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Meet the EDI Advocates

Our EDI Advocates:ÌýLeela BaldeoÌý´¥ÌýSusanne Baumann-MoroyÌý´¥ÌýNoémie-Manuelle Dorval CourchesneÌý´¥ Amin Emad | Nia Fernandez ´¥ÌýÌýKaila FolinsbeeÌý´¥ÌýAntonella FratinoÌý´¥ Parisa Hassani ´¥ÌýShay Heans ´¥ÌýKate Henderson ´¥ÌýAndrew KirkÌý´¥ÌýBrett Meyer| Nicholas MiletteÌý´¥ÌýPhilippe OuzilleauÌý´¥ Renée Pellissier ´¥ÌýNasim RazaviniaÌý´¥ÌýRachel SchaftsÌý´¥ÌýNathalie TufenkjiÌý´¥ Ipek TureliÌý´¥ÌýStephen Yue


Faculty of Engineering building manager Leela Baldeo

Leela Baldeo

“I manage all buildings belonging to the Faculty of Engineering.Ìý With a background in construction project coordination and facilities management, I strive to provide an inclusive and accessible environment to all.Ìý Born and raised in the Montreal community and growing up in a West Indian household, I am an active participant and volunteer in cultural activities which promote awareness on equity and diversity issues.Ìý As an equity ambassador, I hope to offer my skills and experiences to increase knowledge within our community"

Building Administrator, Faculty of Engineering

Best way to reach me:Ìýleela.baldeo [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Susanne Baumann-Moroy

Susanne Baumann-Moroy(she/her)

"I am the HR Advisor of the Faculty and a member of the “Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines". I studied business administration and labor law and have worked in the private service industry in France, the USA and Germany before I immigrated to Canada in 2006.ÌýI joined the Faculty of Engineering in 2009, my role is to support career development and ensure fair working conditions for an equitable workplace to all."

HR Advisor, Faculty of Engineering

Best way to reach me:Ìýsusanne.baumann-moroy [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Noémie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne

Noémie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne

“I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering. My research group is interested in developing new materials to solve sustainability and health challenges. I was born and raised in Québec, but I also spent 7 years in Boston (USA) for my graduate and postdoctoral studies. As a woman in STEM, the topics of equity, diversity and inclusion are very important to me on both personal and professional levels. I am committed to creating favorable learning and research environments at McGill, including in my own diverse research team. As a Faculty Equity Ambassador, I wish to contribute to the well-being of the McGill community and to promote equity principles in engineering.â€

Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering

Best way to reach me:Ìýnoemie.dorvalcourchesne [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Portrait of Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Amin Emad

Amin Emad(he/him)

“I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. My research group focuses on developing machine learning approaches in bioinformatics. I was born and raised in Iran and lived in the US and western Canada before coming to McGill. I am a member of the McGill Joint Board-Senate Committee on Equity: the Subcommittee on Persons with Disabilities. Making McGill a more accessible environment for everyone is very important to me. As an EDI Advocate I aim to support all members of our community by fostering equitable practices, celebrating diversity and ensuring inclusion.â€

Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Best way to reach me:amin.emad [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Nia Fernandez

Nia Fernandez

“I am the inaugural Manager of E-IDEA (Engineering Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity Advancement), overseeing the umbrella of EDI initiatives led by the Faculty of Engineering. Leveraging my multidisciplinary background in science, engineering, leadership, and social advocacy, as well as my personal lived experience, I strive to influence socially responsible and sustainable strategies. I’m passionate about integrating and normalizing EDI within the fabric of Engineering. My vision is for a consistent commitment at all levels—and especially from Engineering leadership—to catalyze organizational change and foster a more inclusive academic landscape for all.â€

E-IDEA Manager, Faculty of Engineering

Best way to reach me:Ìýstephanie.fernandez [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Kaila Folinsbee

Kaila Folinsbee(she/her)

“I have been working at McGill since 2016 and joined the Faculty of Engineering in 2018, as Associate Director of the McGill Engineering Student Centre (MESC). Before joining McGill, I previously worked at Dawson College and Iowa State University. Since starting as the Director of Administration in 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to meet students, staff, and faculty from across McGill and from many different backgrounds. I’m committed to developing and improving fair and equitable practices that support the principles of diversity and inclusion in the Faculty of Engineering and to promoting a culture at McGill where everyone feels valued and heard. Outside of work, I like to run long distances and knit (not at the same time)."

