Sharon McLeod Death & Obituary: Sharon McLeod, a distinguished professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), has tragically passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy in social work, mental health, and addiction treatment. McLeod’s contributions as an educator, mentor, and social work professional have touched the lives of countless students and professionals, and her dedication to social justice and education will continue to inspire those she mentored.
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A Legacy of Dedication to Education and Social Justice
For 18 years, Sharon McLeod taught at TMU’s School of Social Work, where she earned the admiration of both students and colleagues. Known for her unconventional teaching approach, she encouraged her students to think critically and engage with the world around them. McLeod fostered an environment of active participation and self-reflection, ensuring that her students gained practical insights that went beyond academic theory.
McLeod’s career spanned over 25 years in the addiction and mental health sector, including her roles as an Addiction Therapist and Senior Social Worker at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and the Donwood Institute. Her transformative work, particularly with marginalized communities, was focused on advocating for Black Health. Her extensive experience in the field greatly influenced her teaching, helping students gain a well-rounded education that prepared them for real-world challenges.
Advocacy and Mentorship
McLeod’s commitment to social justice extended beyond her professional work. She was instrumental in the establishment of the TAIBU Community Health Centre, an organization dedicated to addressing the health concerns of the Black community. She also served as the Academic Lead for the Field Placement Office at TMU, ensuring students gained valuable hands-on experience and were well-prepared for their careers in social work.
Her mentorship was a cornerstone of her career, and many of her students have gone on to become leaders in social work and advocacy. McLeod was passionate about helping students understand the power structures within social work settings and guiding them as they navigated their professional journeys. Her dedication to equity and high standards was evident in every aspect of her work, and she instilled these values in the next generation of social workers.
A Personal Connection to Advocacy
Born in downtown Toronto to Jamaican immigrant parents and raised in Scarborough, McLeod’s background deeply influenced her advocacy for social justice. Her passion for these causes grew from her own experiences in a diverse and dynamic community. She pursued her academic journey at the University of Toronto, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993, before obtaining her Master of Social Work from Howard University in 1995.
A Lasting Legacy
Sharon McLeod’s impact on her students and the field of social work will never be forgotten. Her unwavering commitment to dignity, equity, and social justice will continue to guide the profession. In her honor, the TMU School of Social Work community has pledged to continue her work of challenging norms and advocating for the highest standards in social work practice.
Rest in power, Professor McLeod. Your influence and legacy will live on in the work of those you mentored and the lives you touched.
