Events & Announcements

It was indeed an honour and a pleasure attending Dr. Dionne Wright Poulton’s Excellence Without Exclusion: 3 Keys for Leading a Diverse Workforce reading and Q&A last evening in Toronto.

My relationship with Dionne goes back more than 20 years, to a time when we were both invited speakers for a panel discussion focused on race relations and, more importantly, how we could engage, inspire, and empower Black youth to rise, recognize their potential, and become productive and contributing members of our communities.

Two decades later, it was incredibly meaningful to sit in that room and witness Dionne continuing to advance that same spirit of purpose, leadership, and inclusion.

The energy and support last evening were amazing. Thank you, Dionne, for including me. Your messaging was so on point. You have a remarkable ability to take some of the complex issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion and put them into perspective in a way that makes us reflect, understand, and consider what we can do differently.

What struck me most was that this was not simply about a book. It was about a continuing conversation—and a shared responsibility to create spaces where people can excel without exclusion.

Congratulations, Dionne, on this important achievement and on bringing your experience, knowledge, and passion to the page. After more than 20 years, it was wonderful to reconnect, celebrate your success, and be reminded that the work we began so many years ago remains just as important today.

Congratulations, Dionne. May this book inspire many more conversations, leaders, and opportunities for excellence without exclusion.

— Keith Merith

I have had the privilege of working alongside Inspector Don Yirenkyi for many years, and I have developed tremendous respect for both the police officer and the person he is. Don's career has been defined not only by professional achievement, but by a genuine commitment to service, community, and helping others.

Since joining York Regional Police in June 1999, Don has served in numerous roles, including Uniform Patrol, Community Oriented Response, Criminal Investigations, and as Officer in Charge of the Intimate Partner Violence Unit. He currently oversees the Hate Crime Prevention Unit, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Unit, and the Community Safety Village, where thousands of children each year learn about safety, human rights, and personal responsibility.

What has always stood out to me is Don's belief that policing extends far beyond the uniform. He has supported humanitarian efforts for communities affected by disasters, including the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, Hurricane Maria in Dominica, and Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. As President of the Ghanaian Canadian Law Enforcement Officers Association, he has also worked to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve.

Don's commitment to community extends beyond policing. He volunteers with organizations including the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities and Pickering Football Club. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and a Master of Education from York University and serves on the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

His contributions have earned numerous honours, including the Human Rights and Race Relations Centre Gold Medal Award, the Herbert Carnegie Community Services Award, the Chief of Police Award, and the Afro Global Television Professional Excellence Award.

Having worked with Don for many years, I can say without hesitation that these awards tell only part of the story. What I respect most is his authenticity and his commitment to people. Don understands that effective policing is built on trust, relationships, compassion, and service. I am proud to have worked alongside him and have tremendous respect for the positive impact he continues to make in policing and in the broader community.

Some journeys are defined by determination. Others by resilience. Michelle Foster's journey is defined by both—and by an unwavering commitment to excellence.

I have had the privilege of watching Michelle's career develop, and her promotion to Inspector is a moment that deserves to be celebrated not only by York Regional Police, but by the broader community. Michelle is the first Black woman in the history of York Regional Police to attain the rank of Inspector, placing her among a small number of Black women across Canada to hold a command position in policing.

That achievement is significant. For those of us who understand the history and challenges faced by Black officers in Canadian policing, we know that reaching a position like this is about more than a promotion. It represents doors being opened that were once firmly closed. It represents progress. And, importantly, it creates a pathway for those who will follow.

Michelle's Nigerian and Vincentian heritage is an important part of her story. She carries the richness of those roots with pride while continuing to demonstrate that excellence knows no boundaries of race, gender, or background. Her accomplishment reminds us that diversity in leadership is not simply about representation—it strengthens the institution and the communities it serves.

What I admire about Michelle is that she has not allowed the significance of being a trailblazer to overshadow the work itself. She has earned this moment through professionalism, perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to doing the job well.

Her promotion also carries a responsibility that extends beyond herself. When a person becomes the first, they inevitably become an example. Young Black women considering careers in policing will now be able to look at Inspector Foster and see something that perhaps once seemed impossible: themselves in a position of command. That is the power of breaking barriers.

Michelle, your promotion is a personal achievement, but it is also a historic moment. You have earned your place through hard work, determination, and character. I am proud to witness this chapter in your journey and look forward to seeing the impact you will make in your new role. Congratulations, Inspector Foster. May you continue to lead with courage, serve with integrity, and inspire others to pursue their ambitions with pride.

Your achievement is not just about reaching the rank of Inspector. It is about making the path a little wider and the possibilities a little greater for those who come after you.