2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership Symposium addresses leadership and inclusivity
On Friday, October 20, the Faculty of Education in partnership with the Manitoba Teachers Society and Red River College Polytechnic, hosted Strengthening the Status Queer: A leadership Symposium for and by Queer People. The symposium was organized by Robert Mizzi, Canada Research Chair in Queer, Community, and Diversity Education.
The event was intended for aspiring and experienced two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer (2SLGBTQIA+) leaders, and general nonconforming people who have an interest in queer leadership. “The main goal is about building the capacities of aspiring and current 2SLGBTQ+ leaders. It is also about building networks and capacities so that 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders can flourish and not feel as isolated in their organizations,” explains Mizzi.
The symposium featured workshops and panel discussions focusing on queer leadership in the education sector. “This symposium functions as a way for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to consider leadership positions in their respective careers and strengthen their leadership practice through our wide range of skills- and knowledge-building sessions.” “We clearly have leadership aspirations and seek to change organizations to better include and reflect our community,” says Mizzi.
This year’s opening keynote speaker was Dr. Andrew Campbell, is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in Leadership for Racial Justice in Education, and the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for the Master of Teaching program in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (CTL) at the University of Toronto – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).
