Full Name
Dara Dillon
Job Title
Director of Research and Evaluation
Company
The Inclusivity Institute for Better Data
Speaker Bio
Allow me to introduce you to Dara, a visionary and the very essence of the Inclusivity Institute for Better Data (IIBD). As a co-founder and the Director of Community Programs, Dara's journey is a symphony of experiences that have shaped her into a catalyst for change, equity, and the transformative power of data. Dara's story isn't just a professional trajectory; it's a mosaic woven with the threads of her lived experiences. From her migration story that took her across continents, to being a Black woman navigating diverse spaces, her journey is a testament to strength and resilience in the face of change.
Born in the Caribbean, Dara's journey unfolded across Europe and now finds its home in Canada. Each migration triggered a transformation, both personal and professional. The challenges of being a Black woman in spaces often unfamiliar to her ignited a shift in her focus, from gender equity to the more intricate and interconnected lens of intersectionality. This shift was a response to the complexities she encountered, and it led her to embrace Black feminist perspectives and Critical Race Theory (CRT) in her work.
As a co-founder, Dara's imprint is on every facet of IIBD. From its inception to the present, she's embodied its ethos of inclusivity. Her role as the Director of Community Programs echoes her journey – bridging theoretical concepts with real-world impact. Her leadership is a testament to her ability to transform academic ideas into practical tools that empower marginalized communities.
Dara's ongoing project, Unveiling the Lived Experiences of Black Women Staff at York University, is a direct outgrowth of her journey. The fusion of her identities as a Black woman, a co-founder, and a visionary leader has seamlessly converged to shape this pivotal initiative. This research endeavour isn't confined to being a mere resource; it embodies Dara's profound commitment to empowering communities with the means to uncover data that authentically captures their lived realities.
From the Caribbean's warmth to Europe's diverse fabric and Canada's multicultural embrace, Dara's journey is a story of growth, adaptation, and a resolute commitment to equity. Her path, peppered with challenges and triumphs, has led her to a place where she's not just a founder or a director – she's a trailblazer who's sculpting a more inclusive world, one that values every voice and celebrates every identity.
Born in the Caribbean, Dara's journey unfolded across Europe and now finds its home in Canada. Each migration triggered a transformation, both personal and professional. The challenges of being a Black woman in spaces often unfamiliar to her ignited a shift in her focus, from gender equity to the more intricate and interconnected lens of intersectionality. This shift was a response to the complexities she encountered, and it led her to embrace Black feminist perspectives and Critical Race Theory (CRT) in her work.
As a co-founder, Dara's imprint is on every facet of IIBD. From its inception to the present, she's embodied its ethos of inclusivity. Her role as the Director of Community Programs echoes her journey – bridging theoretical concepts with real-world impact. Her leadership is a testament to her ability to transform academic ideas into practical tools that empower marginalized communities.
Dara's ongoing project, Unveiling the Lived Experiences of Black Women Staff at York University, is a direct outgrowth of her journey. The fusion of her identities as a Black woman, a co-founder, and a visionary leader has seamlessly converged to shape this pivotal initiative. This research endeavour isn't confined to being a mere resource; it embodies Dara's profound commitment to empowering communities with the means to uncover data that authentically captures their lived realities.
From the Caribbean's warmth to Europe's diverse fabric and Canada's multicultural embrace, Dara's journey is a story of growth, adaptation, and a resolute commitment to equity. Her path, peppered with challenges and triumphs, has led her to a place where she's not just a founder or a director – she's a trailblazer who's sculpting a more inclusive world, one that values every voice and celebrates every identity.
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