Greetings!
My name is Gananatha (pronunciation: gonna NAW daw).
I am an educator, university professor, researcher, and academic coach, who has been working with individuals and groups in the private and public sector for more than 25 years. I work as a part-time professor, I provide training to federal government employees, and I coach and mentor elementary and high school students in Ottawa. I also have a deep and abiding interest in working with students whose families are new to Canada, as this is an experience that I relate to well. Additionally, I speak several languages, which affords me the opportunity to meet and connect more closely with a diversity of students and life-long learners.
Since completing my master’s degree and PhD in Canadian Studies at Carleton University, I have acquired extensive experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training, during which time I have taught and worked with thousands of students at the university and college levels, as well as public-sector employees from the federal and provincial governments.
I have devoted thousands of hours in person and online to teaching and coaching students, government employees, and other individuals on issues related to discrimination, marginalization, anti-oppression, and inclusion, with emphasis on the intersections of gender and gender identity, sexuality, race, age, disability, and other categories of difference in the workplace, the classroom, and society at large. In my work, I promote the importance of applying intersectional and anti-oppressive approaches to eliminate discrimination and create inclusive and welcoming workplaces and classrooms where everyone is valued and heard.
Prior to my academic research and teaching career, I worked for the Government of Canada for over 15 years in several departments, including Communication Canada, Public Works and Government Services, and Environment Canada. From 1993 to 2011, I worked in diverse communications capacities as a strategic communications advisor, creative services director, and manager.
My parents immigrated to Canada in the 1950s from Europe. I grew up in Ontario and have lived in the National Capital Region since 1993. My parents instilled a very strong work ethic in me in my early years, and despite facing different forms of discrimination growing up and in my adult years, I have pursued education as my vocation because I truly love teaching and value community service. I have volunteered for many social service organizations throughout my life and currently act as caregiver to my Mum, who resides with me, as well as to a dear friend in Ottawa West.
We are living at a critical moment in the history of human civilization. We must build a sustainable society and, to do so, I believe we must value, protect and take care of one another. Zone 1 is the largest OCDSB trustee zone in the city, but as a long-distance runner and cross-country skier, I know it well! I look forward to having the opportunity to serve you and your family as school board trustee for Zone 1.
Support My Work
Contact me at Gananatha[email protected] to learn more about my current projects.