Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB), in partnership with its Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, is pleased to present the Equity Invitational Learning Series, focused on identifying and removing barriers, and improving student outcomes.
In the 2024-2025 school year, we are pleased to offer two sessions within the series, each featuring a guest speaker presenting on a topic related to equity and achievement.
DCDSB families, staff, students and community members are invited to attend each, or all of the sessions, which are being offered free of charge. Attend in-person for your chance to win a door prize!
Session Two: Advancing EDI in a Changing World – Why Inclusion Matters Now More Than Ever
- Date and time: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Guest Speaker: Shellene Drakes-Tull
- Location: In-person at the Pope Francis Centre, DCDSB Board Office (652 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa) OR virtually via Zoom (a link will be emailed prior to the session).
- Registration is now closed.
In this session Shellene Drakes-Tull will lead a discussion to address the challenges facing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) efforts today, including resistance to progress and the need to reinforce the significance of equity work. Together, we will explore practical strategies to sustain EDI initiatives and advance inclusion in an evolving world.
Through thoughtful discussions and shared insights, this session seeks to empower participants with knowledge and tools to champion equity within their communities. Join us as we reaffirm the importance of inclusion and pave the way for meaningful change.
Learn about the guest speaker below.
Shellene is a writer, communications strategist, and educator, who's fueled by a deep passion for helping people connect through the magic of storytelling. Exploring the fundamental question of 'who are you?' is at the core of her belief, guiding individuals to create their own narratives and stand proudly in their truths.
The creative force behind the Modern-Day Griot Project, Shellene leads the innovative program that not only educates but also transforms the narrative of Blackness in Canada through storytelling.. She also brings her expertise to the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus as a sessional lecturer teaching about the Black experience in Canada.
Shellene is a contributing columnist at the Toronto Star and has shared stories of diversity, equity, and inclusion for organizations including the Globe and Mail, ByBlacks.com, Toronto District School Board, Deloitte, and more.
A facilitator and consultant specializing in storytelling, equity, and social change, Shellene has led DEI and communications workshops for organizations like Procter & Gamble, the City of Toronto, and United Way of Greater Toronto. Through research and storytelling, she creates inclusive spaces that drive meaningful conversations and systemic change.
A storyteller and a guide, Shellene’s goal is to encourage all people to embrace their authentic stories, infuse joy in their lives, and change the narrative of Blackness in Canada.
Previous Sessions
Session One: Educate, Empower and Excel: The Impact of Black Leadership in Education
- Date and time: Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Guest Speakers: Siobhan Wright and Joel Chiutsi
- Location: In-person at the Pope Francis Centre, DCDSB Board Office (652 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa) OR virtually via Zoom (a link will be emailed prior to the session).
- Registration: Registration closed on October 31, 2024.
In this session Siobhan Wright and Joel Chiutsi will discuss the lack of representation of Black teachers/educators, school administrators and other senior leadership positions in school boards. Through a multi-stakeholder engagement style, Siobhan and Joel will guide a conversation that will help to identify systemic barriers to representation of Black educators in education. The discussion will help to develop practical strategies for promoting equity and inclusion, and improving the experience of Black students in schools.
The DCDSB Black Student Excellence Award nominees and award recipient will also be honoured during this event.
Learn about the guest speakers below.
Siobhan Wright is currently a Superintendent of Education at the York Catholic District School Board. She is an excellent educator with a very clear vision and determination to build supportive schools that can address some of the challenges our communities are facing today. Siobhan persistently believes that change is always possible. In her time as a superintendent of education, she has been able to inspire change at YCDSB. Siobhan embraces Catholic values in her belief that all people from various walks of life can come together and work successfully towards the same goal. She values cultural diversity in the board and is always looking for ways to celebrate it. She models inclusivity to staff, parents and students by treating everyone equitably and with great respect.
