Community voices at Congress 2023

Congress 2023 attendees outdoors at the Keele Campus

YFile communications officer Joseph Burrell spoke with attendees of Congress 2023 and asked “What have you enjoyed most about your Congress 2023 experience at York University and why?”

Here’s what they had to say:

Mohammad Sohel portrait, photo by Joseph Burrell
Mohammad Sohel

Mohammad Sohel, York U master of social work (MSW), Congress presenter

“Today is my first day joining here. But it’s a great opportunity for me, and for people like me, to be meeting other scholars. There are a lot of publishers here too – publishers from all over the city and elsewhere. It’s a time to expand your knowledge, your skills and to make connections.

“My paper’s title is ‘Deficit of Professional Skills and the Experience of Skilled Bangladeshi Immigrant Physiotherapists in Ontario.’ I explore the skilled profession of physiotherapy and how immigrants face difficulties. I interviewed physiotherapists here who have experience back at home, extensive experience, but they are waiting years to get work here and in other countries. I present that work here June 1.”

Joshua Brand portrait, photo by Joseph Burrell
Joshua Brand

Joshua Brand, PhD student in philosophy and AI ethics at Institut Polytechnique de Paris

“I came to Congress to participate in a specific conference with the Canadian Society for Practical Ethics, so it was great that we could bring in people from all over Canada and the world, and also interact with people from other provinces.

“There’s some really great interdisciplinary discussion that’s going on. And today (May 31) I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Michaëlle Jean at her big speech – that’ll be a nice opportunity.”

Sherri Priestly portrait, photo by Joseph Burrell
Sherri Priestly

Sherri Priestly, instructor at The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Edmonton

“I read a book called Rehearsals for Living by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson and Robyn Maynard, and they’re in conversation with each other in the book, and they’re here in conversation with each other on stage, so I’m excited to check that out.

“It’s my first time at Congress – and I’ve never been to York University, so that’s also a first. The campus is beautiful. Good first impressions all around.”

Quinton Huang portrait, photo by Joseph Burrell
Quinton Huang

Quinton Huang, master’s student in the Department of History at University of British Columbia

“I’m a master’s student and this is the very first time that I’ve been at Congress. It’s so incredible to see. You know that Congress is all of the social sciences and humanities associations coming together to have conferences at the exact same time, but coming here to actually interact with all of the really fascinating communities of researchers and scholars and practitioners – from across the country and beyond – it’s kind of invigorating.

“I think for myself, the opportunity to not only meet the scholars at the Canadian Historical Association – who have greatly influenced my work, that was a really important part for me – but also just getting exposure to all of the other amazing people who are working on subjects that are not necessarily relevant to my own field, but nonetheless have sparked my imagination and curiosity.”

Riley Yesno portrait, photo by Joseph Burrell
Riley Yesno

Riley Yesno, PhD student in political science at University of Toronto

“Congress has been great so far; I’ve gone to some really interesting panels and have learned a lot from people that I probably wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to have a discussion with in an average day. That’s a big win for me.”

York volunteers central to success of Congress 2023 

York community members and volunteers at Vari Hall with the YorkU letters during Congress 2023

By Ashley Goodfellow Craig, YFile editor and Joseph Burrell, YFile communications officer 

York University community members contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to support the University in hosting Congress 2023, Canada’s largest academic gathering, in partnership with the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. 

From May 27 to June 2, York staff, faculty, students, retirees and alumni made up the 400-plus cohort of volunteers at the University’s Keele Campus working to bring the first in-person Congress since 2019 to life. 

“We had an overwhelmingly positive response to our call for volunteers with nearly 700 applications received, surpassing our goal of 500,” says York University’s Liz McMahan, director, Congress 2023. “This is a great opportunity for community members to meet each other and demonstrate their York pride by working together to welcome attendees from all over the world.” 

With more than 10,000 participants at this year’s conference, volunteers were recruited as front-line ambassadors to greet guests, give directions, support events and help with operations.

Congress volunteers lining up to get their volunteer t-shirts
Congress volunteers lining up to get their volunteer t-shirts (Photo by Joseph Burrell)

Volunteers attended a training session to learn more about what they would be doing in different roles, including: event ushers, cultural programming assistants, hospitality assistants, wayfinders, kiosk attendants, accessibility stop assistants, catering assistants and logistics support. Volunteer groups are coordinated by volunteer team leads. 

