As the new president of the Queen’s Black Alumni Chapter (QBAC), Devon Aransevia, Artsci’17, wants to build a support network that helps all Black Queen’s alumni achieve success both personally and professionally.
Aransevia – who spent her first year of Queen’s at Bader College – is passionate about team development, equity, and inclusion. The strategy manager with TELUS is a former QBAC vice-president of operations and served as co-chair of the Principal’s Implementation Committee on Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (PICRDI) while attending Queen’s.
She took time out to do a Q&A and answer why she wanted to become the next QBAC president and what she hopes to accomplish during her tenure.
Question: Congratulations on becoming the new president of the Queen’s Black Alumni Chapter. Tell us about your previous experience with QBAC and why you wanted to lead the chapter.
I am so excited about the role of president. I was previously vice-president of operations in early 2021, and I’m looking forward to this new leadership position within the chapter. The opportunity to give back to both Black alumni and students is an invaluable one, and I think the part of the role I am most looking forward to. As president, I relish the opportunity to support the chapter as it continues to grow into a network that enables the success – both personal and professional – of all Black Queen’s alum.
Question: What is the future of QBAC? What are you hoping to accomplish as president?
I think the future of QBAC is one that – above all else – allows its members to benefit from its network and partnerships. To set us up for this long-term goal, I’d like to focus on developing a team and culture at QBAC to facilitate that: through collaboration with other chapters and the university, ensuring steady membership growth, and establishing processes to allow for the chapter to transition successfully between every leadership cohort.
Question: Why should people become involved with QBAC (as either participants or volunteer executives)?
As both a member or volunteer executive, I think QBAC (and other Queen’s organizations that support equity-seeking groups) aims to establish a sense of community and belonging for students and alumni. Additionally, folks who get involved have the opportunity to give back to the university, as well as network and establish new professional connections. Volunteers, especially, will have the chance for leadership and skill development, in addition to making a social and institutional impact at Queen’s.
Question: While at Queen’s, you served as co-chair of the Principal's Implementation Committee on Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (PICRDI) and are passionate about equity and inclusivity. Why is it important to you?
I think everyone should be passionate about equity and inclusion. Every student who attends Queen’s should be able to look back at their time at the university with fond memories, but I know this is not always the case. As the president of QBAC, I am excited to expand my earlier work from PICRDI and support Black alum with holding the university accountable to all its students – ensuring a safe and happy educational environment for all its students.
Question: You are an Artsci’17 graduate with a degree in Global Development Studies. Tell us about your Queen’s student experience.
My first year at Queen’s was spent at what is now called Bader College (then the Bader International Study Centre or BISC). Despite spending my first year of university in a small town in rural England, it wasn’t until I attended Queen’s in Kingston that I experienced systemic anti-Black racism and institutional exclusion. I was fortunate to have a very strong support system on campus, but I know this was not the case for all students. It was this experience that led me to join PICRDI, and it is a memory of this experience that led me to this current role.
Question: What have you done after graduating from Queen’s? Tell us about your career path and career goals.
I am currently a strategy manager, working in public policy. After graduating from Queen’s in 2017, I pursued my Master’s in Global Governance at the Balsillie School of International Affairs at the University of Waterloo. Shortly before the pandemic, I was able to transition into my current role, where my typical day can involve anything from executive communications, strategic development for my team, or preparing spreadsheets to analyze data. I’m excited to continue to develop these skills moving forward.
