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Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development is once again delighted to bring another installment in our Instructor Spotlight series. Shakira Weatherdon is an experienced, passionate EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility) consultant and a valued instructor in our program. She facilitates this program both to the general public, and in customized cohorts for some of Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s faculty and staff.  Shakira is also the Managing Director of the , an organization devoted to helping clients foster a diverse, inclusive and accessible workforce.

Let’s get to know Shakira, as she answers these questions:

1) How long have you been in the field of EDIA? 

I have been in this work since 2010 and am grateful to have learned from many brilliant equity-deserving leaders in this field along the way. 

2) What has been the biggest change in your field in recent years? 

So much has changed since my own EDIA journey began. I think especially about how social movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter have shaped the field of EDIA in the last several years. Our conversations are different, our strategies have evolved, and my own approach is a lot more grace-filled as we all find ourselves at different stages of this (un)learning journey. Systemic problems will require systemic solutions from us and so we must continue to press on. For those of us in positions of power, we must leverage that privilege for justice. 

3) What’s the most surprising thing we might see on your resume/CV? 

I am a co-author of an article in the Academic Emergency Medicine journal. I am grateful for a varied professional background that has enhanced my contributions to the EDIA field.

4) How do you unwind? 

This is not something I have been historically good at but like many, the pandemic was a game changer. As a parent to three little humans, I don't always get a chance to unwind on my own so I have incorporated them into how I unwind. We play a lot of boardgames and we have lots of dance breaks. 

5) What's the best aspect of teaching with the Faculty? 

Meeting so many passionate people leading EDIA in their organizations and communities across the country. There really are more allies than we can imagine. May we never forget the Congolese proverb that encourages collective action: "a single bracelet does not jingle." 

Shakira is the instructor for our  course, which starts in January. It’s one of four courses in the . If you have any questions about the course or certificate – including customized team training – please contact our student services team at openlearning@dal.ca.