Manager of Equity and Student Life, Christina Alcena’s (she/her) passion and personal mission is to create more visibility for underrepresented individuals within the field of education, specifically in higher education and student life, through ongoing mentorship and guidance.

“It’s really important that we practice sustainability in all facets of our approach of work, in school and in our lives, because we can all contribute to either harming or sustaining our local and global communities,” says Christina. “We need to create healthy communities for future and current members of our communities.”

Christina accomplished a master’s degree focused on curriculum, teaching and learning with a focus on arts in education, at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto. Christina adds, “obtaining a master’s degree has allowed me to develop a strong understanding of social equity work with the focus on creative interventions, such as arts-based community social programming that I love and has led me to want to work at a place like Humber that often embeds this within their programs.”

When asked what sustainability means to Christina, she explains, “As a Black person, I believe it’s really important to recognize the way in that sustainability work is directly tied to anti-racism work. There’s a pathway to enhance positive outcomes for communities of colour, by enhancing sustainability efforts.” Christina continues, "Once individuals and/or communities are able to see that link, there [can] be more impactful partnerships and accomplishments from both parties.” 

“I often have the privilege of being in a position of power to champion this notion through delivering programming and exploring policy changes, or simply meeting with individuals to get a sense of their current needs, which I’m always happy to do,” says Christina. 

Christina shares that she’s in process of learning and unlearning: “If students, faculty and staff have any suggestions or things that they think our areas can work towards, I’m more than willing to connect further.” If you’d like to connect with Christina, you’re encouraged to reach out through LinkedIn or email.

To learn more about Christina’s current position at Humber and the Equity and Student Life team’s equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) achievements in the last year, read the full article here.