NAC hires its first director of diversity and inclusion

by Lynn Saxberg

May 03, 2021  

Ottawa resident Germaine Chazou-Essindi has been hired as the National Arts Centre's first director of diversity and inclusion.
Ottawa resident Germaine Chazou-Essindi has been hired as the National Arts Centre’s first director of diversity and inclusion. PHOTO BY COURTESY NAC /National Arts Centre

Ottawa resident Germaine Chazou-Essindi starts a new job this week as the National Arts Centre’s first director of diversity and inclusion. 

Chazou-Essindi is described by the NAC as an accomplished leader, with more than 15 years of experience managing grant and contribution programs in the federal government. Her most recent position was serving as director of national policy, programs and partnerships at the department of Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), where she was responsible for more than 150 projects involving diverse communities.

NAC president and CEO Christopher Deacon said Chazou-Essindi’s experience and skills will “help us create a more welcoming and respectful space for all,” in keeping with the priorities laid out in the institution’s most recent strategic plan. 

In the statement, Chazou-Essindi said she is keen to continue the work of advancing inclusion at the NAC. 

“In order to move forward, all of us must equip ourselves with knowledge and tools and then take action together to address the barriers and disadvantages faced by diverse communities,” she said.

Source: Ottawa Citizen