Who: Faculty, Staff and Students
Brief Description:
This workshop/presentation focuses on topics of culture, intersectionality, social determinants of health, racism, and White privilege in Canada and Canadian institutions of learning. Attendees are not only introduced to key terms and concepts to increase multicultural awareness, but are also educated on current trends and how to apply this knowledge. Active learning methods are used to help attendees engage with material, reflect on their experiences, and bolster skills for working within university settings. Resources for learning about racism and supporting community members are provided.
Learning Objectives:
• Introduce concepts of cultural identity, intersectionality and power as they relate to multicultural competence.
• Familiarize attendees with current trends and topics of racial/ethnic discrimination, colourblindness, internalized racism, racial microaggressions, and racial/ethnic identity development, social determinants, and White privilege in relation to the Canadian university context.
• Bolster attendee self-awareness and general knowledge as it relates to issues of racism, White privilege, and the university environment.
• Scaffold skill development and attendee ability to recognize issues when they occur on campus and apply knowledge within their role at the university.
About the Facilitator:
Dr. Gauthamie Poolokasingham, C. Psych is a psychologist in Toronto. Prior to this, she worked for Campus Wellness at the University of Waterloo, four other postsecondary settings, two hospitals, and one private practice. As a clinical psychologist engages in assessment, psychotherapy, consultation, and training. Her areas of specialty include cultural identity development, multicultural clinical intervention, postsecondary student mental health, racism, trauma, and sexual health.
Notably, Dr. Poolokasingham is heavily involved in community research and currently serves on the advisory committee for two not for-profit organizations. She has been devoted to understanding the impact of social determinations (including racism) on health and sharing her knowledge to create more inclusive spaces. To date, she has received multiple awards including the SHHRC Doctoral Award, Golden Key International Society Scholar Award, and FQRSC Doctoral Award.
As first-generation immigrant, former international student, and racialized woman, Dr. Poolokasingham strives to share her knowledge, innovative ideas, and experience as scholar, clinician, and university community member to go beyond raising awareness of issues to cultivating change in university communities.