The effort was led by Congress 2023 Volunteer Coordinator Christine Le, who oversaw the recruitment, scheduling, training and provided ongoing support for the volunteers. 

“The volunteer program has been a huge success, thanks to Christine’s leadership,” said McMahan. “There is a palpable energy that volunteers have been bringing to Congress. We have received many comments about how warm and welcoming they are – and they are terrific ambassadors in their red Team Congress 2023 t-shirts.” 

Diane Beelen Woody
Diane Beelen Woody (Photo by Joseph Burrell)

Diane Beelen Woody, co-president of York University’s Retiree Association (YURA) and retired associate professor and senior scholar from the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LAPS), says working towards the success of Congress is a “lovely contribution” to make in retirement. 

“Many of our members have spent their entire careers at York, including me,” she says. “I think this is special for York because it is unique in terms of its student diversity, and the themes of Congress are so appropriate for York, and for Canada, at this time. I think it’s a monumental undertaking and the organizers deserve all of the support that we can give them.” 

Dammy Atekoja
Dammy Atekoja (Photo by Joseph Burrell)

For Dammy Atekoja, a student in Schulich School of Business’ MSc Financial Accountability Program (MFAc), the opportunity to volunteer supports his goals of helping people and contributing to society. 

“Personally, it brings me pleasure to know that I’m helping. This is a school that I feel connected to, and when they have events like this and they need students to make sure the event is a success, then I want to be a part of that,” says Atekoja. 

Jodi Tavares
Jodi Tavares (Photo by Joseph Burrell)

For some, like staff member Jodi Tavares, volunteering is an opportunity to show and share pride in the University. “We have the best and brightest minds on campus, and I want to make sure I’m part of the group that shows them how welcoming York can be. If I’m volunteering, then I feel that I’m helping that experience, and helping reflect the values of York. We’re open. We’re welcoming. We want to bring more community here.” 

Tavares, a student of the liberal arts, says hosting Congress is a big deal for York, and helps to increase awareness of York’s successes. 

“York is already on the map – we’re a massive research institution and we have a huge footprint in terms of number of students, [and being] the third-largest university in Canada. But this puts us on the map academically – we have some of the best researchers here, some of the greatest minds, and now we’re bringing the rest of them here. It’s a big deal, I just want to be a part of it.” 

McMahan says she hopes volunteers come away from their Congress 2023 experience feeling proud of their accomplishments with lasting memories of a fun week. 

“I’ve really enjoyed watching our volunteers have fun – dancing to music being played on the Swag Stages, welcoming attendees with big smiles, making new friends, and taking pride in their university and in being part of Team Congress 2023.” 

Snapshot of Congress 2023

Community mural at Congress 2023

As host of the 92nd annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, together with the Federation for Humanities and Social Sciences from May 27 to June 2, York University Keele Campus has been buzzing with activity.

With more than 10,000 participants, over 400 volunteers, and York community members who are working and studying on campus, the week-long event created opportunities to attend scholarly presentations, panels, art exhibits, live performances, interactive events and more at Congress 2023. It was the first in-person Congress held in four years.

View a photo gallery below for a glimpse of some of the activities and performances held throughout the week.

Vari Hall Exterior_Congress (May2023)-7

Pride Month a time to celebrate, reflect, learn

Pride Month banner 2023

Dear York community,

June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and to learn about the history, culture and contributions they have made to our campuses and to Canadian society. 

Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community have been historically, structurally and systematically excluded. These barriers very much exist today in Canada and around the world. For example, more than 70 countries today still criminalize same-sex conduct, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community still experience disproportionately high rates of gender-based violence and harassment.

York continues to fight for the equal rights and safety of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community standing against all forms of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, discrimination and racism. These actions are central to York’s core values of equity, diversity, inclusivity and social justice.

