Two Jamaican women appointed to leadership positions in Toronto

Two Jamaican women leaders were recently appointed to prominent positions in Toronto – a chancellor of a university, and president and chief executive officer of a women’s organisation.

Donette Chin-Loy Chang, a distinguished communications leader, accomplished public affairs strategist, prolific philanthropist and proud alumna, will be the next chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). She succeeds Janice Fukakusa and will become TMU’s sixth chancellor on October 10 for a three-year term.

Mitzie Hunter is the new president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. The dynamic, community-grounded leader will play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality in Canada.

As chancellor, the ceremonial head of TMU, Chin-Loy Chang, will act as an ambassador for the university on local, national and international levels, preside at all convocations, and confer degrees and diplomas.

“Donette has been a valued member of the TMU community for decades. Through her work and support for equity-focused organisations and her commitment to education, she continues to make her mark in improving the lives of those around her,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi. “We are so pleased that she will continue to strengthen her relationship with TMU in her newest role as our chancellor.”

ESTABLISHED BURSARIES Over the years, Chin-Loy Chang has supported hundreds of students by funding scholarships and well-being initiatives at TMU. She has established bursaries across several areas of the university, including the DMZ, the Chang School, and the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. She also created an emergency fund for students during the pandemic, and contributed to TMU’s Viola Desmond Awards programme and the President’s Awards to Champion Equity campaign.

“TMU always challenges the status quo with bold and innovative action, responding to the needs of learners in an ever-changing world. I accept this role with great humility and am proud to be part of an extraordinary community that truly values excellence, equity and reconciliation,” she said.

Chin-Loy Chang has dedicated her time and philanthropy to many influential organisations and causes. She is former co-chair of Food For The Poor Canada, an international relief agency. She is also co-patron of the University of the West Indies annual benefit awards, the largest Canadian fundraiser in support of student scholarships. Chin-Loy Chang served on the dean’s advisory board for TMU’s Faculty of Community Services and was a member of the university’s renaming committee. Currently, she is a board director for the BlackNorth Initiative and the Toronto International Film Festival, and chairs TMU’s Alumni Council.

RESPECTED ADVOCATE

Hunter’s 30 years of leadership span the non-profit sector, private sector, and government. She has had many successes championing infrastructure and community improvements, and was the first black woman to serve as Ontario’s minister of education. She also served as Ontario’s minister of advanced education and skills development, and as associate minister of finance.

Hunter is a respected advocate for diverse women, girls, and Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people throughout Canada, and is a founding visionary of the Prosperity Project.

“We’re thrilled that Mitzie brings her many skills, passions, and lived experiences to lead the Canadian Women’s Foundation at this urgent moment,” says Laurie Young, chair of the board of directors. “From fuelling grassroots programmes for women, girls, and gender-diverse people to building feminist philanthropy to breaking systemic gender barriers, now is the time to rally together for transformative change.”

“Our goal must be nothing less than a gender-equal Canada,” said Hunter. “I am excited to play my part as president and CEO, to help get us there, working alongside our brilliant grantee partners and dedicated donors and supporters.”

The Canadian Women’s Foundation is Canada’s public foundation for gender justice and equality.