Student AffairsWho is the Inspiring Woman in your life? Whose well‐timed act of kindness or exceptional example will you never forget? Who saw you through a difficult time, gave you a lift up, some sage advice, the confidence or the resources to face a challenge? She helped you when you needed her, and today you are stronger, wiser, more secure or more hopeful because of her.
At the Ban Righ Centre ‐ with a mandate to support mature women students – we hear many such stories. Each woman who walks through our doors finds support, and in turn, she is the strength for those around her. It is because the Centre is built on stories of inspiring women that we invited you to celebrate a woman in your life. The Ban Righ Centre’s Who Is She? Campaign was an opportunity for you to honour women who had made an impact as we celebrate 50 years of supporting inspiring women students.
These are the stories.
Tibeb Debele honours Yeharerwork Belete Bekele
My mom, Yeharerwork, is the epitome of strength. She married young, at 15, and started a family, eventually having seven children. At age 35, her life took a turn when she lost her husband due to political unrest in Ethiopia. Suddenly, she was a single mother of seven children, all under 15 years of age. My mom had no college degree or a job, but she didn't give up. She pulled herself together and started working as a laborer to provide for us. Despite all the hardships, she raised her kids with love, undivided attention, and a better education.
I am proud of my mother for fulfilling life's essential duty of providing her children with the opportunity to learn and live a better life than she did. She instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, faith in God, and the importance of staying hopeful.
Taylor Cenac honours Amal Haroon
I called her my guardian angel when I felt spiritually lost, but, in truth, we are friends who know just how to support each other when the way out is unclear. Amal was the parent I needed when I was far from my own. She is the friend who brings me out of my head and gently nudges me to open my eyes at the beauty around me. She is the reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed, so, “go on the adventure, Taylor!” And, most of all, Amal has taught me what unconditional love looks like, even in the face of cultural and familial pressure. She is one of the bravest and fiercest women I know – never combative, but unyielding, steadfast. I am blessed to have met her and to call her a friend.
Lisa Webb Honours Yolande Webb
Born on a subsistence farm in Quebec then losing her mother at an early age, my mother was raised in an orphanage away from her father and siblings. Acknowledging the need for self-reliance at a young age, she bravely headed to Ontario. She married and raised three children while furthering her education and made significant contributions as a nurse in home care/public health and then family planning and sexual health.
After a major stroke in 2022, she experienced significant losses yet is more inspiring than ever; demonstrating remarkable resilience and grace. She is teaching me new ways to connect and be present, intimate and joyful. I step back now and see the beautiful evolution of our relationship and how it is settling into a comfortable rhythm of mutual love, respect and intimacy, helping me to see my own path forward and the ways in which I hope to grow and evolve. I love you ‘Schmoozie’!
Susan Belyea honours Laura Donefer
When I met Laura Donefer I was a nervous student in the glass studio at Sheridan College. As my teacher, she opened my eyes to an art world full of passion, story-telling, and laughter.
A celebrated glass artist and teacher in the male dominated world of glass art, Laura is a dedicated mentor to countless emerging artists of all genders and I am lucky enough to have been one of them. Her faith in, and respect for her students is unwavering. Laura encouraged me to explore fearlessly, to play, and to make bold, messy, art – mistakes and all – with all the passion and commitment I could muster. While I left the artists path years ago, these lessons continue to resonate.
I’m lucky that I still have Laura as a dear friend in my life. She continues to inspire, and time spent with her always leaves me feeling bold, and beloved.
My mother, Anne (Marion) Soini, is my inspiration. She is a loving, smart, and empathetic person who is admired by everyone around her. As a primary school teacher for over 30 years, hundreds of students remember her as a caring teacher who loved to do arts and crafts and sing in her class. She also didn't believe in homework(!) As a mother, her love knows no bounds. One of her favourite ways to show us her love is by cooking and baking. As a woman, she managed to work full time, raise 3 children with my father, and find time to study and advance her career. My mother has a fabulous sense of humour and we love to make her laugh, especially at our family gatherings. My mother is my hero and I love her so very much.
