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Council for Inclusion & Belonging (CIB)

Upholding the values of respect, equity, diversity and inclusion

In the DFA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected because of their differences – a place where every employee can be their authentic selves so that they can reach their potential and help the division and the University achieve its goals.

Learn more about inclusion & belonging in the DFA

We aspire to be a welcoming and inclusive division that prizes respect, collaboration, equity and diversity as a collective responsibility which can only be achieved through commitment and support from each other. 

The CIB has embarked on a conversation series as part of the People of DFA; Embracing inclusion and belonging in DFA, in which colleagues share their stories and their lived experiences. We get the unique opportunity to learn about our DFA family and how they have been shaped by life’s journey. Listen to those conversations here.

Amal AwiniDirector, Housing & Conference Services
Christine CaponiAssistant Construction Project Manager
Dragan SpasojevicManager, Community Safety & Strategic Partnerships
Jeremy RendeSenior Microcomputer Analyst, UIT
Laura WilliamsCustomer Service Representative, Facilities Services
Louisa N. ZaffinoExecutive Assistant, Facilities Services
Makeda Joefield-JacobSenior Campus Safety Official, Community Safety Department
Marie ScimeDirector, Communications
Nicole ArsenaultDirector, Sustainability
Patricia Gagliardi-UrsuaExecutive Assistant, Ancillary Services
Reet Anil SharmaMarketing & Communications Assistant, Sustainability
Samirah SharifOperations Assistant, Ancillary Services
Traci XuProcess & Service Improvement Manager, Facilities Services
  1. Assess the current state data, using organizational data, focus groups and surveys to understand the gaps and challenges to identify the DFA areas of focus. In progress
  2. Determine a baseline measure from current state assessment of DFA - In progress
  3. Review divisional unit policies, procedures and plans to ensure the use of equitable and inclusive language : In progress
  • Diane Hector (Team Leader)
  • Laurentia Deszpa
  • Dexter King
  • Annette Boodram
  1. Review recruiting, retention, exit and succession planning practices for the division
    • Research recruitment ‘best practices’ related to DEDI
    • Review DFA job ads, interview panels, and interview questions for inclusive and equitable language and hiring panels
    • Advocate for staff/faculty/student awards that support DEDI
    • Build DEDI goal setting into performance reviews for staff and leaders within the DFA
    • Identify additional practices to pursue
    • select Action Items from the various Frameworks (i.e., Indigenous, Black, DFA Senior Mgmt. ideas….) and move them forward (as appropriate).
  • Annette Boodram
  • Dexter King
  1. Education and Awareness
  2. Knowledge Sharing & Knowledge Transfer
    • Develop an DEDI education and knowledge strategy to increase awareness and deepen understanding of inclusive and equitable behaviours and practices. Plan to include S.M.A.R.T goal and accountabilities
    • In support of this objective an action plan will be developed for training across the division. Training sessions that are available at the University will be curated and made available to the division. Experiential knowledge transfer will be included e.g., story telling and learning from the lived experiences from our peers in the division and the wider 91ÑÇÉ« community.
  3. Communications
    • Establish a communication strategy to reflect DFA DEDI goals and approach in pursuit of an inclusive, respectful, collaborative and supportive division. While our strategy will align with 91ÑÇÉ«'s draft EDI Strategy It important to recognize that DFA as a division of 'doers/enablers' and as such there will be some nuanced differences.
    • In support of this objective, this team will consistently communicate and engage with the division on activities and progress of the Council and seek input/feedback from the division through all available channels including dfaedi@yorku.ca.
  • Dragan Spasojevic
  • Louisa N Zaffino
  • Elizabeth Wangui
  • Laurentia Deszpa