About SYHHRDC
SYH Human Rights and Diversity Consulting (SYHHRDC) is an innovative diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations tackle barriers to equity and inclusion by providing the foundation for change through the fusion of education and robust human rights policies and strategies.
We differ from traditional DEI firms in that our focus moves beyond diversity and inclusion, towards systemic evidence-based solutions to achieve more equitable outcomes.
We work with not-for-profit, private and public-sector organizations that:
recognize the value of diversity;
are eager to identify and address systemic barriers; and
require support in their journey to foster societal and organizational culture change.
Our Core Values
Respect
Respect is our foundation. We treat everyone with dignity and value differences in crafting inclusive solutions.
Integrity
Integrity is at our core. We approach all undertakings with honesty and integrity as our guiding principles.
Excellence
Your success is our success. We deliver quality and strive to exceed expectations in everything we do.
Our Story
SYHHRDC was founded by Shaneista Haye, inspired by her interests in the law, human rights, and a desire to cultivate change by addressing barriers to equity and inclusion using systemic-based solutions.
Her turning point was the realization that after decades of government commissioned reports and inquiries, scholarly studies and race-based data, the outcomes were the same – historically disadvantaged groups continue to experience marginalization and discrimination despite human rights legislation and the proliferation of diversity initiatives. Many current approaches to diversity and unconscious bias training, though well-intentioned are failing to address the root causes of inequity, leaving systemic and structural barriers unaddressed and participants disillusioned. Further, her work in the public sector for nearly a decade, coupled with her experience in diversity initiatives, and legal education exposed her to the realities of systemic discrimination and the challenges that arise in moving the needle towards real change.
From this, SYHHRDC was born out of a desire to make the unconscious conscious and influence the discourse beyond diversity and inclusion to achieve more equitable outcomes, and address barriers to human rights through the design and implementation of robust policies and strategies.
Meet the Team
Principal Consultant
Shaneista Haye, M.A, LL.M
Shaneista is the Principal Consultant and founder of SYH Human Rights and Diversity Consulting. She has experience designing programs, speaking and advising on human rights issues and anti-racism initiatives with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Before founding SYHHRDC, Shaneista spent nearly a decade in the public sector advising senior government officials on a variety of topics.
Shaneista brings this experience and a deep understanding of the law, specifically in relation to human rights and the intersection of implicit racial biases embedded in institutional practices and structures including Canada’s legal system.
Shaneista is passionate about cultivating inclusive environments and providing the tools to create equitable outcomes. She is committed to helping clients foster organizational change and address systemic barriers to support their continued success and productivity.
Shaneista’s commitment is guided by her vision of a society where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone’s human rights are a lived reality. When she is not working, you’ll likely find her planning her next travel adventure, working out or reading!
Education:
LL.M, University of Ottawa
LL.B, University of London
M.A, University of Toronto
B.A, University of Guelph