Join us on Tuesday March 5^th from 10:00am-11:30am for the Living Library #9: International Women's Day - Inspire Inclusion with Jennifer Dockstader, Zakia Hamdani, and Cassandra Ogunniyi.

Moderated by Samah Sabra, Director, EDI and Accessibility, Human Resources, Niagara College.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion and focuses on the collective effort needed to enhance equity and inclusivity within our community. This event will provide participants with the opportunity to learn from three amazing women who through their work Inspire Inclusion in their organizations and within their communities. Join us in conversation as we explore how they came to do this work, how they hope to inspire others, and the impact they hope their work will have in community.

** Please note: This is a hybrid event. Participants wishing to join in person can join the event at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, room N018. Participants wishing to join the event virtually can join through Zoom. In-person seating is first come first served. Coffee and tea will be provided to guests attending in-person. **

Please see the biographies below of the amazing panelists that will be joining us for the event.

Jennifer Dockstader, Executive Director of the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre

Jennifer is from the Oneida of the Thames Nation, Bear Clan, and a citizen of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She is a strong believer in her people, her Indigenous traditions, and that there is no higher honour than to be of service to the people. Jennifer graduated from Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts as the top music student with a Major in Vocal Music. Jennifer went on to achieve an advanced degree in Psychology from Temple University with a specialization in Addiction and Childhood Sexual Abuse.

Jennifer has worked with her Indigenous community for over 30 years to help people become stronger and healthier. She has served in the past as President of the Niagara Chapter of Native Women, Inc, President of the Survivor's House of Hope, Board Member for YMCA of Niagara, and the President of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. Jennifer is the Executive Director for the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre. Starting this role in 2014, she has worked to faciliate local paradigm shifts about Indigenous people and build a stronger community. She believes in the Vision and Mission statement of the Organization "To Enhance All Aspects of Native Life While Extending Friendship to the Community" and "Together for a Stronger Tomorrow". A proud mother, Auntie, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend Jennifer believes in strength of women no matter which role they take in society.

Zakia Hamdani, Equity Consultant, District School Board of Niagara

Zakia Hamdani, who goes by the pronoun she/her, is an active member in the Muslim community, an educator for over 19 years and currently is the Equity Consultant for the District School Board of Niagara.

She is a Syrian/Lebanese mother of three who has been an advocate for centering student and community voices that are underrepresented through facilitating youth groups, guiding the community through anti-hate and anti-islamophobia education as well as supporting the settlement of Syrian refugees to Niagara through her involvement with a multi-faith organization called Bridge of Hope. In her current role, she provides professional development, and coaching to educators, students and families on anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive practices. 

Cassie Ogunniyi, Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Indigenous Relations in the Growth, Strategy, and Economic Development Department at Niagara Region

Cassie Ogunniyi is the Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Indigenous Relations in the Growth, Strategy, and Economic Development Department at Niagara Region. In this role she led the development and now the implementation of the Region’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027. Earlier in her career, Cassie spent a decade overseas working and studying in six countries across four continents, which resulted in a PhD in Sport Management from the University of Johannesburg, a Master of Social Science in Practical Anthropology from the University of Cape Town, and a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in International Development Studies from the University of Toronto.

Cassie is a firm believer that everyone deserves the chance to live life to its fullest regardless of their background, history, family, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or any other diversity dimension. She is particularly supportive of female athletes and breaking down mental, physical, and economic barriers so that everyone can be healthy and have fun! Outside of work, Cassie likes to spend time with her family, enjoy the natural beauty of our world, play soccer and ice hockey, and referee ringette.