Jarred Sanchez Cacnio joined the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) in August 2022. They come with eight years of full-time work experience managing, developing, and successfully implementing, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) programs at Air Canada, the University of Guelph, and Ontario Tech University.
As Manager of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Air Canada, Jarred developed new processes, initiatives, and training on EDI, aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for customers and for Air Canada’s 30,000 employees located around the world.
From 2018 to December 2021, Jarred was Sexual and Gender Diversity Advisor for the University of Guelph. In this capacity they developed and delivered educational workshops and training activities for professional staff, faculty, and students to support LGBTQ2IA+ student success and provided counselling support to LGBTQ2IA+ individuals experiencing discrimination.
While they were Equity and Inclusion Advisor (2015 to 2018) with the Ontario Tech University, Jarred was responsible for developing a new training certificate program (RISE Program) which focused on a global understanding of diversity and best practices in anti-racism, gender equity, sexual violence prevention, and more. They also co-developed the university’s Student Sexual Violence Policy and Procedures, aligning with Bill 132 and principles of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Jarred has been a dancer since their youth and taught voguing classes in Guelph prior to the pandemic.
Jarred holds a Master of Education in Sustainability, Creativity, and Innovation from Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia.