Creating more Inclusive schools

Chris D'souza has taught at the elementary and secondary level and was the Equity and Diversity Officer for 5 years for Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. He was a Course Director in the Faculty of Education at York University for three years. He has conducted over 3500 Equity and Anti-Oppression workshops and is the founder of the Equity Summit Group, a collaborative of over 26 school board equity reps in Ontario. He was part of the writing team that created the Ministry of Education's Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy. In November 2009, he was awarded a National Award for his leadership in Education by the Harmony Movement which promotes the eradication of discrimination. He is the author of four books including, "Why Are All The Taxi Driver's ••• ?" which is being used in over 6,000 schools and in 5 countries. His most recent is a humorous look at food and culture entitled, "Chilli Burn Me Tongue." He has also written and recorded three antibullying songs entitled, "I want you to be nice to me," "Diggin' Dignity" and "Shout Proud."

Like many others, I am working towards an inclusive world where people are engaged as valuable and deserving individuals, who can use their agency to lead the changes they wish to see. As a child of immigrant parents, I am forever in-awe of the capabilities of individuals to adapt and re-define themselves. Because of this, I believe that it is within the power of each of us to initiate creative and long-lasting change that benefits us all.

I am fortunate to hold a Masters in Social Policy and Development, a Bachelors in Development Studies and Economics, a Certificate in Curriculum Development and Instructional Design, and Inclusive Leadership Training. Using this education, it is my aim to engage in meaningful dialogue, and encourage the development of ideas that result in creative solutions to complex issues. As program coordinator, volunteer, youth worker, evaluator, and researcher I work with the best and brightest talent.

From the Vancouver School Board, the Canadian Red Cross, the Centre for Democratic Development in Ghana, Krypa and Manavya in India, I have been inspired by global examples of leadership in social change. Together, we ask ourselves if we are being relevant and effective and if our work is being informed by those we wish to support. I look forward to the future for opportunities to learn from and contribute to the efforts of individuals and communities that drive global leadership and innovation in social change.

Mr. Cecil Roach has served as classroom teacher, school administrator, superintendent, and now Coordinating Superintendent. Born on the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat and arriving in Canada in his very early teens, Cecil completed most of his schooling in Montreal. He taught English for 16 years in Quebec and Ontario before becoming an administrator in 1995.

Cecil is currently serving as Coordinating Superintendent, Equity and Community Services for the York Region District School Board.

Nicole Miller is Executive Director at FAST, a nonprofit dedicated to funding educational materials to combat racism and discrimination, with antisemitism being a specific manifestation of it. For the past 8 years Nicole has successfully been promoting and distributing two bilingual FAST programs, curriculum-based and provided free to all schools, colleges and universities: Choose Your Voice, aimed at middle schools, has reached over 2.4 million Canadian students and Voices into Action an online high school program launched in 2014, has already reached 390,000 students.