My name is Shari Waldrich, I was born in Montreal, Canada. I am a proud mother of three strong and intelligent young women. Two of them are Lester B. Pearson Alumni and my last will be graduating from a Lester B. Pearson high school this school year.

I have been with the Lester B Pearson school board for over 20 years and have been fortunate to work in several different roles in the adult education sector that involved working with young adults of all walks of life. My current position at the Lester B. Pearson School Board is Administrative Technician, where I manage the marketing dossier and social media outlets for Pearson Electrotechnology Centre and take care of student life/activities and events for the continuing education department-which involves networking and working closely with stakeholders and community organizations. I also oversee and process the financing from the Ministry of Education for Allowances for adults with special needs for the continuing education department of the Lester B. Pearson School Board.

As far as community service, I was on the board of directors for the Black Community Resource Centre, The Black Theatre Workshop and the LaSalle Black Community Resource Centre. I have also coached House league soccer and managed Competitive Soccer for the LaSalle Minor Soccer Association. I am currently a mentor for single parents with an association that supports single parents who are in school and will volunteer my services whenever needed.

I majored in Women’s Studies at Concordia University and to this day continue to advocate for those without a voice. I am honored to be a member of this task force, and I hope that I can help make the difficult conversations comfortable ones, and that the uncomfortable experiences are recognized and acknowledged.