8 2024/2025
ABOUT SPOTLIGHT
Spotlight was founded to respond to the age-old question, “What can you do with an Arts & Humanities degree?”
Now in its eighth edition, Spotlight pairs students and Western Arts graduates for an inspiring conversation on the value of an Arts & Humanities degree, the Western experience, and the various paths each alum has taken to reach their chosen career.
More than offering a series of roadmaps to any number of career options, these interviews encourage Arts students to be open to whatever the workforce might have in store for them and to take advantage of opportunities as they come. Spotlight is about connection and those values which we share as the Arts & Humanities community
View Past Issues: https://uwo.ca/arts/alumni/spotlight magazine.html
LETTER FROM THE DEAN
One of the best perks of being a university professor is meeting and interacting with current students They bring new ideas and insights to the university. The second-best perk is meeting alumni. These former students have taken those ideas and insights out beyond the walls of the university in ways that they probably never imagined when they first arrived on campus. As Acting Dean for 2024-2026, it is a privilege to showcase via this publication the many directions that an education in the arts and humanities can take
The interviews that appear in Spotlight do indeed shine a light on both groups: current students and alumni. The students researched, conducted, and wrote the interviews. Their individual reflections are a testament to how these interviews, both the content and the process, have had an impact on how they jjjjjj view the university experience. Their individual reflections are a testament to how these interviews, both the content and the process, have had an impact on how they view the university experience. The alumni discuss their various paths through university, and they show us how they took their arts and humanities education into the workplace, drawing on core skills such as writing, reasoning and critical thinking, but also a deeper understanding of human nature, society, and culture. Because of the depth and breadth of their knowledge, our alumni succeed in a wide range of professions (business, law, creative arts). They are trained to adapt in a rapidly changing world
ILEANA PAUL
I hope this publication will inspire current students and encourage them to be open to new opportunities. I would like to thank the hardworking students who have been a part of the behind the scenes work that goes into bring this publication to light and also the alumni who have shared their stories
ACTING DEAN, FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
EDITOR’S LETTER
As a film studies major, I often get the question at family events or when meeting new people, “What are you planning to do with your degree?” This question always bothers me while the humanities may not have as clear of a postgraduate path as other majors such as engineering or education, that does not undermine its importance or value. Over the past fifty years, the humanities have been an increasingly shrinking field. I, however, am extremely passionate about the importance of the (often-overlooked) field of the arts and humanities. That’s why the opportunity to manage Spotlight spoke to me. In collecting and telling alumni stories, students, like me, who are questioning the value of their degree are able to get a glimpse of the diverse pathways available within the humanities.
Coordinating Spotlight this year has been an inspiring and rewarding experience. I want to thank Chahat and Jess, who both assisted me throughout this process. I also want to thank all the writers, as they did an amazing job illuminating the diverse career paths of Western Art’s alumni. Lastly, I want to thank the alumni themselves for taking the time to share their stories, inspiring us, the current students in arts and humanities.
Readers, we’ve been working hard throughout the year to put this publication together, so we hope you enjoy it!
JENNA GREENSPOON
EDITOR’S LETTER
One of the greatest strengths of an Arts & Humanities degree is its limitless potential. The paths our alumni have taken are as varied as they are inspiring proof that the skills gained in this faculty can lead to success in countless fields Whether in law, business, education, the arts, or beyond, our alumni have built careers that reflect not only their academic backgrounds but also their passions, adaptability, and drive
This year’s Spotlight is a testament to that. Each interview shares not just career advice, but reflections on the value of an Arts & Humanities education on writing, critical thinking, and the importance of curiosity. Our hope is that this publication inspires current students to embrace the possibilities ahead, to trust in their skills, and to pursue their full potential.
Working with the Dean’s Office on this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed Jenna has done such an outstanding job leading the Spotlight team, and I cannot thank her enough for her dedication and hard work. Without Jessica’s support and guidance this publication would not be possible. As well as a huge thank you as well to our incredible team: our writers, copy editor, layout & cover designers, and the alumni who generously shared their stories with us.
