On March 8, 2021 the University of Alberta will join the world in celebrating International Women's Day. This global day of recognition honours the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, and raising awareness of the work left to be done. To celebrate, we are revisiting the stories and achievements of eight of the many women at the University of Alberta whose work has inspired us through the challenges of the past year.
Lynora Saxinger
Infectious disease specialist Lynora Saxinger has been a constant presence in the media since the pandemic began, countering misinformation and sharing new research findings.
Bukola Salami
Bukola Salami is the co-lead of a mentorship program helping Black high-school students succeed in university.
Jessica Kolopenuk
Jessica Kolopenuk highlights how Indigenous communities are taking public health measures into their own hands as a way of asserting sovereignty.
Debbie Beaver
As the great-granddaughter of Black settlers in Alberta, Debbie Beaver is helping to preserve a vital part of the province’s story for all to know.
Shana Dion
Shana Dion shares the Cree teaching wâhkôhtowin, and the importance of staying connected while we must be apart.
Lazina McKenzie
ThresholdImpact VMS manager and entrepreneur Lazina McKenzie is helping bring the collective experience of more than 100 volunteer mentors to a diverse array of startups.
Stephanie Montesanti
Stephanie Montesanti led new research into the benefits and potential drawbacks of virtual counselling for people experiencing domestic violence during COVID-19 to help community partners improve virtual services.
Susanne Luhmann
Susanne Luhmann shares how the pandemic intensifies the need for intersectional research, as we’ve seen the pandemic worsen pre-existing conditions of inequality.