Gillian is a graduate from the University of Calgary, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in the field of International Relations. Passionate about human rights, they are dedicated to dismantling global systems of oppression while leveraging their strengths in empathetic communication, strategic thinking, creativity and adaptability, and determination.

Born and raised in Treaty 4 Territory, the traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Nahkawé (Saulteaux), and Nakota, and homeland of the Métis, Dakota, and Lakota, in the city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Gillian and their family are white, European settlers on this land.

Gillian’s professional journey began at age 15, when they got their first job working for Cineplex Entertainment at Galaxy Cinemas. There, she was promoted to Cast Trainer and then to Assistant Manager. At the time, Gillian was also involved in numerous extracurricular activities, sports, and volunteerism. She graduated high school with a bilingual diploma (EN/FR), and then ventured to another province to begin their post-secondary educational journey.

Now, Gillian resides in Treaty 7 territory, home to the Blackfoot Confederacy (the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani), the Stoney Nakota Nations (the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations), the Tsuut'ina First Nation, the historic Northwest Métis, and the Métis Nation of Region 3, in Calgary, Alberta.

Drawn to the arts and human rights, Gillian studied International Relations at the University of Calgary and earned their BA in 2022. While studying, she partook in the university’s co-operative program, allowing her to gain work experience in numerous industries and positions prior to graduating, such as Communications Officer with the Saskatchewan government, Technical Writer for a management consulting company, and Human Resources Assistant at the Canada Energy Regulator.

Gillian’s volunteer experiences and community involvement include being a volunteer with Good Neighbour Community Market, a soccer coach at JJ Soccer, and a general director with Sask Girls United, as well as chair of workplace 2SLGBTQIA+ affinity groups, at both the CER and CEC.

At Canadian Equality Consulting, Gillian is a Strategist, leading and supporting on assessment, training, and other client projects, as well as supporting internal CEC initiatives. They bring with them background knowledge in Gender-based Analysis (GBA) Plus, work experience in both the public and private sector, and a personal dedication to continuous learning and understanding of historical systems of oppression as well as supporting the advancement of human rights globally. Through her work, Gillian aims to draw insight from their professional and lived experiences to provide thoughtful and unique contributions to every project that they are a part of.

Gillian is a lesbian, queer, genderfluid individual. They acknowledge that they have the freedom to show up as themselves thanks to the Black and Brown trans and queer women who paved the way with their activism and advocacy; as well, the lands on which they reside are embedded with the Two-spirit, queer and trans Indigenous Peoples of so many communities who cared for and grew in harmony with these lands since time immemorial.

Outside of work, Gillian loves writing, creating art through various mediums, and spending time with their spouse, friends, family, pets, and in nature. Personally and professionally, Gillian is dedicated to advocating – globally and locally – for human rights, anti-racism, decolonization, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, accessibility, environmentalism and animal rights, mental health, harm-reduction, self-acceptance and body neutrality, peace, and anti-oppression.

Contact Gillian via email at gillian@canadianequality.ca.