Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a first year Masters of Social Work student at the University of Calgary focusing on Community Development. I have a degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Alberta. I am a huge Harry Potter nerd and am passionate about many social justice issues including menstrual justice, youth engagement, and the Deaf community’s access to language and culture. I watch way too much TV and love most kinds of crafting!
What is your personal definition of feminism?
To me, feminism is both a personal identity, and political movement focused on challenging oppression against women. I think feminism is active and is a daily choice, and so I try to behave in feminist ways in my daily life. I do this by engaging in discussions about feminist issues (specifically representation of women in media, access to menstrual products, the wage gap, violence against women, etc.). I read books and articles by women, and watch shows that represent women in positive and realistic ways. I also try to engage in political movements such as the Women’s March, and supporting organizations that support women and feminist issues.
What brought you to the Women’s Centre of Calgary?
I knew I wanted to pursue a practicum at a feminist organization, and I was fortunate enough to find a practicum at the Women’s Centre. The Women’s Centre’s values align with my own personal values, and I’m so grateful to be here!
What’s one thing you hope to learn at the Women’s Centre?
I hope to learn about ways to make real change in women’s lives.
Describe a woman who you admire or who has influenced your life.
When I was 15, I joined a Youth Advisory Committee at a local youth mental health organization. The facilitator of the group was a lovely Child and Youth worker named Faron. She was an incredibly positive influence on my life. She showed me how to balance caring for others and caring for yourself. She was one of the first adults (outside of my parents) who believed in my potential as a community organizer and activist, and she provided me with opportunities to get involved with community events I was passionate about. I was in high school at the time, and caring for other women wasn’t a priority for me then. Faron was one of the first women (outside of my family) to show me what caring for other women and youth could look like.