In the month of May, Canada celebrated Asian and South Asian Heritage month to acknowledge the long and rich history of Asian and South Asians Canadians and their contributions to Canada. It is an honor to highlight a South Asian immigrant woman who has had a tremendous impact in diverse and various educational landscapes both nationally and internationally. Meet RASHMI SWARUP, the first South Asian woman to serve as a Director of a public school board in Ontario. Rashmi currently serves as Director of Education of the Peel District School Board which is the 2nd largest school district in Canada.
Rashmi came as an immigrant from India to Toronto, 25 years ago. After the initial struggle that all immigrants face, Rashmi was able to get into teaching and leading, which is her professional background. Rashmi recalls that in her first year of teaching in Canada, a grade 11 student said to her, “Miss, you have an accent.” Rashmi responded, “yes I have an accent but so does everyone else”. This made the student think and he responded “ I understand that there is nothing wrong in having an accent”.
Rashmi also remembers the twin girls in her grade 10 class. They used to come to school in their Indian attire, salwar kameez and then would change into halter neck tops and skirts. These girls were trying to fit in, belong and feel accepted. They shared that students would make fun of them when they wore their Indian clothes and with a desire to assimilate, they did not feel proud to wear their Indian attire. Often, we are forced to learn to navigate through two cultures yet always wanting to maintain a deep sense of pride and authenticity to one’s identity.
Rashmi has been an educator in several schools in different cities across 3 countries – India, Saudi Arabia and Canada. As an immigrant looking for a job, there were unforeseen hurdles that she faced – that she was overqualified or that she did not have Canadian experience. Looking back on those years with humility, she understands and respects all immigrant parents and families who strive to enter the workplace at positions they are qualified for and are often met with hardships in their pursuit towards employment.
Over the years, Rashmi’s career led her from the classroom, to curriculum leadership in TDSB – largest board in Canada, to Vice-Principal, Principal and Superintendent of Education in York Region (the 3rd largest school board in Canada). Following that, she served as the Vice President of Digital Learning at TVO where she led digital learning and education partnerships across the province. Rashmi is a TED Ed Innovative Educator, an award-winning transformational leader, educator, student success advocate and community collaborator. She has participated in a number of panel discussions on dismantling systems of oppression and infusing equity into the foundation of education systems.
Rashmi was hired as Director of Education in the Peel District School Board in 2021 during a pivotal time for the board. Rashmi remains committed to continuing the work of dismantling all forms of oppression, racism, and systemic inequities that impact well-being, achievement and opportunities for all staff, students and families, especially Black, Indigenous and racialized students. She is focused on closing achievement gaps, well-being and ensuring positive schooling experiences for all students. Rashmi’s leadership has been about leading the school board with a clear vision and goals. This has involved establishing structures and practices that will create the conditions for all students to be successful and chart their future trajectory.
“Connection, Care and Commitment” are the words that embody Rashmi’s leadership philosophy, which is modeled through her actions and conversations with schools, departments, students, staff and communities. Rashmi takes the time to meet with students, staff, parents and community partners to hear their perspectives. She has a warm and caring personality which is key to influencing change and making a difference. For her, care includes balancing support with pressure and nurturing high expectations. She influences school and system leaders through putting her belief into practice that we are here first to serve the students and the community. As Director and life-long learner, Rashmi demonstrates transparency in leadership and holds herself to the same kind of accountability and commitment, which she expects from others.
Exploring our roots leads us on a journey that teaches us to appreciate and embrace heritages. As a settler, it is important for me to recognize that this land is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and to recognize the benefits we all receive from this land.
Rashmi’s lived experiences as a racialized, immigrant, South Asian woman for whom English is a second language, have meant that she has had to navigate inequities, and this has ignited her desire and commitment to make real change. Rashmi expresses, “While my personal lived experiences may be different, they have strengthened my commitment to closing gaps, and focusing on the well-being and achievement for all students. As Director of Education, I bring an unwavering commitment and conscious mindfulness to be there for every student, school, and parent in every way I can”.