An outstanding group of panelists visits UFV’s Abbotsford campus on Friday, March 8 for International Women’s Day. Appearing as part of the 2024 President’s Leadership Lecture Series, BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry will be joined by Dr. Shahana Alibhai, Eryn Braley, and Ray Kelly. UFV’s Dr. Alisa Webb, Vice President, Students, will facilitate an afternoon filled with insightful discussions and empowering stories from community leaders who are paving the way for change.

Doors open at 2:30 pm at Evered Hall in the Student Union Building. The panel discussion runs from 3 to 4:30 pm, followed by a reception with refreshments until 6 pm. Register for the event here.

“This is an incredible opportunity to hear from four amazing people who are difference makers in their communities and this province,” says UFV President Dr. Joanne MacLean. “Each of these powerful people has risen above challenges to accomplish great things, and there’s a lot we can learn from them about public health, mental health, and social justice issues.

“I’m hoping we fill Evered Hall on International Women’s Day for what is certain to be an inspirational gathering.”

Henry, who received an honorary degree from UFV in 2023, was appointed BC Provincial Health Officer in 2018, becoming the first woman to serve in that role. As BC’s most senior public health official, she guided the province through the COVID-19 pandemic, earning national and international acclaim with calm, level-headed leadership. Henry published a book in February 2021 titled ‘Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe’ describing the early stages of the pandemic.

Responsible for monitoring the health of all British Columbians and implementing measures for disease prevention and control, and health protection, Henry is now leading BC’s response to the drug overdose emergency.

Alibhai is a TEDx speaker, family physician, and mental health advocate. As a lead physician at one of British Columbia’s largest youth health centers, much of her career is focused on people struggling with mental health. Her insights are highly sought after, and she teamed with New York Times best-selling author Adrian Gostick to write ‘Feel Better,’ a book that is scheduled to be released in May. Alibhai also has her own podcast, available at https://www.drshahana.com/podcast.

Braley is nehiyaw (Cree) and a member of Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory. A UFV alum (BSc in biology, 2019) who went on to complete a Master of Public Health at UBC, Braley now works to advance the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples to health and wellness by dismantling Indigenous-specific racism within the healthcare system. In recognition of her truth and reconciliation work, she was the 2023 recipient of the UFV Young Distinguished Alumni Award.

Kelly is a UFV student and longtime advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As President of the UFV Pride Collective, they aim to promote Queer inclusivity and safety on campus. In recognition of their efforts, they were recently awarded the Sher Vancouver Emerging Youth Leader Award. Kelly’s volunteer and internship work with organizations like UN Refugee Agency, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Red Leaf Canada reflects their passion for social justice. Post-graduation, Kelly aims to further prioritize Queer inclusion and competency within educational spheres.

“I am so proud to see Eryn and Ray sharing their experiences as part of our International Women’s Day program,” MacLean says. “They are exceptional young people who are powerful role models for their peers, and their message of equity, diversity, and inclusion is one that we should all hear.”

For more on the International Women’s Day panel discussion, visit https://www.ufv.ca/president/lecture-series/international-womens-day/