Deepika Mishra

Why is Deepika Mishra the right candidate to become Avon Maitland District School Board Trustee in the City of Stratford, Ontario?

I am a mother, sister, wife, and professional living in Stratford, I have a personal investment in what goes on here.

I am an Engineer with a MBA degree and over 20 years of both corporate and non for profit experience spread over two continents. I currently work as a Sr. Program Manager at Communitech helping early stage start-up and scale-up companies grow from an idea to billion dollar enterprises. We support them by providing them with coaching, access to funds and training to help them achieve their goals.

I have three years experience working with the KWBS School Board (as the Secretary of the board for the last one year). I have also volunteered on the school council for most of the schools my kids studied in and have a good understanding of how schools function and the challenges that they face.

The last two years have changed the way things are done in today’s society and this means bringing that change in the school system to better prepare the students for their future. This involves understanding where we are and where we need to be in the next few years, creating a plan for the future and identifying the resources needed to achieve it and putting the plan in action. This is only achievable if we hear what the students, parents, teachers and the community have to say and work with them to create a plan for the future while addressing the requirements of today.

If elected, my primary agenda will be to help improve the school and community environment for children in any way I can. My experience on the school board has a deep understanding of the inner workings of the board and I promise to be a well-informed link between them and their community members; listening closely to peers and striving to take effective action.

I am a firm believer that if you want to make an impact, it is important to speak up and ensure your voice is heard. I am ready to amplify the voices of children, parents, and teachers who want to build a better learning environment within our school board.

1. What will be your unique contribution as school board trustee?

I am a firm believer that if you want to make an impact, it is important to speak up and ensure your voice is heard. I am ready to amplify the voices of children, parents, and teachers who want to build a better learning environment within our school board.

2. How will you encourage schools in the board to respond to climate change?

Climate change is an ongoing challenge which all of us face irrespective of where we live and which community we are part of. Some ways of addressing the challenge are having a robust reduce, recycle and reuse program, investing in alternative sources of energy and educating the community about them. Additionally, working closely with some of the lead agencies in the region who do pioneering work in addressing climate change and encouraging schools to have programs in partnership with these agencies to spread awareness. Our schools do a good job of educating students about climate change and we need to...[]

3. How would you support student lead projects?

In my day job, I help founders create their dreams into reality by supporting them to find the right resources and opportunities to grow. I want to bring the same experience to help high school students find the right career opportunities to grow and develop. There are multiple government and private grants and projects which students can participate in and learn. Getting local business owners to mentor and support student lead projects is another option. Students are the future of any culture and country and fostering a sense of leadership and helping them stand for things they strongly believe in...[]

4. How would promote a safe and equitable learning environment for LGBTQ+ students?

There are two things needed to promote a safe and equitable learning environment for any student. One is educating everyone (parents, students, teachers and school staff) about LGBTQ+ individuals and creating acceptance within the school community. The second area is providing equal opportunity in all areas of work, play and study. No two individuals are the same and everyone needs to be accepted for who they are and given an opportunity to excel in their chosen field.

5. How would promote a safe and equitable learning environment for BIPOC students?

First and foremost all students are equal and should be given an equal opportunity to excel irrespective of caste, creed, nationality, skin color or origin. This is easier said than done. There is an opportunity in our school system to create awareness of the richness of culture that having people from different environments brings to everyone’s life. This requires multi-faceted approach including but not limited to student support services, curriculum enhancements, relationship building and participation from students, parents, families and communities.

6. How would promote a safe and equitable learning environment for students with learning disabilities?

One of my sons struggled with learning languages as an elementary school kid and we struggled to understand where the challenge was and how to help him. Over the years with a lot of help and understanding from his teachers and peers he has reached a level where he has found the best way he learns and is making amazing progress. Students with learning disabilities need different kinds of support and most importantly a community which is understanding and supportive. The trustee board can provide resources needed to support the students including helping with identifying appropriate skills needed for teaching...[]

7. How would you support students who are living in poverty and tackle child hunger?

This is one of the most difficult questions I have to answer. There are programs like “Student Nutrition Program” that offers school-age children and youth nutritious food through breakfast, lunch, and snack programs. The trustee board works with individual schools to understand students who need support and work with the school and local agencies to provide necessary support. For high school students there are opportunities through the school to get work without affecting their studies and accommodations are made to support students who need to work while studying. There are multiple programs available to support students and making them accessible...[]

8. What is your plan to better politically engage youth in Stratford?

There are multiple avenues for youth to engage in politics starting from Student council meetings to volunteering at various levels of elections from federal to municipal. There are passive ways to engage like researching your candidates and parties, helping your family and friends understand what each candidate and /or party represents and most importantly voting for the leader you believe in. There are active ways of participating like volunteering or campaigning for a candidate and/or party you believe in or like, creating awareness of a political cause and expressing your views about an issue using online and in person avenues...[]