Resilience, purpose, and a deep-seated commitment to education define Michelle Aarons, Executive Director of Programs & Partnerships at York University’s School of Continuing Studies. With over two decades of experience spanning various operations, marketing, and sales roles in both public and private sectors, Michelle has carved a niche for herself as a strategic thinker and a leader dedicated to fostering growth and success. Her tenure at York University has been marked by her adept ability to lead teams, develop impactful programs, and forge partnerships that propel the School of Continuing Studies forward.
Michelle’s career trajectory hasn’t been a linear one. Raised by immigrant parents who instilled in her the value of hard work and education, she initially pursued a path aimed at fulfilling societal expectations. Yet, early on in her university studies, she realized her true passion lay elsewhere. Shifting gears, she embarked on a journey that led her through diverse professional experiences, each contributing to her evolving understanding of business and education. Her commitment to continuous learning and personal growth is evident in her decision to pursue a postgraduate program and subsequently explore entrepreneurial ventures. These experiences not only expanded her skill set but also fueled her passion for serving others and nurturing their educational journeys.
A pivotal moment came when Michelle unexpectedly found herself in the realm of education. What began as a temporary role blossomed into a transformative opportunity to establish and expand a continuing education unit at a young university. Her success in this endeavor garnered recognition and set the stage for her current leadership role at York University.
Today, as Executive Director, Michelle champions a vision where education meets purpose, where traditional paths give way to personalized journeys of success. Her story exemplifies resilience and the power of embracing one’s unique trajectory. Despite not fitting the conventional mold, Michelle’s impact resonates deeply within the landscape of continuing education, emphasizing inclusivity and possibility for all.
Pioneering Education for a Dynamic World
The York University School of Continuing Studies stands as a beacon of educational excellence and innovation, one of the largest and most dynamic continuing studies institutions in North America. This diverse learning community is united by a shared commitment to fostering personal and professional growth while addressing the workforce and economic needs of the labor market through education. Michelle aims to align the school’s purpose with these goals, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving landscape.
The School offers accelerated, accessible, and innovative programs designed to prepare students to adapt and lead. With a unique cohort delivery model, students advance through their programs alongside their peers, forming meaningful connections with classmates and instructors, who are industry experts, while expanding their professional networks.
The School’s professional programs are co-designed and delivered in collaboration with senior industry leaders, ensuring that students gain career-specific technical skills, robust cross-functional expertise, and the confidence to pursue their career ambitions with hands-on experience. These programs employ experiential learning methods that bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with the practical skills needed in today’s competitive job market.
Additionally, the School is home to the internationally acclaimed York University English Language Institute, one of the largest language institutes in Canada. Attracting students from around the globe, the Institute helps students achieve English-language proficiency and reach their academic goals within York University and beyond, enhancing their ability to succeed in undergraduate and graduate studies.
The York University School of Continuing Studies is more than just an educational institution; it is a vibrant community enriched by diversity, accessibility, service, connection, and purpose. This ethos of inclusivity and support empowers students to thrive and make meaningful contributions to their fields and communities.
As the landscape of education and professional development continues to shift, the York University School of Continuing Studies remains steadfast in its mission to provide innovative, high-quality education that meets the needs of a diverse and dynamic student body. The institute prioritizes workforce and labor market needs, aiming to fill these gaps by educating students to meet the demands of the evolving job market.
Commitment to Growth and Connection
Michelle approaches leadership with a steadfast commitment to personal growth and continuous learning, embracing opportunities for development in every facet of her life’s journey. She believes that growth isn’t confined to traditional formats but can be found in everyday interactions, conversations, articles, and moments that offer new perspectives. Each day begins with a ritual of reading newsletters, listening to podcasts, engaging on LinkedIn, or delving into radio shows and audiobooks, all aimed at expanding her knowledge base.
Throughout her day, Michelle values curiosity, respect, and openness in her interactions, recognizing that learning can come from anyone, regardless of age or background. She actively participates in conferences, events, and boards within her sector, seeing formal education and professional engagement as pivotal for ongoing growth and success.
Michelle eagerly anticipates starting a new degree program in the summer to further enrich her knowledge, broaden her network, and amplify her impact as a leader. She emphasizes the importance of honing communication, emotional intelligence, and empathy—critical skills for emerging leaders amidst a landscape shaped by automation and technological advancements.
Michelle’s approach underscores her belief that while technical expertise is essential for innovation, maintaining human connections and understanding is equally vital for effective leadership and meaningful impact in an evolving world.
Championing Access, Lifelong Learning, and Social Equity
Michelle is passionate about improving society, education, and people’s lives through three key areas:
- Access to Quality Education: Michelle aims to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder access to education. She advocates for creating accessible opportunities for continuous learning, recognizing that education is not only about formal qualifications but also about the transformative power of experience in personal growth and success.
- Continuous Learning Culture: Michelle promotes a culture of lifelong learning, both formal and informal. She believes in the importance of ongoing professional development and the ability to explore diverse interests and career paths throughout one’s life. This approach empowers individuals to adapt, grow, and redefine their own paths to success in a world where careers are no longer static.
