Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, City of Vaughan

Zincia Francis is the City of Vaughan’s first-ever Diversity and Inclusion Officer and joined the City in January 2021. The senior-level role is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan and activities, providing strategic guidance and advice on policies, processes and procedures related to equity. Zincia has been professionally committed to equity work for over 10 years and has shared that equity is her lifelong mission. Her experience as a child refugee to Canada has profoundly shaped her understanding of the importance of dignity, human rights, and compassion. She believes that we all stand to benefit when equity is the cornerstone of society.

Zincia has extensive experience in the human services field addressing gender-based violence, providing crisis support to individuals impacted by critical trauma incidents and facilitating equity training. She has most recently worked in the child welfare sector, where she worked to achieve equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families, focusing on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism.  She has led equity work at the provincial level through the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Society around services to Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning/Queer+ (2SLGBTQ+) children and youth. 

Zincia holds an honours degree in Gender Studies and certification in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender studies from Queen’s University. She has completed graduate courses towards Masters of Gender Studies degree from the Memorial University of Newfoundland.