Grenadian Jodie Glean-Mitchell is one of 11 recipients of “the most prestigious national annual awards in the African-Canadian community.”
The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) in Canada announced the 2020 honourees for the 38th Annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards online June 11 under the theme ‘Decade Leaders’ in recognition of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.
Jodie Glean-Mitchell was awarded the BBPA Harry Jerome Diversity Award, which celebrates her leadership and distinguished career in developing educational programming that addresses anti-racism, equity and inclusion.
The BBPA Harry Jerome Awards is an annual celebration that honours outstanding and inspirational African-Canadians. It was established in memory of Harry Jerome, an African-Canadian Olympic athlete, scholar and social advocate.
“This year’s Harry Jerome Awards honourees are truly representative of the theme ‘Decade Leaders’,” said BBPA president Nadine Spencer. “As we work together to build a future free of anti-black racism, the BBPA will continue to fight for equality, justice and the empowerment of black business owners and black professionals.”
A scholar and leader, she graduated from Concordia University in 2011 with a Masters of Arts in Educational Studies. In the conclusion of her graduate thesis entitled, ‘Where is my History?’ – An Examination of the Representation of African-Canadians in the Montreal high school history textbooks, Panoramas volumes 1 & 2, she acknowledges her Grenadian family.
“My grandparents, Sir Carlyle and Norma Glean, have always inspired and encouraged every initiative I have undertaken. Their continuous love and support provided me with the strength needed to complete this research. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude towards my parents, Carlyle and Lavita Glean, as well as my siblings, Carlyle and Andre Glean for continuously supporting me. I would not have succeeded if your love and support were not present throughout my journey.”
She is the Director of the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO), Human Resources and Equity, at the University of Toronto. The university’s vice-president of human resources and equity, Kelly Hannah-Moffet, noted that Glean-Mitchell was “right for the role” of ARCDO director “because of her deep understanding of how racism intersects with different identities and differentially affects members of our community.”
She is the recipient of the 2017 Leadership in Learning Award from the Canadian Association for the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in Higher Education. In September 2016, she established REACTCanada – Race Equity Advisory Consulting & Training, with sessions addressing such issues as human rights, anti-racism, implicit bias and the development of inclusive practices.
Her work in the field of equity and inclusion at post-secondary institutions, including York University and Humber College, has succeeded in advancing discussions on anti-racism efforts.
Carlyle Glean Jr., commenting on his daughter’s latest achievement, said: “Jodie has the God-given gift of exemplary focus, purposed driven. We have no control over awards, but we always knew that she would have excelled in whatever vocation she pursues.”
Like her mother, she is a graduate of St Joseph Convent, Saint George’s.
Jodie is married to Marshall Mitchell from La Tante. They have a three-year old daughter, Madisyn.
