Conestoga will welcome the community to the Cambridge campus on October 22 for the Equal Are We conference in an effort to provide a space for conversations around equality.
Conestoga will welcome the community to the Cambridge campus for the Equal Are We conference in partnership with YWCA Cambridge and the City of Cambridge.
Jointly organized and hosted in partnership by Conestoga’s Student Engagement team, YWCA Cambridge and the City of Cambridge, the conference will feature keynote presentations, workshops and panel discussions focusing on inclusion from the perspectives of individuals in the LGBTQ2SI+, Indigenous, racialized and feminine communities.
“Equal Are We is aimed at involving the community in dynamic and engaging dialogue to create more equal, tolerant and braver spaces,” said Jermal Alleyne, Student Engagement programmer - community engagement. “We invite the Conestoga community to participate in cultivating an inclusive atmosphere where students can learn effective tools and resources to put lessons learned into practice.”
The event will bring together diverse voices from the community to provide a unique lens on inclusion. Keynote speakers will include Dr. Eden Hennessey, the research and programs director from the Laurier Centre for Women in Science, and Janice Jo Lee, a folk artist and activist from Kitchener. Myeengun Henry, manager of Aboriginal Services at Conestoga, will join a panel of experts working in the realms of social justice, including representatives from the City of Cambridge, OK2BEME and the Black Legal Action Centre.
In addition to helping organize the event, Student Engagement will also host workshops centered around gendered violence and allyship.
“Student Engagement is committed to creating an environment where the college community feels supported and welcomed,” said Amy Baird, Student Engagement manager. “We are excited to partner with YWCA Cambridge and the City of Cambridge to further our commitment and empower individuals to make an impact in their communities.”
Conestoga students can attend the entire conference free of charge. Employees are invited to attend the morning address delivered by Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry at no cost, or purchase tickets to take part in the day’s other activities, including lunch. Visit the Equal Are We event listing for more details and information about registration.
YWCA Cambridge is a trusted community leader providing a voice to the needs of women and girls, as well as non-binary and two-spirited individuals, through innovative, inclusive and responsive programs, services and advocacy.
Conestoga’s Student Engagement team meets the needs of students through innovative programming designed to achieve goals with learning outcomes-based initiatives including the Co-Curricular Record, Orientation, the Respect Campaign, the Connect Leadership Workshop Series, and various student volunteer and committee opportunities.