VIRTUAL REALITY
Can virtual reality fight racism?
Global News
Photo: GBC
Date: March 11, 2023
On an October morning, Michael Avis makes his way to a gymnasium. He has come to a Toronto Catholic elementary school to provide anti-racism training to staff. But unlike more traditional forms, Avis is using virtual reality to have learners better understand bias, microaggressions and privilege. “Virtual reality is very good at putting you into that situation … and feeling a visceral empathy or feeling a connection,” said Avis, founder and president of Tapvigo Solutions, a communications company that focuses on technology-enhanced, human-centred learning. To ensure the project wasn’t causing harm, especially to racialized people who would also participate in the modules, Avis worked with George Brown College professors Charlene Dunstan and Gail Hunter, who are experts on these types of subject matters, to get the content right.
WOMEN IN TRADES
RESCON encourages more women to enter trades for International Women’s Day
Daily Commercial News
Photo: GBC
Date: March 8, 2023
To mark International Women’s Day, the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is encouraging more women to pursue careers in the skilled trades and is calling for employers and governments to continue promoting the industry. Women currently account for less than five per cent of construction workers, yet close to 100,000 workers will be needed in Ontario alone by 2030, states a release. According to BuildForce Canada, women make up only 4.8 per cent of new apprentice registrations. RESCON has been working to push back against stereotypes and encourage women to take up careers in the trades. RESCON also places several female students with employers on residential construction sites each year through a partnership with George Brown College and has hosted a number of Women in Construction webinars where women in the trades and professionals discuss topics such as their experiences and what must be done to recruit and ensure women stay in the skilled trades.
EDI IN CONSTRUCTION
The Caribbean Camera Inc
Photo: GBC
Date: March 4, 2023
Grenada-born Jean Augustine, Canada’s first Black female Member of Parliament, in a keynote address last Friday at the Black History Showcase in Concord, Ontario, said Black Canadians have faced prejudice, discrimination and racism” from the very beginning.” Augustine recalled that when she came to Canada in the early 1960s, “we had no Charter of Rights and Freedoms. That did not come until we repatriated our constitution and amended it. Chris Campbell, director of equity, diversity and inclusion at the Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario, who also addressed the gathering, presented a $100,000 cheque to Dr. Gervan Fearon, president of George Brown College in Toronto, for the establishment of a scholarship in the construction industry.
GBC IN INDIA
GBC in India: President Dr. Gervan Fearon enhances partnerships with international institutions during an overseas visit
Education News
Photo: GBC
Date: February 22, 2023
George Brown College leaders recently travelled to India to strengthen our partnerships, promote our programs and attract new international students. The trip helped raise the college's profile in the country and provided an opportunity to explore new opportunities in the region. George Brown President Dr. Gervan Fearon led the GBC team that included Associate Vice-President of Global Partnerships & Education David Begg and Director for South Asia, Middle East & Africa Ian Honey. The team connected with colleagues and students at Chitkara University, a George Brown College partner since 2006. Renowned as one of the best private universities in the Punjab region of northern India, Chitkara offers multi-disciplinary and industry-relevant programs. In 2019, we established new opportunities for teaching and learning mentorship, curriculum development, applied research, and faculty and student exchanges. The agreement also provides eligible Chitkara students advanced standing in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management) program.
HAZEL YCASIANO
GBC fashion student wins international Fashion Scholarship Fund award, will be celebrated at NYC awards gala with Vogue Editor Anna Wintour
Education News
Photo: GBC
Date: Februrary 17, 2023
George Brown College (GBC) fashion student Hazel Ycasiano's impressive case study on ethical and sustainable fashion has earned her nearly $20,000 US in scholarships. She'll be celebrated at a gala awards ceremony this spring alongside other students and industry luminaries, including American Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. Hazel is among the winners of the annual Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) Case Study Challenge. The honour comes with a $7,500 US award. Her work also impressed luxury retailer Neiman Marcus. The company gave her a $10,000 US scholarship and will dress her for the annual FSF awards gala on April 3 in New York City, where Wintour will also be honoured. "I am both thrilled and a bit nervous because I never imagined I would get to be in the same room as Anna Wintour," Hazel said.
ACCESSIBLE LEARNING
Making learning accessible for everyone
The Globe and Mail
Photo: The Globe and Mail
Date: February 23, 2023
February is Black History Month, and George Brown College (GBC) is taking this opportunity to explore the topic Black health matters, with special attention to the impact of anti-Black racism on health and well-being as well as community-based approaches to healing and wellness. This focus area is part of an ongoing Black Futures initiative, which strives to foster and promote Black futures while creating community for all. “We can support Black students by eliminating barriers, both visible and invisible, and by providing them with opportunities,” says Jennifer Grant, AVP, Office of Antiracism, Equity and Human Rights Services. “We can support Black students and staff by creating environments where they can be their best selves.” The Black Futures initiative is one of the actions directly aligned with GBC’s commitment to the Scarborough Charter, Strategy 2026 and Anti-Racism Action Plan. For Ms. Grant, this dedication inspires hope.
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