York is focussing on ways to remove systematic barriers to ensure that our campuses are experienced as safe spaces where everyone feels that they belong. This focus can be seen through York University initiatives such as the Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy, the Provostial Fellows Program: 2023-24, and the newly announced President’s award for Excellence in Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) which recognizes sustainable and measurable change on campus, with an intersectional social justice lens, especially for equity-deserving groups such as women, visible/racialized minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

We invite you to visit the Pride website to learn more about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and their ongoing work and accomplishments. We also encourage you to attend the events that are happening during Pride Month through the Central Events Calendar and Student Event Calendar. Join us for the Pride 2023 Opening Ceremony on June 7 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Vari Hall. The Ceremony is hosted by The Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion in collaboration with Student Community & Leadership Development.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Alice Pitt
Interim Vice-President Equity, People & Culture


Déclaration à l’occasion du Mois de la Fierté

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

Le mois de juin est le mois de la Fierté, une période de célébration et de réflexion sur les expériences vécues par les membres de la communauté 2ELGBTQIA+, et de découverte de leur histoire, de leur culture et de leurs contributions à nos campus et à la société canadienne. 

Ces personnes ont été historiquement, structurellement et systématiquement exclues. De telles barrières existent encore aujourd’hui au Canada et dans le monde. Par exemple, plus de 70 pays criminalisent encore aujourd’hui les comportements homosexuels, et les membres de la communauté 2ELGBTQIA+ subissent encore des taux disproportionnés de harcèlement et de violence basée sur le genre.

York continue de lutter pour l’égalité des droits et la sécurité de la communauté 2ELGBTQIA+ en s’opposant à toutes les formes d’homophobie, de biphobie, de transphobie, de discrimination et de racisme. Ces actions sont au cœur des valeurs fondamentales de York, à savoir l’équité, la diversité, l’inclusion et la justice sociale.

York se concentre sur les moyens d’éliminer les barrières systématiques afin de garantir que ses campus soient des espaces sécuritaires où tout le monde se sent à sa place. Cette orientation se traduit par des initiatives de l’Université York comme la Stratégie de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI) et le programme de bourses de la rectrice  2023-2024, ainsi que le nouveau prix de la Présidente pour l’excellence en matière de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI), qui récompense les changements durables et mesurables sur les campus, dans une optique de justice sociale intersectionnelle, en particulier pour les groupes en quête d’équité (les femmes, les minorités visibles/racialisées, les peuples autochtones, les personnes en situation de handicap et les personnes 2ELGBTQIA+).

Nous vous invitons à visiter le site Web de la Fierté pour en savoir plus sur la communauté 2ELGBTQIA+, ainsi que sur son travail et ses réalisations. Nous vous encourageons également à participer aux événements du Mois de la Fierté en consultant le calendrier central des événements et le calendrier des événements pour les étudiantes et étudiants. Joignez-vous à nous pour la cérémonie d’ouverture du Mois de la Fierté 2023 le 7 juin de 12h30 à 14 h au pavillon Vari. La cérémonie est organisée par le Centre des droits de la personne, de l’équité et de l’inclusion, en collaboration avec Développement de la communauté étudiante et du leadership (SCLD).

Sincères salutations,

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Alice Pitt
Vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

Learn more about York’s Community Engagement Community of Practice

York's Community of Practice meeting

Members of York’s Community Engagement CoP (CE CoP) steering committee will present on the value and benefits realized by the University’s CoP at C2U Expo this June.

C2U Expo is Community Based Research Canada’s international conference providing leadership and space for both academics and communities to showcase community-campus partnerships that address local and global societal problems.

York’s CE CoP welcomes anyone across its campuses who work with external communities in their scholarship, teaching or professional role, or anyone with an interest in community engagement. The CE CoP provides opportunities for members to interact with colleagues from across the University that: are involved in community engagement; support capacity building and skill development for deeper engagement; facilitate peer learning; and create opportunities for collaboration.

Despite many institutions across Canada participating in community engaged work, few have incorporated a CoP model,” says Shawna Teper, assistant director, Community and Government Relations in the Office of the President. “Many are reaching out to learn more about York’s CE CoP as they contemplate what might strengthen community engagement within their own institutions.”

Presenting at C2U Expo is an opportunity for York to showcase its leadership in this area and share how, within a large and decentralized university, a CoP can serve an important convening and coordination role to support members that incorporate community engagement into their work or are interested in learning more about it.

Those interested in learning more about this presentation at C2U Expo, or would like to engage with others that are involved in community engagement work at York, are invited to the next meeting, which will be held virtually on Tuesday, June 27 from 10  to 11:30 a.m. The invitation link is enclosed here.

York University’s Markham Campus welcomes community to first Spring Showcase

Markham Centre Campus FEATURED image

York University’s Markham Campus held its first Spring Showcase on May 18, 2023, at Yspace Markham, inviting the community to learn about the new campus and its programs. The event drew in hundreds of community members eager to learn more about a world-renowned higher education institution like York University establishing roots in Markham and York Region.

