UTWSA November 2023 Newsletter

University of Toronto WOMEN’S STUDENT ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER | NEWSLETTER

Canadian Women

and War Remembering those who served our country

Unnoticed Efforts in WW1 & WW2

Find 4 Ways to Destress this Fall Missed our Think PINK Event?

Find out more on pgs. 3-4

© Stacey Barker and Molly McCullough

Unnoticed Efforts in WWI & WWII

SEARGANT EVA MAY ROY: A FORGOTTEN HEROINE OF CANADA'S WWII MILITARY Eva May Roy, boldly challenging and surpassing all gender norms ascended to the position of military sergeant. Amidst the prevailing norms that predominantly confined women to nursing roles, she fearlessly defied these expectations, earning an overseas deployment and becoming a trailblazer for Black women in the military.

The 1946 oil portrait created by Canadian war artist Molly Lamb Bobak, depicts sergeant Eva May Roy in her Canadian military uniform during her service in the Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC) during World War II. However, although the painting has been widely exhibited, Eva May Roy’s story remains relatively unknown to the public.

Born in 1914, Eva May Roy initially worked in the laundry industry but transitioned to becoming a machine operator and fuse assembler at a munitions plant with the outbreak of World War II. In 1944, she enlisted with the CWAC, where she underwent training as a cook and served in military canteens in multiple locations (including Canada, the UK, and Holland) because as a Black woman, it would have been difficult to receive nursing training.

She encountered prejudice during her time in the CWAC, including being unable to audition for the Army Show due to a lack of guidance, a role that would have made her the sole Black woman in the chorus.

Nevertheless, she brought her love of singing and uplifting spirit to the canteens.

Following the war, Roy found employment as a government postal clerk in Toronto. In 1955, inspired by a CWAC recruitment campaign, she reenlisted and served until 1965, ultimately reaching the rank of Sergeant.

Eva May Roy passed away in 1990 in Cobourg, Ontario. Her story highlights resilience and accomplishment in the face of adversity and highlights the challenges and contributions of women, particularly those of colour, in the Canadian military during World War II.

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Molly Lamb Bobak, Private Roy, Canadian Women’s Army Corps, 1946.

Source: Art Canada Institute

MARY GREYEYES-REID

MaryGreyeyes Greyeyes Reid, Reid, the first Indigenous woman in the Canadian Mary Women's Army Corps (CWAC), is renowned for the famous photograph (pictured on the left.) The image portrays her in uniform, kneeling before a man in ceremonial attire in a prairie setting, originally presented as a proud moment of Indigenous tradition before her departure for war.

Unfortunately, the true backstory reveals that the photo was staged to fit a white photographer's notion of a ritual, and Mary received less than the implied blessing. It hung in the Canadian War Museum with the caption "Unidentified Indian Princess getting a blessing from her chief and father to go fight in the war." This photograph was part of Canada's attempt to project a distinct national identity during the war, emphasizing inclusivity for all Canadians, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or language.

In a subsequent photo shoot years later, while visiting Muskeg Lake, Mary Greyeyes Reid was invited to be photographed at a polling station. Her status as a former CWAC member granted her the right to vote, a privilege not extended to most First Nations Canadians until 1960, as they would have had to forfeit their Indian status and treaty rights unless they served in the wars.

During this second photoshoot, Mary declined to participate and questioned the voting rights of her family. This moment highlights Mary Greyeyes Reid's consciousness of being utilized only as a symbol of Canadian diversity during wartime, while Indigenous people were not recognized as citizens by their own country.

A staged photo of Mary Greyes being blessed by a Chief of her community.

Source: Library and Archives Canada photo PA

Resources Derived from: CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/retired-sgt-eva-may-roy-untold-story1.6647157 Valour Canada: https://valourcanada.ca/military-history-library/eva-may-roy/ Je Me Souviens: https://navalandmilitarymuseum.org/archives/articles/paving-theway/wwii-servicewomen/

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2023 THINK PINK EVENT

Meet our distinguished speaker, Katherine Pullella! Katherine is a senior PhD candidate in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto, where her research delves into understanding the influence of environmental factors on breast cancer risk, particularly among high-risk individuals and the general population.

Her dissertation focuses on characterizing the relationship between arsenic exposure and cancer risk in low-exposure populations, such as Canada, and she has actively fostered collaborations with Statistics Canada and Health Canada to develop policies aimed at reducing arsenic and heavy metal exposure. Beyond her academic pursuits, Katherine is a dedicated community leader, having served as the Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student Association President and Communications Liaison for the Department of Nutritional Sciences Alumni Association at the University of Toronto.