Director of Administration, Faculty of Engineering

Best way to reach mekaila.folinsbee [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Antonella Fratino

Antonella Fratino

"I am the Communications Officer for the Faculty of Engineering and have a background in literature, art, and communications. I am excited to be an EDI AdvocateÌýand a Safer Space Ally in the Faculty of Engineering, as I believe raising awareness of, and engagement in, matters of diversity, inclusivity, and intersectionality is crucial inÌýdismantling systemic inequity. I am committed to promoting a safe and fair environment for all McGill staff, students, and community members."

Communications Officer, Faculty of Engineering

Best way to reach me:Ìýantonella.fratino [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Parisa Hassani

Parisa Hassani(she/her)

"I am currently the digital communications and outreach associate for TISED. As we look toward the future, equity, diversity, and inclusion are all issues of growing importance when discussing and implementing sustainability practices. As a first-generation Canadian, I believe that creating an environment that values EDI is imperative. As an EDI Advocate, I will continue to learn about and practice these values so that McGill is a safe space for all."

Digital Communications and Outreach Associate, Trottier Institute of Sustainability in Engineering and Design (TISED)

Best way to reach me::Ìýparisa.hassani [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Shay Heans

Shay Heans(she/her)

"As a Learning and Development Specialist with the E-IDEA Teamwork program, I collaborate with students and professors in the Faculty of Engineering to explore the integral role of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within their fields and everyday experiences. Having recently graduated with a M.Sc. degree in Chemical Biology, I have a deep understanding of the STEM student experience, and the challenges faced in academia. This firsthand experience fuels my passion for fostering a culture of inclusivity in STEM and applying an intersectional approach to tackle complex science problems."

Learning and Development Specialist, Faculty of Engineering

Best way to reach me::Ìýshay.heans [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Kate Henderson

Kate Henderson(she/her)

"I've been on the workforce for 50 years and seen many changes, both in the attitudes of employees and in the programs offered by the companies where we worked. I guess this is a unique aspect of what I bring to work. New to McGill, I am committed to learning more about EDI for all areas of my life. In the process I bring awareness to our alumni audience of the changes McGill is championing for the university to be a place where all feel welcome. What I've learned in a short time is that our awareness and our efforts can make a big difference."

Communications Officer, Faculty of Engineering University Advancement

Best way to reach me:Ìýkate.henderson [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Andrew Kirk

Andrew KirkÌý

"I am professor inÌýthe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and also Director of the McGill Institute for Advanced Materials. I was born and educated in the UK and have lived and worked in Japan, Belgium, Australia and the US in addition to Canada. During my time at McGill I have participated in and led several projects and workshops focused on improving university teaching and learning. I am very proud to be an equity ambassador for the Faculty of Engineering."

Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Best way to reach me:Ìýandrew.kirk [at] mcgill.caÌý


Ìý

Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Brett Meyer

Brett Meyer

"I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. I was born and raised in the US, before immigrating to Canada in 2011 to join the faculty at McGill. In the US,I had the opportunity to live and work in a variety of communities, and have as a consequence become passionate about equity and social justice; I am consequently very proud to be an equity ambassador for the Faculty of Engineering.Equity and social justice are defining challenges facing society today, and I look forward to working to support our community at McGill in this role."

Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Best way to reach me: brett.meyer [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

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Nicholas Milette

Nicholas Milette(he/him)

"I am the Student Affairs Administrator for the Department of Bioengineering, with an academic and professional background in Political Science and East Asian Studies. In my work with students, I have been highly motivated to foster an academic environment that is open and inclusive. I strongly believe that diversity is one of the greatest strengths of any institution and society and I strive daily to promote this belief through my work. As an EDI Advocate, I am committed to working continuously to ensure that every member of the McGill community feels included, valued and supported."

Student Affairs Administrator, Department of Bioengineering

Best way to reach me:Ìýnicholas.milette [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Materials Engineering Assistant Professor, Philippe Ouzilleau

Philippe Ouzilleau

"As a (new) materials engineering assistant professor, I was quickly exposed to the opportunity that equity initiatives can provide to further enhance the university experience for the entire (and diverse) McGill community. I am proud to join the present ambassador programme to contribute (to the best of my abilities) to make all McGillians feel like they belong. I like to think of myself as an open-minded individual, so feel free to write to me if you ever need to chat. As I always say, we are here to help.

