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Meet Shakira Weatherdon

Championing equity and empowerment

Shakira Weatherdon is a leader in driving complex, organization-wide initiatives that foster collaboration and advance equity. A skilled change manager, she guides evidence-based decisions to create more inclusive public services. As founder of Black Girls Gather, she empowers young Black women entrepreneurs and connects new graduates to meaningful employment. Passionate about equity and inclusion, Shakira champions safer, welcoming environments and celebrates Black excellence. She holds an MA in Gender and Peacebuilding from the United Nations–mandated University for Peace and an Honours BA in Gender and Development Studies from the University of Toronto.

A headshot of instructor, Shakira Weatherdon

±Ê´Ç²õ³Ù±ð»å:ÌýSeptember 2025

The instructors at the Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development bring a wealth of experience in their fields, and our learners benefit greatly as they work to advance their careers.

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Let's learn more about Shaikara Weatherdon and why she's chosen this career.Ìý

How long have you been in the field of EDIA? 

I have been in this work since 2010 and am grateful to have learned from many brilliant equity-deserving leaders in this field along the way.Ìý

What has been the biggest change in your field in recent years? 

So much has changed since my own EDIA journey began. I think especially about how social movements like #MeTooÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýBlack Lives Matter have shaped the field of EDIA in the last several years. Our conversations are different, our strategies have evolved, and my own approach is a lot more grace-filled as we all find ourselves at different stages of this (un)learning journey. Systemic problems will require systemic solutions from us and so we must continue to press on. For those of us in positions of power, we must leverage that privilege for justice.Ìý

What’s the most surprising thing we might see on your resume/CV? 

I am a co-author of an article in the Academic Emergency Medicine journal. I am grateful for a varied professional background that has enhanced my contributions to the EDIA field.

How do you unwind? 

This is not something I have been historically good at but like many, the pandemic was a game changer. As a parent to three little humans, I don't always get a chance to unwind on my own so I have incorporated them into how I unwind. We play a lot of boardgames and we have lots of dance breaks.Ìý

What's the best aspect of teaching with the Faculty? 

Meeting so many passionate people leading EDIA in their organizations and communities across the country. There really are more allies than we can imagine. May we never forget the Congolese proverb that encourages collective action: "a single bracelet does not jingle." 

Shakira is the instructor for our  course, which starts in January. It’s one of four courses in the . If you have any questions about the course or certificate – including customized team training – please contact our student services team at openlearning@dal.ca.