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 three full-time staff members.

Dr. Delores V. Mullings
Vice-Provost

Personal Profile

Dr. Delores V. Mullings is Memorial University of Newfoundland’s first Black senior administrator and first Vice Provost of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism. Her award-winning work as an engaging and challenging professor in the School of Social Work is recognized inside the institution and nationally. Accordingly, she has earned the YWCA Women of Distinction Award (Education and Mentorship), the President’s Award for Outstanding Teaching (Faculty), was appointed Chair in Teaching and Learning in a competitive process in the School of Social Work, and was a 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women honouree.

Her interdisciplinary scholarship explores decolonizing post-secondary education, mental health and wellness, LGBTQ+ concerns, the Black Church, aging, migration, and community engagement. Additionally, Dr. Mullings’ scholarship includes mothering and parenting using critical pedagogies such as anti-Black racism, Africentric theory, and critical race theory. Presently, she is focusing on using a racial justice lens to explore equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. In particular, she investigates these themes about accessibility and systemic discrimination.

Dr. Mullings’ strong history of community engaged scholarship informs her teaching strategies. She participates in community collaboration, supports students in community service-learning projects, and partners with interdisciplinary scholars nationally and internationally. Her innate love for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning is exemplified in her decolonized, learner-centric, community-engaged approach. She employs this by integrating a variety of teaching and learning pedagogies. As a result, she challenges and engages learners in ways that respect their knowledge, life experiences, agency, and differing social locations.

Cherry Ralhan-Khanna
Program Manager

Personal Profile

Cherry Ralhan-Khanna has been the program manager for the Office of Vice-Provost, EDI-AR, since 2022. She has been with Memorial University for 15 years and is focused on sharing her passion for the university, in particular with prospective students. Ms. Ralhan-Khanna has previously worked with the Office of Public Engagement and the Office of Student Recruitment, but she 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
Policy Analyst 

Personal Profile

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, 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.