Skip to main content

Student Life Events at St. George

Navigating Disability & Work: Alumni Panel

Mar 29, 2023 01:30 PM to 03:00 PM

Registration Deadline: Mar 29, 2023 04:16 PM

Navigating Disability & Work: Alumni Stories
During this panel, you will hear from University of Toronto alumni who are working and thriving with a disability. This session will help you:

  • Learn about what it is like to navigate disability and work.
  • Consider how you may approach disclosure and accommodation.
The Panelists who are joining us are:

Ali Kazmi - Researcher. Academy for Sustainable Innovation and the Inclusive Design Research Centre - OCAD University
Ali Kazmi is a researcher for both the Academy for Sustainable Innovation and the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University in Ontario. Ali's research focus is on the development of accessible and robust online education platforms, with an emphasis on micro-credentialing, industry alignment, and formal accreditation. In past projects, he has developed online learning badges for the Inclusive Design Research Centre's We Count Project, which enable earners to showcase their proficiency in the growing fields of AI, data systems and inclusive data practices as well as other skills. As a former staff member and user of the University of Toronto's Accessibility Services, Ali strives to keep his research and professional contributions connected to EDDI (Equity, Diversity, Decolonization, Inclusion) principles and advocacy to better serve persons with disabilities and other communities on the margins.

Phoebe Lam, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition, MaRS Discovery District
Phoebe Lam is an experienced Talent Acquisition professional, with years of experience in recruiting top talent for companies like Kraft Heinz Canada, Huawei Technologies, and IG Financial. Currently working at MaRS Discovery District, Phoebe leads talent acquisition, campus recruitment, and employee onboarding. Phoebe's expertise lies in her ability to understand the needs of both the organization and the candidates, by creating a safe and inclusive space for all. She has a unique ability to connect with people and identify their strengths, making her an excellent judge of character. Outside of work, Phoebe enjoys cooking, trying new foods and experience, and spending time with her dog, Peanut.

Alex Lu - Senior Researcher at Microsoft Research New England
Alex Lu (he/his) is a Senior Researcher at Microsoft Research New England, where he leads a research program understanding how machine learning can be used to empower biological discoveries. He previously did a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Toronto. Alex is Deaf and uses ASL-English interpreters in his daily working life, and is passionate about supporting other disabled people through higher education, in academia, and in industry.
 
This event is co-hosted by Accessibility Services and Career Exploration & Education and is catered to students who self-identify as living with a disability. Students from U of T, UTSC, and UTM are welcomed! 

What you need to know.
• Ensure you register! Registration will provide you with the link and instructions for accessing the online session.
• Prepare by reviewing the Tip Sheet for Joining Zoom meetings  
• Arrive on time (or early). Events start on time and you may be denied entry after the start time.
• If you can no longer attend, please cancel your registration to allow others to participate.
• If there is additional capacity, waitlisted individuals will be notified via email prior to the start of the session.
• Only University of Toronto students and recent alumni (within the past two years) are eligible to attend.

If you require disability-related accommodations for an event or workshop, please e-mail us at careercentre@mail.careers.utoronto.ca