It has been a privilege to help bring this Volume to life. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition of Spotlight and that it encourages you to take your degree wherever your passions lead you
CHAHAT GHUMAN
VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLICATIONS
8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
ERIN ROTHSTEIN & KATE ARMSTRONG
Visual Arts (MA) - Visual Artist
JAMES ZEGERS & MOLLY ASMA
English Language & Literature (BA) - Criminal Lawyer
MICHELLE SUGAR & FIONA GAO
Classical Studies (PHD) - Experiential Learning Assistant
HELEN GREGORY & JEN HWANG
Art & Visual Culture (PHD) - Curator
BRENT BOLES & KYRA PRANGER
Major in English Lang. & Lit. and Minor in History (BA) - Journalism (MA)
- Associate Director of the MSc Career Management Programming
HOLLY DOTY & MARGARET GLEED
English Lang. & Lit. (BA) - Founder & CEO, and Key Strategist
TARA MIMNAGH & PAIGE HAMMOND
Double Major in Philosophy & MIT (BA) - Theory & Criticism (MA)
- Public Prosecutor
SARAH MUNRO & ALYSSA DUARTE
Fine Arts (MA) - Curator of Engagement and Outreach
JACK BRADLEY & ASHA SAHA
Major in English Lang. & Lit. and Minor in Political Science, Scholar’s Electives (BA) - Giwetashkad Indigenous Homelessness Strategic Plan
ERIN ROTHSTEIN
VISUAL ARTIST
Tenacity is the name of the game for artist and Western alum Erin Rothstein Her hyperrealistic paintings have earned her a captive audience on social media, @erinrothstein on instagram, with over 100,000peopleawaitinghernextpost Fromfoodtofashion,Erinpaints itall.
Erin started drawing when she was young, learning the “techniques and materials” from her family. Although art and creating ran on her mother’s side of the family, Erin was the first to turn her life-long passion into her career She earned her Diplôme d’Études Collégiales (DEC) in Fine Arts from Dawson College in 2005, followed by her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Arts and Art History from Concordia in 2008. Like many students in the arts, she then wondered whatcouldpossiblybenext?
“I like school and I’m good at it,” she told me. Continuing school is a common path, and for good reason Education provides an excellent starting point for understanding the world around us, and learning aboutourselves ErindecidedtostudyatWestern,earningherMasterof Arts (MA) in Visual Arts in 2010. She spent two years in London studying Picasso and his ties to medieval art. Her interest wasn’t specifically rooted in Picasso himself, or in medieval art for that matter, butwasastudyofwhyartistscreateandwhyaudiencescare
For Erin, school was a necessary full-time investment. “I loved writing,andIlikelearningandstudying,”shesays Arthistoryand painting played together beautifully, but she knew that while she could paint on the side while studying, the opposite may not be as feasible.
SheviewshertimeatWesternas“adegreeinconnectingthedots” She took in lessons from art history, and had time to sit with and understand how they can be applied to her life and her art What makes artists tick? What draws people in when they see art? What makesagoodwriter?
The connections she made at Western helped guide her in life after school Erin spent some time working full time in a design firm while painting on the side, but that did not satisfy her passion for creating. At this time, her output was around three or four paintingsayear,andshedecidedthatpursuingherartfulltimewas notonlyawant,butaneed
“I was putting so much emphasis on those paintings, and it was holding me back creatively Now, I get to produce so much more, whichalsomeansmycreativepaceissoheightened,
WRITTEN BY KATE ARMSTRONG (SHE/HER)
which challenges me in these interesting ways,” Erin explains Her business, Art by Erin Rothstein, allows her the freedom to create what she wants, when she wants to Erin says experimentation is the way to go when figuring out what works best for you, which is how she came to understand that the gallery system was not the route she wanted to take. Erin found the routine of getting ready, traveling to work, chatting with others, a quick lunch, and then some more travel to be incongruent with how she likes to work.
“The act of creating takes so much out of you,” she explains. “It’s not just the time it takes and the materials, it’s a real soulful act. And I find when I’m in a really productive kind of way, I need the whole day to just get in the zone and not really be disturbed When you’re in person visiting with people, it takes you out of that, and it puts you in a different kind of zone ”
This is one of the many reasons Erin enjoys running her business online, using Instagram as her main marketing tool With social media, she feels in control of her time and space, and what she shares with her audience; She can work for hours, and share a quick story post here or there, but is able to turn her phone off and tune back into her creative channels She treats her business as a creative endeavour in and of itself It allows her to be flexible, to be authentic, and to try new things on a whim She can play with how she announces her new art drops, the types of content her followers like to see, and finds inspiration in other creators online.
KATE’S REFLECTION
SASAH & SOCIOLOGY
Erin’s passion and love for creative work was absolutely inspiring to chat with her about Interviewing for Spotlight has been such an interesting process especially now, as I am about to graduate from Western Erin reminded me how important it is to believe in yourself and your abilities, and to seek out failure as a learning tool Like Erin, I strive to find the connections between my interests, and it is so wonderful to hear about the different possibilities that are out there for young creatives Something that didn’t make it into my article was Erin’s reminder that any job, even her own, has challenging days. So why not be challenged in doing work you love, work that feeds your soul? Thank you Erin for sharing your story with me!
