Marycarmen Lara-Villanueva

About Me

My PhD project explores race and racism in the visual culture of schools in Mexico, with a focus on anti-Blackness. My work is anchored in anti-colonial theories and heavily influenced by Black Studies. I am interested in understanding how students learn and are taught about race, and Blackness, and the ways in which limited visual representations of Blackness that circulate in classrooms, may produce anti-Blackness.  

My previous research looked at Canadian white women educators' failure to build meaningful partnerships with parents and families that aren't white. I continue to work with Canadian educators and principals, as an anti-racist educator, parent advocate and proud mother of two. I am also the Senior Coordinator of the Centre for Integrative Anti-Racism Studies (CIARS) at OISE, University of Toronto.

In my practice, I seek ways to bridge my academic expertise and my commitment to anti-racist and anti-colonial education doing meaningful work with the community in issues that impact non-white students, their families and their communities. 

I decided to pursue a PhD later in life, motivated by my own experience as a racialized mother trying to navigate a school system that is unequitable by design. Prior to that, I enjoyed a thriving career in the non-for-profit, working with newcomer and immigrant families. 

Beyond academia, I am interested in creative writing. I find fulfillment in reading and writing about motherhood and (m)othering. I also enjoy creating art that explores the complexities, and nuances of being a racialized mother. 

I enjoy Persian and New Arab Cinema, cooking, and running long distances.