Speakers

Gauri Guha is a seasoned business leader and master classical vocalist who has succeeded internationally in both the business world as well as in the fine arts over the last 40 years. She has worked extensively in the fields of Administration in South Asia, South America, Europe and North America in government and diplomatic organizations such as Food Corporation of India, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Indian High Commission in Guyana, and notable financial institutions as State Bank of India and Scotiabank in Canada.

She has received several awards from the Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council, Shastri Indo Canadian Institute, Dominion Institute of Passages to Canada, The Association of Women of India in Canada (AWIC) and many other organizations focused on enriching the cultural landscape in Canada and improving the immigrant experience.

Dr. Kimberley Tavares is a seconded Education Officer in the Innovation and Design Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Previously, she served as a Vice-Principal in the York Region District School Board, and prior to this was an Equity Officer serving students of African and Caribbean heritage. As a result of her 20 years in education practice and research, Dr. Tavares is most proud of her work naming and addressing the barriers that prevent under-<Kimberley Tavares 2015.jpeg>serviced and marginalized youth from achieving their full potential in the education system. Her most recent research focuses on how education can benefit from the experiences and expertise of those most willing to support the educational aspirations of marginalized learners, Canadian Black Women teachers.