Student volunteers, staff and faculty members showcased the unique programs and features that will make Markham Campus an exciting addition to the region. The buzz from families and prospective students contributed to an evening of excitement and anticipation for the new campus.

High school students shared enthusiasm for the convenient location of the campus, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the programs it will offer.

Students and professors mingle at the Markham Campus Spring Showcase
Parents and prospective students speaking with program representatives at the Spring Showcase information fair

Gordon Binsted, deputy provost for Markham Campus, kickstarted the event with an insightful information session delivered in the Markham Cineplex. He outlined the tech-forward and entrepreneurial programs and key features of the campus before inviting attendees to ask questions. Audience questions ranged from specific programs of interest to access to public transit to transportation between campuses to the campus’ anticipated opening date. Attendees also learned:

  • Markham Campus is located next to nearby transit options with increased service plans currently in the works for GO’s Unionville Station (only a five-minute walk from the campus);
  • plans are underway for a shuttle between the Keele and Markham campuses; and
  • future students can apply as soon as this fall for programs beginning at the campus in Fall 2024.

“Imagine having all the amenities and opportunities of a larger campus like Keele Campus, but in a more intimate setting at the Markham Campus,” says Binsted. ”You’ll have the opportunity to connect with professors and classmates on a more personal level and access a wide range of resources and amenities right on campus. Moreover, every program emphasizes experiential education, providing you with hands-on learning experiences in the community, labs, and work-integrated settings. This not only equips you with valuable work experience but also creates a positive impact on the surrounding community.”

One of the highlights of the evening was the information fair, featuring program booths representing Markham Campus programs. Prospective students and their parents were able to interact with faculty members and program representatives, gaining valuable insights into their programs of interest and empowering them to make informed decisions about their educational journeys. This interactive experience helped attendees envision the endless possibilities and opportunities that await them at the new campus.

Group photo of Markham Campus Spring Showcase volunteer organizers
Student volunteers, faculty, and staff members who contributed to the success of the event

“I’m really excited about the co-op placement aspect of the Markham Campus programs,” says Melissa Agaba, an international development studies student at York University. “This is especially helpful for newcomers and first-time students since they won’t have to wait until post-grad to gain valuable experience. They can avoid the frantic scramble in their final year to secure work experience.”

“This showcase was an excellent opportunity to share the excitement around art and technology, and to bring to life the collective vision we have been working on at Markham Campus,” says Rebecca Caines, professor, creative technologies. “It feels like we’re one step closer to moving into the campus and making exciting things happen.”

Anesa Albert, associate director of communications, recruitment and digital engagement, Faculty of Graduate Studies, says she was impressed with the turnout from those interested in graduate programs. Prospective graduate students expressed a keen interest in the integrated work experience component of programs, she said.

“As a biomedical student, I’m specifically interested in the new Biotechnology Management program,” says Oluwatimileyin Aina, a biomedical science student at York University. “I’m looking forward to seeing the new environment, meeting new people, and exploring new opportunities. I feel like Markham Campus will be the next big thing in Ontario.”

When Markham Campus opens its doors in Spring 2024, it will be a hub of innovation, learning and collaboration, further enriching the vibrant communities of Markham and York Region.

Visit www.yorku.ca/markham to learn more about Markham Campus.

National Indigenous History Month honours histories, cultures, contributions

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

Dear York community,

June is National Indigenous History Month. It is a time to honour Indigenous histories, cultures and contributions to society.

York University is taking important steps to integrate Indigenous knowledges and perspectives as part of our well-being strategy and commitment to decolonization.

In early May, the University launched the Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy. York University is among the first post-secondary institutions in Canada to include decolonization in a meaningful and thoughtful way within an equity strategy. Doing so acknowledges that decolonization is essential to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.

We have continued to make progress on the recommendations in the Indigenous Framework and the Decolonizing Research Administration Report. In July, the first wholly autonomous Indigenous Research Ethics Board (IREB) will launch at York University – a first for a post-secondary institution in Canada. York also completed the pilot round of Indigenous Research Seed Grants and secured an additional three years of funding at $250,000 per year. A full-time traditional counsellor position was also created for the Centre for Indigenous Student Services. These actions will support decolonization in research and administration while enhancing the experiences of Indigenous students.

