91ĹÝÜ˝

Griffin Tedeschini, Portfolio Manager, Strategic Projects in IT Services, has been named the 2024 recipient of SFU’s Staff Achievement Awards (Equity & Belonging)—a recognition of their ongoing work to make SFU a safer, more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.

“It feels wonderful to be recognized for the work we do at the university,” Griffin says. “Personally, it heartens me that the university recognizes and supports the importance of this work. Professionally, it fuels me to continue doing it.”

Griffin’s journey toward equity work at SFU started with data—analyzing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) data within SFU systems and leading the university’s first-ever Demographic and Diversity Data Survey. But it’s their involvement in the Vice-President Finance and Administration (VPFA) EDI Steering Committee that allowed them to get involved in more personal and community-facing initiatives. 

As a pioneer member of the committee, Griffin played a critical role in advancing SFU's Equity Compass within the VPFA portfolio.

“Griffin demonstrated exceptional courage and authenticity by sharing personal beliefs about the value of allyship and how simple acts—such as adding pronouns—can make a significant difference,” writes Jennifer Espinos, Executive Director of the VPFA Office.

One of their most visible impacts has been the creation and facilitation of “Demystifying the Acronym,” a presentation designed to break down the complexities of 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology and experiences. What began as an internal learning opportunity within the VPFA portfolio has since grown into a widely respected and attended session university-wide. “I created it for my eight-year-old self,” says Griffin, “and for the eight-year-olds like me today—so they won’t have to feel misunderstood by their families, schools or communities.”

By sharing their own experiences as a queer, non-binary person, Griffin invites others to be part of the conversation. “When we’re given the space and safety to share our authentic selves, it breaks down some barriers and clears some of that smoke of misunderstanding,” they explain. “Different isn’t less than or other, it’s just different. And diversity makes life and living better.”

Their work with the Trans Equity Pod and leadership on the Eradicating Deadnaming in SFU Systems and Processes project aims to address a critical gap for trans and nonbinary community members. This initiative, still underway, seeks to eliminate instances where community members are misnamed by legacy IT systems—a change Griffin says will be “the most impactful” in their portfolio so far. 

Colleagues describe Griffin as not only an advocate, but an inspiring role model and a patient educator, someone who meets questions with openness and gives others the space and grace to grow.

Although this work is not without its challenges, Griffin remains grounded and focussed on what they need to do to make a difference.

When asked what it means to be a good ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Griffin emphasized the importance of respecting pronouns, asking questions with curiosity and speaking up when something feels off. 

Griffin hopes that by sharing their experiences and showing up as their true self, they can help build a world that is more open, understanding and kinder.