Biography

Surranna Sandy, BA, MA, MBA, ALM

Planet. People. Prosperity. Peace. Partnership + Books, always books.


Surranna Sandy is the Chief Executive Officer of Skills for Change (SfC), a registered charity serving 20,000 Immigrants, Refugees, and underserved groups across Canada annually. In her role, she is committed to bridging the gap between potential and opportunities for Skills for Change’s clients' success. Recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts in this endeavour, she is committed to creating partnerships and fostering a supportive organizational culture that aligns with and amplifies this mission.

 

 

Education 

  • Master of Liberal Arts in Global Development Practice (Harvard University)
  • Public Leadership Credential, in progress (Harvard Kennedy School of Government)
  • Master of Arts in Leadership and Management (Anglia Ruskin University)
  • MBA in Human Resources Management (University of Wales)
  • Hons Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management (Northumbria University)
  • Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration (University of Western Ontario)
  • Diploma in HR Management
  • Certificate in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management (Harvard University)
  • Certificate In Human Resources Management (Toronto Metropolitan) 

In progress Education

 

  • Public Leadership Credential, in progress (Harvard Kennedy School)

 

Community Service Awards

  • Canada 150 Good Neighbour Award, Federal Government of Canada
  • Women of Distinction Award, Jamacia Canadian Association
  • Community Leadership, Dancing Damsels
  • 100 Black Canadian Women to Watch
  • 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women Award

 

Current Board Membership

  • Board Member, Director of Civic Engagement, Harvard Alumni for Global Development 
  • Board Member, Toronto Arts Foundation
  • Chair, Communications Committee International Women’s Forum of Canada, Toronto Chapter
  • Board Chair, Black Human Resources Professionals of Canada

 

Current Committees & Advisory

  • Advisor for the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience
  • Volunteer Consultant for the Africa Bridge Network
  • Member, National Advocacy Campaign Steering, CERIC. 2022-present
  • Committee Member, LMIC-Future Skills Centre Career Development Stakeholder Committee
  • Advisory Committee Member, Jossor Project (Immigrant Women Project) Arab Community Centre of Toronto
  • Co-Chair Board Journey 360 International Women’s Forum, Toronto Chapter

 

Prior Board & Community Work

  • Completed a 2.5-year term on the City of Toronto’s Anti-Black Racism Partnership and Accountability Circle.
  • Co-chair the Global Task Force on Environmental Action on the Master's in Development Practice Students and Alumni
  • Former Board Chair of the Toronto Workforce Innovation Group (one of Ontario’s 26 Workforce Planning Boards)
  • Former Board Member of First Work, Ontario’s Youth Employment Assistant Centers
  • Former Advisory Committee of the Ontario Nonprofit Network’s Decent Work for Women project
  • Former Steering Committee Member for the Consortium of Agencies Serving Immigrants