The portfolio of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism at Memorial University is led by Dr. Delores V. Mullings, vice-provost, and supported at this time by four full-time staff members.

Dr. Delores V. Mullings

Dr. Mullings is a member of a large extended family, the mother of two living Black queens, sister, friend and second daughter of Maddah Mullings, her original feminist. She is a full professor, former Interim Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs and Chair in Teaching and Learning at Memorial University, School of Social Work. She is also Memorial University’s inaugural Vice-Provost Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, and the first Black person and only Black woman to hold a senior administrative position at the university. She has demonstrated subject matter expertise in human rights, decoloniality, racial justice and equity leadership in community-based organizations and academic institutions. Her leadership is transformational, collaborative and dedicated to capacity building.

Her interdisciplinary scholarship explores decolonizing post-secondary education, mothering, mental health and wellness, LGBTQ+ concerns, the Black Church, elders, migration and community engagement using critical pedagogies, in particular, anti-Black racism, Africentric theory and critical race theory. Her extraordinary student mentorship has been recognized provincially, nationally and university wide through the President’s Award for Outstanding Teaching (Faculty), YWCA Women of Distinction Award (Education and Mentorship) and 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women Honoree. Dr. Mullings currently provides unpaid expert contribution to various national and provincial associations and institutions.

Dr. Mullings’ current research includes improving COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake among Black Canadians, Black youth mental health after COVID-19, community inclusion in small urban centres, and anti-Black racism in academic institutions. She is the lead editor on Africentric Social Work (Fernwood, 2021) and Black People’s Resilience During COVID-19 (Demeter, 2023). More recently, she has been focused on using a racial justice lens to explore equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, specifically in relation to accessibility and systemic discrimination.

Cherry Ralhan-Khanna

Cherry Ralhan-Khanna began as the program manager for the Office of the Vice-Provost, EDI-AR, in May 2022. This role is her latest in her 15-year career with Memorial University, which has focused on sharing her passion for the university, in particular with prospective students. Prior to her current role she worked with the Office of Public Engagement and the Office of Student Recruitment, but Ms. Ralhan-Khanna has been actively involved at Memorial since she came to the university as an international student from India. For example, she worked as a MUCEP student with the Blundon Centre, volunteered as orientation leader for international students, and was one of Memorial's first student ambassadors. Ms. Ralhan-Khanna completed a Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resources and Recruitment through Memorial University and a Master Certificate in Project Management through York University. In addition to her work with Memorial, Ms. Ralhan-Khanna loves to garden and spend time with her children, and volunteers with Scouts Canada in St. John’s, Feildians Athletics and school activities.

Shazia Shaheen

Shazia Shaheen, who began her career in the social and human development sector 15 years ago, assumed the role of Policy Analyst for the Office of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR) in April 2024. This position represents her latest endeavor, leveraging her extensive experience in both Canada and Pakistan to contribute meaningfully to initiatives promoting equity and inclusion.

Shazia Shaheen is a distinguished advocate for women's rights with extensive experience in feminist and human rights organizations. Her leadership roles within Mumkin: Ending Violence against Women Alliance in Punjab and Ending Gender-Based Violence and Girls in Islamabad were instrumental in advancing significant legislative reforms in Pakistan.

Holding a Certificate in Civil Society Women in Executive Leadership from the University of Queensland, Australia, she is also a Fellow of both the International Visitors Leadership Program and the U.S. Legislative Fellowship Program in the United States. Shaheen recently graduated from Memorial University and completed her Masters in Gender Studies.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Shaheen serves as Treasurer of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, Newfoundland and Labrador (CCMWNL), and is a dedicated Board Member of Feminist PerSiStence Theater (NL). Additionally, she actively contributes to the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (CFNL), Canada. Her research on women in conflict situations, women's inheritance rights and movements for land and fisheries rights has provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in Pakistan. With her project management skills, she has successfully led initiatives promoting women's education, health, gender justice, equity and diversity as Head of the Program at Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO), Pakistan.