VCC instructor receives national award for leadership excellence

 

 

Vancouver Community College (VCC) is pleased to congratulate Marcia Tanaka, Department Leader, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, for receiving Silver in the Leadership Excellence for Faculty from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). 

According to CICan’s website, “CICan Awards of Excellence recognize and promote excellence within Canadian colleges and institutes. The Awards showcase the extraordinary contribution of individuals to their college/institute communities and highlight the role of our institutions in social, cultural, and economic development.” 

Marcia is an ally committed to the empowerment of those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. For the past 30 years, Marcia has been integral in contributing to a globally recognized curriculum, opening the doors of infinite possibility to Deaf or hard of hearing students. 

Utilizing her deep understanding of the community, her fluency in American Sign Language, and her knowledge of meaningful solutions, Marcia has changed the way that VCC approaches accessibility and improved the community’s understanding of it.

As Department Leader for VCC’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, she has incorporated practical communication courses such as English, American Sign Language, and Living Successfully with Hearing Loss, instilling students with confidence, and empowering them to become leaders in the community.  

Marcia has also been fundamental in the creation of handbooks for instructors and institutions that assist in breaking down barriers for Deaf and hard of hearing students, advocating for the use sign language and visual aids across marketing mediums, and a host of accessibility considerations in the design of new buildings. Together with the team in the Deaf and hard of hearing program, they have developed one of the most comprehensive Deaf and hard of hearing programs in Canada. 

“As a Department Leader Ally, I am honoured for this nomination and recognition from CICan. One is only as good as her team. Through the many years, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside a stellar team!” enthuses Marcia. “This award does not recognize me in the singular, but brings awareness to the members of our team, our department for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, our colleagues in this field and Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who make up a vibrant community of language, culture and values.” 

You can view all 2024 Awards of Excellence Recipients on CICan's website.