Meet Cassie Rodriguez — Mount Allison’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (DEIAR) Advisor
Cassie Rodriguez will provide one-on-one advising, guidance, advocacy, and mental health resources to various equity-deserving students, including students of colour and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Can you tell us a bit about your personal and professional background?
I am originally from Dartmouth, NS and spent most of my childhood there. After finishing high school in Sydney, Cape Breton, I went to Carleton University for my undergraduate degree. At Carleton, I studied a combined honours in human rights and social justice & women’s and gender studies with a minor in critical race studies. While studying and working at Carleton, I discovered a passion for building more inclusive spaces and working with students.
Once I graduated, I spent a year working in British Columbia as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisor. My work focused on EDI in the workplace and broadened my understanding of the strategies and practices to make the workplace more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. Once that role ended, I wanted to take the opportunity to help build inclusive spaces on the East Coast, which landed me at Mount Allison!
What drew you to Mount Allison?
The community! Although I didn't attend the University, every time I heard about Mount Allison, I heard about the amazing community. Since joining in July, I've felt nothing short of welcome. Mount Allison's community is one that I'm excited to be a part of!
What motivates you about the field of equity, diversity, and inclusion?
My main motivation for this work is to ensure that everyone has a space where they feel heard and included. Although creating effective and sustainable change can be challenging, working in the field of equity, diversity, and inclusion allows me to contribute to the change that is needed and, honestly, overdue.
What are you most looking forward to this academic year?
I am looking forward to connecting with students and learning about all the amazing resources Mount Allison has to help equity-deserving students!
Are there any key initiatives or goals you have on the horizon in your position?
One of my goals within this role is to do preventative work on diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism on campus. Whether that's education-based initiatives or policy reviews, I think when a focus is put on prevention, lasting change can happen. I’m also looking forward to being a part of the Anti-Racism Education & Response Team and working to bring anti-racism education to campus.
What strategies do you find most effective for fostering an inclusive environment?
Education and conversation! The first strategy that is incredibly effective is educating ourselves and others. This can be in the form of training, watching educational videos, asking for helpful resources, and more. Another strategy that is undoubtedly needed is conversation. Often when trying to create a more equitable and inclusive environment, conversations are a challenging necessity. In order to learn, grow, and change, we need to be okay with having these hard and sometimes uncomfortable conversations.
Outside of work, what are your interests and hobbies?
Outside of work I love spending time with family and friends! In my spare time you can find me exploring new places, going on mini road trips, playing board games, and spending as much time with animals as I can!
