Sheila Laroque
"I started off my undergraduate education as a political studies major. While studying why different systems and political actors influence each other was great; I found myself gravitating more towards my WGST electives. I found there was more acceptance of creativity; and WGST gave me the ability to think about why these systems and actors are the way they are; as well as the possibilities to imagine things as differently. I was attracted to WGST as an empathetic thinker beforehand, but being able to cultivate this empathy further has only ever helped me in the workforce, particularly in the field of libraries."
Irena Smith
Irena Smith received her B.A. in the International Studies Development Stream from the University of Saskatchewan. Owing to the multidisciplinary nature of Women and Gender Studies, she was able to complete her final honours project and colloquium with Dr. Marie Lovrod in WGST in April of 2014. WGST courses enriched Irena's studies by providing insights into mindful solidarity, transnational activism and intersectional feminism. She is currently completing her M.A. in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto where she plans to research the gendered and racialized nature of precarious labour in Canada and possible sites for intersectional feminist labour organizing.
Ashlynn Weisberg
“While attaining my BA Honours in women’s and gender studies, I learned the importance of reciprocity, reflexivity, and empathy in creating sustainable and accessible scholarship. In sharpening my critical thinking skills, the WGST program has provided me the tools to recognize power structures, my role within them, and how to effectively challenge them. I currently apply these skills in my role as the University Coordinator at Cumberland College.
My academic work focuses on controversy and contradiction in feminist theories and the role of emotions and vulnerability in that work. I hope to pursue this line of inquiry in my career as an academic, beginning with a Master’s degree. I am grateful for the WGST program and the guidance I have received in preparing me for higher education.”