My mother is the greatest champion for education that I know. This gift is to honour all that she does to inspire her children and grandchildren to reach their highest potential in academics, athletics, and life.
When I think of the special women in my life, the first person that comes to my mind is my childhood best friend, Danielle Corbin. We’ve been friends since we were 12 years old. When I think of every pivotal moment in my life, she’s been by my side. When anything happens to me - good or bad - she’s my first phone call. She doesn’t only show up for me, she shows up for everyone she loves and cares for. She’s an incredible wife, mother, daughter, friend and aunt to my girls. She’s also the most thoughtful person that I am blessed to know. She makes people feel seen. I am nominating her because I believe that she deserves to be honoured and celebrated. I love and appreciate her more than I can articulate
My mother Doris Baker (later Toswell) grew up on a farm in Stormont County during the depression, the eldest of three daughters. At the age of seventeen she went to Teacher’s College and she worked for the next fifteen years as a primary school teacher in Trenton, then Ottawa, then Timmins, back to Ottawa, and North Bay. From the first minute she was taking courses at Queen’s by correspondence in the winters, and on campus in the summers, living at Ban Righ Hall. She became a grade one specialist, and a brilliant teacher who knew how to inspire and lead six-year-olds to learn how to read. Later in life, she founded The Gift of Reading, a project of the North Bay University Women’s Club that moved annually around the primary schools of the city giving free books to students, and often reading them aloud. That’s my mom–always teaching.
Eleanor Christopherson was one of my mother's best friends and after my mom died, Eleanor became one of mine too. With subtle sage advice, humour and much love, this lovely lady thinks of others before herself. We have tea together, or go for a walk along the waterfront, talk of our lives and keep close. Eleanor was associated with Ban Righ years ago, has always supported women in their quest for higher education and a better life. She has been the quintessential volunteer, lover of all young people and is always keen to know what's going on. I love her dearly. I honour her and want her to know that my mom had the best taste in friends. And now, so do I.
With her generosity of spirit, her creativity, her curiosity, and her sense of fun, my mother, Elizabeth (McNeill) Campbell made the world a better place. She had a strong attachment to Queen's as a student, and as the niece of William Everett McNeill, who lived in the house where the Ban Righ Centre is now. She remembered going for tea and sitting in the comfort of that welcoming living room! Her life was a remarkable journey that started and ended at Kingston General Hospital, beginning in 1920, and ending 95 years later, in 2015. The years in between were spent in England during the war, and in Quebec raising her family, and then back to Kingston after my dad died. Mum, thank you for making me feel appreciated and capable. Thank you for always having faith in me, and for your love and admiration. Your life was a blessing to me, and your memory is a treasure.
Born in Scotland, as one of twelve, my mum learned from an early age the value of self-reliance in pursuing her dreams. By the age of 30 she was married with 2 children and embarking on a remarkable 4-year journey to Africa, before planting new roots in Canada. Though my mum has a gentle soul, she imparted to me the invaluable lessons of independence and resilience. Family, in her eyes is everything, and she displayed her boundless love by relocating across the country to be near her children and cherished grandchildren. Through the ebbs and flows of life, from traversing the globe to facing daunting health challenges, and the heartbreaking loss of my dad, she has navigated it all with a quiet strength and honesty that never ceases to astound me. I am profoundly blessed to call her my mum, a true embodiment of love, resilience, and unwavering support.
Her wisdom, energy, kindness, and love continue to inspire me.
Ghania is one of the strongest women I know. Her kindness, compassion, and generosity are unparalleled. She speaks softly but her words are powerful, and as for her love, her love can move Djurdjura mountains! When you are in her presence, you know you are in the presence of greatness in its purest form. I am inspired by Ghania's strength and determination in the face of life's trials. I am incredibly inspired by her unwavering belief in a better tomorrow.
