Susan Belyea
Director
I joined the Ban Righ Centre as Director in March 2019. A long and winding road brought me to my position here. I worked as a glass artist and entrepreneur at Fireworks Glass Studio, and in the not-for-profit sector as the founding director of Loving Spoonful. I teach university courses in food security. In 2018, I completed my PhD as a mature student in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen’s, researching food insecurity in Canada and Cuba. It was during this time that I became a big fan of the Ban Righ Centre. I wrote a good portion of my dissertation here, enjoyed countless bowls of soup, and engaged with a community of mature women students I wouldn’t have found otherwise. In addition to my academic and work history, I bring to this position my experience as a food justice and anti-poverty activist, my love of travel, and my commitment to building a just and peaceful world for all who share this planet.
Lisa Webb
Student Advisor & Program Planner
I have been a student advisor at the Ban Righ Centre since 2001 and am inspired by the multitude of incredibly determined, smart, strong women I have met here. I went back to school to do a Social Work degree and then a Masters in Policy Studies as a mature student so have some first-hand experience of what it is like to return to school later in life. I live on beautiful Wolfe Island with my partner, our dogs, cats, sheep and chickens, and I love cycling to work every day! I enjoy talking with students through challenges towards solutions and if my door is open, I am usually available…no appointment necessary.
Taylor Cenac
Student Advisor & Program Coordinator
I started as a student advisor here at the Ban Righ in January 2023. I was introduced to the Ban Righ Centre as a student by a good friend who noted that there is truly no other place like it on campus. And she was right! I am enthusiastic about working with people and welcoming them into spaces at the university (which itself can feel so cold and isolating). I have always had a passion for people and their stories, and that passion has followed me and complimented my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Gender Studies and my diploma in Social Service Work. When I’m not at the BRC, you can probably find me working with various social justice-minded community groups in Kingston.
Nikisha Grant Ridley
BRC Assistant
In 2007 I received an advanced diploma in Biotechnology and have previously worked at the School of Environmental Studies as a Laboratory Technician here at Queen’s. After years of working in retail and customer service and having 2 children, I went back to school in 2018 and received my diploma in Business Accounting. I joined the Ban Righ Centre as the Centre Assistant in 2018, and being a mature student myself, I felt right at home. Outside of work, I enjoy spending my time with my husband and 3 children.