Social media, like most things in life, is all about finding the balance Erin’s advice? “Take care of your brain, take care of your soul, and be mindful of how you’re consuming these things ” There can be so much beauty in consuming work online, but it can be draining if the creative output is not just as authentic and rewarding.
For students emerging into the workforce, Erin encourages us to “get out there and fail as fast and as much as possible ” You can’t be too precious about the outcome, or you’re backing yourself into a corner ” For every 100 galleries she applied to, 95 told her no, “and then everyone’s like ‘oh, wow! How did you get so lucky to be in five galleries?’” Luck won’t follow you everywhere, but your faith in your skills and abilities needs to
“I think your stupid belief in yourself needs to be chased with working so fiercely toward your goal,” says Erin. “The path you take will never be a straight line…If you never give up, you are going to reach your goal, one way or another ”
Long before James Zegers became a criminal lawyer in London, Ontario, he was a student at Western University, who loved literature and the performing arts From 1979-1985, James spent much of his time reading and studying on campus, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature in 1984, and completing his Bachelor of Education in 1985 When asked about his decision to pursue the arts, James claims “you should always study what interests you ” Although James has now been practicing law for almost 30 years, a huge accomplishment, he didn’t always have that aspiration. In fact, he originally pursued environmental science at another university, before deciding to take a gap year, and starting at Western “I had a summer where I was kind of hanging out with friends, and we were always talking books and reading books, so it seemed natural.” It was then that James decided to study Literature and Education. After graduation, James became a high school English teacher, and taught for five years before applying to law school
James did not dislike the idea of teaching, but he had other friends practicing law, and “wanted to change it up ” James continued to study law at Western University from 1990-1993, and decided to explore criminal law out of personal interest after completing his degree Reflecting on his time at Western, which he remarked was “a long time ago,” he still remembers spending time on the beautiful campus Although Western’s campus has developed, buildings like University College remain iconic landmarks
“It's just kind of really laid back. There were all sorts of lounges you could read books in. And the grounds are nice to walk around on, and those are the fond memories of just enjoying the campus and enjoying the literature that I was reading ” During his time at Western, James was involved in choir and theatre Through memorizing lines, and performing for others, James feels that it prepared him for his current career “Obviously you are a lawyer, you are defending someone, but there's also a sense of theater to that too It’s just an element of, you know, a performance So certainly, acting helps with all sorts of things It's fun, it's interesting, and it's a great way to understand the text, especially Shakespeare, by memorizing.”
The crucial years between his undergrad and law school allowed James time to reflect. He wasn’t in a rush to pursue anything during that time in his career, but, as he was exposed to law, he realized that was what he wanted to do “I mean, I didn't know I wanted to be a lawyer, honestly When I left, I was only an undergrad, I never really thought of law as a career.” But, his interest grew as he was exposed to people in law “So there's no one way of going about it Some people know they want to be a lawyer from
very early on, and they get to law school as quickly as they can And that's good for them too You know, to know that. But not everyone has it all figured out. There's nothing wrong with that, either Nothing wrong with exploring things, and taking your time to make the decision ” As James explored the practices of law, he knew the criminal path was for him Once he finished writing his articles, he decided to start his own law firm
As a lawyer, James faces many challenges, such as time commitment. He spends many days commuting for his clients, and finding solutions to avoid the result of a trial To help James balance out his schedule, he is always aware of how much he agrees to take on “I think you just have to be careful about how much work you take on, because you can't work all the time I have interests It's important to have relationships with people, your friends and your family It's good to have interests outside of law too I'm interested in music and literature and stuff like that, so you just need some time for yourself too,” says James “I mean, you got to work to live, but you also don't want to be working all the time either. It's also definitely a bit of knowing what you can take on in a day.” Outside of work, James spends his free time getting involved with the community Approximately 15 years ago, James and other London lawyers established London Lawyers Feed the Hungry, a committee that hosts fundraising events, and raises money through ticket sales and sponsorships.