My mom Helen was a renowned cook, a small-town politician, a take-charge organizer, and a generous friend. She could have done many more things than she had opportunities to do, but she made the most of those that she was given. She brought enthusiasm and obduracy to whatever she took on, and if she committed to doing something, that thing would be done. Most of all, she committed to being a mother. I lived my entire life until she passed knowing that there was someone in the world who had my back no matter what, whose blouse I could cry on and cover in mascara, who would get on a plane to be where I was if I needed her, who would get *me* on a plane if I needed to just come home, and who would love me without condition until her last day. My mom Helen taught me many things, but mostly she taught me to be a constant in the lives of the people you love.
I worried a lot about becoming a mother to a daughter—how will I teach her all the right things? How will I be a good role model? How will I ensure that I pass on all the good stuff and none of the less-good stuff? What I didn’t know was that it would be my daughter Jaclyn who would teach me, who would model resilience, grace, insight, and growth throughout all of the twenty years she has so far been here. It was Jaclyn who would embody all the good stuff and who would make the less-good stuff okay. And it was Jaclyn who would personify a long-held philosophy a friend once dubbed “get the ticket and go”—no procrastinating or fussing about taking a next step. Rugby? Cabinetry? A quick trip to Halifax to connect with a friend? Jaclyn gets the ticket and she goes. I loved the little person I was so privileged to raise and I’m awed by the young woman I’m so privileged to know. I can’t wait to see what she will do.
I established the Jacqueline Hodgins Kelly Bursary to honour all that my mother sacrificed to provide the best life she could for me. She was quite young when she had me and, during my formative years, was a single parent. My mother had to forego her education so she could work to support us. To make that decision at such a young age and to understand it meant giving up possible futures is a profound act of love. When she later married and had two more children, the sacrifices continued. But this award is not just about the past. It is about the future. I want to be a part of what the Ban Righ Centre does for all the women who will come through its doors – women who are willing to take a chance on themselves and go back to school. It is something worth supporting through this bursary in my dear mom’s name.
Janice Sutton, who passed away in August this year, was my loving wife for 47 years. During this time she was always caring and generous. She supported many charities in our community and one of her two favourites was the Ban Righ Centre and she greatly enjoyed visiting the Ban Righ kitchen. I know she would be pleased and humbled to be recognized by the Ban Righ Centre.
Tita Jojo, Thank you for being a contast source of support and love for me and my siblings. You gave us fresh perspectives and permission to state and pursue our desires. Everyone loved your spring rolls and I know that was also how you showed love for us, that plus letting us drink coke brazenly, in front of our frowning parents. Your accomplishments in life and career are as giant as your heart - all wrapped up in your tiny frame. I am who I am because of you. Thank you Tita, for everything
Early in life, my daughter Julie's determined spirit helped her overcame reading and writing challenges. Supporting Julie through her struggles galvanized me to become a more informed, understanding and better teacher. Today, Julie is writing curriculum for a new Outdoor Education program at Yukon University. Amazing! On Julie's first canoe trip, being small in stature, but big in determination, she was nicknamed, ‘Mighty Ant’ because she could carry 10-times her own weight! ‘Mighty Ant’s’ adventurous spirit led Julie to Yellowknife, NWT where she and a friend were motivated to start an Urban Gardening business during the pandemic to help address food insecurity in the North. Inspiring and encouraging people to feed themselves, what a feat! Continue to paddle your own canoe, Julie!
Kate is a human embodiment of compassion, hope, and strength. She sprinkles kindness throughout her life like confetti and inspires countless others to follow her graceful lead. I am eternally grateful for Kate’s mentorship and her being a part of the village of strong women who inspire me to follow my dreams. In a world of unknowns, community and connection are priceless. Time and time again, Kate provides this invaluable gift to those around her. Whether it be family, friends, students, or colleagues, she demonstrates the meaning of putting words and values into action, inspiring others to do the same. Kate’s passion for equity and inclusion in education motivated me to pursue a career in Student Affairs. I regularly think about how I would not be the woman I am today without her generosity, love and encouragement. Thank you, Kate. For all that you do, and just being you!
