Carolyn Tanner

Carolyn Tanner is the current Human Rights and Equity Advisor at Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Carolyn has over 20 years of experience working in the human rights field, with a focus on counter-trafficking in persons.

Carolyn started their career as a research assistant at Winrock International, where they worked for two years before becoming the Chief of Party for Counter Trafficking in Persons. In this role, they oversaw a $14 million program that aimed to increase collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector to prevent, protect and prosecute human trafficking.

Carolyn then became self-employed, working with various national and international organizations on human rights issues. In 2017, they returned to Winrock International as the Chief of Party for Counter Trafficking in Persons. In this role, they were responsible for leading the program, providing strategic direction and technical oversight to activities, coordinating with various stakeholders and overseeing research grants.

Carolyn has also been actively involved in advocacy work, supporting various civil society organizations to engage in policy work at the national and international level. In their current role as Human Rights and Equity Advisor, they provide advice and support to the school board on equity and inclusion issues.

Carolyn Tanner completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and Health from Queen's University before going on to complete a Juris Doctor in Law from Western University.

Their manager is Camille Williams-Taylor, Director of Education & Secretary of the Board. They are on a team with Peter Symmonds - Superintendent of Learning Support Services, Shawn Lehman - Superintendent of Instruction, and Michele Giroux - Executive Officer of Corporate Services.