Although James’ career pathway hasn’t been direct, he has no regrets He has enjoyed his journey to becoming a criminal lawyer, and believes that the experience of getting there was just as important When reflecting on his accomplishments, James claims, “I think just becoming a lawyer is my favorite part It was good to finally be able to practice law My early career was quite exciting The first few years it was great, kind of learning everything, and you're still learning things The law is kind of changing all the time” says James “I guess I just kind of enjoyed getting out there practicing law; I enjoy the collegiality of my profession, and the support of my colleagues ”
As students in university, we often think about what is ahead; We worry about what we will pursue post-graduation, what car we will drive, and what house we will buy James is an example of a regular student who had his own doubts while studying Many students are unsure of what to do next, especially after high school, a huge milestone in life. James reminds students to enjoy the experience of uncertainty It’s great to know what you want to do with the rest of your life, but it’s also okay to be
unsure The best part is the journey of discovery, and life is full of learning opportunities; Our journeys into university, and into our careers are unique, so don’t get discouraged if something doesn’t go your way, or if it takes time to reach your goals In the words of James Zegers, “just live,” and everything will work out
MOLLY’S REFLECTION
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
My interview with James Zegers has been a great opportunity to learn from someone who faced similar university struggles As someone who also is studying English Language and Literature, I found it fascinating to hear about his career, and his journey. I am also uncertain of what I will pursue post-graduation, and it was comforting to know I’m not alone James reminded me to explore my interests, and I look forward to new discoveries within my program James should be proud of his accomplishments as a criminal lawyer, and I found his ability to overcome life’s uncertainties inspiring. His dedication to law, and his ability to balance personal commitments motivates me to follow James’s example I am deeply honoured for the chance to meet James, and I wish him luck on all of his future endeavours
MICHELLE SUGAR
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ASSISTANT IN THE FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES AT WESTERN UNIVERSITY
Michelle Sugar, who works as an Experiential Learning Assistant in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Western University, knows how to give career advice “I wish that someone had told me that the world is open to Arts & Humanities students,” she says “We are positioned with our transferable skills to do anything we want, and that’s an empowering thing!”
In her role at Western, Sugar oversees the Arts and Humanities Internship Program (AHIP), guiding students through the process, from application to completion. She also collaborates with employers to find internship opportunities for students that offer a diverse range of experiences She reviews applications, responds to student inquiries, works on promotional materials, maintains the AHIP website, and sends and reviews students’ internship assignments In addition to her daily responsibilities, she maintains a book of weekly goals, priorities, and meetings to stay organized “My role is really student-focused,” says Sugar, “and I really love it ” Sugar looked into various careers before taking up her current job, and her journey is closely connected to her degree in Arts & Humanities, beginning with her love of Classics
Sugar is the first female student to graduate with a PhD from the Classical Studies department at Western. From the beginning of her undergraduate career, Sugar was determined to make it all the way to a PhD She loved close reading and analysis and aspired to study one field she was passionate about Sugar did her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, where she began studying both modern history as well as Egyptology, but switched her focus in second year “I always loved history, but I had a really hard time figuring out what area I wanted to pursue,” says Sugar Recalling her childhood fascination with Caesar and Augustus, she decided to take an introductory Classical Studies course She soon fell in love with it and graduated in 2011 with a double major of Classics (language) and Classical Civilization (history and culture), as well as a minor in Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations so that she could continue learning about ancient Egypt. Sugar’s love for Classics served as a motivation for her to study Greek Tragedy at Brock University for her Masters, which she finished in 2013 Then, Sugar came to Western for her PhD, where she focused primarily on Latin Literature, and graduated in 2018
Life at Western was invigorating “It’s a very young department Everyone was really personable and very nice,” Sugar says, reflecting on her academic experience. She created
important relationships and meaningful memories Although she initially aspired to become a professor after earning her PhD, she decided to explore a different path that would let her use the skills she had gained as a graduate student. “It was difficult to come to terms with the fact that, in today’s job market, I wouldn’t be able to teach,” Sugar remembers “But, I knew that I could find something else I was equally as passionate about ” She then realized that her Arts and Humanities degree had set her up for success in many industries, and she was excited to find her place
Before working at Western as an Experiential Learning Assistant, Sugar held various jobs While exploring career options, she simultaneously held four positions at one point “Looking back on it now, I do really wish that the option for internships or some sort of community engaged learning was open to me as a student at that time,” she says, “so I’m a great advocate for that now.” Sugar’s first job after completing her PhD was an editor and proofreader at an editing company, and then she worked as a freelance writer for various publications and Managing Editor for Canada’s largest fitness magazine Her multilingual background in Greek and Latin enhanced her communication skills, helping her to excel as a writer and editor. She also worked part-time as Outreach Coordinator at the School for Advanced Studies in Arts & Humanities (SASAH) at Western University However, due to the impact of COVID-19, she eventually lost that connection with university
WRITTEN BY FIONA GAO (SHE/HER)
After that, Sugar worked as an Intermediate Content Specialist on the Corporate Affairs and Marketing team at 3M Canada Her attention to detail, ability to customize content for different audiences, and project management skills, which she developed in graduate studies, helped her stand out It was also during this time that she found her interest in marketing and communications. However, she always missed the bright environment of university, along with the presence of students and the academic setting “That’s what really fueled me, and it always has,” she says “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than there ” In May 2023, Sugar learned that Western’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities was working to expand and promote their internship program. So, when an internship assistant position was posted, she jumped at the opportunity Sugar was selected for her current job, and finally returned to the university
Sugar advocates that students participate in internships to gain valuable experience From this experience, they can develop courage and confidence for future roles and discover their passions. An Arts & Humanities degree is unique in its flexibility for infinite potential the skills acquired in the classroom can be applied to a wide range of career fields, as Sugar excelled in teaching, publishing, editing, and marketing “Build your resume, build your network,” she says “Just get out there, try different things, and see what you like! There are probably a million career paths that you might not have thought about yet – and as an Arts and Humanities student you are uniquely positioned to excel at them all ”
FIONA’S REFLECTION
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
The interview was very insightful and inspirational to me Our discussion broadened my perspective on both my studies and career options. I have faced similar predicaments academically, deciding between Film and English It is encouraging to learn that you can still succeed in a different field, and that changing your major is not the end of the world I am grateful to my past self for choosing to pursue what I truly love and am thankful for this opportunity to converse with Michelle Her bravery and determination in pursuing her degree and exploring different careers really impressed me, and I wish I could be as strong.
