Branksome Hall welcomes Dr. Yasmin Razack, a champion for belonging, inclusion, global citizenship and building equitable systems through collective action. Her extensive experience—from developing K–12 programs with the Harmony Movement to coaching women in leadership—has been guided by a belief in the transformative power of education. Her mandate at Branksome is to work collaboratively to build inclusive learning, working and living environments. She previously served as Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber, Chief Diversity Officer at Canadian Blood Services and the Director of Global Citizenship and Inclusion at Centennial College.
Can you share a bit about your background and what ignited your passion for this work?
I always start with my family. Growing up in a small town like Kitchener, with my parents having immigrated from Trinidad and Tobago and my brother being Deaf, I was acutely aware of what inclusion and exclusion were from a very young age. I experienced bullying in middle school and a real lack of a sense of belonging. The school’s response was to move me to enrichment classes, which unintentionally gave me a first-hand view of how education can genuinely change hearts and minds for the better. Later, as an international admissions advisor at York University, I saw international students struggling for a sense of belonging, which spurred me to help develop programs and create organizational equitable practices to address this need.
“I fell in love with Branksome during the recruitment process. I was floored by the innovative leadership here; they aren’t scared to try new things.”
Having spent your first few months at Branksome, what has impressed you most about the school community?
I fell in love with Branksome during the recruitment process. I was floored by the innovative leadership here; they aren’t scared to try new things. Branksome laid such a solid foundation for this work by asking tough questions and by collecting raw, rich data for its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) plan. I’ve also been impressed by the progressive integration of this work at all levels—all departments are on board, and the students are so eager to learn.
What are your key priorities, and how will your team approach this work?
Our approach and priorities are guided by the DEI Action Plan and the listening tour I’ve been on since arriving. The key focus is on continuing to build capacity among all employees and students to effectively apply the work of community, inclusion and belonging in practice within their respective roles. For students, we’ve launched Branksome’s first Inclusive Leadership Academy in addition to developing a student-centred belonging framework to ensure co-curriculars are not operating in silos. We will also continue inviting our community of parents and alums to collaborate on this work and share how our students need their support.
What’s one fun fact or hobby you’d like the community to know about you?
I’m Caribbean, so I absolutely love great food and to dance and gather in community. Beyond that, I love deep conversation and connection; I am constantly reading and listening. Most of all, I love connecting with women. It’s important to me to bring women together and help bolster their confidence, and also for us to learn from each other.
Top: Dr. Yasmin Razack (top row, far right) with her Advisor Group.
