Ron Deganadus McLester | Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics

Ron Deganadus McLester

Ron McLester

Ron Deganadus McLester

MA Leadership '15

Vice President, Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization, Algonquin College

 

Ron McLester has developed and led several significant initiatives throughout his career, especially within Indigenous relations and community development. Ron is currently the Vice President, Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization at Algonquin College, where he draws from personal and professional experiences to excel in his role. Prior to his work with Algonquin College, Ron worked on several Indigenous initiatives at Mohawk College, including a partnership between Mohawk College and Sheridan College, Six Nations Polytechnic, and the University of Guelph for the purposes of bettering service to Indigenous learners. He has also led the creation of significant spaces dedicated to honour and serve Indigenous learners.

Career Highlights

  • Created the "Bundled Arrows Initiative", a regional collaboration between Indigenous communities and the first indigenous education initiative
  • Recognized as one of Ottawa's Top 40 under 40
  • During his time at Mohawk, he secured significant funding to increase the profile of Indigenous initiatives
  • Recognized as one of Hamilton's Top 40 under 40
  • Key influencer in the Indigenization of Algonquin College

Previous Roles

  • Executive director and Special Advisor to the President, Indigenous Initiatives, Algonquin College
  • Director and Special Advisor on Indigenous Initiatives, Mohawk College
  • Manager and Special Advisor to the Vice President of Student Services, Mohawk College
  • Indigenous Student Counsellor, McMaster University
  • Cultural Coordinator, University of Guelph

As a student

  • MA Leadership, University of Guelph
  • Post-graduate studies in social work at McMaster University
  • Studied Criminology at the University of Guelph

 

10x10 alumni, 10 years of graduation, 10x10 alumni with impact

The annual 10x10 Alumni with Impact Award recognizes ten University of Guelph business alumni who have achieved rapid and significant growth in their careers, who are within ten years of graduation. These proud and highly engaged University of Guelph alumni have garnered significant responsibility and influence within their respective industries and organizations. 

See all 2019 10x10 Alumni with Impact Award recipients

 

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