I asked myself multiple times what I would do after graduation Michelle’s journey made me realize that there is so much more I can do with an arts degree I am absolutely devoted to arts–i e the ultimate equation for humanity–and I would not have missed it for anything. I value the flexibility and all the skills we can pick up. Lastly, a big thank you to you, Michelle!
HELEN GREGORY
CURATOR, MCINTOSH GALLERY
If you face a fork after passing by our beautiful University College, you will find a red door standing among the trees This small yet vintage building whose walls are made of grey bricks is McIntosh Gallery Here I met my interviewee Helen Gregory, McIntosh’s curator. Helen’s life at Western University began when she pursued her PhD in Art and Visual Culture which was granted in 2016 “I love how our conversation freely jumps across various aspects,” I told Helen when concluding the interview Indeed, we conversed for an hour as two mere individuals who love the art world, nearly forgetting this conversation was meant to be an interview Helen narrated an honest and sincere story as the current curator, and delivered every word she wants to tell students who may have concerns over their future career.
A curator wasn’t what she had wished to become Helen always longed to be an artist, so she realized her dream and practised as an artist for 20 years “I was not dreaming about being a curator when I was an artist During that time, I was very much satisfied for being an artist which was my entire professional life ” Opening her eyes to curation and museum management has been more gradual rather than an abrupt decision Years after graduating from Concordia University with a BFA, the thought of resuming her studies came into mind. Eventually, pursuing a Master of Philosophy led Helen to focus more on museum collections and display mechanisms She mentioned how going back to school after many years was challenging, but when Helen began her PhD at Western, her interest shifted towards museum research and writing, and away from art. In this way, she earned her degree, volunteered at
McIntosh Gallery, and got a permanent curator position The entire process was surely not simple, but it wasn’t something thoroughly planned either
Then how about the decision to choose art? “There was never really a time when I didn’t want to be an artist,” said Helen with certainty in her voice Art has been her life since childhood and was influenced by her parents Helen recalls the time when her family stayed in London, UK during her father’s sabbatical. As her father was a scientist and her mother embroidered and quilted, Helen was exposed to diverse cultural material from a young age They often took her to museums in London, and visited Science and Natural History Museums with her father, which is now Helen’s most beloved art discipline
As curating became a part of life for Helen, she was able to have new, and diverse experiences “I really like working at the University Art Gallery because I have access to all different areas of research that are being done here ” Last year, Helen designed an exhibition, “The Life Cycle of Celestial Objects,” in partnership with the Nanosatellite Research Laboratory at York University From cooperating with Western engineering students, to co-curating with staff from other institutions, she has had many interdisciplinary discussions and projects as the university’s curator These aspects please Helen, who loves natural science and taxidermy. “I was interested in artists who were incorporating scientific practices,” Helen said.
