Sheridan VP Dr. Jane Ngobia wins international award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Leadership

Sheridan’s Vice President, Inclusive Communities has been recognized with a Silver Award of Excellence for Leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion by the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP). The award was presented to Dr. Ngobia at the 2022 WFCP World Congress conference in San Sebastian, Spain on June 17. 

The award recognizes Dr. Ngobia’s achievements in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at Sheridan and beyond. Since joining Sheridan in 2019, she has helped the college take strong, definitive steps to embed EDI principles across learning and business operations. She established the EDI Advisory Council and infused EDI into academic research, launched the first employee self-identification census, created mandatory anti-racism training for employees, supervised equity assessments, and supported the implementation of more equitable hiring practices.  

“I am truly humbled to receive this award and thank the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics for this recognition,” says Ngobia. “While much work remains to be done, this award is a testament to the efforts of our entire Inclusive Communities team to implement ambitious EDI programs at Sheridan, and their dedication to the well-being of our diverse student and employee community.”  

Dr. Ngobia has served at universities worldwide and is one of the first in the Canadian postsecondary sector to hold an executive leadership position in EDI. She leads by example, travelling twice a year to a safe house in northern Kenya to support girls seeking refuge after fleeing early forced marriage and other forms of gender-based violence. 

“Dr. Jane Ngobia has been vital in helping Sheridan make meaningful changes to ensure everyone feels valued and respected,” says Dr. Janet Morrison, Sheridan’s President and Vice Chancellor. “She exemplifies what it means to lead with a bold vision for inclusion, while empowering her colleagues with the tools and knowledge to live EDI values through their everyday actions. She is truly deserving of this global recognition.”  

In 2021, Dr. Ngobia was recognized by The Globe and Mail as a recipient of the 2021 Best Executive Award for her work in (EDI) at Sheridan and beyond. 

The WFCP Awards of Excellence seek to distinguish WFCP member institutions whose exceptional initiatives are strengthening applied learning and research outcomes. The Awards celebrate remarkable contributions to skills development and the wider economic and social development. The WFCP Awards of Excellence honour and support higher standards in applied education institutions and offer the opportunity to showcase and foster best practices in the sector. 
 
Learn more about Sheridan’s Office of Inclusive Communities.