Speak on It, featuring Michaëlle Jean

Designed to showcase the diversity of Black Excellence across disciplines and professions, our Afrocentric speakers’ series called Speak on It! aims to acknowledge and appreciate the plurality of Black expertise and experiences. In this vein, the Office of the President at Western University has invited the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean to close out Black History Month and the Robbins-Ollivier speakers’ series.

Feb. 29, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: McKellar Room, UCC

Michaëlle Jean was appointed Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada in 2005; the first Black woman to reach the highest constitutional office in the country, a function she served with extraordinary dedication for a five-year term. At the end of this mandate, on October 1, 2010, the United Nations immediately called upon her, as UNESCO Special Envoy, to support reconstruction efforts in Haiti, her native country devastated that same year by a brutal earthquake. She also served as Chancellor of the University of Ottawa from 2011 to 2014. In 2014, Michaëlle Jean was elected Secretary General of La Francophonie, the first woman to lead this multilateral organization comprising 88 states and governments on five continents. A seasoned stateswoman and diplomat, her words serve to convene goodwill everywhere in the multilateral sphere, in every UN forum, from New York to Geneva, all the way to the Security Council, as well as within the European Union, the European Parliament, the OECD, the African Union. She is best known and appreciated for her convictions, her deep sense of universal humanistic values, the principles and rules of democracy, the rule of law, justice, and fundamental human rights and freedoms, which she never betrays.

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

Welcoming Two New Faces to CRHESI: Meet Eleanor Gebrou and Kelly Barnes

We are thrilled to introduce you to two remarkable individuals who have recently joined the Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion (CRHESI) family. As we continue our mission to address health equity and social inclusion issues in our community, their expertise and passion will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts toward positive change. Please see their short bios below for more information.

Eleanor Gebrou

I am a facilitator, community-researcher, and an educator with a formal background in psychology, local government and journalism— my skills include strategic planning, evaluation and administration. Outside of my work in non-profit and governance, I have been teaching in the BMT and Health Systems Management programs at Fanshawe College for 3+ years. I also moonlight as a singer/ songwriter, and I’ve been lucky enough to find ways to intersect my artistic endeavors with my work in the impact sector a few times over. With 10+ years of leadership and project management experience, and a history of diverse scholastic success— I am uniquely poised to carry out complex public-facing projects. I am excited to contribute to the impactful work at CRHESI and leverage my skills to make a positive difference in the lives of Londoners experiencing homelessness.

Kelly Barnes

I am a Social Psychologist by training and a passionate advocate for evidence-based social change. I studied attitudes toward immigrants and their settlement outcomes under Dr. Victoria Esses at Western. I have volunteered with the London and Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership for over a decade, including several years as lead of the annual I am London campaign. Since completing my PhD in 2015, I have taught in the Psychology Department at Western and Kings, worked in Social Housing for the City of London, and spent several years as a policy researcher in the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy Office and Ministry of the Solicitor General. For the last four years, I led assessment efforts at an educational non-profit called The Carpentries that teaches researchers to code so they can do more efficient and reproducible research. I live in Old South with my husband, 2-year-old son, and our cat. In my free time I love to cook, paint, and play video and tabletop role playing games. I love London and am so honoured to be part of the Whole of Community Response to Homelessness that will so directly impact the lives of those facing homelessness and our whole community.

Join Us in Welcoming Eleanor and Kelly

As Research and Evaluation Managers, Eleanor and Kelly will spearhead our efforts within the Whole of Community System Response to Health & Homelessness (WCSRHH). With their combined expertise and enthusiasm, we are confident that they will play pivotal roles in advancing our mission of promoting health equity and social inclusion in our community.

We invite you to join us in extending a warm welcome to Kelly Barnes and Eleanor Gebrou as they embark on their journey with CRHESI. Together, with our collective dedication and expertise, we will continue to work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing initiatives and the impactful contributions of Eleanor and Kelly.

