Dr. Vicki Bismilla

EDUCATION

Born in South Africa, Dr. Vicki Bismilla is no stranger to the nation’s anti-apartheid movement or to the principals of social equity. Her childhood memories include Nelson Mandela visiting her family’s Durban home, discussing plans for the African National Congress.

After graduating from the University of South Africa with an English literature and drama degree, Bismilla and her husband fled apartheid and came to Canada in 1970.

She took menial jobs to pay for teacher’s college and began teaching in Scarborough in 1972. She also completed her honours degree in English literature.

Bismilla spent 18 years with the Scarborough Board of Education, working in multicultural classrooms and rising through the ranks. She spent nine years as a principal, before becoming superintendent of education for the York Region District School Board, where she initiated 20 equity programs and committees, forming an infrastructure that continues today.

In 2005, Bismilla joined Centennial College as Vice- President Academic and Chief Learning Officer. In 2010 she completed her doctoral studies in second language education, to benefit ESL college students. Dr. Vicki Bismilla is an advocate of giving back to the community and she’s currently a board member for The Scarborough Hospital.