- Social Equity: Michelle is dedicated to initiatives that promote social equity and representation. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to learn and thrive. Understanding the role of social capital in different communities, Michelle recognizes that education can be a powerful tool in leveling the playing field and positively impacting life trajectories.
Through her advocacy and commitment to these principles, Michelle strives to create a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered society where education serves as a catalyst for personal and societal transformation. Her efforts are aimed at fostering environments where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
Cultivating Growth and Connection
As the Executive Director of Programs and Partnerships, Michelle plays a pivotal role in strategically orchestrating the collaboration of talented individuals involved in the ideation, development, and delivery of educational programs. Her responsibilities extend to nurturing partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions, ensuring alignment with the organization’s vision, mission, and objectives while driving growth and meeting market demands.
Michelle finds immense joy in her daily routine, particularly when she walks into the vibrant, architecturally distinctive building where students, instructors and staff gather. Witnessing the bustling activity in classrooms, halls, and social spaces fills her with happiness as it signifies a thriving community engaged in exchanging ideas and building connections. For Michelle, the opportunity to listen to the stories, goals, and journeys of these individuals underscores the purpose behind their collective efforts each day.
The impact of the educational programs on the lives of students and the broader workforce, as relayed by instructors and industry experts, is a constant source of inspiration for Michelle. She is deeply moved by the stories of success and personal growth that emanate from these interactions, reinforcing her dedication to the transformative power of education. Michelle cherishes the shared journey of growth and development, recognizing that while everyone may be on different paths, they are all progressing together toward common goals.
Building a Resilient and Collaborative Team
When Michelle hires a new team member, she goes beyond the surface of a resume, valuing the story and journey behind the candidate’s experiences. Drawing from her own experiences of not always fitting conventional molds yet knowing the value of her unique path, Michelle seeks qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit in candidates.
For Michelle, the interview process is an opportunity to delve into the candidate’s story, understand their motivations, and uncover the purpose that drives them. She approaches each interview with a mindset of learning, setting aside rigid checklists in favor of truly getting to know the individual behind the qualifications. Ultimately, Michelle looks for candidates whose experiences and personal ethos align with the team’s values and contribute to the organization’s mission.
By prioritizing understanding and connection during the hiring process, Michelle ensures that each new team member not only brings relevant skills and experience but also shares in the collective purpose and vision that drive their work together. Her approach fosters a team dynamic where each member’s unique strengths and perspectives are valued, contributing to a cohesive and purpose-driven workplace culture.
Driving Purposeful Change
Michelle’s journey has been marked by embracing risks and finding new paths and opportunities. From going back to school to change career paths without knowing what would come next, to accepting a lower-ranked position to prove her capabilities and pave the way for future growth, to leaving the comfort of a decade-long tenure at a company to venture into the unknown public sector in an entirely new role, Michelle has taken risks that have shaped her success today. She firmly believes that every step in life happens for a reason, and her journey has led her to her passion for continuing education. Michelle loves her work and the potential impact she can make in removing barriers. She takes pride in providing a space for diverse representation, proving there is opportunity and ability for everyone. As someone who doesn’t look like what many expect to see in leadership, Michelle’s journey is a testament to breaking down barriers and showcasing the importance of representation. Her success draws from a wealth of experience, with each twist and turn contributing to her current role. Michelle often integrates lessons from her corporate life, education, and diverse interactions into her contributions today, highlighting the importance of others seeing themselves in the roles they aspire to in the future.
Looking ahead, Michelle envisions the York University School of Continuing Studies expanding its global presence over the next five years. She sees the School continuing to support the workforce and economy through purposeful education, driving change in social capital, and making education accessible to all who aspire to succeed. The School will grow together with its community.
The diverse leadership team at the School draws strength from its varied backgrounds and values, representing a vision of what the future could be. Michelle is confident that change is coming, and the York University School of Continuing Studies will continue to foster a positive, inclusive, and purposeful future with opportunities for everyone to succeed on their life’s journey.
Vision for York University School of Continuing Studies
Michelle envisions the York University School of Continuing Studies as a beacon of growth and opportunity, driven by values of authenticity, support, and kindness. Her vision is for the school to establish itself as a global leader in continuous learning, characterized by a commitment to quality education that meets the evolving demands of the workforce.
Central to this vision is the belief that education should be inclusive and accessible to all. Michelle aims to cultivate a vibrant culture within the school that embraces innovation and leverages technology to enhance learning experiences. By prioritizing quality service and responsiveness to workforce needs, the School of Continuing Studies seeks to open doors for individuals seeking educational opportunities.
Michelle emphasizes that education extends beyond the classroom, providing transformative experiences that empower individuals to succeed. By removing barriers to learning and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, the school aspires to create endless possibilities for individuals, families, and society at large.
Through these initiatives, Michelle envisions the School of Continuing Studies at York University as not only a hub for educational excellence but also a catalyst for personal and professional growth. This approach aims to shape a brighter future for its students and communities, ultimately benefiting the economy by creating a diverse, educated workforce full of possibilities.