My mom, Katherine Connell Crothers was my guiding light- and still is. I’m sure I was a challenging child, but she never, ever hesitated to let me know I could accomplish good things if I put my mind to it. I appreciate her strength of character, commitment to her family and friends and her passion for teaching young people studying medicine at Queen’s, how to relate to their patients and provide excellent care. Later in life, she studied the Art of the Painted Finish, creating beautiful pieces of art that are part of her legacy. Kind and always welcoming, my mother’s Sunday cake recipe is still known far and wide as a symbol of a door that was always open to friends she just hadn’t met yet. I am trying to follow your bright light, Mom.
My mother was a single mom who worked hard to care for my sister and me. Although we did not have a lot of money growing up, she always made sure that we never went without the things we needed, never missed out on activities, and never felt that we had less – even if it meant she went without.
Through her actions, my mom taught me that there was no reason that being a woman should hold me back. She always worked hard to get things done, and when she didn’t know how to do it she would learn. Growing up watching this had taught me that working hard to complete something, and pushing myself to learn new things will lead me to success.
I choose to honour my sister, Loretta. When she faced a diagnosis of stage 4 Breast Cancer, and embarked on the fight of her life. Stranded in another province, with her husband deployed overseas and her children away at school, she navigated this challenging journey alone. When her husband returned, he was transferred to Kingston, Ontario. Undeterred, she courageously suspended her treatment, relocated across Canada. Upon settling outside of Kingston, she promptly secured a new oncologist and resumed her cancer treatments. Not only did she overcome this formidable challenge, but she also embraced a new chapter in her life by accepting the role of Chief Compliance Officer at her firm. Throughout this entire ordeal, she never once wavered in her composure, maintaining her grace and humility until a year later, she triumphantly rang the bell, signaling her victory over cancer. Nothing less then remarkable, I can think of no one else I admire more.
I can't say enough about how impactful Mrs. Earl (who asked me to call her Marjorie once I was an adult, but I continue to find that hard) was for me. Her unwavering belief and encouragement boosted my confidence. When we lost her I realized even more how much her steady presence had been a rock that I relied on. She was committed to supporting everyone, and in particular believed in the value of higher education for women. Memories of her goodness and generosity continue to provide an anchor for me.
"She cheers me on!". She embodies a fusion of intelligence, patience, and diverse talents. Her pursuit of academic excellence not only set a stirring benchmark but also inspired us, her siblings, to aspire for greatness and exceed her accomplishments. With serene grace, she instilled healthy competition, fostering determination and resilience within our family fabric. Despite encountering hurdles, she maneuvered through challenges, establishing herself in a male-dominated field and excelling in her passion. Her acquisition of degrees in Computer Science and Purchasing and Supply while nurturing a young family showcases her unwavering dedication. Your determination, compassion and affinity for lifelong learning are contagious! I'm so proud and thankful for you. Keep soaring Masozi!
Molly was a special person, intelligent, caring and witty. She held leadership roles in a number of organizations in Kingston, including Ban Righ. For me, she was, as well as a valued friend, my travel buddy for a number of years: we shared many memorable trips with our friends Valerie and Shirley and ventured out on our own a couple of times. Our last trip was one of the best, to Haida G'waii and Vancouver: it was truly memorable. Molly was a perfect travel companion. She was careful, I pushed for serendipity. She was thorough so I could be a little flighty. She was truly a wonderful friend who is missed by me and so many other people.
My mother has always been someone of great value to me. She is inspiring because she embodies resilience and strength. Despite life's challenges, she remains steadfast, teaching me the importance of perseverance. Her work ethic is admirable, teaching me that hard work pays off. She's a role model in balancing responsibilities, demonstrating that it's possible to juggle work and personal life. Her love her job teaching children, instills a desire for me to help others in the same way she does. Her positivity throughout my life encourages me to always keep learning and striving for greatness. I honour her for these reasons and more. She's shaped me into the person I are today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
My mother graduated from Queen's in 1948. She lived in Ban Righ Hall. She was the first person in her family to attend university worked as a social worker and with children in various capacities. I want to honour her, however, because she loved me, and my daughter, and my siblings, and their children, and my flawed father, so absolutely, that she was like spiritual rocket fuel for all of us. I did not understand until late in life that this gift-- both her capacity and what we received-- was rare and a vital resource, like medical knowledge we recognize with money and prizes. Where it is lacking, people suffer. I was lucky in my mother and I wish that luck on everyone.
