Community Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee

Beverly Fiddler

Bev has been an elementary school teacher with the Durham District School Board (DDSB) for 23 years. She is an Indigenous woman who contributes to her community in a variety of roles including: Elementary Teacher's Federation of Ontario (E.T.F.O.) Standing Committees - Anti-Racist Education and Indigenous, E.T.F.O. Durham - Past Executive Member & Chair- Priority Schools Committee, and as a Team Leader for the Pan Am Games in 2011.

She has extensive experience working with Indigenous educators and families in the Oshawa/Durham Region in numerous culturally and educational based activities such as the DDSB Indigenous Family Network. Here she gained extensive knowledge of the need for supports for Indigenous People in terms of education and self-advocacy.

Bev advocated within the E.F.T.O., supporting resolutions to add seats to provincial executive which includes Indigenous representation.

Daniel Crosmas

Daniel is a Mohawk of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. As a Mohawk traditional dancer on the Pow-Wow circuit throughout Ontario and Quebec, he has maintained integral relationships with Indigenous Peoples which provides him with further wisdoms and insights. Daniel has been a longtime activist/advocate on behalf of Indigenous Peoples, as well as an active Anti-Poverty and Disabled Persons activist and advocate.

He has been ardently recovering his Indigenous culture, language and heritage protocol for many years and has developed extensive relationships with many important persons in the Tyendinaga community and other Indigenous communities. He is currently enrolled in Mohawk language classes through Kanyen'ke:ha Ne Atoróhnto and continues his decolonizing journey in recovery and continued discovery of his proud heritage.

Daniel is a man of two worlds. That of his home community of Tyendinaga as well as living in Oshawa for the greater portion of his life. He has a vast variety of education and work experiences. Daniel attended Eastdale Collegiate V. I., and laterally graduated with Honours in I.T. and Business Applications at the Toronto School of Business in 1998. Daniels work experience exceeds full mention, but, is highlighted with his work as Assistant Custodial Supervisor at the Ontario Ministry of Revenue, as well as Legal Administration for Union Energy. His last place of employment was driving forklift for CEVA up to the advent of the closure of Oshawa's GM facility.

Daniel is closely associated with the Community Living Room Art Studio and has donated much time and artworks for auction to help support the Living Room Art Studio as an Indigenous Artisan. Some of his work currently adorns the front window space of the Art Studio.

His dynamic range of experience and activism combined with his ability to communicate very effectively, as well as listen with full empathy, has found Daniel an eager participant in Oshawa's new, and long time coming, Community for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Donald Igbokwe

Donald Igbokwe is the President of George Donaldson and Associates Inc. & One World Immigration Consulting Services. He is also the President of African Canadian Cultural Council Foundation. Donald has strong senior management and governance background having managed a business unit of a multinational corporation and served on non-profit boards in senior governance positions. As a social justice and advocacy volunteer he has more than 34 years' experience of volunteer service in various capacities most of them at board levels in different communities and countries.

Donald's passion to serve humanity started in India when he began actively serving and volunteering on Social Justice and advocacy issues while studying at Punjab University. There he served as a director of Internationalism with Chandigarh City Jaycees. Since he moved to Canada, apart from having served on various boards and committees in the immigration industry, he has organized, participated in numerous multicultural and Multi-Faith programs at the community, personal and family level. He is the founding chairperson of Durham Multi-Faith World Religion Day Committee involved in community development and education on World Faith traditions and elimination of all forms of prejudice.

Donald holds a MA in Public Admin, an Advanced Diploma in Alternative Dispute Resolution and an Immigration Consulting Diploma. He presently Chairs the Durham Region Multi-Faith World Religion Day Committee, is a member of the Durham Regional Police Services Advisory Committee and is a regional member of the Immigration Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Jalajah Jokarasa

Jalajah Jokarasa holds a B.A in Psychology and has 10+ years of experience in social services. Experienced working with diverse populations including individuals facing social isolation and issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, abuse and other forms of trauma. Jalajah has worked as a Research Analyst on several community based researches focusing on seniors' health, health and abuse among immigrant and refugee women, recovery and cultural diversity, resiliency and youth mental health. Jalajah currently works as a Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Advisor at Ontario Public Service.

Michelle Neill

Michelle has over 25 years of experience working within the social service sector that includes facilitation, community liaison, and advocacy. Her extensive experience includes working with marginalized individuals supporting their voice and empowering them through targeted programs. Living a life of service to others, she is honoured, as a counsellor to work amongst the diverse populations in our community that are united in kindness and humanity.

As a child, her family experienced poverty. Michelle dedicated her life to assisting various people remain independent with dignity. Her life experience has stimulated thought-provoking conversations leading to cohesive partnership transformations. In her past and present roles she established, fostered, and expanded community partnerships. An accident that affected her mobility inspired the creation of an accessibility survey of practicum community agencies. This helped her initiate conversations within the college administration to instigate change, innovation and advancement.

Joining the Oshawa Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee will aid in her personal and professional development. As a community liaison, who values and contributes to the union of ideas through community agencies, promoting equitable interactions and understanding. As a committee member and strong contributor, utilizing her skills in facilitation, community connections, media design and workshop creations, Michelle's goal is to engage all societal demographics, building inclusive foundations, and initiating progressive change.

Uzma Danish

Uzma introduced Urdu language classes with the DDSB and initiated a Ladies Only Swim program at the Ajax and Pickering Recreation Centres. She is presently in placement with Durham Children's Aid Society, where her focus is Anti-oppression, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Alongside her social work endeavours, Uzma is an Educational Assistant with the Durham District School Board. She is the VP of Rangmanch Canada, a theatrical organization that focuses on integration, peace, and love through art and drama. Living with passion, dedication, and grace, Uzma is honoured to be a part of the Oshawa Community Diversity Equity and Inclusion team.

2021