Enroll in the FREE online Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Learning Series!
The KMDC is excited to announce the upcoming term offering of the FREE Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Learning Series. This cohort will run between September 16, 2024–February 28, 2025. An E-learning certificate and LinkedIn badge will be available upon completion.
Sheridan College is a proud Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Knowledge Mobilization and Dissemination Centre (KMDC).
One of our primary roles is to support organizations, workplaces and colleges and institutes in their efforts to advance EDI.
What we offer
- Knowledge-sharing events
- EDI resources and tools
- An EDI community of practice
- Navigation of the What Works Toolkit
- Learning opportunities and professional development
- EDI coaching and consultation services
- EDI advisement services to 50 – 30 Challenge participants in Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington
The 50 – 30 Challenge
What is the 50 – 30 Challenge?
The 50 – 30 Challenge is a Government of Canada initiative — in collaboration with Canadian businesses and diversity organizations — that aims to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in organizations across Canada.
The initiative challenges organizations to aspire to two goals for their boards and/or senior management:
- Gender parity (50% women and/or non-binary people); and
- Significant representation (30%) of other equity-deserving groups, including racialized people, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples.
Sign up for the Challenge today!
Join more than 2,000 organizations across Canada that have already committed to the 50 – 30 Challenge.
Sheridan’s role in the 50 – 30 Challenge
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is one of five 50 – 30 Challenge Ecosystem Partners selected by the Government of Canada to help participants adopt diversity practices within their organizations.
CICan, in turn, has built a project team comprised of five 50 – 30 Challenge Hubs and two Knowledge Mobilization and Dissemination Centres (KMDCs) to support organizations that have committed to the 50 – 30 Challenge.
Sheridan College is one of those KMDCs.
As the English-speaking KMDC in Canada, our Sheridan team creates and showcases tools that CICan's 50 – 30 Challenge Hubs and 50 – 30 Challenge participants can use to achieve their EDI goals. We also guide colleges and institutes on their EDI journeys.
CICan EDI Community of Practice
Established in 2023, the CICan Equity Diversity and Inclusion Community of Practice (CoP) brings together leaders and practitioners of Canadian colleges and institutes who actively advance EDI, accessibility, social justice and decolonization in their institutions. The CoP provides a space for members to share promising EDI practices, knowledge and tools to support college-level EDI actions and inform sector-wide EDI priorities.
In recognition of the mutual goal of colleges and institutes to cultivate environments that are diverse, equitable and inclusive for faculty, staff and students, we leverage the expertise of a growing national network of committed EDI change agents. Members are motivated to solve perennial EDI challenges that limit institutional and sector EDI impact, while collectively celebrating progress and impact.
Together, we can go farther and do better!
The CICan Equity Diversity and Inclusion Community of Practice warmly welcomes you to join us at one of our monthly virtual gatherings! For more information, please contact: edikmdc@sheridancollege.ca
Interested in joining the CICan EDI Community of Practice (CoP)?
If you are a college/institute EDI practitioner who is interested in joining the CICan EDI Community of Practice, please complete this intake form.
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Colleges/members in the CoP
Tools and resources
Inclusive Language Guides
Using inclusive language respects our differences, rather than ignoring them.
Sheridan's KMDC has developed the following Inclusive Language Guides:
- Indigenous Peoples
- Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Sexual Orientation, and Sex Characteristics
- Persons with Disabilities
- Race and Ethnicity
These guides include a comprehensive selection of inclusive language definitions, practices and additional resources. They help us all communicate with each other and the people we serve in the most unbiased and affirming ways possible.
It’s important to be mindful that language is constantly evolving. Language should also be based off the direction of the individual (e.g., some people prefer person-first language, whereas others prefer identity-first language).
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Articles
- How can employers work to create inclusive, diverse and equitable workplaces?