Countdown to Canada’s SDG Week: A Sneak Peek at Western University’s Sustainable Development Goals Events

SDG Week Canada is swiftly approaching, running from March 4 to March 8, 2024. This initiative aims to bolster awareness and engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across university and college campuses. Western University is proud to host a diverse array of events within and around this week, catering to various interests and passions. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:

SDG Week Events:

  1. How to Cope with Climate Anxiety (February 29, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
    Join us for an insightful discussion on coping mechanisms for climate anxiety, providing strategies for managing feelings of overwhelm and fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
  2. meromictic exhibition (February 29 – March 14)
    Explore the captivating meromictic exhibition, running from February 29 to March 14, which delves into the unique ecological phenomenon of meromixis and its implications for environmental conservation.
  3. Northern Tornadoes Project and Western Music (March 1, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
    Immerse yourself in an evening of music and meteorology as the Northern Tornadoes Project teams up with Western Music to deliver a memorable performance intertwined with discussions about tornado research and resilience.
  4. Community SDG Connections (March 5, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
    Engage with members of the local community in meaningful conversations about the SDGs, exploring opportunities for collaboration and collective action towards achieving shared sustainability goals.
  5. W’AT ABOWT US: Film Screening and Q&A Panel Discussion (March 6, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
    Join us for a thought-provoking screening of “W’AT ABOWT US,” followed by a panel discussion featuring experts in Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship, as we explore Indigenous perspectives on sustainability and land stewardship.
  6. Rooted Resilience: Eco-distress & Messy Hope Discussion (March 7, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
    Participate in an intimate discussion about eco-distress, resilience, and finding hope in the face of environmental challenges, as we navigate the complexities of sustainability advocacy and personal well-being.
  7. Increasing Awareness & Engagement of Sustainable Development Goals – Event time: Friday, March 8 at 1:30-4:00 pm, DSB 1002
    Join us for an interactive workshop aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively raise awareness and drive engagement with the SDGs within their communities and networks. – online registration coming soon
  8. Life Below Water: A Virtual Dive Into Our Oceans – Event time: Friday, March 8 at 6:30-9:30 pm, North Campus Building (NCB)
    Dive into the mesmerizing world beneath the waves with a virtual exploration of our oceans, featuring stunning imagery, expert insights, and discussions about marine conservation and sustainable ocean management.

Western invites you to shape the future of sustainability by participating in these enriching events. To view the full event schedule and register for individual sessions, please visit the Western University website: SDG Week Canada at Western University.

For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to Jessica Cordes | Engagement Coordinator | Office of Sustainability | Facilities Management | Email: jcordes3@uwo.ca

Join The Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario’s Speaker Series

The Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario is proud to announce its ongoing Speaker Series, dedicated to fostering dialogue, education, and action towards gender justice for all. Through virtual panel discussions, the coalition brings together activists, experts, and allies to explore diverse topics through a gendered lens, aiming to empower individuals, promote inclusion, and raise consciousness in communities across Ontario.

The series has delved into a wide range of pressing issues, from climate action to Islamophobia, politics, body positivity, and beyond. Each panel discussion serves as a platform to share knowledge, create networks, and inspire critical self-reflection among participants.

As a board, the coalition’s mission is to advocate for the well-being and inclusion of every human, regardless of gender identity. They believe in the power of community engagement to drive meaningful change, and the Speaker Series is a testament to that belief. By bringing together voices from different backgrounds and perspectives, they aim to challenge norms, dismantle barriers, and promote a more equitable society.

The Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario invites individuals to join as panelists or participants in upcoming events. Whether you have insights to share or are eager to learn more about gender justice, there’s a place for you in this community. Together, let’s continue to amplify the conversation, spark action, and work towards a future where equality thrives.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact the coalition at info@equalitycoalition.ca. Join them as they strive to create a more just and inclusive world for all.

Gender & Inclusion of Men – Thursday, March 21, 2024, | 7:00 – 8:30 P.M.

Sisters in Sync – Thursday, April 25, 2024, | 7:00 8:00 P.M.

Exploring Interdisciplinary Connections: FIMS Grad Conference 2024

Get ready for an exciting event at Western University! The FIMS Graduate Conference 2024 is on the horizon, bringing together graduate scholars from the Faculty of Information & Media Studies (FIMS) for a day of learning and collaboration. With the theme “Generating Community,” this interdisciplinary gathering promises to highlight the diverse research endeavors and collaborative spirit that define FIMS.

Scheduled for April 9th, 2024, at the FIMS and Nursing Building, the conference invites graduate students from various FIMS programs to share their scholarly pursuits. From media studies to health information research, the conference embraces the breadth of topics explored within the faculty.

As the conference approaches, graduate students across FIMS are invited to submit abstract proposals by February 25, 2024. With an emphasis on inclusivity and collaboration, the FIMS Graduate Conference 2024 promises to be a celebration of scholarly inquiry and community-building within the vibrant academic ecosystem of Western University.

To stay updated on the latest developments and announcements regarding the conference, visit the official website and follow FIMS on social media channels. Join us in exploring the intersections of academia, community, and innovation at the FIMS Graduate Conference 2024.