Racial Justice

Kevin Cadore is a proud member of CUPE Local 2331, representing York Catholic District School Board Education Workers. He serves on the School Board’s Human Rights, Equity, and Accountability Committee, is Co-Chair of the CUPE Ontario Racial Justice Committee, and sits on the OSBCU Equity Advisory Committee.

Kevin’s commitment to equity and human rights began in the early 2000s as a Child and Youth Worker in a group home for young males. There, he witnessed firsthand the racial discrimination faced by Black and Indigenous youth and chose to speak out against it, an experience which fueled his lifelong fight to dismantle racism, empower marginalized voices, and challenge white supremacy.

As a union leader, Kevin works to bring awareness to the systemic barriers faced daily by the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) and LGBTQIA2S+ community, with the belief that no one should ever need to apologize for existing. Kevin champions true allyship rooted in action, accountability, and solidarity, as a lifelong commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice in our unions, workplaces, and communities.

Herbeisha Williams (she/her) is a passionate and dedicated Communications Clerk in the I.T. department at Markham Stouffville Hospital, where she proudly represents CUPE Local 3651 as the Equity, Equality, and Diversity Chair. With a strong commitment to social justice, Herbeisha serves as a Communications Chair for the CUPE Young Ontario Workers Committee and Recording Secretary for the CUPE Ontario Racial Justice Committee.

Deeply involved in fostering inclusivity within her hospital, Herbeisha actively participates in the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, and its subcommittees: the Network of Black Employees and the Pride Committee. Co-Leading the Community of Inclusion initiative, a groundbreaking project spearheaded by her hospital’s Pride Committee to strengthen belonging across the organization. In 2025, she proudly graduated from the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Program, an accomplishment that highlights her dedication to growth, leadership, and representation in equity work.

Herbeisha’s community involvement stems from a deep commitment to “being the change she wishes to see in the world”. Her efforts focus on “making sure that no one ever feels excluded”.

Juanita Forde is a member of local 2191, Developmental Services. She is also the Chair of Social Service Workers Coordinating Committee (SSWCC), and a current member of the Racial Justice Committee.

Joy Davis is a Steward Coordinator with Toronto Education Workers (CUPE Local 4400) and a 2024 Honouree of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women. A dedicated labour and community activist, Joy serves as the Communications Chair of CUPE Ontario’s Racial Justice Committee and actively supports the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.

Passionate about equity, youth empowerment, and workers’ rights, Joy has co-facilitated CUPE workshops on Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, and Building Confidence to Speak Up. Joy founded the Girls to Women Club to mentor young women, supports shelters for women and the unhoused, and partners with Eastview Community Centre to uplift seniors.

Guided by her mantra “Say what you mean and mean what you say”; Joy exemplifies service, resilience, and the belief that action is our greatest strength.

Melinda McClean (she/her) is a dedicated Registered Social Worker with extensive experience in the Social Services sector. She proudly serves as a Health and Safety Representative for her local and holds a seat on the Executive Board. Beyond her local work, Melinda is an active member of several CUPE Ontario committees, including Health and Safety, Social Services, Toronto District Council, and Racial Justice. She is also a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and a proud graduate of CUPE’s Women in Leadership Development (WILD) program.

Guided by her principle, “Rooted in resilience, grounded in advocacy,” Melinda has built a career centered on empowering others and creating systemic change. This guiding belief has shaped both her professional practice and her community involvement, driving her commitment to equity, justice, and meaningful leadership.

In her role as a Health and Safety Representative, Melinda champions the well-being of workers by ensuring safe, healthy, and supportive environments for members and the clients they serve. She continues to advocate for anti-racism and inclusion within the labour movement while actively working to disrupt injustice in society.

Xolisiwe “Connie” Ndlovu came to Canada as a refugee from South Africa in 2001, carrying with her a fierce commitment to equity, racial, and social justice. As a fearless union feminist and activist, Connie dedicates her life to fighting anti-Black racism and building inclusive communities where the contributions of Black, Indigenous, and racialized people are recognized, celebrated, and valued.

As President of CUPE Local 7797 and an executive member of the CUPE Ontario Racial Justice Committee, Connie leads with courage and conviction. She challenges white supremacy wherever it exists, ensuring that all members, especially those who are marginalized, have a voice, are seen, and are empowered within the union and beyond. On the CUPE Ontario HCWCC Committee, she champions the rights of Homecare PSWs, predominantly Black immigrant women, advocating for fair wages, dignity at work, and protection from precarious conditions.

Connie’s work embodies the power of courage, solidarity, and collective action. She knows that lasting change demands fearlessness, persistence, and the strength of allies standing shoulder to shoulder in the fight for justice. As Connie puts it “White supremacy exists everywhere and to win our fight to achieve racial justice and equity for black, indigenous and racialized workers, we must be fearless and invite our allies to the line. Together we are Stronger! Amandla Ngawethu!”

Brianna Plummer is a communications specialist at Toronto Community Housing and has over eight years of experience specializing in digital and internal communications across multiple sectors, including social housing and urban planning. Outside her work as a communicator, she is very engaged in social activism and interested in equity, diversity and inclusion. Brianna is currently one of the hosts of CUPE Cast. At the local, she is an Executive Board Member and at the provincial level, she serves as a Member at Large at CUPE Ontario’s Executive Board and a member of CUPE Ontario’s Racial Justice and Women committees.