Simmi Hansra on unconditional acceptance in conflict transformation

Simmi Hansra (MPACS 2020) is a Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) alum invested in conflict transformation through unconditional acceptance. Empathy and curiosity are centered in Simmi's approach to everyday life, and these principles support her in working to create a more peaceful and equitable world. 

Prior to her current role at Credence and Co., Simmi enrolled in MPACS at the University of Waterloo after she graduated with a degree in Political Studies and Global Development Studies. Her interest in conflict and peacebuilding processes at a small and large scale led her to the MPACS program. “Peace and Conflict Studies was incredibly attractive in that it highlighted civil society's involvement in transforming micro and macro level conflicts. It was a natural transition,” she mentioned.  

While in the program, Simmi found the coursework compelling. “We had passionate conversations about subject matters that influenced us. These can be quite touchy subjects…and it was an actualization of practicing some of the peacebuilding skills and knowledge that we learned,” she recalled. PACS 605: Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding was notable to Simmi because of its emphasis on conflict transformation through dialogue. In this seminar, students sat in Circle and, as they held a talking piece, discussed a variety of peacebuilding responses to conflicts. 

With exposure to difficult conversations in academic settings, Simmi understood the importance of embracing various viewpoints. "I knew that MPACS would also push me to think in ways that I have never before,” Simmi said. Through dialogue and classroom conversation, she leaned toward “both/and thinking” to support her academic journey.  Both/and thinking (in contrast to either/or thinking) works to acknowledge emotions, nuance, and different perspectives. This framework allowed Simmi to view peace and conflict as complex, non-binary concepts, where multiple truths can exist.   

“There are a lot of commonalities that bring humans together, and we should always be reminded of those commonalities to bridge divisions and fractures that exist in our society,” Simmi stated. Simmi has taken this approach into her professional life. 

During her MPACS internship, Simmi shadowed and assisted an Indigenous court support worker in advocating for youth diversion programming. In this role, she assisted in restoring and redeveloping offender relationships with their communities. “I was able to deepen my knowledge of what reconciliation looks like...and the pushes people are making to live out other ways of justice,” she recollected. Simmi’s internship empowered her to explore allyship and change from a humanizing lens.  

Simmi’s experience within the MPACS program encouraged her to look within herself.  “The skills that I developed from an early point at MPACS and continue to build on at my job have inspired me to show up in a specific way for all people I come across in life. I know my actions have waves of impact,” she expressed. Throughout her degree and beyond, curiosity and openness have propelled Simmi’s career.  

Today, Simmi uses the tools she learned in the MPACS program as a Junior Consultant at Credence & Co. where Simmi works to understand, advise on, and transform conflicts that arise within organizations. Simmi sees that her MPACS education empowered her to achieve results at work in an effective way.  

Beyond conflict transformation, systems thinking, and communication skills, Simmi also centers empathy every day. “At Credence, we are called to live in unconditional positive regard (UPR) for every single person that we engage with. UPR is fundamental to our values and our beliefs as an organization–this understanding and willingness to learn from and respect diverse opinions and experiences," she stated.   

As she reminisced about her graduate experience, Simmi noted the importance of self-reflection. “Working through my own biases, my own privileges, understanding what lenses I am applying, being curious to other people's perspectives...I think all of that lends well to the work that I do today,” she said.  

Simmi reflected fondly on her time at Grebel and encouraged future students to take advantage of the program’s flexibility and resources to shape their education. She appreciated the MPACS faculty’s willingness to support student learning. Community was paramount during Simmi’s studies, and she hopes future students can “befriend and be in conversation with classmates. They have a wealth of knowledge they can offer you and that you can lean on.”  

By: Samira Abdillahi