This is the Equity Watch team
Our team
Judy Haiven, co-founder
Judy Haiven is a retired professor of Management from Saint Mary’s University and is a specialist in Industrial Relations. She has a M.A. in Industrial Relations and PhD in Industrial and Business studies.
Judy is a writer and a fierce activist, with a particular interest in human rights, labour law, abuse, and issues within the justice system.
In 2018 Judy was a co-founder of Equity Watch with husband Larry Haiven, and Liane Tessier. She runs a blog called Another Ruined Dinner Party where she writes about affordable housing, human rights issues, racism, labour practices, anti-semitism and more.
To contact Judy you can email her at: equitywatchns@gmail.com
Larry Haiven, co-founder
Larry Haiven is a professor emeritus in the department of Management from Saint Mary’s University. He has a M.A. in Public Management and a PhD in Industrial Relations. Currently, Larry is a writer and activist, with a particular interest in human rights, labour law, advocating for his community, unions and housing.
In 2018 Larry was a co-founder of Equity Watch with wife Judy Haiven and Liane Tessier. Before his time at SMU he was a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, a union organiser, and had a labour relations consulting practice in Edmonton. Like Judy, he is also from Toronto, Ontario but lived out in the West Coast before moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
To contact Larry Haiven email him at: larry.haiven@smu.ca
Liane Tessier, co-founder
Liane Tessier is a former firefighter who had a human rights commission case after being the victim of workplace harassment, bullying and gender discrimination. In 2017 after her case had been ongoing for 12 years she finally received financial compensation, an apology, an admission from the fire service that there was a culture of gender discrimination within the fire service, and a commitment from the fire service and the city of Halifax to implement policy changes. Previous to being a firefighter Liane worked as a private investigator and currently works as a longshore worker. She holds a bachelor of fine arts from NSCAD. Liane is also a co-founder of Equity Watch, motivated by her own case, she realized a lot of work needed to be done in the way of workplace bullying/harassment, women’s rights, and gender discrimination in the workplace.
Gyasi Symonds, Steering Committee member
My family are foundational Black Nova Scotians with an over 400-year lineage in this province. My mother and father are both activists and legends in their historical communities. I have been a Human Rights activist since the age 13. I was born and raised in HRM. I have a history of challenging subservient bootlickers and racist/oppressive authority figures. I am not a member of the “go along get along gang”.
The only mentors I’ve ever had are my mother and father. I have a wealth of experience in the areas of education, counselling/psychotherapy, social justice, charity, community development and sports. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University. I graduated at the top of my class from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Education. Upon my graduation from MSVU I was recognized with an award for academic excellence. I am also a graduate of Acadia University with a Master of Education Degree (Counselling).
Hannah Bing, Steering Committee member
Hannah Bing is currently a J.D. Candidate at the University of New Brunswick.
Previously Hannah graduated from the University of King’s College with a Bachelor of Journalism with combined honours in journalism and law justice and society. In 2021 Hannah joined the team at Equity Watch as a research assistant and worked in that role until February of 2024. She is now a steering committee member.
Zainab Almukhtar, Steering Committee member
Zainab Almukhtar has a PhD in management science from Saint Mary’s University. She has a bachelor and a masters degree in control and system engineering, a masters degree in technology entrepreneurship and innovation, and completed a module study in peace
education. She believes that the most important goal for science and education is to serve humanity and to make the world a better place. It is one of her life goals to participate in eliminating injustice, violence,
inequity, and discrimination. When peace, equity, justice, and diversity prevail, communities and individuals thrive. “It is my pleasure to be a in the steering committee of Equity Watch and to work with the wonderful people.” She also enjoys volunteering, reading, meditation and walking in nature
Joyclin Coates, Steering Committee member
Joyclin has been a member and worked with Unions in many capacities over thirty years, up to my retirement in 2017, The Union work was mostly with Private Sector Unions. She has worked with and been on the Executive of the Halifax-Dartmouth District Labour Council for five years.
I have been a shop steward, and member of Local Executive for thirty years.
Joyclin also holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Calgary (Archaeology) In June 2018 Joyclin decided to join Equity Watch.