The momentum continues! Even though Rethinking Racialized Language Awareness Day on November 20th has passed, the conversation is far from over. In this episode, we’re joined by Debbie Chaves, head of copyright and course reserves at Wilfrid Laurier University, who brings her deep expertise on the impact of words that have certain historical contexts, and how libraries are adapting database searches to incorporate more respectful language.

This is part of our ongoing effort at WWEST UBC Okanagan to foster inclusivity and decolonization within STEM and beyond. Let’s keep reflecting, rethinking, and renaming for a more inclusive future.

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This episode kicks off the Westcoast Women in Engineering Science and Technology's 'Rethinking Racialized Language' campaign, launching on November 20, 2024.

Throughout the month, we’ll hear from panellists challenging colonial language, like the term 'whitepaper', as well as discuss ways to promote inclusive language within academia and beyond. 

Our first panellist to kick off the series is Serge Villemure. 

He is a former N-SERC Director for the Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering Program and is now an Equity Diversity and Inclusion consultant. He has spent years integrating EDI principles across policies and programs. From organizing Montreal’s Gender Summit 11 to advising organizations globally, he brings a deep commitment to making research and language more inclusive at every level.

In our conversation, we discussed how the kind of language we use shapes perceptions and can reinforce or break down systemic biases.

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In this episode, we speak with Severine Pinte. 

She is a distinguished winemaker with a Master’s degree in viticulture and oenology from the National School of Agronomy in Montpellier, in southern France. 

With over 26 harvests of experience, she has worked in various wine regions. However, the Okanagan region and climate there have captivated her since 2010.

Severine is now the Executive Winemaker at Le Vieux Pin and LaStella wineries. 

 In this interview, we’ll discuss the science behind winemaking, the craft and passion involved, her connection to the land and the importance of sustainability in the wine industry.

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In this episode, we speak with Hallee Fried, who, along with her husband Jeff, co-owns Farmstrong Cider Company, based in Armstrong, British Columbia.

But, her passion for working the land began long before she started cider-making. Agriculture and farming have been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.

In this interview, she shares her story of how and why she got into cider-making, and the labour of love that goes into the craft. 

She also talks about the challenges faced in the industry, including the impacts of climate change and labour shortages. 

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In this episode, we speak with professor of Zoology at the University of British Columbia and the director of the Canadian Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Dr. Diane Srivastava. 

She also runs the Srivastava Community Ecology Lab where her team studies how ecological communities and food webs are structured, how they process energy, as well as how they respond to climate change and habitat loss.

In this interview, we'll hear about what inspired her curiosity to learn more about the way various species interact with each other, as well as the impact climate change has when researching and gathering data. 

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In this episode, we speak with Canadian social scientist and professor at McMaster University. Dr. Ingrid Waldron. 

She is the founder of the ENRICH Project, which focuses on environmental racism and injustices in marginalized communities, particularly Indigenous and Black communities.

Dr. Waldron is the author of the book 'There’s Something in the Water',  which was adapted into a Netflix documentary in 2020.

In this interview, We'll hear from her about how her sociology background has helped her become a highly influential figure in Canada’s environmental sector.

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In this episode, we speak with former wildland firefighter Jen Beverly. She is currently an associate professor at the University of Alberta and leads the Wildfire Analytics research team, where she teaches and conducts research on wildfire science and management.

Jen talks about what drew her to firefighting and wildfire research in our conversation. She also discusses how climate change impacts researchers' ability to track trends and make forecasts.

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In this episode, we speak with Natalia Bussard, who is the program manager for Simon Fraser University's Science Co-op program.  

Her team is responsible for helping students find paid work experience in various scientific fields.

In our conversation, she talks about what students can expect as they prepare to enter the workforce. She also offers us some insight into navigating today’s challenging job market. 

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This episode we speak with Bonnie Douglas, who is the project manager at the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology, or CCWESTT. 

She shares how her curiosity about sour cream led her to food engineering and how she now advocates for a diverse STEM workforce in her current role. 

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To celebrate International Women's Month, we speak with Dr. Deborah Saucier, the President of the Vancouver Island University and a renowned researcher.

A proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Dr. Saucier shares her journey to academic leadership.

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For a special episode this month, we continue our conversation with the women at the Canadian Association of Girls in Science. 

We speak with Diya Kalia, a member and teen ambassador for the organization, about how she's empowering the next generation of girls in STEM. 

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Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.