With her extensive knowledge, she generously offers her time to answer any questions about breast cancer, debunking myths, and more.

Thank you, Katherine, for your invaluable contributions and dedication to our event. We want to express our sincere appreciation for your participation.

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I'm so glad we held this event! While I have a background in Breast cancer research and have awareness about the biological aspects of breast cancer, the opportunity to ask questions was really helpful. Topics like this can be anxiety inducing for me, so when I asked about mental health supports I was able to learn more about genetic councillors and how they guide you through your options and information available.

-Bhakti Almoula (attendee)

MISSED OUR THINK PINK EVENT? Our recent event was a fantastic experience, filled with insightful discussions and learning opportunities. But the good news is that the best is yet to come. We have a series of upcoming events that promise to be equally, if not more, captivating. To stay informed and ensure you don't miss out on any future gatherings, be sure to follow us on Instagram at @uoftwomens.

On our Instagram page, we regularly post event updates, share captivating photos, and provide sneak peeks into our lives with takeovers. It's the best way to stay connected and engaged with our community. By following us, you'll be the first to know about all the exciting events and activities we have planned. We want to extend our gratitude for your continued support and interest in our initiatives!

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©naidzionysheva

NOVEMBER SOCIAL As midterm season wraps up and exams approach next month, we're brewing up something exciting to warm up your November– our November Social! We're planning an evening packed with laughter, great company and snacks!

Keep an eye on your inbox because the UTWSA is gearing up to send you an email with a registration link regarding the event. We can't wait to fill you in on the details, so keep your eyes peeled for the official announcement.

Whether you prefer mindfulness activities or simply relaxing and chatting, we've got something to help you unwind and let go of your stress – it's right around the corner!

-UTWSA Team

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UTWSA Alumni Network Engaging with the UTWSA alumni network on LinkedIn provides a multitude of benefits that assist in advancing your career including the following:

PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT THE UTWSA ALUMNI NETWORK CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH ACCESS TO A DIVERSE GROUP OF PROFESSIONALS. THESE ALUMNI WHO HAVE ALREADY NAVIGATED THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD CAN HELP YOU GAIN INSIGHT, ADVICE, AND MENTORSHIP TO ACCELERATE YOUR OWN CAREER GROWTH. IT WILL ALSO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF DISCUSSIONS, WEBINARS, AND WORKSHOPS TAILORED TO YOUR INTERESTS, HELPING YOU STAY UPDATED ON INDUSTRY TRENDS AND NEW SKILLS. THESE CAN ALSO EXPOSE YOU TO DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES, HELPING YOU GROW PERSONALLY AND BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS.

STRENGTHENED NETWORK CONNECTIONS THE UTWSA ALUMNI NETWORK ALLOWS YOU TO STRENGTHEN YOUR PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS. YOU CAN CONNECT WITH FELLOW ALUMNI WORKING IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH CAN BE INVALUABLE FOR NETWORKING AND JOB HUNTING. HAVING A STRONG NETWORK CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH ACCESS TO JOB REFERRALS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COLLABORATIONS THAT CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR CAREER. YOU'LL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN SOCIAL EVENTS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR FELLOW ALUMNI.

Click here to join!

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S POTLIGHT:

FLASHnGLOWCO

Leila Belal Founder

FLASHnGLOWCO, a Canadian-based Health & Beauty company, was born from a powerful idea: to empower everyday women and help them feel confident in their own skin. This mission drives their commitment to providing accessible solutions for safe and effective hair removal in the comfort of your home. Their journey started by collaborating with an international manufacturer, renowned worldwide for their excellence in IPL systems. This partnership enabled them to bring the FLASHnGLOWCO IPL Handset to life, a device designed and rigorously tested for at-home hair removal. They have since harnessed the latest clinical standard technology and incorporated it into the FLASHnGLOWCO IPL Hair Removal System, ensuring that you can achieve salon-quality results without the hassle of hidden costs, upgrades, or the need for refills. Say you can say goodbye to the inconvenience of shaving forever. What makes their story even more inspiring is that FLASHnGLOWCO was founded by one of our very own University of Toronto students, proudly offering:

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AT HOME ADVANCED IPL LASER HAIR REMOVAL HANDSETS Equipped with the latest filtration technology for Smooth Glowing Skin

3 IPL HAIR REMOVAL

HANDSET WITH ICE COOLING TECHNOLOGY A new design with cooling technology to transport you to a salon like experience right from the comfort of your own home

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2 LED LIGHT SHIELD

MASKS

Uses NASA technology clinically demonstrated to smooth fine lines, kill acne-causing bacteria, and promote healthy glowing skin.

