Dean Yolande Chan on breaking barriers and the work ahead

Dr. Yolande Brown Chan, Dean of the Desautels Faculty of Management, shares her journey and ongoing mission for racial equity in an interview with CTV News. Appointed in 2021, she is McGill’s first Black dean and remains one of Canada’s few Black deans. Reflecting on her experiences—from childhood to early academic success to encounters with racism—she emphasized the need for continued progress. She has championed initiatives to increase access for racialized communities and lead equity reviews. “Just because I’m doing okay, that’s not enough,” she said. Dean Chan hopes her path will open doors for future generations.