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The Shift Podcast is a platform for equity-deserving and underrepresented students to tell their stories. On this podcast, students speak about their lived experiences at Queen’s, how these experiences are shaped by identity, their visions for a safer and more inclusive campus climate, and what needs to happen for there to be a meaningful and lasting culture shift.

On this special Student Voices Week episode of the Shift Podcast, you will hear from a panel of male-identifying ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ students on the importance of male allyship. 

Panelist lineup:

Robert Howden: Robert is a first year Master’s student at Queen’s studying epidemiology. As an undergrad, he served as an Equity Officer for the Queen’s Debating Union for two years, where he was involved in the moderation of conversations on Indigenous rights and sovereignty, maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment for club activities, and appeared on panels on equity and student leadership. His research interests include analyzing the causes for racial disparities in disease prevalence and increasing access to healthcare in underserved communities.

Chad Huang: Chad (he/him) is a commerce student from BC and a second-generation Chinese-Canadian. Chad got involved in equity work through Q+, a professional development club for queer students. He has held roles fostering community and planning events including a national virtual conference, mentorship program, and several firm networking sessions. Chad is a member of the Shift Project Student Advisory Group, providing recommendations on EDII initiatives at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥. Chad is passionate about institutional change and has recently been dabbling in the world of start-ups.

Owen Crawford-Lem: Born in the Kootenay mountain range in British Columbia, Owen moved to Toronto when he was 3. In his 4th (but unfortunately not final) year of a joint honours program in Political Studies and Sociology with certificate in business, Owen has held roles within the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society, and leadership roles in the Queen’s Sustainability Conference, and the Queen’s Student Alumni Association. In April of last year, Owen was elected as the 38th Rector of Queen’s University, a role that sits on the Board of Trustees, is an observer at Senate and facilitates productive and open dialogue with senior University leaders. In his role as Rector and as a student at Queen’s, he has been a staunch advocate for the role men need to play in active allyship, promoting healthy behaviors, and inclusive leadership.

Jared Augustin: Jared is a 5th year kinesiology student currently working for the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Office of Faith and Spiritual Life. In this position, he creates groups and events for students to connect with one another, build community, and explore spiritual and philosophical texts. In his first three years at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, he was a member of the Men’s Rugby Team, a meaningful group for his sense of identity and community early in his undergrad. After he left the team, he took time off school and traveled, which was an equally important endeavor. Jared was born and raised in Canada and his background comes from St. Lucia and Scotland.

Host:

Kwame Osei: 

Kwame is a former pro-athlete (CFL), current high school teacher, Coach (Queen’s University Football Team), TV personality (Amazing Race Canada Finalist), Author (Inspirational Kids Books), CEO of athletic apparel company (Triumph Elite), Co-Founder of a non-profit mentorship organization (Northern Elite Football), host and keynote speaker.

His talks focus on inspiring change, action and growth - pushing people to broaden their perspective and take control of their own personal growth. He also shares his point of view on Diversity and Inclusion within communities, schools, and workplaces and is the Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Nikki Ray Media Agency.

Register to be part of the audience (limited spots available!)

Audience members will have a chance submit questions for the panelists in advance and enjoy a free meal and live music afterwards. 

If you have any questions about Student Voices Week or want to know more about how to get involved, email QueensShiftProject@queensu.ca.