Lori Campbell, director of the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) at St. Paul’s University College has been recognized as one of the 2020 Women of Inspiration by the Universal Women’s Network.
Campbell was nominated for three categories in the 2020 Women of Inspiration awards including authentic leader, difference maker and Indigenous leader, ultimately winning the award for Indigenous leader. She was nominated alongside 150 female leaders and allies from across the country, earning one of 64 awards at the virtual ceremony on November 14, 2020.
“It is so exciting to receive recognition for my work as an Indigenous Leader on a national scale,” said Campbell. “But I also feel tremendously honoured to be nominated in the categories of Authentic leader and Difference Maker. It tells me that I’m making a difference, not only in the Indigenous community but as a leader in the broader community.”
Campbell was nominated for the award by several students, mentors, colleagues from across the Waterloo community, noting that she feels truly humbled to receive such strong support from her community.
“When I was younger it was hard to imagine receiving this type of recognition,” said Campbell. “I never really saw myself reflected in leadership positions. But I really hope my work inspires young women, particularly Indigenous women to make their voices heard and for them to know that they belong in leadership positions.”
In her role as WISC Director and adjunct lecturer of St. Paul’s Indigenous Studies program, she works to foster the development of Indigenous youth and their skill sets, encouraging students to be ‘unapologetically Indigenous,’ as they reach their academic goals.
“There are so many people I want to thank for supporting and inspiring me throughout my career, “ said Campbell. “To the numerous Indigenous women scholars that have come before me, it’s because of you, I am able to do what I do.”
Over the span of over 13 years, Campbell has led with progressive leadership to bring communities together and make impactful contributions to student services, academics, research and administration. She also holds two undergraduate degrees (Indigenous Studies and Psychology), a master's degree in adult education and is a PhD candidate in social justice education.
Campbell is excited to continue her work as a leader in the Waterloo community and we are so lucky to have her leading the way for St. Paul’s newest addition to academic programming, Indigenous Entrepreneurship!