A Letter from the new Director
Welcome to the new Institute for Intersectionality Studies (IIS) at the University of Alberta! IIS is an interdisciplinary hub devoted to advancing and mobilizing intersectional approaches to research, teaching, policy, and practice.
From addressing gender-based violence to improving employment access and enhancing youth mental health, the IIS community is exploring timely, context-specific, and actionable pathways to change.
Intersectionality -- as our guiding framework -- brings into view both privilege and marginalization at the confluence of gender, race, age, class, sexuality, ability, language, citizenship status, and other social dimensions.
We serve as an Arts-based, inter-Faculty knowledge hub and partner for intersectional analysis and practice. We support scholars and students across diverse research and creative disciplines and fields, working closely with communities to harness intersectional strengths in addressing complex challenges and advancing social justice.
Three key goals that guide our work:
- Mobilizing an intersectional analysis by bringing together interdisciplinary scholarly knowledge and community expertise.
- Advancing intersectional research and networks in Canada and internationally.
- Creating spaces for intersectional training and education in both academic and non-academic communities.
As we embark on this journey, we invite you to join us in this important work. Whether you are a researcher, a student, a business professional, a policymaker, or part of a social organization, you are very welcome to apply to join one of our working committees, subscribe to our newsletter, or attend our events.
I look forward to the exciting endeavours and collaborations that lie ahead. Let us come together to explore the transformative possibilities of intersectionality and create a more equitable, just, and inclusive world.
Warmly,
Siobhan Byrne, PhD
Director, Institute for Intersectionality Studies
University of Alberta