A Kitchener native, Geraldine Stafford returned to the region after over 30 years away and now serves as the first civilian Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Manager at the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS). In this role, she leads critical EDI discussions at provincial and national levels, ensuring that Waterloo Region is represented in broader conversations on diversity, inclusion, and justice within policing. With a career and life rooted in advocacy, mentorship, and resilience, Geraldine remains committed to driving transformative change, both within law enforcement and across the community.
Beyond her work in policing, Geraldine is an active leader and board member, serving on the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and two City of Cambridge quasi-judicial administrative tribunals. In 2024, in partnership with the City of Kitchener, she played a pivotal role in bringing Caribana Ignite, a Caribbean festival parade, to the city, further enriching the region’s cultural landscape. She is also an active member of the Western University Athletic Almuna.
Her dedication to EDI and mentorship has earned her national recognition—in 2022, she was named one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada for her efforts in fostering inclusion and empowering others. With over 20 years of coaching girls’ basketball, Geraldine has used her platform to mentor young women, helping them discover their passions while breaking down barriers to success. She is deeply committed to creating inclusive environments where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Geraldine’s passion for advocacy extends to actively supporting initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion for children and youth with disabilities. As a participant in Dancing with the Stars for Easter Seals, she combines her love for community engagement with fundraising efforts, using her platform to raise awareness and support for this vital cause. Her work aligns seamlessly with her lifelong commitment to equity, empowerment, and breaking down barriers, ensuring that individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Now residing in Cambridge, Geraldine is a proud mother of two. She is also a fashion enthusiast with a love for travel, sushi, and her Bichpoo grand puppy. Her all-time favorite movies? Gone with the Wind – as well as foreign subtitled hidden gem “Como agua para chocolate”.
With a vision for progress and finding one’s own passion and place in community, Geraldine continues to be a driving force in shaping a stronger and more dynamic Waterloo Region!
