Our Team

Cristina is a graduate from the University of Victoria in Political Science and Applied Ethics, and is GEM’s current Outreach and Communications Coordinator.  She has lived as a settler on unceded Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ lands her whole life. Her passions are for facilitating discussion and community spaces on Gender and Equity, Political Activism and Sustainable Development.

Cristina sees gender inclusivity as a crucial pillar to social change, and the spaces for gender diverse peoples as a community building area to promote harm reduction, meaningful dialogue and openness. At any time, you can find Cristina talking to someone; as she is a notorious extrovert. She loves music, queer art and socializing with new and like-minded peeps! If you see her around campus, feel free to stop her and say hi, or email gemcentre@uvss.ca with any questions about the centre and what we offer 

Kai is a fourth year Environmental Studies and Geography student at UVic. As the GEM Centre’s Advocacy Group Representative since September 2020, they advocate for the interests of the GEM community within the UVSS as a voting member on the Board of Directors. This year they are particularly excited to work alongside the rest of the team to expand the scope of GEM’s resource offerings and to make improvements to the centre’s physical space. Outside of the university, Kai enjoys thrifting, spending time with horses, and searching for amphibians while hiking. You can reach Kai at gemrep@uvss.ca.

Mack is in her third year studying Creative Writing and Gender Studies at UVic. A settler raised on Mississauga Anishnaabeg territory, she now lives on the unceded territories of the Lkwungen and WSANEC peoples. Working within the Gender Empowerment Centre for the past two years, she helped to create and facilitate GEM’s Sex Positivity Workshop, organized UVic’s Trans Day of Remembrance event in 2019, participated in the committee developing UVic’s first Pride Week on campus, and created an interactive online database for GEM’s library. She loves watching movies, making movies, high camp, and eating pomegranates. If you see someone on campus wearing a particularly funny outfit, come and say hi!

Amira is a second-year psychology major at UVic and a member of the Communications Director team with GEM. Amira has a passion for various arts and crafts projects, body neutrality, live music, and recreational dance. This is her first year volunteering for GEM and she’s super excited to participate in GEM activities. 

Eric is a Gender Studies major and a volunteer Gender Diversity Director for the GEM. Eric enjoys fostering a sex-positive environment and all things that fall under the umbrella of Sexual Health. In their personal time you will find Eric reading, practicing yoga or putting their feet up at the beach – the summer months are their favorite time of year. Eric is excited to contribute to the GEM and continue to meet all their amazing fellow students and colleagues!

Anna-Elaine  is a white settler of mixed European ancestry living as an uninvited guest on unsurrendered Lekwungen and WSANEC territories. She is a fourth year political science student with a passion for gender empowerment, sexualized violence prevention, and accessible education. She came to UVic as a third year student after finishing her Associate of Arts degree at Capilano University in Global Stewardship. She hopes to bring her years of experience in student advocacy to the GEM to help further its mission of strong intersectional feminist organizing on campus. 

Beau is a queer, non-binary, neurodivergent artist, writer, and educator. They are a third generation settler of mixed European descent, born and raised on Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Petun territory, and have lived as an uninvited trespasser on Lekwungen territory for four years. They are in their fifth year at UVic, double majoring in Indigenous studies and Honours Gender Studies, with a minor in Art Education. Beau is passionate about community care, compassionate education, and the power of radical queerness.

You can contact Beau at gemss@uvss.ca.

Keelin  is a first year student at UVic working towards a Political Science major with an Environmental Studies minor. They are excited to be working with the GEM as a library manager and can’t wait to get more involved! They love cats, making art, and seeing friends, and can usually be found rock climbing, trying out new makeup looks, or watching anime in their spare time. 

Kai  is in their second year of pursuing a combined degree in biology and psychology at UVic. They are excited to help out the GEM with communications and event planning. When they’re not burnt out they like to draw and paint, go for a run, explore Victoria, or crochet (still learning though). They also like to collect vhs tapes and old video games! 

Zoey is half-way through her degree in History and Gender Studies and volunteers with GEM as Library Manager. Zoey loves sipping tea, reading books, petting dogs, and vintage clothing.

My name is Flora Wells and I use she/they pronouns. I’m a first-year student at UVic and am so excited to be a Library Manager for the GEM! I am considering the Social Work program but for this year I’m enjoying taking Anthropology and Art Education courses. I’m very interested in gender theory and books obviously, but I’m also constantly starting new art projects and always have at least one dance that I am choreographing. One of many things I appreciate about the GEM center is that everyone has such different interests and skills that they bring to the table and I look forward to expanding the community!

Rowan  is in their third year of writing and is one of the volunteer Library Coordinators for the GEM. They enjoy reading, writing and playing video games.