Helen’s story as the current curator sounded challenging and demanding, but also highly professional and ardent. She explained how curatorial work differs greatly, depending on each exhibition’s characteristics The artist’s style, display size, space, purpose, meaning, etc , are critical elements that curators are responsible for when designing an exhibition For larger projects that require installation work, the whole team plans down to centimetre to organize the display When I asked Helen about her profession’s biggest hardships, she pointed out two aspects: Financial reality and time management “Curating in general is still a gig economy So, a lot of curators practice individual projects as a guest curator.” Furthermore, it is regrettable that some universities are shutting down art programs due to low profits Meanwhile, because there are many balls in the air while curators are preparing for an exhibition, managing both time and details is extremely difficult However, many people still aspire to work in the art field despite these practical issues Helen also agreed, “I’ve had times of hardship, I’ve had times of stability, but I wouldn’t regret anything for my choice.” For her, not loving art is impossible as it has been ingrained deeply in her heart since her childhood
Throughout our interview, Helen gave precious advice for students “Do recognize that pursuing art is a very challenging stream, but stay open to the possibilities,” Helen spoke gently. She also recommended keeping in touch with the people we encounter at university as there are chances that they will become our future colleagues “No one knows You don’t know how everybody’s life will turn out So, be kind and supportive to your cohort ” Helen’s message to current students, and especially to undergraduate students comforts our anxieties from daunting uncertainty and obscure fears for the future, telling us that we will eventually figure out our path if we are prepared to accept life’s unexpected, radical shift that may not be designed in our career blueprint
JEN’S REFLECTION VISUAL ARTS
It’s been a month since the interview, and Helen’s words still linger It was my first experience meeting and talking with someone who works in the field where I am studying now The first time made me feel a little nervous, but Helen’s bright and warm energy made me smile the whole time. I had a single mind for my future before I met her, but my perspective has done a one-eighty since she advised me to keep my mind open to different possibilities, as the field has diverse choices This interview was very valuable for me in many ways I admired Helen who was certain of her childhood dream and pursued it, and as a curator looked very content When I ponder our conversation now, I deeply agree with Helen’s thoughts. Although it is an arduous path, there is no way not to love art. Even if you are uncertain about the path you are walking on now, why wouldn’t you keep walking faithfully? Among Helen’s words, I most agreed with the statement: “Life never goes according to plan ”
During his first year in FIMS, Boles enjoyed the creative process of writing, creating, and building something new; however, he was dealing with a lot of uncertainty as he wasn’t sure if he would enjoy a career in journalism or teaching more He found a deep love for supporting kids through his time spent at Western volunteering and working as an OffCampus Soph and Summer Academic Orientation Leader The time spent in these roles “reaffirmed” that teaching was an area that he was interested in exploring, and he thought, “How cool would it be to be able to teach and to help people grow and develop?”
Knowing he could enter into journalism from any background, Boles switched from FIMS into Arts & Humanities in his second year to meet the requirements for his teachables. He took a variety of English courses and acquired a Certificate in Writing, but when graduation came around, Boles still had no “lightbulb” moment telling him what he wanted to do with his life
Having no set direction, Boles decided he would go to Teachers College so he wouldn’t permanently close the door on teaching However, with no real demand for teachers at the time, he decided to begin a career in journalism and moved to Sarnia where he worked for a newspaper for a couple of years. Working as a journalist was something Boles really enjoyed It was a fast paced job; one where he was always on his toes,
“At its core, [it’s] the love of reading [and] the love of writing,” says Brent Boles when asked why he loves Arts & Humanities at Western Graduating with an Honours Specialization in English,aCertificateinWriting,andaMinorinHistory,Boles has always had a love for the arts, and stands as proof that pursuingyourinterestswilllandyouarewardingandenjoyable career
Beginning his Western education in September of 2007, Boles wasinitiallyastudentintheFacultyofInformationandMedia Studies (FIMS) Having two brothers who graduated from FIMS, and a father who worked in news radio, Boles always had an interest in journalism. He thought it would be a cool fieldtoenter,explaining,“Iwouldlovetolearn;Iwouldloveto tell people stories, [and] I would love a chance to write and be creativeandexerciseallofthosemuscles”
BRENT BOLES
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE MSC CAREER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMING AT IVEY
not knowing what the “big story” of the day would be until he got to the office. He valued learning something new every day and the adaptability that came with working as a journalist. There were “lots of moving parts” working in journalism, Boles explained, and that was something he thrived in as someone who excels at working on multiple projects simultaneously
As much as Boles loved his work in journalism, he still felt that something was missing “I missed the work I had been doing supporting students,” he expressed when asked why he decided to come back to Western and begin his career in teaching Fortunately, a position had opened up at Western that led him to closing the chapter on journalism and returning to London
The first jobs Boles had working at Western primarily revolved around student development. He worked supporting the OffCampus sophing team, orientation, and community engagement His work was aimed at helping students grow outside of the classroom, all of which Boles thoroughly enjoyed Even though he wasn’t doing as much creating within his new positions, he was able to continue those things by creating lesson plans for students, and writing for fun It allowed him to “scratch that itch and still really enjoy that process.”
