3rd annual Equity and Community Building Award
Academic Staff Category
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Winner in the Academic Staff category was Professor Bronwen Low, of the Faculty of Education’s Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE). Low, who has chaired the Department’s Diversity and Equity Committee, was recognized for confronting equity issues in both her teaching and her research, which focuses on urban youth and Hip Hop culture, language and art, and for her work on intercultural competency for teachers. |
Team Category
The Team category resulted in a tie between Lerona Lewis and Laura Risk, co-chairs of the PGSS Family Caucus, and the Engineering Equity Committee, consisting of eight students and one professor.
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Doctoral students in Education and Music, respectively, Lerona Lewis and Laura Risk lobbied for the initiation of numerous projects including the Joint Board Senate Committee on Equity Sub-Committee on Family Care, new guidelines for the Academic Accommodation of Pregnant Students and Students Caring for Dependents, the PGSS Family Collection, and the installation of changing tables on campus. |
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The Engineering Equity Committee, consisting of Simrin Desai, Emilie Froeliger, Emily Curling, Louisa Oualim, Jacob Garrah, Tinke Dewitte, Jenna Laham, Da-Eun Kim, and Associate Dean Fabrice Labeau, were recognized for their promotion of diversity and inclusivity in the Faculty and beyond. “They are helping to prepare the next generation of practicing professional engineers,” stated Dean of Engineering Jim Nicell, “and are laying the groundwork for a major shift in the Faculty and the profession.” |
Administrative and Support Staff Category
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Executive Director of Student Services Jana Luker was the awardee in the Administrative and Support Staff Category. “While her title and that of her office do not obviously reflect the mandate of attention to matters of equity and inclusivity,” wrote supporter and former Award-winner Charmaine Lyn, “Jana has adopted an approach that promotes and integrates these principles into the core mandate of student services at McGill. The leadership that she has demonstrated in this regard has empowered the many people who work with and for her to be guided by these principles in their respective mandates.” |
Student Category
Student awards were bestowed upon both Kareem Ibrahim and the late Roma Nadeem.
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As a social justice advocate Kareem assumes leadership roles with AUS and SSMU, as a residence floor fellow, and with the Quebec Public Interest Group. The event’s most poignant moments came when Kareem accepted the award on behalf of Roma, delivering a heartfelt speech in which he paid homage to Roma’s tireless work. |
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Roma Nadeem, who passed away on Monday, March 9th, 2015, was deeply praised for her unselfish nature and her willingness to help the disadvantaged. “Those who constantly and consistently strive to put others before themselves for the sake of making the world a better place are few and far between, and Roma is one of those people,” wrote Evan Berry and D.J. Mauser in their letter of support. |
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