- Shame and discomfort as ‘tools’ in the EDI training toolbox
- Welcoming Your Trans or Non-binary Colleague – Workplace Inclusion
- Social Location and Systems of Oppression
- Elements of Inclusive, Anti-Oppressive Governance
- Leading By Example: How Indigenous Perspectives on Boards Lead to Impactful Change
- Building a Successful DEI Strategy Requires More Than “Passion”
- Applying Behavioural Insights to Cultivate Diversity and Inclusion
- Reflections of a Chief Diversity Officer – Leveraging EDI to Drive Culture Change in Organizations
- The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Philosophies of the Kaswentha or Two Row Wampum
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Fact Sheets & Tip Sheets
- How to Adopt Inclusive Practices in the 50 – 30 Challenge in 9 Steps
- EDI Leadership Fellows Program for Non-profit Leaders
- How Can Small Organizations Take Part in the 50 – 30 Challenge?
- Learn About The 50 – 30 Challenge: Your Diversity Advantage
- Designing Secure and Accessible Virtual Environments
- EDI Change: Myth and Fact Sheet
- Supporting your Muslim Employees during Ramadan
- Inclusive Workplaces – Recognizing Holidays, Observances and Celebrations
- Employee Retention – 5 Dimensions of Great Workplace Experience
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News releases
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Media coverage
- Sheridan's Knowledge Mobilization Dissemination Centre (KMDC) (Oakville News)
Webinars & Events
Since launching in January 2023, Sheridan's EDI Knowledge Mobilization and Dissemination Centre has hosted 24 events with more than 2,300 participants. More than half of those participants have attended more than one session.
We’re passionate about this work and committed to providing EDI coaching, consultations, tools and resources and more to support you as you work to advance EDI within your organization.
We hope you’ll join us for future events, which will be shared here once details are available.
Recap: Strengthen your EDI – Core Course Day. In collaboration with Fanshawe College for the 50 – 30 Challenge. (September 27, 2023)
The 50 – 30 Challenge EDI Impact Program
CICan’s KMDC at Sheridan College has designed a series of workshops to support your EDI learning and infrastructure needs. The 50 – 30 Challenge EDI Impact Program includes:
- diagnostic assessments you can use to identify where you are on the journey and what will take you to the next level;
- a roster of relevant tools, templates and examples you’ll be able to put into use right away;
- maximum interaction and collaboration with fellow learners to support a community of practice and enable shared learning through experience in the ‘real world’
Meet the team
We want to support you on your equity, diversity and inclusion journey.
Connect with us to learn more:
edikmdc@sheridancollege.ca
905-845-9430, ext. 33010
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Wendy Wang (she/her), EDI Project Assistant
Wendy is passionate about promoting EDI in all aspects of her work. Her strong commitment to EDI is reflected in her research experience exploring discrimination faced by the immigrant community. Wendy works part-time on the 50 – 30 Challenge and supports the team by creating effective channels for communication and evaluation. She also works closely with team members to coordinate EDI events and connect people with the resources they need. Contact Wendy for 50 – 30 Challenge resources or to chat about dogs and yoga! -
Alyssa Warnock (she/her), EDI Project Assistant
Alyssa values radical engagement and investing in individual potential. She is dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes its importance in ensuring healthy and thriving communities. As the EDI Project Assistant, she is a good person to connect with when you are not sure who to connect with! Alyssa helps coordinate events and other EDI initiatives. She also supports content creation for communication materials and social media. Connect with Alyssa to learn more about the work we are doing, how to make candles, or to join her in some crafting! -
Yudara Weerakoon (he/him), EDI Knowledge Mobilization Adviser
Yudara develops resources, facilitates knowledge management and supports organizations seeking to accelerate their EDI efforts. He has extensive experience promoting EDI, managing projects/programs and empowering groups experiencing marginalization in Canada and internationally in non-profit and education sectors for over 15 years. He is passionate about fostering positive change, promoting equitable hiring practices and creating a more inclusive society. Connect with Yudara for EDI-related inquiries or to discuss meditation and Newcomer mentorship.