Sandra is the newest member of the Women’s Centre team! She is joining us as a peer program coordinator.
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I am a music lover, an animal lover, a feminist, and a mother, but not always in that order! I enjoy hiking and spending time basking in the sun. Traveling has been a life-long passion that I don’t see stopping anytime soon; I hope to see more of Europe and Asia in the next few years. I have never met a cat I didn’t like…
What is your personal definition of feminism?
Feminism is an ongoing communication about, for, and with women. It recognizes marginalization, celebrates women’s accomplishments and breaks down gender stereotypes. Feminism is how we communicate the importance of women in our workplace, homes and communities.
What brought you to the Women’s Centre of Calgary?
I am a Calgarian born and raised, but after working in Toronto for several years, I was in dire need to return to my community. I wanted to connect with women in Calgary, and “The Women’s Centre” continued to pop up at events or in conversations.
What’s one thing you hope to learn at the Women’s Centre?
I hope to learn more about Calgary’s poverty issues which effect women and children, I want to learn more about changing the way we address the stigma of poverty and how to curve poverty-related issues such as incarceration due to unpaid fines, affordable childcare options, and changing women’s role in the workplace.
Describe a woman who you admire and/or has influenced your life.
My grandmother, Betty was always a driving force in defining who I strive to be. As a single working mother who always found time to give back to her community, she redefined what it meant to be a strong independent woman new to Canada. Until her death in 2011 she was involved in bettering her community, her family and herself. The idea of being apart of a community, embracing diversity and to give back were values she lived by.