Assistant Professor, Department of Mining and Materials Engineering

Best way to reach me:ÌýPlease contact me by email - philippe.ouzilleau [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Renée Pellissier

Renée Pellissier(she/they)

"As the Program Lead for the E-IDEA Teamwork Initiative, my role is to help students recognize issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in action, particularly in the context of teamwork. With a background in Human Relations and Human Systems Intervention, my area of interest has always been team dynamics. Originally from the Canadian Prairies, I’ve lived in Montreal for nearly 15 years, during which time I’ve worked in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. As an EDI Advocate, I hope to offer my skills and support to creating an equitable and inclusive environment. "

Teamwork Program Lead, Faculty of Engineering

Best way to reach me:Ìý
renee.pellissier [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Engineering Programs Quality Assurance Lead in the Faculty of Engineering, Nasim Razavinia

Nasim Razavinia

"I am the Engineering Programs Quality Assurance Lead in the Faculty of Engineering and have a formal training in engineering. Born and raised in Iran, I immigrated to Canada in 2001 and have been a part of the McGill community since then. I believe in the power of diversity of minds, talents and ideas to shape the future growth.Ìý As a Faculty Equity Ambassador, I am committed to promote an inclusive, fair and respectful environment for all members of our community."

Associate Director - Academic Programs, Faculty of Engineering

Best way to reach me:Ìýnasim.razavinia [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Career Engineering Career Centre Advisor/Industry Liaison Associate, Rachel Schafts

Rachel Schafts(she/her)

"I joined the Engineering Career Centre as a Career Advisor/Industry Liaison Associate in September 2019, after a 15-year career in human resources, recruitment and career transition advising. I have been fortunate to work, interact and train with people from all over the world having lived and worked in the USA, UK & Canada. In all of my roles, I have always maintained a strong commitment to ensuring fair and equitable practices, and to promoting principles of inclusion and diversity. I am excited to continue these important efforts as an EDI Advocate for the Faculty working with both students and employers."

Skills Development Advisor and Career Coach, McGill Engineering Student Centre

Best way to reach me:Ìýrachel.schafts [at] mcgill.ca.


Ìý

Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Nathalie Tufenkji

Nathalie Tufenkji(she/her)

"I am a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering where I lead a diverse team of researchers working to solve problems related to environmental and public health. I am a descendent of Armenian immigrants and was born and raised in Québec. I serve as the Faculty Advisor to the McGill student chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) as well as the chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)."

Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering

Best way to reach me:Ìýnathalie.tufenkji [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Associate Professor of Architecture and Canada Research Chair in Architectures of Spatial Justice, Ipek Türeli

Ipek Türeli(she/her)

"I am an Associate Professor of Architecture and Canada Research Chair in Architectures of Spatial Justice at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. I am also the coordinator of the Research Group on Democracy, Space and Technology of the Yan P. Lin Centre. My research engages with spatial justice, urban media and visual culture. Hailing from Turkey, I studied and worked in seven institutions of higher education in (seven cities!) four countries. I am a mother to two children, and I am interested in making our campus and university more family friendly. In addition to closely following and taking part in EDI discussions in my unit, faculty and university as Senator from the Faculty of Engineering, I am active in the leadership of two leading disciplinary organizations and do my share to contribute to advancing EDI within those levels and organizations. For example, I am Co-Chair of the Minority Scholars Affiliate Group of the Society of Architectural Historians, and book review Editor to this organization’s journal (JSAH) to support the promotion of studies on regions such as Africa, Asia and the Middle East. My research projects, and in turn, my courses, are all informed by my life experiences: One project that addresses children’s education, one decommodified housing, and another one the architecture of campus histories outside of Americas and Europe."

Associate Professor, Peter Guo-hua Fu School of Architecture

Best way to reach me:Ìýipek.tureli [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Stephen Yue

Stephen Yue(he/him)

"Born in a small town in north-west England in 1952, 1st generation of Chinese immigrants who ran a steam laundry and subsequently a Chinese restaurant. Grammar school followed by degrees in Metallurgy at Leeds University. Frustrated by the casual racism in the UK, I left my job in the UK to expand my personal horizons and eventually became a pdf in University of Toronto in 1981 and then McGill 1985."

Professor, Department of Mining and Materials Engineering

Best way to reach me:Ìýsteve.yue [at] mcgill.ca


Ìý

Ï㽶ÊÓƵ - and thus our Faculty - is on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabeg nations, a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst nations.

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