UNDERGRADUATE
Saskia Scarce— OAA Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award
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Saskia Scarce— OAA Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award
About the Award
This award recognizes students with exemplary work related to the topics of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and/or Truth & Reconcilliation.
Through my academic and extracurricular involvement, I strive to be a leader and designer who considers BIPOC communities in the profession and supports DAS’s diverse student body.
As a member of the communities I strive to serve, I lead with intention and empathy and try to provide space for people to be heard and feel supported.
While on the Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Justice (EDIJ) committee, I contributed to developing and implementing strategies to foster an inclusive and equitable environment within the department. Through bi-weekly meetings with the committee, we would discuss how to deconstruct the previous EDIJ Task Force Report in a path to implement it. As one of the two undergraduate students on the committee, my opinion on studio culture and student experience was crucial. If issues were prevalent in the studios, I brought these issues to the forefront of the conversation.
As a current member of the EDIJ Gallery Committee, a committee that fosters student agency through curating an exhibition that discusses a topic related to EDIJ. Through months of research, discussion and curation, I aided in the creation of an exhibition that focussed on understanding the range of agencies of different groups held, including BIPOC communities. This exhibition serves as a powerful platform for promoting dialogue and understanding among our peers, facilitating how designers can shift thinking to acknowledge the variety of factors that influence public space and the diverse people it serves.
Simultaneously, I have taken on the Vice President of Academics role within the Architectural Course Union (ACU), where I have strived to create an inclusive academic atmosphere. I am continuously working towards creating an environment where all students can thrive academically regardless of their background. In collaboration with the EDIJ Committee, we at ACU focus on supporting our Muslim student body. Ramadan always takes place during the winter semester when students are focused on completing deadlines in the building. It was identified that there is no designated prayer space or opportunity to break fast, Iftar within the building. We are now organizing the facilitation of these spaces to foster the bond between the Muslim community within the Department of Architectural Science.
In summary, my active involvement in the EDIJ committee, leadership in the Architectural Course Union, and contributions to the EDIJ Gallery Committee collectively reflect my unwavering dedication to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and truth and reconciliation within our academic institution and community. These experiences have broadened my perspective and contributed significantly to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.
This award recognizes students with exemplary work related to the topics of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and/or Truth & Reconcilliation.
Through my academic and extracurricular involvement, I strive to be a leader and designer who considers BIPOC communities in the profession and supports DAS’s diverse student body.
As a member of the communities I strive to serve, I lead with intention and empathy and try to provide space for people to be heard and feel supported.
While on the Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Justice (EDIJ) committee, I contributed to developing and implementing strategies to foster an inclusive and equitable environment within the department. Through bi-weekly meetings with the committee, we would discuss how to deconstruct the previous EDIJ Task Force Report in a path to implement it. As one of the two undergraduate students on the committee, my opinion on studio culture and student experience was crucial. If issues were prevalent in the studios, I brought these issues to the forefront of the conversation.
As a current member of the EDIJ Gallery Committee, a committee that fosters student agency through curating an exhibition that discusses a topic related to EDIJ. Through months of research, discussion and curation, I aided in the creation of an exhibition that focussed on understanding the range of agencies of different groups held, including BIPOC communities. This exhibition serves as a powerful platform for promoting dialogue and understanding among our peers, facilitating how designers can shift thinking to acknowledge the variety of factors that influence public space and the diverse people it serves.
Simultaneously, I have taken on the Vice President of Academics role within the Architectural Course Union (ACU), where I have strived to create an inclusive academic atmosphere. I am continuously working towards creating an environment where all students can thrive academically regardless of their background. In collaboration with the EDIJ Committee, we at ACU focus on supporting our Muslim student body. Ramadan always takes place during the winter semester when students are focused on completing deadlines in the building. It was identified that there is no designated prayer space or opportunity to break fast, Iftar within the building. We are now organizing the facilitation of these spaces to foster the bond between the Muslim community within the Department of Architectural Science.
In summary, my active involvement in the EDIJ committee, leadership in the Architectural Course Union, and contributions to the EDIJ Gallery Committee collectively reflect my unwavering dedication to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and truth and reconciliation within our academic institution and community. These experiences have broadened my perspective and contributed significantly to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.
