Innovations in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion from Across TMU

Farhan Zia

Director, Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Office of Zone Learning and Strategic Initiatives and Co-Chair, Muslim Employee Community Network

Farhan is a strategic leader in TMU's Office of Zone Learning and Strategic Initiatives. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the institution's innovation ecosystem, leading the development and implementation of key programs. Farhan's expertise spans marketing and communications, financial administration, digital transformation and operational effectiveness. His work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the CCAE's Prix D'Excellence Gold Award and the IABC Silver Leaf Award of Excellence.

Also the co-chair of TMU's Muslim Employee Community Network, Farhan actively champions equity and inclusion for staff and faculty. Through this role, he also brings together a group of equity leaders to discuss intersectionality, shared values and group advocacy.

Farhan is a dedicated father of three. He balances his family life with a passion for gardening and an assortment of side hustles.

Maggie Fisher

Director, Community Engagement Strategy, Community Safety and Security

Maggie Fisher is the Director of Community Engagement Strategy with Community Safety and Security at TMU. She brings an equity and community oriented perspective to all her work. She believes strongly in an intersectional approach with policy and advocacy, and is dedicated to giving back to the community. 

With a background in social work and experience managing community outreach and volunteer programs at Toronto-based non-profits, Maggie has experience supporting poverty reduction in the city. At TMU, she has been focused on the rollout of the Toronto Community Crisis Service project both in the Community Safety and Security department and as a resource across campus, and has focused on the importance of equity amongst individuals in crisis, whether they be members of the TMU community or our broader Toronto neighbourhood as a whole.

Sharanjeet Kaur

Executive Director, School of Medicine

Sharanjeet Kaur is the Executive Director of the TMU’s new School of Medicine, having joined the university in May 2022. Sharanjeet has over 15 years of experience working across diverse portfolios in the public sector, including health, education, urban planning, and social service sectors. Prior to this role, Sharanjeet was the Director of Executive Projects & Operations at the William Osler Health System. She has served in leadership positions with the Central West LHIN and the Peel Public Health department.

Sharanjeet's community work is focused on human rights advocacy, cultural safety and humility training, international student supports, youth leadership and mentorship programs. She is the Senior VP with the World Sikh Organization of Canada and the executive lead of the national Sikh Family Helpline. In addition, Sharanjeet is a board member with Our Place Peel, a youth shelter in her local community and an Advisor with Parkinsons Canada.

Sharanjeet holds a Bachelor of Science in Honours Health Studies from the University of Waterloo, and a Master of Public Administration from Queens University.

Shurla Charles-Forbes

Director, Talent Management, Talent Management Centre of Expertise, Human Resources

Shurla is a highly experienced Talent Management professional who works tirelessly with her team, internal and external stakeholders to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) and an understanding of anti-Black racism (ABR) is embedded into every facet of the employee learning experience. She is passionate about fostering positive employee experiences and brings a wealth of experience working in the education, health, non-profit and hospitality sectors.

Shurla is the recipient of the 2022 Viola Desmond Staff Award and the 2020 Larissa Allen Employee Experience Award. Shurla demonstrates her passion for EDI/ABR through her involvement within the community. She serves on various committees, including the President Implementation Committee on Anti-Black Racism (PICCABR) Working Group, the Black Faculty and Staff Community Network, and the Viola Desmond Awards Committee. Shurla is currently leading the development of the TMU EDI Knowledge and Action Framework to be used across the university.

A lifelong learner, Shurla is currently a PhD candidate in Adult Education and Community Development, with a focus on workplace learning and social change at the University of Toronto. She has spoken at various conferences. In 2022, she was the recipient of CASAE Alan Thomas Student Paper Award for best student paper. Shurla is an avid reader and loves to travel with her family. Their favourite vacation destination is Universal Orlando, Florida.

Vincenzo Carinci

Director, Strategic Procurement and Payment Services, Financial Services

Vincenzo Carinci is the Director of Strategic Procurement and Payment Services at TMU. Also included in his portfolio are insurance, shipping, receiving and mail room services. He has a degree in Business Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University (2007), is a Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (2010) and has 15 years experience in the public procurement field, specifically within infrastructure, higher- education and healthcare sectors. 

As part of his portfolio, Vincenzo is working on a social procurement project which includes the development and implementation of a social purchasing policy. Vincenzo has also represented TMU on external social procurement projects; AnchorTO (led by the City of Toronto) and Buying With Impact (led by the MaRS Discovery Zone).