We are extremely Pleased to be welcoming four new esteemed board members to join our team: Uzoma Asagwara, Zia Hameed, Karine Pelletier and Hee-Jung Serenity Joo

BIOS:

Uzoma Asagwara (Director) a consultant, public speaker, registered psychiatric nurse working in youth addictions and acute adult mental health, and founder of QPOC Winnipeg. QPOC is an initiative that creates safer spaces for queer and trans Black, Indigenous and People of Colour in Winnipeg. She is also a former member of the Premier’s Advisory Council on education, poverty, and citizenship, a retired member of the Canadian Women’s National basketball team and currently sits on the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Social Accountability Committee.

Zia Hameed is the Senior Data Analyst and Product Manager for Prairie Research Associates Inc. where he has worked since 2004. His skill set is centered on expertise in computer programming, web development, and graphic design, and is knowledgeable about quantitative research, including multivariate statistical analysis. Hameed is also a professional baker and runs a small cake catering business, Shot of Sugar. Some of his other interests include architecture and design, photography, cultural experiences and travelling. His involvement in the Plug In ICA 2017 Gala Committee has sparked interest in further involvement with the Plug In ICA organization.

Karine Pelletier is a bilingual lawyer working out of Winnipeg presently employed with the Manitoba Labour Board. Her legal background includes public and private practice in general law, including labour and employment in both provincial and federal sectors; administrative law; constitutional and human rights law; statutory interpretation; aboriginal law; civil litigation; and immigration law.

Hee-Jung Serenity Joo is an associate professor in the department of English, Film, and Theatre at the University of Manitoba. Her research and teaching interests include ethnic American literature, science fiction, and critical race studies. Joo is very involved in the Winnipeg art community. She has given first Friday lectures and led a Theory and Beer session for MAWA (Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art). In May 2016, she spoke at Plug In ICA as part of our Respondent Series. Joo has published articles in numerous peer-reviewed journals, she has also written for the Winnipeg Free Press.