DC Social Justice Week

Durham College is hosting its sixth annual Social Justice Week, with virtual events taking place between January 20 and 24, 2025. Join us for five days of thought-provoking discussions with engaging speakers from diverse fields who will share both their expertise and lived experience.

WHAT IS SOCIAL JUSTICE?

Social justice is a concept rooted in the belief that everyone deserves equity in the distribution of wealth, opportunities and privileges within a society.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Everyone. Topics related to social justice intersect with nearly every field of study, industry and community. The events scheduled for Social Justice Week 2025 will help attendees grow a better understanding of both themselves and the world around them, how they interact with their communities and where they can contribute to important social justice work in their own lives.

Join Here

Theme: How to be an Accomplice for Social Justice

Monday, January 20

How to be an ally for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals

Time: Noon to 1:15 p.m.

Today’s session is cancelled, all other sessions will go ahead.

Jake Starratt-Farr  (He/They)  MSW, RSW.

Jake's focus is on person-centred mental health support. He works as each person's advocate to help them live the life they would like to live by overcoming their barriers, lived experiences, and any other challenges that society places in front of them.

He is the current chair of the Canadian Medical Association Patient Voice team, which supports the CMA around patient care policies. He is the past President of pflag Durham Region.

Jake recently developed a community-led needs assessment for the Durham 2SLGGTQI community in collaboration with the Durham Community Health Centre. This assessment will help drive change to increase affirming access to medical and mental health care in the Durham region.

Tuesday, January 21

How to be an Accomplice for racialized women in the workplace

Time: Noon to 1:15 p.m.

Kavitha Nadarajah

Kavitha Nadarajah serves as the Director of Student Systems, Reporting, and Scheduling in the Office of the Registrar, bringing over 25 years of diverse experience as a technology professional across various sectors. Kavitha is deeply committed to fostering equitable environments and promoting diverse representation in all her endeavors. Her leadership reflects a unique blend of technical expertise and a dedication to creating positive and inclusive change. Kavitha is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds both undergraduate and master’s degrees in Computer Science and Software Engineering, equipping her with a strong foundation for driving innovation and excellence in her field.

Janine Knight-Grofe

Janine Knight-Grofe has 17+ years of experience in international education practice and research. She is currently Director, International Education at Durham College, responsible for a spectrum of internationalization initiatives, including developing and implementing programs and supports for international students. Janine spent 10 years at the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). There, she led the team that designed and built CBIE’s first credentialed education program, the International Students and Immigration Education Program (ISIEP), leading to the Regulated International Student Immigration Adviser (RISIA) national accreditation exam. Janine is a PhD candidate, Higher Education, at the University of Toronto, where her research centers on internationalization and equity, diversity and inclusion in Canadian colleges.

Allison Hector-Alexander

Allison Hector-Alexander is an equity and inclusion specialist with over 20 years of experience creating and leading policy, program development, education, and training in anti-racism, anti-oppression, allyship, and equity. Allison is the director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the Regional Municipality of Durham, where she has oversight for Accessibility, the Local Diversity and Immigration Program and Partnership, the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, and all Equity and Inclusion programs. Prior to this role, she was the director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at Durham College. Allison completed her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Adult Education and Digital Technologies and a Master of Education degree with a focus on anti-oppressive practices, access, and equity in Higher Education.

Wednesday, January 22

How to be an ally for Indigenous people

Time: Noon to 1:15 p.m.


Connie Spencer

Connie is Kanien:ke:ha:ka tanon Kiorhensha:ka (Mohawk & British) who is a member of the Wahta Mohawk community and provides support and community service navigation to self-identified First Nation, Metis, and Inuit members of the community who require assistance with mental health recovery. Connie is committed to providing holistic healing through promoting the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being of Indigenous individuals and their families by fostering traditional values and beliefs that encourage healing and mental stability. She collaborates with colleagues and community services to build and promote respect, understanding, compassion, and knowledge of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit cultural perspectives. Connie is a Feather Carrier and a Master Spirit Builder, both of which have supported her own journey to re-connection.
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Thursday, January 23


How to be an Accomplice for homeless individuals

Time: Noon to 1:15 p.m.


Tom Regehr

Tom Regehr identifies as “... an addict, formerly homeless, trauma suffering, plain speaking ham with ‘mental health issues’, social challenges and a will to make a difference”. For over 20 years Regehr has been working to help social workers, medical professionals, educators, planners, and the general public understand what is going on in the minds and hearts of the suffering, the ‘marginalized’ and the critically disenfranchised.
He does this mostly by listening to the homeless, addicted, suffering folks. He gathers common truths and shares them for others.
Regehr is an Adjunct Professor at McMaster University teaching occupational therapists about the role of cumulative trauma, loss, and unresolved grief in addictions, homelessness, etc. Known to be ‘raw, real, and relevant’, he speaks from the heart.

Friday, January 24

How to Be an Accomplice for Justice: Stories That Shape Our World

Time: Noon to 1:15 p.m.

This session is a thought-provoking panel featuring three acclaimed writers whose work spans continents and disciplines, united by their commitment to social justice and storytelling.

Ukrainian poet and cultural scholar Iryna Starovoyt brings a vision of hope amid conflict, asking her compatriots to imagine a brighter future. Investigative journalist Alvin Ntibinyane from Botswana, co-founder of the INK Centre and contributor to the Pulitzer-winning Panama Papers, shares insights into journalism’s vital role in exposing corruption and advocating for transparency. Canadian writer Jess Taylor, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, highlights the power of fiction to amplify marginalized voices and expand empathy.

Together, they will discuss how storytelling shapes our understanding of justice, resilience, and the kind of world we want to build.

Events

Today

  • Warrior Weekend Event Saturday & Sunday

    Esports Arena

    WARRIOR WEEKEND IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER 🥊 OTSU Esports, OTU FGC and CCL to bring you all a 2-day FGC Tournament featuring Marvel Tokon and Street Fighter 6! There […]

  • Autumn Roundup

    Don Lovisa Building

    The Autumn Roundup is coming to Whitby Campus on Monday, October 19, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Mechanical bull riding (hold on tight!) Music + entertainment Free food: apples, […]

  • Group Fitness – Power Pilates

    Group Fitness – Power Pilates
    Oshawa Campus, Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre gymnasiums

    Ignite your fitness journey and experience the power of group fitness on our campus. Class description: Like traditional Pilates, this class focuses on building strength and challenging yourself through exercises. […]

  • Group Fitness – Mat Pilates

    Group Fitness – Mat Pilates
    Oshawa Campus, Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre gymnasiums

    Ignite your fitness journey and experience the power of group fitness on our campus. Class description: This class focuses on traditional low impact Pilates exercises which strengthen postural muscles and […]

  • FEMFLEX Studio

    FEMFLEX Studio
    Oshawa Campus, Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre gymnasiums

    Welcome to the FEMFLEX Studio – A space to move, build strength, and feel good in your body and community. This open gym time is for all women and women-identifying […]

  • Dussehra

    Today is Dussehra.   Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a day of positivity and reflection, as it celebrates Lord Rama’s defeat of the evil king Ravana, in the story of Ramayana. It […]

  • Moments and Memories

    Moments and Memories

    The semesters fly by, but the memories don't have to. Reflect on your student journey through journaling and creative activities, connect with fellow students, and create keepsakes you'll look back […]

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