The VIUFA Status of Women Committee is pleased to host speakers on Tues. March 8th, from 12 pm-1pm, in honour of International Women’s Day. Please join us in the Malaspina Theatre lobby and share further details below. All are welcome.
Susan Garcia is taking classes in Creative Writing, History, and Indigenous Studies at VIU after earning a Social Services Worker Certificate from College of the Cariboo and a BA in English from SFU. She has had “Homestead Murder” and “My Mysterious Great-Great Grandma” published in The Trail of 1858: British Columbia’s Gold Rush Past and the article “Upriver Captain, Downriver Family Man” in the journal British Columbia History. Her piece “Wrapped, Unwrapped, Wrapped Again” is part of Portal 2022’s Portfolio Spotlight, an annual feature in which writers share some aspect of their culture.
Zeel Desai is a third-year international student majoring in Creative Writing and Journalism at VIU. She is pursuing her dream of becoming a storyteller and this is her first publication. Her interest in reading and writing began when she and her mother visited a run-down library around the corner from her home. Her piece “Looking Backward, Paying It Forward” is part of Portal 2022’s Portfolio Spotlight, an annual feature in which writers share some aspect of their culture.
Melika Nazer is an international student from Iran and a third-year BA psychology student. She is also the psychology student rep for this academic year.
Katharine Rollwagen is a settler scholar and a professor of history at Vancouver Island University. She is also a co-editor of the journal Gender and History and a member of VIUFA’s Status of Women committee.
Lisa Marie Barron (NDP) is the current MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith.
Biography: With more than 25 years of experience working alongside and advocating for some of the most vulnerable people in our community, Lisa Marie understands what it’s like to work on the frontlines to create change – not just talk about it. As your Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Ladysmith she is committed to pushing Ottawa for solutions to the climate crisis, opioid emergency, and issues surrounding affordability. Lisa Marie believes there is no place for racism and discrimination in our country, and that Indigenous communities deserve true reconciliation and support. Her designation as the Critic for Fisheries, Oceans, and Coast Guard is a role Lisa Marie takes very seriously. Being born on the east coast, and raising her children on the west coast, she has a deep appreciation for marine habitats. She values the importance of Canada’s blue economy, as well as the need for conservation efforts. As Deputy-Critic for Mental Health and Addictions, Lisa Marie looks forward to collaborating on solutions for the well-being of all Canadians. Her experience in community development in addition to her background in addictions will contribute to understanding our needs. Lisa Marie is proud to share all the wonderful things Nanaimo-Ladysmith has to offer but also won’t turn a blind-eye to our issues. We may face challenges, but she trusts we can build a better future together. (Source of bio: https://lisamariebarron.ndp.ca/)