Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager
Shad 2026: Application deadline: Dec 1, 2025 – APPLY NOW!
Shad 2026: Application deadline: Dec 1, 2025 – APPLY NOW!
For over 45 years
Shad has been equipping Canada’s brightest young minds with the skills, confidence, and networks to lead in an ever-evolving world. With over 23,000 alumni, Shad’s impact extends far beyond individual students—it reverberates into communities, industries, and society.
Shad isn’t just a program—it’s a lifelong network of changemakers. As alumni mentor the next generation, collaborate across industries, and bring bold ideas to life, their impact continues to grow. Investing in Shad is investing in a future where curiosity, leadership, and innovation build a stronger Canada.
The results speak for themselves:
93%
of Shad participants
recommend Shad
91%
of Shad participants
report improved critical thinking
86%
of Shad participants
feel better equipped to solve tough problems
90%
of Shad participants
say Shad enhanced their communication abilities
After 44 years the Shad network continues to grow:
23,000+
Shad alumni between 15-61 years
54
Conutries representing Shad alumni
are in post-secondary / graduate education and starting careers
have established careers in a variety of STEAM professions
Meet some of our Shad Alumni
Shad alumni’s passions, projects and careers are strikingly diverse but are united by a commitment to challenging conventions, exploring new ideas, and creating solutions that make Canada, and the world, a better place.
Are you Alumni?
We want to hear from you. Share your stories, ideas and ways you’d like to leverage or give back to the Shad community. We always have time for you.
Recent news & stories
What Parents Are Saying About Shad
Parents consistently describe Shad as more than just a summer program—it’s a transformational experience that has a lasting impact on their children’s lives. Many share that their child returned from Shad more confident, curious, and driven, with a broader perspective on the world and a deeper sense of purpose.Parents note that the experience inspires their children to look beyond traditional career paths and think deeply about how they can contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world. The growth they witness isn’t just short-term—it continues to influence their children’s decisions, goals, and values long after the summer ends.In the words of many parents: Shad doesn’t just prepare students for the future of work—it helps them become thoughtful, capable, and compassionate leaders for the future of our world.
93%
of Shad parents said
Shad increased their child’s confidence
83%
of Shad parents said
Shad influenced their child’s post-secondary pathway
98%
of Shad parents said
Shad helped their child communicate more effectively
“I think the lasting impression is that Shad is the stepping stone…Shad is the link between this high school mindset versus preparation for university, preparation for life”
Melissa
Shad Parent, Ontario
“Kids don’t park their brains over the summer. So, it’s just a great opportunity to allow them to continue to expose themselves to different perspectives, knowledge areas and content experts that are going to be able to stimulate them.”
Darin
Shad Parent, Ontario
“I think Shad was just a step out of ordinary life and a chance for something new and inspiring.”
Christina
Shad Parent, Ontario
419-A Phillip Street
Waterloo, ON N2L 3X2, Canada
t: 519-884-8844 | f: 519-884-0665 | e: info@shad.ca
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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.