and addressing equity both within the X community and externally, Dr. Julian Hasford’s contributions to the advancement of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) have had an extraordinary impact. His work demonstrates an agility to champion and promote EDI in all facets of his professional life. He addresses structural barriers that inhibit equitable participation at X University; creates EDI specific curriculum through the introduction of targeted pedagogical strategies, and provides innovative opportunities for students and their communities from diverse backgrounds to become change-makers.

Senior leader award recipient

Dr. Krishan Mehta | Assistant Vice-President, Engagement, University Advancement

Dr. Krishan Mehta is a senior leader who fosters an environment of inclusivity, accessibility and diversity for all. As AVP, Engagement, through his research, and many volunteer opportunities, Krishan demonstrates commitment to the ideals of EDI. His work on the Anti-Black Racism committee highlights the priority placed on identifying and addressing the systemic barriers in University life. His webinar series, Generous Futures: Power and Politics in Charitable Giving, puts the University at the national forefront in advancing EDI conversations. His leadership is dedicated to advancing EDI in the programs, services and communications shared with the University community.

Staff award recipient

Michael Mihalicz | Assistant Professor, Entrepreneurship and Strategy and Indigenous Advisor, Office of the Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management

Michael Mihalicz has guided, shaped and transformed the business reconciliation process at TMU. In the span of two years, most of it during the pandemic, Michael has brought the TRSM community into a collective circle of commitment to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #92, weaving EDI and Indigenization into the fabric of TRSM. Michael has championed an Indigenous healing garden, art installation, established pathways for access to business education, and developed an inclusive curriculum and cultural awareness programming. Michael's relational approach is of respect reciprocity that shines through every interaction and illuminates the path to inclusion.

On April 29, 2021, the TMU community gathered to celebrate the 2021 award recipients: 

Students

• Joshin Marriott | Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts 
• Jose Rosales | Media Production Program, RTA School of Media, Faculty of Communication and Design
• TMU Formula Racing (team):
  • Erica Attard (team captain) | Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science
  • George Stoyanov | | Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science

Employees 

• Riley Kucheran | Assistant Professor of Design Leadership, School of Fashion, Faculty of Communication & Design; Associate Director, Saagajiwe Centre for Indigenous Communication and Design; and Indigenous Advisor, Yeates School of Graduate Studies
• Antoinette Mercurio | Former Senior Writer/Editor, Central Communications, Office of the President
• Inclusive Media and Design Centre (team): 
  • Deborah Fels | Director, Inclusive Media and Design Centre, Ted Rogers School of Management
  • Margot Whitfield | Manager, Inclusive Media and Design Centre, Ted Rogers School of Management

On March 11, 2020, the TMU community gathered to celebrate the 2020 award recipients: 

Students

• Amanda Cowell | School of Social Work Faculty of Community Services
• Maha Maryam | School of Midwifery, Faculty of Community Services
• Mariam Nouser | School of Journalism, Faculty of Communication and Design

Employees 

• Kimberlee Collins (staff) | Student Engagement Facilitator, Disability Studies, Faculty of Community Services
• Laurel Walzak (faculty) | Assistant Professor, RTA School of Media, Faculty of Communication and Design 
• School of Fashion (team): Ben Barry, Audrey Colphon-Reynolds, Sadia Kamran, Grahame Lynch, Cira Nickel and Jeanine Webster | Faculty of Communication and Design

Watch this past event online 

Catch the 2020 event on Ryecast. 

On March 20, 2019, we celebrated the recipients of the 2019 Alan Shepard EDI Awards:

Students

• Madeline Sialtsis | Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science
• Minakshi Suri | Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science
• Michelle Woolfrey | Faculty of Arts

Employees

• Tracey King (staff) | Indigenous Human Resources Assistant, Human Resources
• Kathryn Underwood (faculty) | Associate Professor, Faculty of Community Services
• All-Gender Housing Development (team): Valerie Bruce, Jenny Owens and Brandon Smith | Housing and Residence Life