You Belong Here: Creating Strategies and Networks for BIPOC Professionals
08:30 to 16:30
Despite the growing focus on Diversity, Equity, Equality and Inclusion (DEEI) in workplaces, many professionals who identify as BIPOC are met with daily and continual barriers. This workshop aims to create a safe space to highlight the challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour (BIPOC) in the field of international education (IE).
In this collaborative session, the facilitators will share their lived experiences and journey in IE. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of foundational concepts in DEEI and dissect the common vocabulary used to describe biases and discrimination. Through factual evidence, the facilitators will highlight the realities and present that the challenges faced are both existent and detrimental.
This workshop will be a supportive space for participants to share their individual journeys and personal perspectives. Through interactive activities and guided discussions, the participants will have an opportunity for self-reflection and leave with a greater self-awareness. This workshop aims for participants to return to their workplace with the confidence to express their identity and be empowered to contribute.
Lastly, the session aims to leave participants with a sense of community, belonging, and strategies to navigate the complex field of IE. With practical strategies to navigate the workspace and feel empowered to contribute.
Note: This session is intended for BIPOC individuals only. In creating this space, CBIE and the facilitators recognize that identity is complex, and everyone will come to this space with different lived experiences and terms that reflect identity. Registering and attending the session is based on each individual’s self-identification. We welcome those who feel they belong in this space in connection to IBPOC identities.
Facilitators
- Danai Bélanger
Vice-Principal, Student Affairs
Bishop’s UniversityDanai Bélanger (she/her/elle) is a Zimbabwean-born, trilingual (Shona, English, and French) student services and immigration professional who currently serves as the Vice-Principal Student Affairs at Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, QC.
She’s spent the last 17 years navigating Canada’s many immigration and social systems for various institutions in five of Canada’s provinces. She has a master’s degree from The University of British Columbia-Okanagan in Diversity Education.
As a Black woman and immigrant, she has first-hand experience as both a user and educator of Canada’s immigration programs and the challenges that marginalized folks face – experiences that have enabled her to provide the highest level of service to some of the most vulnerable people in post-secondary institutions.
She has worked as a consultant for the ISIEP-PEIEI creating and editing course content and developing cross-cultural modules for new advisors and regularly sits on panels as a subject matter expert on student issues, BIPOC representation, the Black/African experience, and immigration policy.
- Rania Ghaly
Executive Director
Apex Language and Career CollegeRania Ghaly (she/her) is the Executive Director of Apex Language and Career College (ALCC) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and has worked in the education sector for over 20 years. Born in Montreal and raised in Halifax, Rania’s Egyptian heritage has given her valuable insights into Canada’s multicultural landscape. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University and worked as a Research Scientist before pursuing her childhood dream of being a teacher.
Rania began her journey in education as a homeroom teacher but quickly shifted to teaching Science. While in the K-12 sector she has held the role of Academic Coordinator, Department Head and Vice-Principal. In 2015, she shifted to Adult Education, dedicating nearly a decade to higher education at ALCC, where she has been an EAP/UBP instructor, Academic Coordinator and Registrar.
She currently serves on the boards of TESL NS and TESL Canada, and several EduNova committees. Rania is also affiliated with TESOL International, CASLT, APACT, and CWB. Her personal experience as the daughter of an international student drives her dedication to helping students succeed and fostering global citizenship. Outside work, she volunteers in her community and supports youth initiatives.
