On International Women’s Day 2021, the College of New Caledonia celebrates the theme #ChooseToChallenge.
As noted on internationalwomensday.com, “A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.”
We asked CNC leaders how they are choosing to challenge to forge a general equal world.
We’re grateful for their inspiration and reflections, which we are pleased to share below
Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards: Dean of Health Sciences
Standing on International Women’s Day!
Growing up, it puzzled me that one as talented and respected a leader as my mother would continuously decline formal educational leadership throughout a 36-year career. Decades later, having embraced formal leadership, I now recognize the primary reason for that choice. Women in leadership still face unique challenges, especially in male dominated circles.
As a black, immigrant, woman in educational leadership, I stand with women who have been dismissed, discounted and disturbed by micro, passive and active aggression in all walks of life. I stand with women who blaze a trail so bright that the next generation has no choice but to be emboldened by their light and to follow. I stand with women who let their voices ring in the boardroom, who are pioneers in their disciplines and who dare to glove iron fists with velvet as they lead with strength and compassion. I stand with women who quietly, unyieldingly and efficiently facilitate educational pathways that inspire and unite.
This International Women’s Day 2021, I stand with women and girls the world over who are committed to balancing duties with talents for the benefits of equality, economic and social stability. Salute!
Corinne George, Regional Principal- Lakes District
Corinne George sozÏ’! Witsuwit’en, Gidimt’en ustzin. I am Witsuwit’en from the Bear Clan. My parents are: Gulahgan (Rita George) and Tsaybesa (Andrew George Sr.). My maternal grandparents: Naquaohn/Noxalay (Julie Isaac) and Satsan (Paddy Isaac). My paternal grandparents: Gisdaywa (Thomas George) and Tsaybesa (Mary George). I am also the great granddaughter of: Madeek (Bulkley Lake Isaac), Goohlat (Felix George), Galahgun (Madeline George), Naquaohn/Noxalay (Christine Tom), and C’iddimsginiis (Burns Lake Tom).
I am a proud descendant of a long line of Hereditary Chiefs and elected leaders. My identity as a Witsuwit’en woman is foundational. As a Regional Principal of the CNC campus in Burns Lake, I rely on the ways of my ancestors for strength as I work with the team to bridge cultures.
Tara Szerencsi, Vice President: Finance and Corporate Services
The past year has been unlike any other in recent history. The global pandemic has affected all of us in countless ways. I’ve been inspired daily by the courageous leadership of women in so many areas, especially frontline healthcare workers. But I also recognize how much the pandemic negatively affected women, from employment to caregiving to domestic violence and more.
Education is fundamental to continuing to address gender equity issues. We have so many opportunities for furthering our education due to the efforts of generations of women before us. There’s no perfect way to do it, my own educational journey included a lot of late study nights while working full-time and raising a family, and my mom’s saw her returning to college my first year!
This year on International Women’s Day, I hope we can all commit to doing everything in our power to support a #feministrecovery in a post-pandemic world, and to celebrate the accomplishments of the amazing women in our lives.