Kiaras Gharabaghi

Kiaras Gharabaghi is a respected academic leader with over 20 years of experience in community engagement and program development. He joined Toronto Metropolitan University in 2006 and became the director of the School of Child and Youth Care in 2014. A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Kiaras was also instrumental in the School’s commitment to attracting and hiring more diverse faculty and staff. 

Kiaras has served as the FCS Academic Lead for Social Innovation, as well as the John C. Eaton Chair of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. As John C. Eaton Chair, Kiaras launched the FCS Community Transformation Café, an event series offering space for dialogue on transformation and social justice, as well as the Social Innovation 4 Social Justice Project. Kiaras also played a critical role in securing funding for the implementation of an Indigenous Youth Worker Certificate within FCS.

Over the course of his career and throughout his time at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Toronto Metropolitan University), Kiaras has demonstrated a deep commitment to collegiality, a passion for teaching and learning, and the capacity to protect what is valued while also striving for change and transformative initiatives. In 2017, he was awarded the Usha George Faculty Recognition Award for his many achievements. Kiaras holds a doctorate degree from Dalhousie University and a master’s degree from the University of Guelph.