Breaking Barriers: Women Leaders at Camosun College Advocate for Equity and Inclusion

As an educational community, Camosun College has a responsibility to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion. These values are embedded in our Strategic Plan 2023-2028. Left to right: Tehmina Khwaja, Laura Veitch, Elva Gutierrez.

In our increasingly complex world, it may be difficult to remember that gender equity hasn’t yet been achieved. For International Women’s Day 2024, we feature three exceptional women in the Camosun community who are challenging the norms and working towards equity for all. We sat down with current student Tehmina Khwaja, trades alumna Laura Veitch, and director Elva Gutierrez, to learn from their experiences and perspectives.

Elva Gutierrez, a general science student and the Women’s Director for the Camosun College Student Society, reminds students and the community to continue fighting for equality. In addition to the work that women do to support each other, Elva values the larger contributions that women make to society.

“Throughout history, women haven’t had the chance to let their voice be heard or their ideas to be followed and researched. Women have minds, voices, and great ideas. When they are heard, women are able to accomplish extraordinary things.”

Pipe trades alumna Laura Veitch made a leap from the fashion industry into Camosun’s sampler program. She finds hope in increased educational messaging to young people that they can grow up to be whatever they want.

“I believe exposing kids to numerous job options and diverse groups of people will help break down any doubt they have about following a certain path. With more diversity in our workplaces, I hope we will eventually get to a place where it is no longer talked about because it has become the norm.”

Tehmina Khwaja, the college’s new Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, aims to find synergies and dismantle barriers with a unique brand of gentle and kind leadership. She points out that there is a prevailing misconception that women have achieved equity.

“When we consider intersectionality, we see even fewer women occupying leadership positions. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed. We also need to ensure the safety and rights of transwomen on an urgent basis.”

The United Nations theme for 2024 is “Invest in Women,” and we can think of no better way to do so than education. By investing in learning and leadership opportunities, we are making progress and working together to create better futures for women.

Roseanne Harvey, Marketing & Communications Strategist, Camosun College