At the end of our Pride in STEM panel on Monday, June 22nd, 2026, we asked our panellists to share some of their favourite resources and give a shout-out to people and organizations doing incredible work in the Kitchener-Waterloo Community. Below you will find a list of these resources with links to where to learn more about them!
Organizations & Resources in KW Region
| Name of Organization | Description | Link to Learn More |
|---|---|---|
|
Willow River Centre |
An open community space for Indigenous and Racialized, Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ youth and grassroots members. People are welcome to drop in during open hours and public events. The centre hosts Elders visits, feasts, arts markets, galleries, workshops, drumming and much more. |
Webpage: landbackcamp.com/wrc Instagram: @willowrivercentre |
|
Spectrum |
Spectrum offers more than 40 different groups and activities each month, including: transgender peer support groups, games nights, Spectrum Prime for 2SLGBTQIA+ adults 50+, and Rainbow Newcomers Connect. |
Webpage: ourspectrum.com Instagram: @spectrumwaterlooregion |
| OK2BEME |
OK2BME offers a confidential counselling program in Waterloo Region for 2SLGBTQIA+ kids, teens, adults, and families. Our Masters-level therapists have extensive experience in dealing with 2SLGBTQIA+ related topics, as well as many other issues including: anxiety, depression, addictions, self injury, abuse/trauma and parent/guardian-teen relations. All of our OK2BME counselling services are provided on a sliding scale (including up to fully funded, meaning no cost to you) to residents of Waterloo Region! |
Webpage: ok2bme.ca/services/counselling/ Instagram: @ok2bemeca |
|
Shore Centre (formerly Planned Parenthood KW) |
Provides inclusive, trauma-informed sexual and reproductive health care that centres choice, autonomy, and dignity, offering abortion access, gender-affirming care, and community education in a space where everyone is seen, heard, and respected. |
Webpage: shorecentre.ca |
| Free Mom Hugs | Their Mission: Through education, showing our support at Pride events, and offering hugs and meaningful moments of unconditional love, we endeavour to provide members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Canada with a safe place where they feel loved and accepted for who they are. |
Webpage: freemomhugscanada.ca Instagram: @freemomhugscanada |
| UWaterloo Women in Math |
The Women in Mathematics (WiM) committee exists to encourage and advocate for women and gender minorities who are interested in studying mathematics and who seek careers in mathematics. The committee engages with cultural and institutional reasons for under-representation, and strives for all genders to be well-represented in mathematics. Many of WiM’s events are open to all genders. |
Webpage: uwaterloo.ca/women-in-mathematics Instagram: @uwaterloowim |
Accounts/Groups to Follow
Our 2026 Panellists
Benny Skinner (they/them) is a Two Spirit thinker, educator and creator from Ktaqmkuk and Luzon. They are currently a fellow and PhD, Global Governance student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, where they study colonialism and information governance. They also work as a sessional lecturer at St. Jerome’s University, a consultant at ShiftWork consulting, and a professional human rights advocate.
Melodie Roschman (she/her) is a Communications Officer in the Faculty of Mathematics, where she specializes in building bridges between mathematics and computer science researchers and members of the public. She has a PhD in English from the University of Colorado and stays active as a writer and independent scholar. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, thrifting, and spending time with her partner Taylor and cat Minnie
Judith Koeller (she/they) is a professor in the Centre for Education in Math and Computing who identifies as bisexual. She officiated at some of the first legal same-sex weddings in Ontario, and is active with Free Mom Hugs Southern Ontario. She brings her commitment to social justice into the classroom, teaching courses on the social implications of math and computing.
Clare Reid (they/them) is a non-binary Outreach Coordinator working with the School of Accounting & Finance at the University of Waterloo. Their current role focuses on designing programming and opportunities for Black and Indigenous youth as well as assisting with prospective student recruitment. A proud alum of the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Science, Clare found their passion for outreach through a student co-op position and has dedicated themselves to the field ever since.
Zack Cramer (he/him) graduated with a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the University of Waterloo in 2020 and has since worked as a Teaching Stream faculty member in the Mathematics Undergraduate Group. He currently serves as Chair of the Equity Committee of the Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) and, as an academic advisor, supports students with a wide range of academic and non-academic concerns. Zack is a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
