The FAUW Equity Committee recognizes Dr. Hilary Bergsieker's tireless efforts and significant contributions in equity and awards Dr. Bergsieker the 2023 Equity and Inclusivity Award.
Dr. Bergsieker was involved in the President's Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART) as a member of the Equity Data Advisory Committee from 2020 to 2022. Her leadership as a co-founder and active member of the Psychology EDI Working Group has been instrumental in fostering positive change within her department. The remarkable achievements of the Equity Data Reporting and Events initiatives, which she spearheaded, significantly increased participation rates in the Equity Survey for Psychology. Her inclusive approach and collaborative efforts with student Working Group members have undoubtedly created an environment that encourages engagement and empowers individuals to contribute to the advancement of equity and inclusivity.
In addition, Dr. Bergsieker's commitment to equity and inclusivity is reflected in her teaching and mentoring endeavors. The development and delivery of two new EDI-related courses, PSYCH 355: Intergroup Relations and PSYCH 743: Advanced Intergroup Relations, demonstrate her dedication to educating students on crucial topics related to racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and ableism. Her leadership within the Diversity and Intergroup Relations Lab is also truly commendable. The inclusive nature of her lab, attracting and supporting a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate students from various backgrounds, is a testament to her commitment to fostering an environment that celebrates and values differences.
Dr. Bergsieker's extensive field research on advancing gender inclusion in STEM fields have also profoundly impacted the broader community. As a Fellow in the Engendering Success in STEM Research Consortium, she has disseminated her research insights through public talks, media interviews, and accessible lay summaries demonstrating a commitment to making these valuable findings accessible to a wide audience, thereby promoting understanding and awareness of critical issues related to equity and inclusivity.
Congratulations to Dr. Bergsieker as the 2023 Equity Fellow, your unwavering commitment to equity, inclusivity, and diversity has set a remarkable example for the entire University of Waterloo community. Your leadership, advocacy, and innovative contributions have made a tangible difference, creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Your dedication to these principles inspires us all, and we are immensely proud to have you as a member of our institution.
The FAUW Equity Committee also commends all six nominated individuals/groups this year who are championing equity in their work. The year’s nomination pool was exceptional. The nominations received were a testament to the remarkable individuals and groups at our institution who are actively engaged in advancing equity and inclusivity. The level of dedication, innovation, and impact demonstrated by all the nominees was truly inspiring, making the selection process a challenging one.
We encourage everyone to continue to be steadfast in their commitment to promoting the principles of equity and inclusivity. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all members of our community.