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U logo png text white IWS Network promotes online model to help members through the pandemic

IWS Network promotes online model to help members through the pandemic

IWS Network Header IWS Network promotes online model to help members through the pandemic

The Immigrant and International Women in Science Network (IWS) is a non-profit organization that provides support and mentorship for fellow immigrant and international women in the STEM fields.

“Because of COVID-19, as with so many organizations, we had to rethink how we were structured and how we were going forward,” said Sweta Rajan, Equity Diversity and Inclusion consultant and co-founder of IWS.

Before the pandemic, IWS used to hold in-person meetings across the country. They ended up switching to online sessions as a temporary replacement for the past year and a half.

“It’s been a wonderful thing to see how we as a community were able to respond to this challenging time,” said Rajan.

On a positive note, IWS has been able to expand its network with people and communities from all over the world, joining its online calls.

“Everyone now feels like they have a space to contribute and listen to others, so that’s been great to see,” she said.

The organization plans to integrate those meetings with their pre-pandemic system due to the higher accessibility that an online platform can provide.

“Many people can’t attend some meetings because there is such a big commute time, child care issues and things like that, so we’re certainly leaning towards a hybrid model looking forward,” Rajan added.

All meetings are available on IWS’s new youtube channel for those who have missed or are looking into learning more about the organization and its projects.

“What makes workplaces and communities thrive is the fact that we lean on each other, and that’s been the biggest thing that I’ve seen in this pandemic,” said Rajan.

For more information, you can access their Twitter or Facebook page, as well as their website www.iwsnetwork.ca 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of U Multicultural.

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The Queer Space Speaker Series, hosted by Rainbow Resource Centre, celebrated its third year and brought together queer leaders, artists, and activists to discuss community, celebrate identity, and inspire the ongoing fight for queer and human rights.

Attending the event at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, it was immediately clear that community was the centre of conversation. During the pre-event reception, individuals gathered to connect and talk. During the short break in the presentation, people moved from their seats to engage in more discussion of what they had learned and to learn more from the panellists and speakers. These moments of connection and community are more important than ever, as evidenced by the findings of the State of 2SLGBTQ+ Communities in Manitoba survey.Continue Reading

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WINNIPEG VOTES 2026, Michelle Kowalchuk, Candidate for Trustee in RETSD, Ward 4

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Attending the event at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, it was immediately clear that community was the centre of conversation. During the pre-event reception, individuals gathered to connect and talk. During the short break in the presentation, people moved from their seats to engage in more discussion of what they had learned and to learn more from the panellists and speakers. These moments of connection and community are more important than ever, as evidenced by the findings of the State of 2SLGBTQ+ Communities in Manitoba survey.Continue Reading

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The Queer Space Speaker Series, hosted by Rainbow Resource Centre, celebrated its third year and brought together queer leaders, artists, and activists to discuss community, celebrate identity, and inspire the ongoing fight for queer and human rights.

Attending the event at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, it was immediately clear that community was the centre of conversation. During the pre-event reception, individuals gathered to connect and talk. During the short break in the presentation, people moved from their seats to engage in more discussion of what they had learned and to learn more from the panellists and speakers. These moments of connection and community are more important than ever, as evidenced by the findings of the State of 2SLGBTQ+ Communities in Manitoba survey.Continue Reading

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