While progress is being made, the journey towards decolonization and reconciliation is ongoing and requires consistent action and a conscious commitment to meet our goals.

We invite you to visit the Indigenous History Month website to learn about and participate in the events around campus, including a lecture titled “Writing Home: How to begin a conversation with the Land, a personal journey of walking, listening, looking and making” featuring keynote speaker Bonnie Devine, an Anishinaabe artist, painter and curator. The lecture will take place on June 12, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Helliwell Centre, Room 1014, Osgoode Hall Law School.

We are grateful for the opportunities to continue dialogue, raise awareness and take meaningful action.  

Thank you. Merci. Miigwech, Anushiik.

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Alice Pitt
Interim Vice-President Equity, People and Culture

Susan D. Dion
Associate Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives


Déclaration à l’occasion du Mois national de l’histoire autochtone

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

Juin est le Mois national de l’histoire autochtone à York. C’est l’occasion de rendre hommage à l’histoire, à la culture et aux contributions des Autochtones à la société.

L’Université York prend des mesures importantes pour intégrer les savoirs et les perspectives autochtones dans le cadre de sa stratégie de bien-être et de son engagement en faveur de la décolonisation.

Au début du mois de mai, l’Université a lancé la Stratégie de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI). L’Université York est l’un des premiers établissements postsecondaires au Canada à inclure la décolonisation de manière réfléchie dans une stratégie de DEDI. Ce faisant, elle reconnaît que la décolonisation fait partie intégrante des principes d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion.

Nous ne cessons de mettre en œuvre les recommandations du Cadre stratégique autochtone et du Rapport pour la décolonisation de l’administration de la recherche. En juillet, un comité inaugural d’éthique de la recherche autochtone (IREB) entièrement autonome verra le jour à l’Université York, une première pour un établissement d’enseignement supérieur au Canada. York a également conclu le projet pilote du Fonds de stimulation de la recherche autochtone et a obtenu un financement supplémentaire annuel de 250 000 $ pour trois ans. Un poste de conseiller traditionnel à temps plein a également été créé pour le Centre de services aux étudiants autochtones. Ces actions soutiendront la décolonisation dans la recherche et l’administration tout en améliorant l’expérience des étudiantes et étudiants autochtones.

Bien que des progrès aient été accomplis, le parcours vers la décolonisation et la réconciliation se poursuit et nécessite une action cohérente et un engagement conscient pour atteindre nos objectifs.

Nous vous invitons à consulter le site Web du Mois de l’histoire autochtone pour en savoir plus sur les événements organisés sur le campus et y participer, notamment une conférence intitulée Writing Home:  How to begin a conversation with the Land, a personal journey of walking, listening, looking and making” avec l’oratrice principale Bonnie Devine, artiste, peintre et conservatrice anishinaabe. La conférence (en anglais) aura lieu le 12 juin, de 16 h à 18 h, au Centre Helliwell, salle 1014, École de droit Osgoode Hall.

Nous nous réjouissons des possibilités qui nous sont offertes de poursuivre le dialogue, d’encourager la sensibilisation et de prendre des mesures significatives. 

Thank you. Merci. Miigwech, Anushiik.

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Alice Pitt
Vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

Susan D. Dion
Vice-présidente associée aux initiatives autochtones

Encounters brings augmented reality to Congress 2023

An AR image of water on campus

By Elaine Smith

Experience York University’s Keele Campus with new eyes during Congress 2023 by participating in Encounters, an augmented reality (AR) event commissioned for the event.

Using AR technology, participants can engage with their surroundings in new ways, potentially deepening connections with each other in the process.

“The Encounters app was designed to encourage users to get together, as opposed to staying apart, as might commonly be expected with digital interfaces,” says artist Elahe Rostami, from the Artifact Lab where she works with brother, Amir Bahador Rostami, a graduate of the Digital Media program at York’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD). Both artists have expertise in experimental interfaces and virtual world building.

Once participants download the app to their mobile phones, they are prompted to invite another person to join them for the experience.

“The users embark together on a journey of exploration and discovery, sharing new perspectives and insights about their intersubjective experiences of the landscape,” Elahe said.

“The app also generates an avatar that’s overlaid on your body,” said Joel Ong, a professor in the AMPD and member of the Congress 2023 Scholarly Planning Committee. “It’s a fun experience that also invites conversation and the relationship building that is an important aspect of Congress 2023.”