“Just do it,” my mother always says to me when I’m overthinking or complicating something. When I’d ask her how she was able to do so much – move across the world, raise two kids, find time for herself and her passions – she would say simply, “I couldn’t stop to think about it, I just did it.” My mother is an unshaking force. She has modelled for me how to defend myself against a world that is always ready to categorize, define, and corral me based on stereotypes, prejudice, and other violences. When we first came to Canada and I learned about the experiences of Indigenous Peoples on this land, she was my first teacher on the interconnectedness of our struggles for freedom. I am the woman I am today because of my mother. Through her I learn the strength of self-love.
I met Professor Roberta Hamilton when I came to do my PhD at Queens in the History department, in 1985. She was a professor in the Sociology department, and well-known as the author of The Liberation of Women: A Study in Patriarchy and Capitalism, published in 1978. Rumour had it among the grad students that this was her MA thesis. That, plus the heavy-duty title, make me intrigued and intimidated at the same time. She’s been my mentor ever since: through my PhD program and other writing projects, teaching my first courses, raising my child, making my way through sometimes hostile institutional politics. When I’m confronted with a challenge, my first thought is almost always “what would Roberta do?” Almost 40 years later, she’s never let me down.
I first met Ruth and her wife Anne through their work as facilitators with Trans Family Kingston (TFK), a grassroots group of trans and gender diverse people and their loved ones. Ruth has fostered an affirming space to spark discussion, share experiences, and gather in community. She has navigated challenging intracommunity conversations with grace and kindness, and infuses warmth and care into every initiative she contributes to. When my partner and I got married, we were delighted that Ruth agreed to act as our officiant. It meant a lot to us to have her celebrate this milestone with us. Besides her contributions to TFK, Ruth has also acted as Chair of Kingston Pride, Chaplain at Queen's, and is a retired minister in the United Church. She is a pillar of our local local 2SLGBTQ+ and faith communities. Ruth inspires me in all that she does, and I am grateful to call her a friend.
I admire Dr. Sandra Olney, Emeritus Professor in Queen`s Rehabilitation Therapy. I met Sandra in 2019. She mentored my team in a volunteer project and, when the project was over, she kindly offered to coach me. She is a magnificent life-coach and understands the importance of being physically and mentally healthy to be academically productive. I appreciate her for many reasons. To begin with, she leads an active lifestyle. Biking, skiing, and gardening are just a few of her hobbies. She is someone I aspire to become when I ‘grow up’! Another thing I love about Sandra is that Sandra always finds the silver lining in bad situations. Sandra encourages me to embrace growth that comes with life challenges. She teaches by modelling.
150 words is not enough to describe who Sandy Olney is for me. In my life Sandy has been a mentor, teaching me all I know today and helping me grow; in my personal life she has lifted me so many times and guided me with her wisdom and love; she consistently gives me the encouragement to continue facing any challenges life throws at me. She is always there when I need her, she is my best friend, a friend that has made me stronger, wiser, secure, hopeful. Sandy Olney is a mother to me, I respect her and love her with all my heart.
My mom is my rock and my forever travel buddy. Thank you for always being there for me and ready to go along with any crazy thing I sign us up for. You have taught me so much and continue to inspire me with your strength and open heart. I look forward to our many more adventures together!
My mom taught me to be my best at anything and everything I do, to work with the best quality no matter how tired I am. Without her support, wisdom, and everyday love, I would not have the life I have now. Thank you Mom – Love you lots!
