Professor Charmaine Williams was appointed Dean of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work beginning in January 2023 after serving as Interim Dean. Professor Williams served as the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Officer (2003-2004) and the Associate Dean, Academic at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (2009-2014). She has also served as Provostial Advisor on Access Programs (2014-2015), and was appointed as the Vice-Dean, Students at the School of Graduate Studies (2018). She also serves as a member of the University of Toronto Aboriginal Initiatives Advisory Council and the Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency Field Advisory Committee.

Professor Williams’ research bridges practice and access, with a focus on equity issues that affect various populations including racial minority women, LGBTQ individuals in local and international contexts, and individuals and families affected by serious and persistent mental illnesses. The majority of her practice experience has been in the mental health care system where she worked in inpatient and outpatient services, providing interventions for individuals, families, and groups. She has also been involved in organizational change initiatives in the health care sector, and has extensive experience developing and delivering professional education in the areas of anti-racism, cultural competence, mental health, and addictions.

Professor Williams completed both a BSc in Biology and a BA in Psychology at McMaster University before moving to the University of Toronto where she earned her MSW and PhD degrees from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Prior to joining the University of Toronto, Professor Williams held positions as a Social Worker and Education Coordinator at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Click here for more information.