I am pleased to announce that following a very competitive process, Dr. Yasmin Razack was selected from a very strong pool of candidates to lead the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging portfolio as Humber’s inaugural Dean of EDIB starting December 4. In this role, Yasmin will lead the EDIB portfolio and work with myself and the EDIB team to integrate the principles of diversity, inclusion, and equity into all areas of academic, work, and campus life at Humber.
Yasmin joins us from the Canadian Blood Services (CBS), where she served as the first chief diversity officer to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and Indigenization with intentionality, across the organization and within the broader health landscape. Through her guidance and leadership, CBS developed the first DEI strategy, advanced equitable institutional practices, and further cultivated organizational inclusion.
Yasmin has nearly two decades of progressive leadership experience focused on diversity, equity, and community inclusion. As the director of global citizenship, education, equity and inclusion at Centennial College, she led collaborative initiatives to address systemic barriers for equity-deserving groups and Indigenous communities by collaborating with students, staff, and the wider community in collective action through transformative learning.
With a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Western Ontario and certification as a professional coach, Yasmin has gained a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively engage diverse communities and shape organizational strategies that combat systemic biases and inequities.
As a DEI strategy developer, she strongly believes in co-creating strategies that foster community inclusion, co-creation, active participation, and recognizes that this work is ever evolving.
Yasmin is known for her commitment to EDIB, encompassing various facets such as leading taskforces related to anti-racism, accessibility, universal design, training, and development, and integrating the principles of anti-oppression.
I want to acknowledge the dedicated search committee that included:
- Cheri Tredree, Manager Talent Acquisition
- John Stilla, Senior Dean of FLA
- Ian Crookshank, AVP for Learner and Career Success
- Kimberly Daniels, Manager Equity & Student Life
- Quazance Boissoneau, Manager IE&E
- Shernett Bennett, Library Technician
- Fabian Marks, Faculty, Longo Faculty of Business
Having filled this important position, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the committee for their time, attention, and support. I look forward to their continued support as we work with Yasmin to complete all activities related to the EDI Taskforce, to transition EDI programs into faculty and department operations, and finally to disseminate the final report of the EDI Taskforce.
Please join me in congratulating Yasmin and wishing her success in her new role.
Jason Seright
Vice-President, Inclusion and Belonging.