DC employee receives 2019 Madiba Award

Durham College (DC) is proud to congratulate Allison Hector-Alexander, director of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions at the college, on her receipt of the 2019 Madiba Award presented February 2 at the Annual Durham Black History Month Celebration in Ajax. This auspicious award recognizes a community leader of African ancestry in Durham Region who embodies Nelson Mandela’s values, visions and commitment to overcoming barriers.

At DC, Allison is an advocate of students and employees alike. Her influence on campus is extensive. She developed the college’s policy, training and programming to support DC’s sexual violence mandate, was the driving force behind the creation of all-gender washrooms on campus and led the college in launching the Black Student Success Network, an initiative that provides opportunities for mentoring, networking and overall support to Black students. In addition to being honoured with the Madiba Award, Allison has also been recognized as a champion by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PLFAG) Canada Durham Region and received the Diversity Champion Award from the Local Diversity & Immigration Partnership Council.

Her influence goes beyond the walls of DC. She has been instrumental in bringing to life the Black History Month Professional and Mentorship Development Day in partnership with the Congress of Black Women for Black students in college and high schools. Recently, Allison led the creation of access, transitions and retention programming for community members who may be considering pursuing higher education but may be facing multiple barriers. She is known to advocate for women who are survivors of abuse and developed and facilitated skills programs to assist them from violence to independence. She has worked with a wide range of clients including at-risk and street-involved youth, Ontario Works recipients and new immigrants.

At DC, Allison oversees the college’s diversity and inclusion services, the First People’s Indigenous Centre, the Ontario Access and Inclusion program, the Health Promotions Strategy and all orientation and transitions programming for new students.