Michael Charles comes to Centennial from Carleton University, where he has been the Assistant Vice-President and University Advisor, Equity and Inclusive Communities.
Michael is recognized by his colleagues as a strategic thinker and thought leader, who brings both significant capabilities and deep humility with respect to / command of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Regarded in many circles as a subject matter expert, Michael has shared his gifts in numerous and notable spaces, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) advisory committee, the Inter Institutional Advisory Committee on National Dialogues and Action on Anti-Racism; and Advisory Group for Universities Canada (EDI). Since 2012, Michael has served on the Executive Committee (and is the LGBT Chair) for Human Rights Watch Canada.
Prior to joining Carleton, he was an EDI strategic advisor to a broad array of public and private sector organizations across North America (from health care and financial services to legal services arenas and postsecondary).
It should be no surprise that Michael is frequently invited as a speaker, advisor, and author on matters of organizational culture, inclusion, and human rights.
Michael has been described as an active listener and inclusive leader who is deeply committed to anti-oppressive practices and creating space and place for equity-deserving communities. He is innovative and entrepreneurial, with a focus on co-creation and action; as such, he values relational, consensus-based approaches and will be collaborating with partners within and outside of the College to deliver the mandate.
In addition to his BA (Hons) from the University of Toronto, Michael is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School (JD) at York University.