Fauzia Baig was recently named the Region of Waterloo's first director of equity, diversity and inclusion
Photo courtesy Region of Waterloo
Feb
Region of Waterloo hires first Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Written by Region of WaterlooWaterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo is pleased to announce Fauzia Baig as the organization’s first Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
“The Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is a key leadership role for the Region of Waterloo,” said Region of Waterloo CAO Bruce Lauckner. “In this role, Fauzia will help move us forward as we continue on our journey and our commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression and systemic change and work to address the impact systemic racism has in our community.”
The creation of this position follows recommendations from the Region’s Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group. In this role, Fauzia will work alongside staff and community leaders to improve equity and innovate the way the Region works with communities to listen, learn, act, and collaborate on community input.
Fauzia has held various roles at the Region that focus on community collaboration and equity. Most recently, she worked as an Equity and Anti-Racism Advisor to the CAO’s office, and took on a leadership role as the community engagement lead for the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Taskforce. Through her leadership, the Region co-planned and delivered education and vaccine services with 32 grassroots groups and organizations.
In addition to her leadership on the task force, Fauzia led the community engagement and development of the Community Safety and Well-Being Framework.
Fauzia is also a member of the Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group for the Waterloo Region District School Board and served as the co-chair for the Kitchener Mayor’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
“I am excited to be in this role and for the journey ahead working with communities and the Region of Waterloo towards systemic change and social justice,” said Fauzia Baig. “This pandemic has shown that we can do things differently, that we can work within a system that honours Truth and Reconciliation and apply an Anti Racism, Anti Oppression and Equity lens. I am hopeful of a new path forward, one that continues to embed this work in all areas of the Region’s work, while centering the voice of community first.”
