Michelle Farrell is an experienced mediator, human rights lawyer and workplace investigator, having been called to the bars of Ontario and New York. She has maintained a thriving practice in mediation and dispute resolution and regularly advises academic and educational institutions on a wide range of human rights issues. 

Michelle recently served as the Human Rights and Equity Advisor to the York Catholic District School Board, where she administered the board’s equity, diversity and inclusion strategy, and oversaw the resolution of human rights complaints among staff and community stakeholders. In this role, Michelle provided leadership and strategic direction for the implementation of equitable and inclusive education in schools. She cultivated a culture of respect and provided guidance to the Board of Trustees and senior administrators on several high profile community matters. She also served on the Steering Committee for the development of the 2020-2025 Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy for the York Region District School Board, having worked in collaboration with members of the Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators. 

In a previous role, Michelle served as the Advisor on Race Relations to the President and CEO of Trillium Health Partners, a leading hospital system catering to a diverse community in Mississauga. She also served as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Ethics with the Ontario Provincial Police where she provided strategic advice, expertise and recommendations to the executive on matters including training and education, human rights and policy development. As part of her mandate, she was tasked with developing and fostering effective relationships with both external organizations and community members. Prior to that, Michelle served as Counsel and the first Ethics and Equity Advisor to the Chief of the Toronto Police Service. 

Michelle is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and the University of Ottawa Law School. She is also a faculty member for the Osgoode Certificate Program in Human Rights Law for Education Professionals and regularly participates in numerous workshops and conferences on human rights and equity in the education sector.