Dr. Nadia Mallay [she/her] (BAH, PGCE, MEd, EdD) is a dominant-thought challenger and system’s disrupter to affect positive change.  She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western University, a joint Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Pedagogy from the University of British Columbia, a teacher’s degree from Exeter University, and a Bachelor of Arts Honours from Queen’s University.  Nadia is currently studying a Certificate in Law from Queen’s University and previously engaged in post doctorate studies in communities of practice in palliative care that was a joint project across three research universities in Canada. With over three decades of work experience and slightly more years in volunteer roles in communities across Canada and overseas, Nadia has observed and challenged deeply held inequities in Canadian systems with keen focus on educational systems including the near impermeable ivory tower of academia.

Nadia has held many inaugural roles, carving space in hegemonies where little space existed prior.  She has been a worker and leader who moves with intention, authenticity, tenacity and integrity in Canada and around the world.  In her fulfilling career, Nadia held the inaugural Vice President of Equity and Inclusive Communities at a university, and inaugural Director roles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Canada.  Upon Nadia’s advocacy and work, a university was able to have ground-breaking hiring of 15 Black staff and 15 Indigenous staff under a special programs initiative from the British Columbia’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner. Nadia was an inaugural mentor for the Queen’s Black Alumni Chapter, and was a key committee member in the establishment of the inaugural Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Office for the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation.  Nadia also established a Regional Node of the Canadian Black Scientists Network, and she has taken steps to have a process whereby employers can better understand and address racism as a health matter.  Additionally, Nadia is Founder and Principal Consultant of Biophilic Consulting, which focuses on supporting difficult change and growth in organizations while centering and honouring the people that make-up organizations.

Nadia has been lucky enough to have her hard work, determination, and profound resiliency open doors for herself, but more so for diverse members in communities in Canada and overseas.  She is immensely lucky to have a solid community surrounding her.  Nadia continues to create positive change for others, no matter how challenging.