On September 17, 2025, the Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice held a Welcome Back Social at the Marine Drive Ballroom. The event was an opportunity to kick off the academic year with current students, faculty, and staff, as well as with our colleagues and collaborators from across the UBC campus.
Dean Dr. Clare Haru Crowston opened the event with remarks that highlighted the work being done at the institute and the strength of our community.
New co-directors Dr. Jemima Pierre and Dr. Pilar Riaño-Alcalá expressed gratitude to the outgoing director, Dr. Nora Angeles. They also spoke about the strategic vision they share with GRSJ students and faculty, and of the real-world impact of the work being done by our community.
Student speakers included PhD candidates Allen Baylosis and Romina Tantalean-Castaneda. Both scholars were kind enough to share insights from their academic work and from their personal experiences.
Congratulations to all involved for a successful kickoff event!
