1. Nadeen El-Kassem nadeen.elkassem@gmail.com, 416-820-6058
@loveandstruggle Nadeen El-Kassem
Profile
Proven leader in community outreach and advocacy, arts innovation, and diversity. Identified as an effective
mediator able to resolve conflicts and ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard. Demonstrated ability
to bring together communities and professionals to engage in skills sharing, innovative projects and joint
ventures. Manager of people and facilities in multiple locations, and under diverse conditions.
Experience
Management
Experience in managing a diverse group of people and a number of facilities to ensure smooth functioning of
organization while minimizing potential conflicts.
At Little Lemurs Parenting Collective
As Founder and Coordinator, December 2011-August 2015
Scouted potential locations for childcare
Ensured that safety and sanitation standards were met and maintained
Scheduled childcare workers and dealt with last minute changes
Collected and maintained necessary documentation to ensure ease of communication and access to critical
information
Diffused conflicts and reinforced positive communication and a collective decision-making style
Ensured the needs of all children and workers were met and maintained
At Basics Community News Service
As Managing Editor, September 2007-July 2014
Sourced and researched possible content for website, radio show and newspaper
Solicited articles from staff writers, community members and stakeholders
Edited contributions for vision consistency and copy
Managed and kept track of equipment library, including computers, digital cameras and projectors
At Toronto District School Board
As Teacher, March 2009-March 2014
Managed a classroom of 25-30 students to ensure that diverse and sometimes conflicting needs were met
Managed and assisted in the resolution of conflicts
Ensured the cleanliness and organization of my classroom
Created an inclusive environment that reflected the diversity of the members of the classroom community
Collaborated with teachers and administration to enforce a safe school environment, make sure that the needs
of students were being met, and to create a welcoming school environment
Collaborated with TDSB central staff and community organizations to offer relevant programming to staff and
students
Outreached to community stakeholders to collaborate on projects with students, hold events, workshops and
courses for students and staff
Member of Staffing Committee from 2010-2013
At Elementary Teachers of Toronto

2. 2
As a Union Steward, September 2011-June 2013
Liaised between Executive Officer and school teacher staff
Held meetings and communicated important information
Met regularly with the administration as a representative of teaching staff
Resolved conflicts between staff and administration and made referrals to the relevant authorities for further
action where necessary
Ensured that relevant documents and communications were distributed
Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion
Worked hard to ensure that the needs, priorities and visions of diverse groups of people were recognized,
understood and reflected in the workplace, community spaces and in publications. Organized and delivered
trainings and workshops in partnership with field experts on relevant topics such as LGBTQ identity, the urban
indigenous community, and issues facing women and people of colour. Advocated on behalf of persecuted
ethnic minorities. Conducted extensive research, wrote and presented papers on diverse communities. Lead
and organized campaigns.
At Toronto District School Board
As Teacher, March 2009-March 2014
Presented multiple successful proposals to the administration to bring in experts and community members to
deliver workshops and training to staff on various issues of diversity and equity
Advocated on behalf of staff with diverse needs around issues of accessibility and equity as union steward
Organized workshops and planned lessons for students with a perspective informed by diversity, equity,
accessibility, and inclusion.
At Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
As Research Assistant and PhD candidate, September 2006-September 2008
Researched women in conflict zones; war and access to education
Wrote and delivered papers on women and war at conferences worldwide
At Kurdish Human Rights Project (UK)
As Legal Intern and Researcher, September 2005-June 2006
Researched issues facing Kurdish women; Prepared feasibility reports; represented organization at multiple
conferences
At Cinéfranco French Film Festival
As programmer, marketing and fundraising assistant, September 1999-September 2005
Ensured that the festival content reflected the diversity of “la francophonie”
Assisted in the marketing of the festival to diverse communities to ensure festival reach and accessibility
Arts and Culture
Practicing visual artist and artisan working with textile and wood to create functional and wearable art such as
shoes, furniture and household objects. Worked in diverse artistic fields including film, radio, visual arts,
performance, and music. Accomplished flamenco and hip-hop dancer, vocalist.
At Workman Arts
As Member Artist, February 2016-present

3. 3
Participates in Member Artist showcases
Collaborates with other artists
Participates in courses in diverse artistic fields to expand knowledge and artistic practice
At Cinéfranco
As Programmer, September 1999-September 2005
Viewed and selected film submissions to be shown at the festival
Communicated with production companies and film makers
Coordinated soft-titling when necessary
At Basics Community News Service
As Radio Host, September 2008-September 2009
Curated and presented content including music with a focus on local artists, arts and culture news pieces, and
conducted interviews
Event Planning and Management
Planned and executed major events such as launch parties, dances, fieldtrips.
At Cinéfranco French Film Festival
As Executive Assistant, September 1999-September 2005
Sourced venues for launch parties and film screenings
Organized collaborations with other organizations such as joint screenings and speaking engagements
Managed guest lists and communicated with guests including politicians, film makers, industry leaders, and
actors
Ensured the smooth functioning of events by communicating with venue staff and event volunteers
At Basics Community News Service
As Event Planner, September 2007-September 2014
Organized large concerts including outreach to local and international artists
Sources venues for a variety of events including concerts, public speaking engagements and rallies
At Toronto District School Board
As Teacher, March 2009-March 2014
Organized field trips and events for students
Community Outreach and Advocacy
Lead, organized and participated in campaigns. Connected diverse stakeholders and organizations to
collaborate.
At Basics Community News Service
As lead organizer, September 2007-September 2014
Lead, participated and organized campaigns with a focus on youth in various Toronto neighbourhoods
including Regent Park
At Workman Arts
As Member Artist, February 2016-present

4. 4
Mental health advocate
Marketing and Fundraising
At Cinefranco
As Assistant Marketing and Fundraising, September 1999-September 2005
Developed literature, promotional materials, press releases, film summaries. Worked with festival sponsors to
achieve budget goals from year to year
Education
Degrees and Diplomas
Bachelor of Education, Inner-City Option, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
2nd year Doctoral Student (lapsed), Adult Education and Comparative International and Development
Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
Advanced MA, Gender Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, London, UK
Honours Bachelors of Arts and Sciences with High Distinction, University of Toronto at Trinity College, Specialist
in Peace and Conflict Studies
Diplôme du Programme International du Premier Cycle, Institut des études politiques (Sciences-Po), Paris,
France
Courses and Professional Development
Visual Arts
Unconventional Embroidery, Workman Arts
Mixed Media, Toronto District School Board Continuing Education
Funding Access Seminar, Workman Arts
Technology
Introduction to D2L; D2L Part II: online training and education delivery tool, TDSB
Everything Technology Workshop: Focus on Smart Board, TDSB
Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion
Aboriginal Perspectives: incorporating Aboriginal perspectives into all aspects of the curriculum, TDSB
Beyond the Breakfast Program: how to address issues facing students living in poverty, ETFO
M.I. Lead Training: learning styles, Learning Link
References available upon request