The University of Guelph has been privileged to benefit from its affiliation with Dr. Mary Anne Chambers. She sat as a member of the University’s Board of Governors from 2010-2016 and now sits on the external advisory board of the Guelph Institute of Development Studies (GIDS) and acts as the external advisory board member for the GIDS Anti-Racism Working Group.
Chambers retired from her position as a senior vice-president with Scotiabank in 2002. She went on to serve as Ontario's Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and then as Minister of Children and Youth Services.
Resilience Leads to Success
After emigrating to Canada from Jamaica with her husband and two young sons in 1976, Chambers started working as a programmer/analyst with Scotiabank.
She recalls a colleague telling her not to be disappointed if she did not progress far within the bank, because she had so much stacked against her.
“Like what?” Mary Anne asked.
“Well you’re a woman, you are Black, you are not Canadian Born, you are Jamaican, you are married, you are a mother and you are a Roman Catholic,” her coworker responded.
Due to Chambers resilience and consistently high performance, she went on to be one of Scotiabank’s youngest vice-presidents in history just 12 years later.
In a recent panel discussion as part of GIDS World in 2030 Speaker Series, Chambers spoke about this and other experiences with systemic racism [1] in Canada.
Aiding Access to Education
Access to education has long been a passionate subject for Chambers.
"A post-secondary education is often the critical turning point in the life of a young person,” said Chambers. “It is the difference between despair and hope, and the opportunity to replace barriers with success. It is also an investment that builds resilience in both individuals and communities.”
Recently, Chambers decided to set up an entrance bursary [2] with the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences (CSAHS) that would be awarded to a Black student.
"There is no shortage of talent, potential or ambition among Black students,” said Chambers. “I am simply trying to lessen the significant economic disadvantage that too many of them face. A commitment to equity requires us to step forward to share our privilege with others so that together we can help to make our society stronger.”
"[The award] has had a significant impact on my life and education," said Danayt Hibtzghi, recipient of the Mary Anne Chambers entrance bursary. "I was finally able to reduce my working hours and focus on my studying. Upon graduation, I plan to apply to law school and pursue my dream job of being one of the top lawyers in the country, assisting individuals in obtaining equal treatment under the law."