Using the app, participants will be guided to various spots around the Quad at the Keele Campus in a choreographed walk, including wayfinding to locations for other Congress 2023 activities. As they walk, bodies of water appear virtually, providing the opportunity to pause for conversation or contemplation.

A body of water as it appears through AR
A body of water as it appears through AR

“When the lake or pond is there, it connects people back to each other, and they can discuss the latest talk, event, other possibilities and futures or just celebrate connection,” Elahe said. “It’s a moment of trust.”

Elahe, who immigrated to Canada from Iran, hopes people will think about ways people come together, whether in celebration or in protest, as was the case in her homeland during the past year. Citizens there gathered regularly to protest the prison death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who was jailed for not wearing her hijab properly.

“If there are images projected on the ground, it’s something to come together around, to collaborate,” Elahe said. “Why not think about the future of public spaces and democracy when we think about interfaces?”

In various ways, Encounters evokes the theme of Congress 2023, Reckonings and Re-imaginings.

York University and the Federation for Humanities and Social Sciences will host Congress 2023 from May 27 to June 2. Register here to attend, community passes are available and term dates have been adjusted to align with timelines for this year’s event.

Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living: Building a better future with Lina Brand Correa

Globe and York branded box for the Microlecture Series launch

York University’s free Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living is an innovative, interdisciplinary and open access program that gives participants the opportunity to earn a first-of-its-kind digital badge in sustainable living.

Throughout the Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living, six of York University’s world-renowned experts share research, thoughts and advice on a range of critical topics related to sustainability. Their leadership and expertise, however, extends beyond the six-minute presentations.

Over the next several weeks, YFile will present a six-part series featuring the professors’ work, their expert insights into York’s contributions to sustainability, and how accepting the responsibility of being a sustainable living ambassador can help right the future.

Part two features Assistant Professor Lina Brand Correa.

Lina Brand Correa, photo by Joseph Burrell
Lina Brand Correa

Lina Brand Correa is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change (EUC) and a coordinator for the Business and the Environment graduate diploma. Her research uses an ecological economics lens and focuses primarily on energy and well-being issues, and their intersection. She is interested in exploring topics all along the energy chain, from “EROI” – or energy return on investment – on the energy supply side, to “energy poverty” on the energy demand side, and many other topics in between.

A champion of energy transformations, rather than simply reforms or transitions, Brand Correa’s work is as illuminating as it is pressing. Warning her students and contemporaries about the dangers of the rebound effect – whereby advances in energy efficiency result in greater energy use due to reductions in cost, such that any possible energy savings are undone before they are realized; the necessity for reductions in overall levels of energy use, particularly in the Global North; and the injustices embedded in an extremely unequal energy landscape – she demonstrates the immediate need for perspective shifts, not just in the realm of technology, but in the social, economic and political spheres as well.

Q: What does it mean to be a “sustainable living ambassador” and how does it foster positive change? 

A: To me being a sustainable living ambassador means enacting, in your day-to-day life, the type of world you would like to live in. Every day we play all sorts of different roles. Yes, we are consumers and our consumption choices matter, but we are so much more than that: we are citizens, friends, family and community members, students, teachers, employers and employees, activists, teammates, carers, neighbours, campaigners, customers, constituents and voters, and so on.

By realizing that we play all these roles, and thinking about how we can work to create the world we would like to live in in all the spheres where we interact with others, I think sustainable living ambassadors can foster positive change. However, this work requires asking difficult questions, of ourselves and of others, and actively deciding to do things differently. Importantly, this will likely include increasing the spheres where we interact with others, as it is only as broader communities, rather than as individuals, that we will foster true change.

Q: What would make you most proud for viewers to take away from your lecture, and the series as a whole?

A: From my lecture in particular, I would be very proud if viewers could take away a critical lens on current energy issues, questioning proposed solutions that focus exclusively on technological improvements. Our climate and energy issues are not a technological problem which we can engineer ourselves out of. Our climate and energy issues are embedded in broader social, economic and political issues, and this is the time to tackle them. And I think that is the message of the series as a whole: we cannot forget about people and society when we are thinking about solving environmental challenges.

Q: Equity and equality are a common theme throughout these sustainability lectures. Why is that such a critical component of sustainability? 

