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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Council

Upholding the values of respect, equity, diversity and inclusion

In DFA we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected because of their differences – a place where every employee can be their authentic selves so that they can reach their potential and help the division and the University achieve its goals. We aspire to be a welcoming and inclusive division that prizes respect, collaboration, equity and diversity as a collective responsibility which can only be achieved through commitment and support from each other. 

The EDI council has embarked on a conversation series as part of the People of DFA; Embracing EDI in DFA, in which colleagues share their stories and their lived experiences. We get the unique opportunity to learn about our DFA family and how they have been shaped by life’s journey. Listen to those conversations here.

Annette BoodramDirector, Policy and Program Development
Birru (Temesgen) TesfuParking Enforcement Officer
Dexter KingDirector, Strategic Procurement Services
Diane HectorDirector, Finance & Budgets Partnerships
Dragan SpasojevicManager, Community Relations and Crime Prevention
Jayne RopSenior Advisor, Budgets & Asset Management
Laurentia DeszpaManager, Business Development and Purchasing
Louisa N. ZaffinoExecutive Assistant, AVP Facilities Services
Mike O'BrienManager, Emergency Preparedness
Nicole LewisExecutive Assistant to the Dean of AMP&D
Stewart Evan DanknerDirector, Property Management, Facilities Services
Traci XuExecutive Assistant, AVP University Services Centre
  1. Assess the current state data, using organizational data, focus groups and surveys to understand the gaps and challenges to identify the DFA areas of focus. In progress
  2. Determine a baseline measure from current state assessment of DFA - In progress
  3. Review divisional unit policies, procedures and plans to ensure the use of equitable and inclusive language : In progress
  • Diane Hector (Team Leader)
  • Laurentia Deszpa
  • Dexter King
  • Annette Boodram
  1. Review recruiting, retention, exit and succession planning practices for the division
    • Research recruitment ‘best practices’ related to EDI
    • Review DFA job ads, interview panels, and interview questions for inclusive and equitable language and hiring panels
    • Advocate for staff/faculty/student awards that support EDI
    • Build EDI goal setting into performance reviews for staff and leaders within the DFA
    • Identify additional practices to pursue
    • select Action Items from the various Frameworks (i.e., Indigenous, Black, DFA Senior Mgmt. ideas….) and move them forward (as appropriate).
  • Annette Boodram
  • Dexter King
  1. Education and Awareness
  2. Knowledge Sharing & Knowledge Transfer
    • Develop an EDI education and knowledge strategy to increase awareness and deepen understanding of inclusive and equitable behaviours and practices. Plan to include S.M.A.R.T goal and accountabilities
    • In support of this objective an action plan will be developed for training across the division. Training sessions that are available at the University will be curated and made available to the division. Experiential knowledge transfer will be included e.g., story telling and learning from the lived experiences from our peers in the division and the wider York community.
  3. Communications
    • Establish a communication strategy to reflect DFA EDI goals and approach in pursuit of an inclusive, respectful, collaborative and supportive division. While our strategy will align with York's draft EDI Strategy It important to recognize that DFA as a division of 'doers/enablers' and as such there will be some nuanced differences.
    • In support of this objective, this team will consistently communicate and engage with the division on activities and progress of the Council and seek input/feedback from the division through all available channels including dfaedi@yorku.ca.
  • Dragan Spasojevic
  • Louisa N Zaffino
  • Elizabeth Wangui
  • Laurentia Deszpa