Image of me taken in 2025.
My Background
Hi there!
My name is Jillian (she/her). I am a hiker, dog lover and sociology enthusiast who has lived as an unceded settler on the Indigenous territories of the Lekwungen peoples (Victoria), located on the Coast Salish, Nuu-cha-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples territories (Vancouver Island) for my entire life.
I am currently studying in my third year at the University of Victoria (UVic), pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Minor in Gender Studies. My research focuses on qualitative issues surrounding gender-based violence and discrimination in online spaces such as Reddit, Quora, and Twitter. In addition, I have also completed a quantitative research project exploring how visible minorities in Canada perceive their confidence in the Canadian police.
Throughout this website, I’ve included photographs I’ve taken myself, showcasing the beautiful West Coast. This coast has shaped me and continues to be a meaningful part of my life. By incorporating these images into my portfolio, I hope to share a piece of who I am and reflect the environment that has influenced both my personal and professional journey.
With that in mind, I respectfully acknowledge that this land belongs to the Indigenous peoples of the West Coast. Where applicable, I have included the traditional names of these territories to honour and recognize their ongoing presence and relationship to the land.
Image of mountainous terrain with an ocean flowing through
Picture taken on Hul’qumi’num and SENCOŦEN peoples territory (Salt Spring Island) in 2024.
Why DEI?
I chose to pursue the path in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) because it aligns deeply with both my academic focus and my personal values. Through my studies in sociology, with a particular focus on gender discrimination and the lived experiences of marginalized communities, I’ve come to understand how systemic barriers are reinforced in both subtle and overt ways. My academic journey has not only informed my worldview but has also strengthened my dedication to fostering spaces where equity, accessibility, and inclusion are prioritized.
At the same time, my personal values, centred around diversity, compassion, social justice and equitable opportunities, inspire me to actively contribute to meaningful change. With ongoing systemic challenges within our social systems, public policies, and institutional structures, I believe it is more critical than ever to be intentional about creating equitable opportunities and support systems for those who choose to access them. I believe DEI work provides a framework for improving workplaces, communities, and more broadly, institutions, into environments that celebrate inclusion, diversity and understand the importance of equity over equality. For me, it is not just a professional goal – it’s a commitment to helping build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Picture of a dog sitting in an orange rain jacket with fallen leaves around him.
Maverick the Hungarian Vizsla. Picture taken on Lekwungen territory in 2024.