Siobhan’s contribution to equity includes various leadership roles within her board and throughout Ontario. She is a published writer on equity for educational leadership and continues to speak for various organizations and institutions such as York University and Queen's University. Siobhan Wright was recently named the Ontario recipient of the OCSOA EXL Award For Excellence in Leadership for her outstanding contributions to equity in the education system.
Currently serving as the Superintendent of Education for School Leadership at the York Catholic District School Board since 2021, Joel plays a crucial role in overseeing K-12 schools. As the Chair of the YCDSB Race and Cultural Identity Pillar, he forged strong connections with various communities, cataloged resources for schools, engaged in community consultations, and addressed structural barriers to student engagement. In addition to his administrative roles, Joel actively contributed to various York Catholic District School Board committees, served as an Anti-Black Racism Presenter, and collaborated with organizations such as York University, Queen's University, and the Catholic Principal Council (CPCO).
Joel is a passionate servant leader who has invested critical time in developing leaders in his sphere of influence. His ongoing commitment to mentorship and leadership development is evident in his active coaching and mentoring of aspiring principals and vice-principals. He aims to build capacity and confidence in educational leaders, fostering a new generation of impactful educators. Furthermore, Joel has been published as an author and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership, showcasing his dedication to continuous learning and advancement in the field.
- Date and time: November 23, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Guest speaker: D. Tyler Robinson, OCT
In this session D. Tyler Robinson, OCT, asked how schools can meaningfully respond to the complex nature and prevalence of anti-Black racism within Ontario’s system of education. His answer? By leaning-into and meeting anti-Black racism head-on, via thoughtful and engaging classroom conversations on the nature of anti-Black racism within our schools and communities.
D. Tyler Robinson, OCT, is a Toronto-based educator with a strong commitment to educational excellence and social change. He has made significant contributions to public education in Toronto and beyond, most notably thru his leadership in the development of an anti-Racism curriculum alongside Toronto District School Board's Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement.
Known for his authentic teaching methods and ability to inspire students, Robinson has also actively participated in political processes, seeking to bring about positive change at larger scales. His deep understanding of the systemic nature of the issues facing education and politics, and his commitment to aiding in the shift from Eurocentrism to Multicentrism, make him an influential figure in both educational and political spheres.
Robinson is also a Member of the Board of Directors at Generation Chosen, a Toronto area non-profit focused on Black youth empowerment.
- Date and time: January 16, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Guest Speaker: Allison Hector-Alexander
In this session, Allison Hector-Alexander explored the role that allyship can play in promoting successful outcomes for Black students, asking questions such as Who is an ally, Who determines who an ally is? and how does someone become an active ally.
She also examined the responsibility of educators, community and Ontario’s education system in dismantling anti-Black racism beyond declarations and performative acts, positing that successful outcomes for Black students are possible by promoting active authentic allyship.
Allison Hector-Alexander is an equity and inclusion specialist with over 20 years experience of creating and leading policy, program development, education and training in anti-racism, anti-oppression, allyship and equity.
Allison is the Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with the Regional Municipality of Durham, where she has oversight for Accessibility, the Local Diversity and Immigration Program and Partnership, the Community Safety and Wellbeing plan and all Equity and Inclusion programs.
Prior to joining the Region, she was the Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at Durham College (DC). In 2019, Allison co-chaired DC's first Social Justice Week and was also the first coordinator of the Women’s Centre and Campus Food Centre for the college and Ontario Tech University. In 2018, she also co-presented at the Black Portraiture Conference at Harvard University on Critical Race Theory, specifically, anti-Black Racism.
Allison approaches her work from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive lens, and has designed, developed and facilitated skills development programs for women in transition from violence to independence. She has also worked with a wide range of clients including youth at risk and street-involved youth, Ontario Works recipients, and new immigrants.
Allison has been recognized with Champion Award by PFLAG Canada Durham Region, for her work in designing inclusive spaces, and received a Madiba award in 2019.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Adult Education and Digital Technologies, and has a Master of Education degree with a focus on anti-oppressive practices, access, and equity in Higher Education.