Tell us a bit about yourself!
I was born and raised in Calgary and recently returned to the city after some time spent living and travelling in Nepal, Myanmar and New Zealand. I studied communications and political science at Mount Royal University, where I developed a strong interest in the ways social policy can be used as a tool for creating vibrant, connected communities. I have a life-long love of wild places and, most weekends, you can find me hiking in the Rockies, rock-climbing, or planning an adventure with a cup of strong coffee in hand.
What is your personal definition of feminism?
Feminism is about recognizing the systemic barriers that stand in the way of women’s full participation in our society. These barriers may not always be obvious and feminism is about bringing awareness to these inequalities while working to overcome them.
What brought you to the Women’s Centre of Calgary?
During the later years of my undergraduate degree, I spent time writing for the Calgary Journal, a paper at the University of Mount Royal, focusing on social and political issues in Calgary. Much of the work I produced discussed the way issues like transportation, affordable housing, and political participation specifically impact the lives of women in our city. I became increasingly aware of the absence of female voices in discussions around these issues, and more passionate about efforts to build the capacity of leaders who can address them.
When I learned there was a local organization – the Women’s Centre – that was working on all of these issues, and so much more, I was immediately motivated to get involved.
What’s one thing you hope to learn at the Women’s Centre?
I hope to learn more about how women within the Women’s Centre community may want to get involved in leadership and decision-making roles, and how we as a community can best-support them in their endeavors to do so. I am also very excited about exploring strategies to create connections between the women’s movement and the conservation movement at a local level.
Describe a woman who you admire or who has influenced your life.
My Grandmother consistently inspires me to live with passion in my everyday life. She is never afraid to speak her mind, and I greatly admire the drive, intention and intensity she brings to all that she does.