Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager
Shad is the launchpad for young innovators ready to take on the world.
45 years
of impact
24,000+
alumni
30
campuses
80+
community partnerships
1 in 3 students
get financial
support
$5M in
fee assistance
Why Shad?
Our generous supporters
Community Partners
We know diversity matters.
That’s why we create
purposeful community
at Shad.
At Shad students collaborate and build meaningful relationships outside of their hometown. Each campus, and each design team, has a mix of rural and urban participants from diverse economic backgrounds. Students learn the value of their own perspective and the differing perspectives of those around them.
Community goes beyond diversity and requires inclusivity. We are purposeful about reaching students in Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and students with disabilities that are traditionally underrepresented. We make sure there are multiple perspectives and diverse strengths in a learning environment like no other.
Partnership with Pathways to Education and Black Boys Code and connections with regional school boards, educators, guidance counsellors, community and social change organizations and STEM organizations help us recruit students from all parts of Canada.
Shad alumni across North America, and around the world, are leading businesses, making discoveries, innovating and using STEAM as a force for good.
Meet some of the alumni in our Network who are making a difference.
Opportunities to grow
“I chose Shad because I was looking for opportunities to grow beyond just what we were learning at high school or in my own home community…I saw Shad as the most significant and exciting opportunity I could have to explore what was out there.”
– Taylor Quinn, Shad Alumni, British Columbia
419-A Phillip Street
Waterloo, ON N2L 3X2, Canada
© Copyright 2025 Shad Canada. All Rights Reserved
Shad Canada’s office is situated on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Neutral Peoples.
We acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and philosophies of the Indigenous People with whom we share this land today.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager
As Shad’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager and a Shad 2003 alum, Michelle’s passion is extending the Shad program to talented and curious youth with diverse lived-experiences, perspectives, and strengths. In addition to fostering relationships with program partners, Michelle provides guidance and support regarding program development and youth engagement. These efforts work to ensure that Shad environments are inclusive and accessible for students who have been historically underrepresented in STEAM, including Black youth, Indigenous youth, and youth with disabilities.
Michelle believes that the diverse experiences and backgrounds of all students across Canada belong in the “boardroom” within STEAM careers for meaningful change to take place. She aspires to eliminate barriers to a career in STEAM, and to bring a sense of belonging among traditionally underrepresented students in STEAM.
Michelle graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Health Science degree and from University of Toronto with a Master of Science degree. She has a background of medical (MD) training in the U.S., and equity, diversity, and inclusion advocacy experience within the field of Medicine with pre-medical students, medical trainees, and physicians. Outside the office, Michelle enjoys mentoring youth and travel.
