International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere — whether that’s your mom, colleague, best friend, or a public figure. In honour of a day that recognizes those who motivate us to do and be better, we asked 13 inspiring women who are leading the way in LA&PS to name a woman within the Faculty whom they admire. They shouted out mentors, friends, and changemakers; many of them, had difficulty picking just one person to highlight. With so many remarkable women working in LA&PS, it was no easy task, and there are plenty more names that are worth honouring today (and all year, really). Read on to discover some of the women in LA&PS who are blazing new trails and having a positive impact on the York University community.
Melissa Falotico
SHOUTING OUT Margo Barreto
As a junior staff person, I began my LA&PS journey with an eagerness to learn and grow. During my time in the Faculty, Margo has played an important role in …
Mona Frial-Brown
SHOUTING OUT Catherine Salole
I’ve had the distinct privilege to work alongside Catherine since 2006 in multiple roles across both York University and University of Guelph-Humber. Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed Catherine …
Alison Furtado
SHOUTING OUT Crystal Grant
There are so many inspirational women in LA&PS, but for me, Crystal Grant is one who I admire because of her dedication to student success, perseverance in trying …
Caroline Shenaz Hossein
SHOUTING OUT Kamala Kempadoo
To the world, Professor Kamala Kempadoo is a renowned feminist and social scientist who has been recognized for her global work on sex trafficking. To me, she is a …
Shamsa Katchi
SHOUTING OUT Crystal Grant
I am sure that those who were lucky enough to have Crystal as their supervisor can agree that she is one of the best managers they have worked …
Ruth Koleszar-Green
SHOUTING OUT Bonita Lawrence
When I was a grad student, I was assigned a reading called Decolonizing Anti-racism (2005). It spoke to me so deeply! This article has informed …
Judy Peters
SHOUTING OUT Paulette Burgher
I truly admire Paulette Burgher. Not only is she a wonderful leader who champions diversity and inclusion within the Faculty, but she is a strong and confident Black woman of integrity …
Ives Polking
SHOUTING OUT Debra Bisram
Debra is a great professional who is always ready to help her colleagues. She’s passionate about her job and fosters an environment where people feel comfortable …
Saba Rafiq
SHOUTING OUT Catherine Salole
I came to know Catherine about 12 years ago and have admired her since then. Leadership has several definitions, most of which are associated with some notion of power. What I …
Tameka Samuels-Jones
SHOUTING OUT Marcela Porporato
It is my absolute pleasure to acknowledge Dr. Porporato for always going above and beyond in tirelessly supporting her colleagues, particularly junior faculty members. Without ever asking for the …
Victoria Stacey
SHOUTING OUT Katherine Skene
This International Women’s Day, I would like to recognize Katherine Skene. Not only is she an outstanding leader and advocate, but Katherine’s compassion and dedication to …
Rameila Williams
SHOUTING OUT Debra Bisram
When I think of a woman who should be recognized this International women’s Day, I think of Debra Bisram. She embodies the characteristics of a great leader and works hard to …
Paulette Wilson-Franks
SHOUTING OUT Andrea Davis
Professor Andrea Davis has inspired me by demonstrating a certain steadfastness in her approach to delivering her lectures, workshops and teach-ins. She’s a visionary who has worked tirelessly to conceive the creation …