New Office of Rights and Responsibilities director encourages harmony and respect among Concordians

Aisha Topsakal began last week as director and senior advisor of Concordia’s Office of Rights and Responsibilities. She stepped into the role previously occupied by Lisa White, who has moved over to become executive director of the university’s new Equity Office.

Topsakal brings to the role familiarity with the Concordia community as well as previous student services experience. She served as associate director of the Goodman Institute of Investment Management at the John Molson School of Business from 2019 to 2021 and was director of administration for the university’s Office of the President from 2014 to 2019. Previously, she was the assistant dean, student life and learning, at McGill University’s Faculty of Law from 2010 to 2014.

Topsakal is a graduate of McGill’s Faculty of Law and also holds a Master in International Studies from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (now Graduate Institute Geneva) in Switzerland. Her community involvement includes serving on the board of directors of the Mile End Legal Clinic in Montreal since 2009.

“Anyone who seeks out our services can expect to be greeted with compassion and kindness,” says Topsakal. “I feel very privileged to be a part of the Concordia community and I am thrilled to help others make the most of their experience here”

Learn more about Concordia’s Office of Rights and Responsibilities. Read a short interview with Aisha Topsakal about her new position.