What is Connections & Conversations?
Connections and Conversations University of Toronto Mississauga Chapter (“Connections and Conversation UTM”) is an affinity group for self-identified Black, Indigenous or People of Colour (BIPOC) staff to provide a community of support and opportunities for mentorship and professional development.
The objectives of the Connections and Conversations affinity group are:
- To Build Community: Providing moral support to BIPOC members of the UTM community in their pursuit of a satisfying career experience in an inclusive environment;
- To Support Professional Development: Offering networking and mentoring opportunities and advice to members to contribute their unique experiences and skills to the growth and development of UTM;
- To Develop Innovative Strategies and Plans: Increasing awareness of systemic barriers and experiences encountered by self-identified BIPOC members and co- creating equitable and inclusive solutions among the UTM community; and
- Advocating for Effective Change: Expanding and improving the institutional commitment of the University of Toronto and the University of Toronto Mississauga campus’ principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion by championing and supporting the advancement of strategic anti-racism initiatives and to continue to work towards the elimination of systemic racial discrimination with stakeholders within and outside of UTM.
UTM C&C operates according to our Terms of Reference - see here for further details!
The Connections and Conversations group welcomes all staff at UTM, regardless of whether or not they have attended previous meetings. We invite you to connect with us by subscribing to our listserv, registering for upcoming events, and completing the membership survey.
Keeping up to date as a self-identified member of the BIPOC community or as a supporter/ally?
Keeping up to date as a self-identified member of the Black community?
Role of the Local UTM Chapter
Connections & Conversations' local UTM Chapter is guided by its Executive Committee, which provides leadership and operational management of activities such as organizing and running bi-monthly meetings, events and other strategic initiatives.
2024-25 Executive Committee members
- Cindy Ramsundar
Office Manager, Administration
Information and Instructional Technology - Kayla Forrester
Undergraduate Student Advisor
Department of Economics - Kerrie Martin
Program Manager & Learning Strategist
Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre - Mahnoor (Noor) Leghari
Equity Project Specialist - Sciences
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office - Malisa Zhou
Acting Academic Advisor and Faculty Support Administrator
Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy - Naomi Baptiste
Community Youth Programmer
Centre for Student Engagement - Peter Wong
Manager, FIPS
Budget, Planning & Finance - Sally Chen
Intake and Outreach Coordinator
Student Affairs - Vesela Angelova
Assistant Director, FIPS and Special Projects
Budget, Planning & Finance
Interested in supporting UTM C&C as a member of the executive team? Positions become open on a rolling basis depending on need and term limits.
UTM C&C welcomes inquiries for more information or expressions of interest to volunteer. Please email us at c.and.c.utm@utoronto.ca. The executive team will follow-up on communications received as soon as possible.
