NC pleased to launch new EDI Icon to represent our commitment to equity work.
Meet the catalysts for change at NC!
These employees – faculty, staff and whole departments from across the College – have committed to championing the goals and actions of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint.
Through a collaborative approach, they will act as project leaders for the actions identified in the Blueprint and work to continue to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion across the college.
“The EDI Catalysts will be essential to creating the foundation for equity, diversity, and inclusion work across the College and will support the continuation of the collaborative approach throughout the implementation process,” said Pam Skinner, Senior Vice-President, College Operations, at the first meeting of the Catalysts on September 21.
The Catalysts will support the work that is already underway, and they will be responsible for kick starting projects, identifying partnerships and resources, creating project plans and timelines, communicating processes, and keeping projects on track.
“We are very grateful to this group for taking on a leadership role in EDI at the College,” said President Sean Kennedy. “We are committed to the Social Inclusion and Environmental Sustainability Area of Focus in our Strategic Plan and the EDI Catalysts will help NC advance this important work.”
Their work – which will support one or more of the four areas of the Blueprint – will be featured in upcoming blog posts on InsideNC and the EDI website.
The individuals and departments are also listed alongside the VP Champions within each area of focus:
| Tallulah Williams | Yiching Chua | Mabel Watt |
| Baljit Bhamber | Elaine Burgess | Shelby VanderEnde |
| Maija Saari | Jill Cook | Jacob Bernatz |
| Tina Annett | Debbie-Ann Fender | Lucia Nigro |
| Carol Phillips | Matt Sajn | Nazanin Nadri |
| Bellan Dye | Neil Wilkinson | Katie McQuestion |
| Alyssa Milana | Tharshiha Nagasivakumaran | Taryn Wilkinson |
| Gary Torraville | Brooke Pasco | Jessica Berecz |
| Sarah Pennisi | Jessica Strite | Ali Ryder |
| Leigh Cunningham | Emily O’Connor | Alfie Aguero Ormaeche |
EDI Catalyst applications were reviewed by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinating Council who submitted their Catalyst recommendations to the Executive Team for approval. Selected EDI Catalysts reflect various departments, levels of the organization, lived experiences, and diverse perspectives.
New NC EDI Icon and contest
Now, all of us at NC can show our support for EDI at the College.
At their inaugural meeting in September, the EDI Catalysts proudly donned NC swag – buttons and t-shirts – featuring our new EDI Icon.
“NC is excited to launch our new EDI icon to illustrate our commitment to this important work,” said Samah Sabra. “Over the next few weeks, we expect to see this icon popping up around both campuses as the college’s EDI Blueprint continues to be implemented. Everywhere that you see the icon is a reminder of the reach of this work.”
The tri-coloured icon is a symbolic representation of NC’s commitment, designed by Marketing’s Mark Hughes with input from students and employees.
In both the simplified and graphic version, the colours – purple, magenta and orange – represent the three pillars of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and the warm tones compliment the NC brand.
The silhouettes symbolize the human element, representing the people of NC – students, faculty, and staff – and seeks to evoke a sense of unity, teamwork, and togetherness.
The hands raising demonstrates fluidity and movement, given that this work is in a continuous state of evolution, and can only happen if we strive together, collaboratively.
Just as our work towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive college is ongoing, the circular pattern represents a continuous cycle without beginning or end.
For Hughes, the design is a tangible representation of his consultations with the NC community.
“During our meetings and discussions, many insights were shared about how we at NC and in the community are all part of this wonderful collection of people,” explained Hughes. “It was this input that influenced the choices I made for the elements and colours of the logo.”
“Perhaps more important than what it meant to me design it – was the experience of working with my colleagues who shared meaningful dialogue about what the art should represent,” said Hughes.
Those who complete an EDI workshop will receive a branded button.
The college community can reach out to the EDI team as they develop projects and activities for use and access to the icon.
Swag giveaway and contest
To celebrate the launch of the EDI Icon, we invite NC Community members to share what equity, diversity, and inclusion means to them. Participants will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win an EDI T-shirt or tumbler.
The contest will remain open until Friday, October 27 at 4 p.m.
