The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has named Kennisha Archer as its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) lead.

Archer will assume the newly created position effective Feb. 21 and report to Marsha John-Greenwood, VP, people and culture, TIFF, a spokesperson for TIFF tells Playback Daily.

Archer will develop and implement TIFF’s revised diversity strategy as well as collaborate with colleagues to deliver organization goals, according to a news release.

Prior to joining TIFF, Archer was the human rights, equity and inclusion analyst at Humber College in Toronto. Having spent the last five years working in the area of diversity, Archer’s experience includes assessing and developing DEI practices as well as implementing inclusive recruitment and selection practices, said the release.

Archer has further expertise in developing and facilitating training in areas including human rights, anti-racism, conflict resolution, unconscious bias and power and privilege.

John-Greenwood said in a statement that Archer’s addition and role highlights TIFF’s continued push “to further integrate diversity and inclusion in everything we do.”

“Kennisha comes to us with a wide range of experience in the field and will support the development of existing and new initiatives,” said John-Greenwood.

TIFF’s other DEI measures include its Every Story Fund to support emerging filmmakers from under-represented communities. The organization launched a fundraising campaign in November 2022 to raise $2 million over five years, and announced a renewed commitment to the support of Black artists and stories.

Photo courtesy of Kennisha Archer, diversity, equity and inclusion lead, TIFF