USE CODE “UOFT50" for $50 off

During the pandemic, I realized I wanted to sell self-care products when I noticed it became harder for a lot of the women around me to keep up with their self care when salons were closing. My goal was to make it more affordable and accessible for women to receive the same treatments from the comfort of their own homes. This led me to the idea of selling at-home laser hair removal devices and LED light therapy face shields. This is where I started Flashnglowco.

To my fellow female students who are looking to start a business, I know balancing academics and entrepreneurship can be super challenging, but if you have a unique idea that you’re passionate about, that by itself can take you so far. Trust your instincts, and know that you have the ability to succeed in both worlds.

I would also encourage anyone to look at people around them and to think about just one thing that can make certain experiences for them better/easier, and start from there!

-Leila Belal (Founder/CEO)

@flashnglowco

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SPOT LIGHT: Women Entrepreneurs Do you know of any entrepreneurs within the University of Toronto or beyond?

The UTWSA monthly newsletter is embarking on an exciting new initiative. We're dedicated to shining a spotlight on women-owned businesses, not only at the local level but also on a national scale.

Locally, our aim is to showcase businesses owned by UofT students or alumni, as well as those run by members of the public in Mississauga, Scarborough, and Toronto. We want to celebrate and promote these enterprises that contribute to the local community and economy.

On a broader national level, we're equally enthusiastic about highlighting women-owned businesses from various provinces and territories across Canada. This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting and empowering women in entrepreneurship, and we're excited to share their stories and successes with our readers.

Stay tuned for these inspiring features in our upcoming newsletters! © Lisa Luison Valentino

Submit Your Ideas Here!

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MEET YOUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM *We're the creative force behind the monthly newsletter and utilize various professional media to ensure students stay informed and engaged with the organization. Keep an eye out for our curated content throughout the year!

Yi Lin Yi Lin

VP of Membership Favourite Study Spot: Earth Sciences Centre Fun Fact: “I love sad music.”

Veronica Luo VP of Membership Favourite Study Spot: Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex @ UTM Fun Fact: “I love rainy weather :)”

Aniqa Javed

Chidera Uduji

Manager of Membership

Manager of Membership

Favourite Study Spot: Robarts Student Commons Fun Fact: “I love horror movies, Halloween is my favourite holiday!”

Favourite Study Spot: Wendy Cecil Atrium @ Vic Fun Fact: “I know the entire Hamilton Soundtrack by heart””

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4 Ways to Destress this Fall

1 Take a Break from Your Screens Digital Detox: Designate specific times each day when you'll disconnect from your devices. This can help you relax and reduce the constant blasts of information and notifications Journaling and Reflection: Write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during the fall season. Use it as an opportunity to set goals, express gratitude, and gain insights into your life.

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Sleep

Establish a Routine: Maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your body's internal clock.

Create a Cozy Sleep Environment: As the weather cools down, make your bedroom a comfortable and cozy place for sleep. Consider adding warm blankets and adjusting the room temperature for optimal sleep.

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Enjoy Simple Pleasures

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Hot Girl Walks: Going for a walk and embracing the crisp fall air can be refreshing. Dress warmly, and consider taking in the beauty of the season with a friend or alone to clear your mind.

Comfort Meals: Preparing and savouring comforting, seasonal meals can be a great way to unwind. Try cooking soups, stews, or other fall-inspired dishes. It's also a perfect opportunity to practice mindful eating.

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Connect with Others

Social Gatherings: Plan small gatherings with friends and family to maintain social connections. You can join a book, cooking or even knitting club, host a cozy indoor dinner, or simply spend quality time together.

Support Systems: Reach out to your support network when you're feeling down or stressed. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust can be therapeutic and comforting.

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THANK YOU

For Reading

BECOMING A MEMBER Ensuring your ongoing access to our invaluable newsletter & exclusive content is as simple as becoming a member.

By joining our community, you will continue to receive full access to our insightful newsletter and stay updated with all our initiatives.

Don't forget to follow @uoftwomens on Instagram, where we regularly share updates about our efforts to advance gender equity.

Thank you for tuning in & we look forward to connecting with you in next month's newsletter