The Team

Dr. Sulaimon Giwa is an industry-leading consultant and trainer in equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. He is an Associate Professor, Interim Dean, and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs in the School of Social Work at Memorial University. Dr. Giwa is an accomplished author, co-author, and co-editor of five books that address race and the effects of racism, bring together the voices of marginalized sexual and gender minorities, and promote ideas for institutional system transformation. As a thought leader in his field, he is a sought-after speaker on a variety of social justice topics, including race and systemic racism. Outside of academia, Dr. Giwa serves on various boards and community-based groups dedicated to social justice. Dr. Giwa believes that the best way to bring about lasting change is to teach people about the pervasiveness of power dynamics in our society's institutions, and how we can use our collective intelligence to destroy oppressive systems while building those that promote justice for all people.

Tree Walsh (she/her) is a lifelong activist who is now enjoying her well-deserved retirement. Throughout her decades-long career in the nonprofit sector, she worked with a variety of causes close to her heart including worker's rights, gender equality, and 2SLGBTQ+ rights. Tree was one of the founding members of the Gay Association in Newfoundland and is passionate about preserving the history of our community for future generations.

Stephen Chislett is a finance professional from Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador. He is a staunch advocate for the local queer community, and on top of his role as NLQRI treasurer, he has volunteered for a number of different organizations in the province. Including the 2SLGBTQ+ Mutual aid group, MUN Squared, and Eastern Edge Robotics.

Julia Barnes is a social service professional with seven years of experience working in the non-profit sector. She has worked with several organizations in St. John’s, either in a volunteer and employment capacity, such as the Community Centre Alliance, the St. John’s Military Family Resource Centre, and Planned Parenthood. Currently, she is transitioning out of her role as the Program Coordinator with the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre as she prepares to relocate to Manitoba. Julia is excited to join the NLQRI board and make a difference for the LGBTQIA community in her home province. In her spare time, Julia is a powerlifter with the Canadian Powerlifting Union, and she enjoys listening to her favourite podcasts.

Daze Jefferies (she/her) is a white settler artist, writer, and educator born and raised in the Bay of Exploits on the northeast coast of rural Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). Her research-creation and multidisciplinary projects exploring trans and sex worker counter-histories have been exhibited and performed throughout Atlantic Canada. She is a board member of Girls Rock NL, a co-organizer of Peace Love n’ Pride, and a volunteer at the Safe Harbour Outreach Project.

Jessie Lawrence (they/them) is from the West Coast of Newfoundland. Their work is related to activism and advocacy for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. They founded Camp Ohana, a summer camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, which is about to enter it's sixth year. They work to eliminate and minimize inequity for rural communities and marginalized communities. Jessie has been awarded the YMCA's Peace Medal for 2019 and the  2019 Human Rights Award from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Cole Kippenhuck (they/them) is a Two Spirit Inuk Labradorian residing in St. John’s, Newfoundland with 20+ years experience in nonprofits. Gifted the name Spotted Elk, they hold ceremony, protect land and water, and walk in a spiritual way. Cole presently works for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in Office of Women and Gender Equality. They contribute as a knowledge holder to various groups including Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance, Grand Riverkeeper Labrador Inc, AIDS Committee NL, NL Queer Research Initiative, and NL Provincial Harm Reduction Collective. They are fluid in their sexuality, gender, and relationships as an act of decolonization.

Sarah Worthman is a freelance researcher and writer from St. John's. She researches a variety of topics including: human security, political history, and queer theory. Sarah was recently funded by the LGBT Purge Fund to research the history of 2SLGBTQ+ persecution in Canada during the first world war. She has been an avid volunteer throughout her life with a number of organizations including Girl Guides of Canada, Planned Parenthood, the Blundon centre, and the World Association of Girl Girls and Scouts. She is currently a MA Candidate (thesis) in Political Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. Her research interests include: human security, political history, and queer theory.