Meet 5 inspiring women making a difference

October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women and girls, both past and present, and their contributions towards creating a better, more inclusive society.

This year’s theme She Did, So Now I Can reflects on the actions of inspiring Canadian women and the incredible impact they’ve made on our lives and communities. That’s why on October 18 of each year, we commemorate the historic moment in 1929 when five women, better known as the Famous Five, challenged Canada’s highest court of appeal to include women in the legal definition of “person”—and won.

Persons Day now marks the turning point for equality rights in the country, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the bravery and determination of Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and Henrietta Muir Edwards. In the spirit of Women’s History Month, I’d like to both honour the Famous Five, and also shine a light on five exceptional women that I find inspiring who are making a positive difference in the world. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, it’s a chance to look to some of the women around us who are paving the way right now, at this very minute.

Standing up for Indigenous language learning

SFU PhD student, Jasḵwaan Bedard is leading her community and raising new generations of X̲aad Kíl language speakers at home and throughout North America. As a Haida knowledge and language keeper, Jasḵwaan has amassed more than 20 years’ experience learning to speak and teach X̲aad Kíl, the G̱aw Tlagee or Old Massett dialect of the Haida language. The mother of three is the official Haida language and culture curriculum implementation teacher for all of School District No. 50 on Haida Gwaii. In addition to designing and running land-based, immersive language programs for all ages, her online classes for adult learners attract a multitude of Haida people from around the globe. Jasḵwaan is nothing short of a champion for the revitalization of X̲aad Kíl, leading the resurgence of speakers in her home community of Haida Gwaii and beyond. Learn more about how you can support the vital work of Indigenous language and knowledge keepers like Jasḵwaan.

Supporting scholars at SFU and around the globe

As chancellor emeritus of Simon Fraser University, a former member of SFU's Board of Governors, and an SFU alumnus herself, Anne Giardini,(BA ’80, LLD ’22) has been an avid supporter of the university and a mentor and role model to many. Her warmth, enthusiasm and enduring authenticity have been a gift to the SFU community. Anne has especially been involved in uplifting SFU’s Scholars at Risk program, which provides sanctuary and assistance to scholars and students around the world facing immediate threats of violence and political repression. Events like the August 2021 resurgence of Taliban power in Afghanistan and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 are but two examples of situations that highlight a critical call for the international community to step up, and it’s thanks to the meaningful contributions of people like Anne that the university can continue to provide a safe community where students and scholars can advance learning, research and innovation. 

Leading in business and innovation

Zabeen Hirji is a recognized leader in inclusive growth and prosperity through investment in people. In her current role at Deloitte, she advises senior levels of government and academia on diversity and inclusion, talent, and the future of work. A long-standing community leader, Zabeen was previously chair of CivicAction, an organization that brings together established and rising leaders from all sectors to develop solutions for pressing issues in the greater Toronto region. She is also an SFU alumnus (MBA ’94) and 2016 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, and is currently SFU Beedie’s Executive-in-Residence, where she advises the school’s social innovation hub, RADIUS, on its Future of Work Program. Her invaluable contributions will help SFU Beedie in developing innovative and socially responsible global business leaders, and to better prepare young people to tackle real-world challenges.

Championing equity, diversity and inclusion

Throughout her career, Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, PhD has helped people and advance EDI and belonging in workplaces and society. Yabome, an SFU alumnus (BBA ’02, MBA ’03), was named the university’s first Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion in January 2022. Previously, she oversaw the development of comprehensive workforce and EDI strategies and designed processes to advance reconciliation at Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health. In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, Yabome also introduced a transformational leadership program for the public service in South Africa to restore relationships between white South African settlers, Black South African Indigenous communities and African immigrants. In 2018 she was recognized with the prestigious Harry Jerome Professional Excellence Award in Canada and in 2021, BC Business named her runner-up Woman of the Year: Equity and Inclusion Champion. We are so privileged to have Yabome at the helm of our journey towards a more inclusive SFU.

Advancing technology and entrepreneurship

Cybele Negris, ICD.D is a long-time advocate for women and girls in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). She is CEO and Co-Founder of Webnames.ca, Canada’s original .CA Registrar and provider of hundreds of domain extensions, webhosting, email, security products, and other online solutions. As an entrepreneur in technology and former advisory member of SFU Innovates, Cybele has served on the boards of leading Canadian businesses and not-for-profits, offering insights gained from her vast business and governance background. Based on her own experience as an immigrant and mixed-race woman in the male dominated industries of construction and technology, Cybele sees it as her responsibility to pave the way for the younger generation. She has dedicated much of her time and resources to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging women in technology to build successful careers, and providing networking opportunities through the Women’s Executive Network, Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and Wired Woman Vancouver.