Launch of Canada’s only English-language Knowledge Mobilization Dissemination Centre reinforces Sheridan’s EDI leadership

A new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Knowledge Mobilization Dissemination Centre (KMDC) has launched at Sheridan College in partnership with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). The CICan KMDC at Sheridan – one of only two in Canada and the only English-language Centre of its kind – will be facilitated by Sheridan leaders in EDI and support local organizations that have committed to the 50 – 30 Challenge. 

Sheridan was an early adopter of the 50 – 30 Challenge, signing on in December 2020, and has since made strides towards boosting diversity at the senior-most levels within the college. The Challenge aligns with Sheridan’s values and commitment to embedding EDI in all facets of the institution, supported by a strategic plan that codifies its importance.    

“Sheridan’s unwavering commitment to advancing EDI in our local communities can be seen through our partnering with many local stakeholders,” says Dr. Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui, Senior Advisor, EDI Knowledge Mobilization, who sits on Peel Region’s Systemic Discrimination Action Table.  “We are pleased to have been selected as a Knowledge Mobilization Dissemination Centre through which we can leverage our collective expertise to engage local organizations committed to optimizing the skills of diverse local talent,” says Alicia Sullivan, Advisor, EDI Knowledge Mobilization.  

The KMDC team offers EDI coaching and consultations, host knowledge-sharing events and support communities of practice. Today, the KMDC hosted its first meet-and-greet event for local organizations that have signed up for the 50 – 30 Pledge. 

“Sheridan is proud to lead in embedding equity, diversity and inclusion across all facets of our institution,” says Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor at Sheridan. “We’re well positioned as a place of learning to build bridges with other 50 – 30 Challenge organizations and draw on our people’s expertise for the betterment of our communities and beyond.” 

Resources available and currently in development by the KMDC team designed to help partnering institutions reach their EDI goals include Inclusive Language Guides, Tip Sheets and articles that address EDI in the workplace like “Creating Psychologically Safe Spaces”, “Inclusive Leadership on Boards”, “Building a successful DEI strategy requires more than “passion”” and “Reflections of A Chief Diversity Officer - Leveraging EDI to Drive Culture Change in Organizations”.  

“We are so excited to work with Sheridan on this project,” says Denise Amyot, President and CEO of CICan. “Sheridan’s expertise in equity, diversity and inclusion is well-established within the college and institute network. As one of two Knowledge Mobilization and Dissemination Centres, more Canadian organizations will benefit from Sheridan’s leadership.”

Access leading-edge resources, upcoming events and more information about CICan’s KMDC at Sheridan. 

About CICan 

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the national and international voice of Canada’s largest post-secondary education network. Its work supports Canada’s publicly supported colleges – including Sheridan – institutes, CEGEPs and polytechnics. CICan is one of five Ecosystem Partners selected by the Government of Canada to champion the 50 – 30 Challenge and help participants adopt diversity practices within their organizations. 

About the 50 – 30 Challenge 

The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses and diversity organizations. It challenges Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces, while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table. Specifically, the initiative challenges organizations to achieve gender parity (50% women and/or non-binary people) on Canadian boards and/or in senior management; and significant representation (30%) on Canadian boards and/or senior management of members of other equity-deserving groups.