CRRC Board of Directors

The Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough is the community members who ensure its enduring relevance and engagement in the life of the City. We are grateful for the many gifts and hours given freely by our Board members.

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2022-23 Board of Directors

Crystal Scrimshaw

Chair

I am Cree from White Fish First Nations, I am mother of 2 children, I am a student at ONECA, I am advocate and an activist with different social justice issues, i am active community member within Nogojiwanong, Peterborough.

Ciya Thomas

Vice Chair

[Bio & Portrait to come]

Debbie Harrison

Treasurer

I am a white Peterborough resident and mother of bi-racial children who is passionate about human rights. I have worked at Fleming College in the areas of Diversity & Inclusion Services and International Student Services since 2006. My background is in community services – women’s organizations, newcomer settlement, and anti-racism education – in Toronto and Montreal. I try to stay conscious of my white privilege and completed a Masters in Adult Education focused on anti-racism education for rural white Canadians, to help my own learning and to support others on their learning journey.

Kojhasti Mirkiani

Secretary

I was born and raised in Iran. A passionate Early Childhood Educator and a mother of two incredible people. I have been working with children for over three decades and through this career I have learned how to respect, appreciate and include others opinions. I had the opportunity to volunteer and participate in teaching.

My hobby is to cook for my family and friends. I am interested in walking, hiking and reading. I am looking forward to learn and advocate about racism through CRRC.

Will Ward

Board Member – Trent Student Representative

[Bio & Portrait to come]

Steph Meleady

Board Member

Steph grew up in Peterborough and Toronto and works at the YES Shelter for Youth and Families, with previous experience in youth justice and diversion. She holds degrees from Trent University in Cultural Studies, Media and History and Loyalist College in Broadcast Journalism. Passionate about equity and human rights, Steph looks forward to supporting racial justice initiatives in the community as a member of the CRRC board.

Charmaine Magumbe

Ex-officio Member (Non-voting)

Charmaine Magumbe is a Jamaican-born Zimbabwean Canadian who is a community social activist and a business co-owner of online Afrocentric business, Zingha. She is the mother of five and grandmother of three. Charmaine resides in Peterborough, where she is one of the leading voices in race relations.

Charmaine has been active in planning various events in the Peterborough community at different venues from schools, parks and community centers. These events range from but limited too, Black Lives Matter rallies, a number of events for CRRC; Black History Month(BHM), Asian Month, Indigenous Heritage Month, International day for the Elimination of racism. She regularly contributes race relations articles to the local Peterborough media.

For the past four years, Charmaine has worked as International Student Advisor starting her career with Fleming College and currently works at Western University. Most recently, Charmaine has been awarded Rebel for a Cause by the Elizabeth Fry Society for 2021. She was named the Woman of Influence in Peterborough for 2020. In 2017, she was the top 20 influential people in Peterborough, and Charmaine was the 2017 YMCA Peace Medal recipient.