Work History

1993-Present, President, E.M.P.O.W.W.O.R.D. Inc., An Ontario based consulting corporation providing services to the public, private and not-for-profit sector. Services include: mediation, workshops (communications skills, esteem building, conflict resolution, team-building, anti-racism, diversity management, anti-oppression, etc.), facilitating effective board operations, strategic planning, and assisting clients in monitoring Equal Opportunity in the workplace.

1986-1993, Member, Appeal Division, Immigration and Refugee Board Presided over quasi-judicial hearings in a courtroom setting, hearing appeals from deportation orders of permanent residents and refusals of family class sponsorships. Also heard claims to Convention refugee status, researched appropriate precedents for decision-making, and developed and taught modules for members of the Board.

1976-1988, School Trustee, Board of Education, City of Hamilton Participated in the assessment and recruitment of Directors and Senior Administrators, conducted salary negotiations with teacher federations and unions, chaired the Budget Review Committee, represented the Board on various community and government task forces, chaired several committees (Education Management, Business Management, Special Needs Task Force, Cooperative Education, Child Abuse, Communications, Young Offenders Act).

Ongoing, Educator, University, College and Business Community Contributed to the development of curriculum and developed and delivered various sessions, workshops and programs on issues related to human rights and conflict management for various organizations including: University of Toronto Teacher’s College, Humber College, and Osgoode Hall Law School.