Presenter: Rizwana Kaderdina & Heather Henry
Workshop Description
In this workshop, we will think together about joy and some of the ways in which it functions to retain and reclaim humanity even as dehumanizing ideologies operate and manifest in systems and structures. This workshop is intended to be a space for exploration and dialogue. We will also hear from those who are intentional in the cultivation of joy.
Bio
Rizwana Kaderdina
Rizwana Kaderdina taught in the elementary panel of the YRDSB for many years before moving into the role of Equity Consultant for the Board. She is now looking forward to working directly with students again as a classroom teacher beginning in September. Rizwana is currently the co-Chair of the Alliance of Educators for Muslim Students (AEMS), and is also a member of MENO (Muslim Educators Network of Ontario), ACENet (Asian Canadian Educators Network), and al-Ansar Foundation, and is a volunteer with Victim Services of York Region. She has facilitated learning on CRRP, Islamophobia, anti-racism and anti-oppression for large groups of diverse participants, Rizwana believes in service, advocacy, and community. She strives to work from a justice-oriented stance, and is intrigued by the possibilities for healing and transformation that come through affinity and solidarity-based work. Rizwana can be reached on Twitter @RKaderdina.
Heather Henry
Heather Henry is an Equity Teacher Facilitator at the York Region District School Board. Her role includes working with educators and administrators to support the implementation of equity initiatives across the board. Concurrently, she is also part of the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Team where she collaborates to develop and deliver resources and programming that supports and affirms the identities of Black children and families. Heather is also a workshop presenter for Provincial OSSTF, where she facilitates workshops in French and English on Allyship and Addressing Anti-Black Racism. Prior to system level work, Heather worked as a classroom Secondary School Teacher in Student Success and French Immersion Science.