In this episode, we speak with Alexis Armstrong, founder of Peggy Work Wear.

Alexis is a sedimentologist with a diverse background spanning gold mining, academia, and marine research. Before transitioning to academia, she worked as a field geologist, 3D modeler, and exploration geologist. As part of the International Ocean Discovery Program, she sailed on the Joides Resolution, completing over ten marine expeditions, including two to Antarctica.

She’s also the host of The Smoko Podcast, where she shares stories of women in non-traditional careers.

In this episode, Alexis discusses what inspired her to create a workwear company designed for women and gender-diverse individuals in trades—and the impact she hopes to make.

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Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sophie Pierre.

Sophie has dedicated 30 years to serving on the council of the St. Mary's Indian Band—now known as ʔaq'am—of the Ktunaxa Nation, including 26 years as elected chief.

From 2009 to 2015, she served as the chief commissioner of the B.C. Treaty Commission, a role to which she was appointed by agreement between the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with the First Nations Summit.

In recognition of her contributions, Sophie received the Order of British Columbia in 2002 and the Order of Canada in 2016 for "her role in the British Columbia treaty process and her commitment to the economic development of First Nations."

In our conversation, Sophie delves into the impact of colonial terms like "whitepaper," the essential contributions of Indigenous and marginalized voices to meaningful change, and the ongoing challenges institutions face in decolonizing language.

This conversation is part of our ongoing effort at WWEST UBC Okanagan to foster inclusivity and decolonization within STEM and beyond. Let’s keep reflecting, rethinking, and renaming for a more inclusive future.

Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox

Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

The momentum continues! Even though Rethinking Racialized Language Awareness Day on November 20th has passed, the conversation is far from over.

In this episode, we’re joined by Debbie Chaves, head of copyright and course reserves at Wilfrid Laurier University, who brings her deep expertise on the impact of words that have certain historical contexts, and how libraries are adapting database searches to incorporate more respectful language.

This is part of our ongoing effort at WWEST UBC Okanagan to foster inclusivity and decolonization within STEM and beyond. Let’s keep reflecting, rethinking, and renaming for a more inclusive future.

Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox

Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.