When asked why he chose to come back to Western to fulfill his teaching desires, Boles expressed, “it’s an incredible community. The human beings are amazing, [and] the students are fantastic. I feel so honoured and fortunate and grateful to be able to support them in their journey in some small way and shape ”
Today, Boles works as Associate Director of the Master of Science (MSc) Career Management Programming at Western’s Ivey School of Business There, he supports students with their curriculum and facilitates classes to help them through their career journey. Boles and his colleagues support students with short term and long term goals Ivey’s short term goal is to help students navigate life after university while they look for their first job, and its long term goal is to help students build a meaningful and fulfilling career. A way in which they accomplish these goals is through a technique called the “designer mindset ” Boles explained the designer mindset as a way in which he and his colleagues help students get a “snapshot” into their desired career before jumping
right into it “It’s our hope that if we can cultivate that designer mindset in our students, then that can help them make better choices in their career out of Ivey.” Boles continues to enjoy the work he does at Ivey in helping students grow and develop both in and outside of the classroom
Looking back at where he started to where he is now, Boles reflected on his time spent at Western and how important he thinks it is to have a degree in the arts. “I think an Arts & Humanities education shapes how you think about the world It shapes the person that you are, it fosters critical thinking, [and] it fosters engagement and that love of learning that I think is so beneficial ”
While navigating through your degree, arts student or not, Boles wants students to “embrace the entirety of the process; the highs and the lows and everything in between ”
WRITTEN BY KYRA PRANGER (SHE/HER)
KYRA’S REFLECTION
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
Sitting down and chatting with Brent was an extremely rewarding experience Hearing him talk about his Western and work experience was very informative and inspiring as a first year student Our conversation allowed me to reflect on what it is I might want to do in the future, but also reaffirmed that I don’t need to have it all figured out by the time graduation rolls around Brent’s experiences solidify that an education in Arts & Humanities can, and will, open up many directions for someone pursuing the arts His willingness to follow the paths that led him to what he loved can be a lesson to all students who are unsure of what they might do with an arts degree. Overall, my experience talking with Brent and working with Spotlight has allowed me to grow in my creative, writing, and communicative skills something I’m very thankful and fortunate to have been able to exercise! Thank you Spotlight, and thank you Brent for your time!
HOLLY DOTY
FOUNDER, CEO, AND KEY STRATEGIST OF CONNECT DOT MANAGEMENT INC
"I had a mentor and I said to him once, 'I'm so confused I'm on this path, and I just don't know where to go ' He said to me, 'That's perfect ' And I didn't know what he meant He said, 'Well, as long as you are confused, then you are searching for more out of life. If you weren't confused, I'd probably be more concerned about you." Holly Doty recalled a conversation with a mentor that resonated with the journey many current Arts undergraduate students experience. What are we going to do with our degree? Holly's journey from student to entrepreneur was unanticipated and driven by her interests and passions. Never overlooking an opportunity, building connections with mentors, and focusing on what she excelled in led Holly to a successful event planning and coordinating career as she founded her own business, Connect Dot Management Inc , and is the current Executive Director for Airshow London Curiosity pushed Holly to examine her interests, and find tasks where she excelled rather than the job titles she wanted "Constantly asking what's the next quest in life, is what your uniqueness is There is always a ‘what's next, what do I have to do ’ And it may be challenging, but most of those things turn into something and once you commit, it's crazy what you can accomplish."
While completing her undergraduate degree, Holly's dream career was as an urban planner in the parks and recreation department of the city. She originally enrolled in business management to build the skills and tools required for event planning and coordinating. After switching to the English department, she focused on developing communication skills, such as clear written communication and critical thinking Needing the university degree to pursue her desired career, Holly switched to a program where she excelled, allowing her to express her creativity rather than continue to work through business management She referred to her marks as a return on investment; going to university is an investment of time, money, and
energy if you are spread too thin completing courses you aren't enjoying, then your return on investment isn’t reaching its fullest potential, and neither are you After completing her undergraduate studies, Holly returned to Western for two postgrad certificates in hospitality and leadership while navigating roles in the
London community. In each new job, Holly watched for what excited her, and what didn't, using those observations to influence her next choices. She found that her communication skills were key, whether working with children at the Shine Foundation, or vendors for Connect Dot. After working for City of London, she realized the culture of city employment didn't fit with her skills and future orientation. While working for Schulich Dentistry, Holly found herself working "side gigs" while maintaining her full-time job as a Development & Advancement Officer Following her passion for event planning and fundraising, Holly developed her own business, Connect Dot Management Inc
As Founder, CEO, and Key Strategist of Connect Dot Management Inc., and Studio 180, Holly began an organization that covers event production, event marketing, graphic design, webinars, and other virtual platforms. Studio 180 also offers clients the space and resources to film for promotions or livestreams. Located in the downtown core, Holly's organizations have 20 years of experience, and dedication to their clientele. Leveraging the communication skills she developed during her undergraduate career, and through her networking connections, Holly created a strong platform and mindset for success As a successful entrepreneur, she saves time to meet with young professionals and mentor them "I have this belief in fate, which comes from an art background I believe that things happen for a reason People reach out to you for a reason, and if I can impact someone's life, they usually impact mine " Holly watches for a candidate's ability to communicate when hiring new employees She looks for people who have written essays in university "If you can read and write and create content, and put sentences together, which most people struggle with oddly enough, then there is definitely a place for you in business."
