You belong at Loyalist.
Loyalist College’s new Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) was created to reduce barriers to success, ensure representation, and drive toward a better future where all of us belong. This means we intentionally work toward a sustainable culture in which each one of us can learn, develop our talents, and share our gifts with our communities and with the world. We strive to do this in a way that is free from harassment, discrimination or oppression.
Guided by Loyalist College’s values of being caring, creative, engaging, inclusive and accountable, the EDI Office supports the college community in continuously monitoring and improving outcomes related to equity (meaning fairness), diversity (meaning representation of the communities we serve), and inclusion (meaning anyone can belong and thrive here).
Our current staff members will be able to greet and welcome you in English, French, Punjabi, Hindi, Jamaican Creole (Patwa), Nigerian Pidgin/Krio and intermediate Spanish. We are also delightfully working on learning more local Indigenous languages so chi miigwetch for your patience as we aim to continually improve.
Learn more about EDI at Loyalist
Meet the team
Trecia (TREE-shuh) McLennon is the inaugural Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Loyalist College. A 2023 WXN Canadian Equity Diversity and Inclusion Award winner for the corporate director’s award, she is also the founder of Culturiousity, which helps executives harness the power of people’s differences to deliver healthy relationships, respect and results. Previously, Trecia served as Director of EDI, Culture and Education at Brock University and was a staff representative on the Board of Trustees and co-chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization.
Locally, she serves on the board of the United Way Hastings Prince Edward, the quality committee of Quinte Health, and several other committees in the communities we serve.
She has taught internationally and authored both the anthology Trailblasian and open educational resources on professional communication and intercultural awareness. Trecia holds an MBA, along with certifications in change leadership, human rights, intercultural practice, and has been a certified training and development professional for over a decade. As a proud parent, she is dedicated to being a good ancestor and leaving the world better for future generations.
Kattawe (Kat-TAH-wee) Henry, Manager of Human Rights and Conflict Support, is instrumental in helping Loyalist College implement and operationalize our move toward more trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices. She will also develop and manage our human rights and conflict support service.
A Niagara 40 Under 40 Business Achievement Award winner, Kattawe possesses a robust background in EDI and human rights, with extensive experience in both academic and governmental settings. Her professional journey is marked by significant contributions to anti-racism initiatives, human rights education and conflict resolution. She has a Master’s degree in Gender Studies and Feminist Research, certifications in alternative dispute resolution and anti-oppressive practice, and provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation for leading Loyalist College’s Human Rights and Conflict Support service.
Amani (uh-MAH-nee) Sharma, Administrative Assistant, is the first point of contact for anyone reaching out to the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team at Loyalist College. A seasoned administrative professional with a deep commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment, Amani is here to ensure that students, staff, faculty and community members feel heard and supported.
As a woman of colour with South Asian heritage, Amani brings a certain personal understanding of the challenges that can be faced by diverse communities and is passionate about advocating for equity and inclusion. She approaches her role with empathy and a calm demeanour, making sure everyone who connects with the EDI team feels comfortable and respected.
We want to hear from you
Questions, comments, suggestions? Email us at edi@loyalistcollege.com.