A: In my view, equity and justice are central to sustainability for two main reasons. On the one hand, we cannot achieve sustainability with high levels of inequality. High concentrations of income and wealth are linked to disproportionally high levels of environmental impact. This is certainly true for greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. Both between and within countries, there are certain segments of the population who are disproportionally driving emissions. So tackling carbon and energy inequalities is key for sustainability, including addressing extravagant levels of wealth accumulation and income inequality.  

On the other hand, addressing inequalities is the ethical thing to do. We can’t focus on saving our ecosystems without focusing on bringing everyone along. Many climate and energy policies are proposed and assessed in relation to their environmental outcomes. However, the social outcomes of climate policies are just as important, if not more. That means, amongst other things for example, correcting the wrongs of the past at an international level – including extractive colonial practices that remain today as unequal terms of trade and debt-based financing – and lifting people out of poverty and deprivation, for example, through guaranteed access to basic services.

Q: Are there changes you’ve made in your work at York that other York community members can learn from? 

A: In my work at York, I’ve tried to change my teaching style to focus on preparing students to deal with real-life situations, rather than staying in a conceptual world. I encourage students to relate what we are learning in class to their day-to-day lives and to what they are seeing around them, in the news, on social media, in politics, at the workplace. I also try to encourage them to be creative about change, how it can happen and what can the future look like. 

Moreover, I try to engage with initiatives that seek to generate change at a broader level. For instance, I follow the work of YUFA’s Climate Emergency Committee and York U Fossil Free, and will also be following the work of York University’s Office for Sustainability.

Q: How do you view collective responsibility vs. personal responsibility in creating a more sustainable future? 

A: I think we need both, in tandem. Collectively we need to enable and support people to be able to make individual decisions that support a more sustainable future. And individually we need to make changes that will push the collective to take the responsibility for creating the conditions for such a future.

Q: How is York leading the way towards a more sustainable future?

A: Sustainability is a key area of focus in my own Faculty (EUC), where many of my colleagues and I research and teach with a focus on environmental and social justice. York U’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Mike Layton, is an alum from EUC’s Master’s in Environmental Studies (MES). Like Mike, many of our alumni go on to make real change towards sustainability in their communities and work environments. It is there, in our alumni, where I see York having the greatest impact towards a more sustainable future. 

York is also considering questions of sustainability across its own operations, taking important and commendable steps. The University has an Office of Sustainability, tasked with collegially developing a shared vision of a sustainable future, setting targets and strategies, implementing and promoting them, and monitoring the University’s progress towards that vision. However, given the scale of the interlocked crises we are facing, there is still much more to do (for example divestment from fossil fuels). I think York has the potential to truly lead the way towards a more sustainable future, in all aspects of University life, but it requires bold and brave actions from everyone in the University community.


Visit the Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living to see Brand Correa’s full lecture, as well as those by the other five experts, and earn your Sustainable Living Ambassador badge. Watch for part three of this series in an upcoming issue of YFile. For part one, go here.

Schulich ExecEd ranks in Financial Times’ top 30 worldwide

Business people in suits, smiling at camera, stock photo

The Financial Times of London, the historic daily business newspaper and premier rankings publisher for executive education programs worldwide, has named Schulich ExecEd the 30th best program of its kind in the world.

Rami Mayer close-up photo
Rami Mayer

This year’s Financial Times ranking serves as a new highwater mark for Schulich ExecEd, which has steadily climbed Financial Times’ rankings for the last few years, reaching rank 32 in 2022. Not only did Schulich ExecEd climb two ranks higher this year, it also defended its prior-attained status as the second-best executive education program throughout Canada.

“We’re very proud of this achievement,” said Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the incredibly talented team at Schulich ExecEd and to our wonderful instructors, as well as our amazing clients and participants for their strong vote of confidence in the quality of our programs.”

Last year, the release of the Financial Times rankings followed shortly after the overhaul of the Schulich Executive Education Centre into what is now Schulich ExecEd. The continued ascension of Schulich ExecEd through the Financial Times rankings demonstrates the school underwent more than a name change. This year’s Financial Times rankings similarly arrive on the heels of the announcement of Schulich ExecEd’s new strategic partnership with 5D Corporate Teaching and Learning Centre (5D) based in Halifax, which will expand access to the world-class business program to Canadians across the Atlantic coastal region.

To explore all of the programs that Schulich ExecEd has to offer, click here.