Members of Algoma University EDI Committee Welcome Jane Omollo (from L to R: Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor, Jane Omollo, incoming Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Elizabeth Webkamigad, Director Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre, Teni Araba, Director of Human Resources)
(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON: August 10, 2020): With a special mission to support cross-cultural learning, Algoma University has assumed a long-standing leadership role in addressing issues of equity, diversity and inclusion within the communities we serve. A recent event of anti-black racism and vandalism on our campus has reinforced the importance of the work we are leading. Racism will not be eliminated by one specific action but through an ongoing series of deliberate actions and dialogue intended to shift bias, remove stereotypes and change behaviours exhibited within our society.
Today, Algoma University is pleased to announce another significant milestone in this ongoing effort with the announcement that Jane Omollo will be hired to support the institution’s leadership team in the work they are currently focused on in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Algoma University was recently awarded funding through the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) EDI Grant that runs from September 2020 to March 2021.
As part of the requirements of the grant, Omollo will bring her experience and training to help the University address systemic barriers in policies, processes and structures, particularly tied to the 2006 Canadian Human Rights Agreement for the CRC program. In addition, the incumbent will assume primary responsibility for enhancing Algoma University’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action plan while serving a lead advisory role on the Algoma University EDI committee, championing the increase of Algoma University’s institutional Canada Research Chair targets as well as other employment and hiring metrics for underrepresented groups.
The opportunity has been established in partnership with the Sault Community Career Centre (SCCC) where Omollo has served as Manager of Newcomer Programs since 2012. Omollo is the current President of the African Caribbean Canadian Association of Northern Ontario (ACCANO), a non-profit, non-political, and non-denomination association that develops and promotes the awareness of cultural heritage, diversity and anti-racism efforts in “the Soo”. Omollo holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Queens University as well as Master’s in Education, Teaching and Learning from Brock University. Omollo is a recipient of various awards including the 2018 Newcomer Ambassador of the Year award by the Local Immigration Partnership and 2017 International Women’s Day honoree by the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Sault Ste. Marie.
“Over the past number of years, Algoma University has led a number of important efforts to address EDI and the elimination of racial discrimination including our partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service to deliver SHIFT workforce training, the establishment of the award winning Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall exhibit which tells the true story of the residential school system through the voice of the Survivor community, cross cultural training opportunities and the continued diversification of our workforce,” shared Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor of Algoma University. “ We are fortunate to have Jane to help lead the next phase of our efforts and are thankful to the Sault Community Career Centre for their support.”
“I look forward to helping Algoma University build upon its long-standing and award winning diversity efforts. There is still much work to be done but through open and ongoing positive dialogue we will continue to make a difference within our community and beyond,” noted Omollo.
Omollo commences her new role with Algoma University on September 1, 2020.
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