Trinda is a trailblazer. She exemplifies determination, perseverance, bravery, and leadership, and consistently goes above and beyond to help others around her thrive. I have the pleasure of having Trinda as an incredible friend, confidante, mentor, and colleague, and I have watched her succeed in so many different areas of life; she is an extraordinary researcher, therapist, and community member, and I am positive she will have many more successes in her future. Trinda has inspired me to blaze my own trail, and I can't think of a more deserving person to honour.
When asked who I would honour, my tiguaghiq; Tuppittia Qitsualik immediately came to my mind. I am not sure when I exactly met Tuppittia for the first time, but I remember a sense of immediate connection when we worked together in Gjoa Haven. A beacon of humour, open minded-ness and critical awareness, Tuppittia is a leader, a teacher, a caretaker, a free spirit and a force to be reckoned with. We quickly moved beyond the relationship of interpreter and researcher, into a realm of care and responsibility. I am gratefull and honoured for her to have chosen me to be her Tiguaq in custom with Inuit tradition of adoption. She has taught me much about working together from a place of care and commitment, and I am looking forward to keep learning alongside her for many more years to come.
Val and I have a deep friendship and musical kinship, having met 20 plus years ago through Kingston’s music community. From the beginning, I recognized Val was a talented musician and stellar human. Our connection grew when we played together in The Groove Queens, an all-women jazz band. I got to witness Val’s undying eagerness to learn, and her tenacious practice routine as a saxophone, harmonica and guitar player. Val’s commitment to learning and improving her skills aligned with my core values, and Val’s kindness connected with my core. Plus, we laughed all the time! We were going to be forever friends. Val has always been supportive of my songwriting and is such a cheerleader. I bounced many of the songs I wrote in 2023 for my play, Untold Stories off of Val. Being such a good listener, and a great musician, Val provided terrific advice and super direction, and of course made me laugh. Val’s sense of humour hits my funny bone every time, and there’s never a dull moment when we’re together.
Dr. Valerie Kuhlmeier has been an incredible source of inspiration and guidance in my academic journey. Her passion for teaching has inspired me to research dog-human interactions since her enthusiasm is contagious, and her innovative approach to the field has profoundly influenced my own work and thinking. Dr. Kuhlmeier's dedication to rigorous scientific methodology, coupled with her deep understanding of the emotional and social dynamics between humans and animals, has shaped my perspective in the best teaching environment I could ask for. Her encouragement of creative and critical thinking has not only enhanced my research skills but also fueled my passion for this field. Her mentorship has been invaluable, and I am continually inspired by her commitment to advancing our understanding of these complex relationships. She is more than a supervisor, she is a role model, collaborator, fierce educator and even a friend.
Who is she? They are the remarkable women who run the Ban Righ Centre, recognizing their invaluable contributions in fostering an environment of inclusivity, support, and celebration for women from all walks of life. In honoring the women who run the Ban Righ Centre at Queen's University, we celebrate not only their individual accomplishments but also the collective impact they have on the lives of countless women. From the seasoned academic returning to complete a degree to the first-generation student navigating the complexities of university life, the Ban Righ Centre is a melting pot of stories, cultures, and journeys. And the staff at the center, comprising of dedicated and empathetic individuals, work tirelessly to create an atmosphere that embraces and celebrates these differences. So to Susan, Nikisha, Taylor, Lisa, Gabriela and all the women who make the Ban Righ run... We honour YOU!
In 2002 I created an experimental, non-auditioning women's choir that I've come to think of as an entity unto herself. Shout Sister! is an amalgam of all of the exceptional women in my life: she is an artist, an academic, a student, a business professional; she’s a mother, a volunteer, a caregiver, and a confidante. She is all of these women held together by a common bond: a love of singing. She is humble, yet her voice wields power, bringing joy and healing to those who hear her. The voice I took for granted all my life has been damaged by Lyme disease but I am blessed to stand before hundreds of women each week, feeling that their joyful and unpretentious voices flow from my own mouth. Shout Sister! has seen me through the toughest of times and she continues to sustain me.