Shelly Khushal
Dr. Shezadi (Shelly) Khushal is a scholar-practitioner, human rights leader, and social justice advocate committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and human rights within educational and organizational systems. As a Human Rights Officer in one of Ontario's largest public school boards, Shelly conducts human rights investigations and equity-centred learning for leaders, educators, and staff. Her work focuses on translating human rights principles into meaningful institutional change and accountability.
She is the founder of the University of Toronto Human Rights and Equity Symposium (now entering its fifth year), an interdisciplinary forum that brings together scholars, practitioners, students, and community leaders to address pressing issues in human rights, anti-racism, accessibility, and equity.
Shelly has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership and contributions to human rights, social justice and DEI, including the Women Empowerment Award for Diversity, Equality & Inclusivity, the Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize, and the Humanitarian and Social Justice Award. Most recently, she was named 2026 Top Trailblazer to Watch.
She is the founder of the University of Toronto Human Rights and Equity Symposium (now entering its fifth year), an interdisciplinary forum that brings together scholars, practitioners, students, and community leaders to address pressing issues in human rights, anti-racism, accessibility, and equity.
Shelly has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership and contributions to human rights, social justice and DEI, including the Women Empowerment Award for Diversity, Equality & Inclusivity, the Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize, and the Humanitarian and Social Justice Award. Most recently, she was named 2026 Top Trailblazer to Watch.