Holly's daughter is currently applying to university programs, so advice for future students is very topical. She recommended seeking out mentors as a method for self-improvement and guidance. “Meet people who you click with and motivate you.” These people contribute to shaping your journey, giving you perspective on your accomplishments and future progression. More important than mentorship, Holly emphasized how not knowing your trajectory is just as important as following your interests "Number one is that you don't have to know what the path is right away You've got to go with what your goals are So, if you are really good at math, art, or reading and writing, then follow that path University is supposed to be this experience, not where you beat your head over the bench for two years wondering why you are in this program "
Holly wanted to thank Cliff Feeder, Western University, and her team at Connect Dot Management Inc Holly is a true believer in the arts, especially post graduation In addition to her advice for future students, she recommends that graduates remain in touch with the arts, whether by attending book readings, art galleries, or theater performances Keeping in touch with the creativity that informed our education as Arts & Humanities students reminds us of the nonlinear paths our futures can take.
MARGARET’S REFLECTION
SASAH/PHILOSOPHY/IVEY/ SCHOLARS ELECTIVES
I wrote an article for Spotlight in my first year of university, and now again in my fifth year Both times, I’ve found answers in the alumni I’ve interviewed Speaking with Holly was an amazing experience because of her nonlinear progression and success at finding intersectionality between business and arts As I graduate this year, I’ll be taking a page out of Holly’s book and following my interests, taking note of what I engage with, and what I naturally avoid until I find a role I truly connect with. I want to thank Holly for agreeing to be one of our featured alumni, and the AHSC and A&H faculty for being my university family for the past five years.
TARA MIMNAGH
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
What’s the hardest decision a managing partner makes?
For Tara Mimnagh, the answer reveals not only challenges of the role, but the future of the legal profession.
The path to becoming a public prosecutor was one of combining a lifelong interest in law with transformative experiences from her academic journey Now, working as a managing partner at a law firm conducting public prosecutions in the Halton and Haldimand areas, Tara balances a demanding legal career with her role as a mother to two children Tara’s story offers an inspiring look into the realities of a career in public prosecution, the challenges and rewards of the profession, and the valuable insights for upcoming and aspiring lawyers
Tara Mimnagh graduated from Western University in 2001 with a double major in Media, Information and Technoculture (MIT) and Philosophy Continuing her studies at Western, Tara followed her academic journey with a Master’s degree in Theory and Criticism, and later completed her law degree Tara’s interest in law came early on, but it was during her undergraduate and graduate studies at Western that her passion was truly solidified “I had always wanted to be a lawyer,” she recalls “But it really started during my undergrad and Master’s when we participated in tutorials and presentations That’s when I knew I adored presenting ideas in an argumentative manner ”
Crediting specific courses and professors for influencing her trajectory. “A logic class taught by Professor Bell during my Master’s was a precursor to law practices it was honestly the most engaging course That’s what pushed me to write the LSAT Another course during my undergrad, taught by Professor Kerr, gave me that glimpse into what my future might look like in law ”
Tara’s career began in defence law, facing unexpected challenges. She explains, “Law school doesn’t prepare you for the role such that client service plays. Clients face many barriers like mental illnesses, or lack of transportation. You could be fully prepared for court, and your client doesn’t show up.” Tara’s advice?
Remain calm and prepare. “Judges, investigators, everyone in that courtroom will understand that you’re young and it happens The key is to focus on the case, and be ready for court day ”
Metaphorically, a career within the legal system is much like being in school; the research, nights of studying, and homework never ends From syllabi to opening case files, preparation for court starts from day one Reviewing research notes and asking yourself what details are most important, and what you’re missing from the case work is critical in comparison to drafting and submitting your final research paper for the semester. Tara advises, “having mentors and colleagues that you can approach is good to have because the reality is that there will always be someone that knows more than you do.”
Working in law hinders your mental health a lawyer’s biggest challenge is maintaining a work-life balance Their job is daunting, and a case is always on their mind, even after clocking out for the day For Tara, balancing work and family life is crucial to her day-today routine From the moment her alarm rings to the time the lights go out, Tara balances countless roles with unwavering dedication, and is the epitome of a hero her kids’ hero Her heroism shines, from the meals she prepares, to ensuring that her kids get out the door and safely on the bus, to managing court appearances and office work She is a teacher imparting wisdom and value, embodying courage, compassion, and enduring strength.
WRITTEN BY PAIGE HAMMOND (SHE/HER)
“Managing caseloads comes down to teamwork,” she says “Having colleagues and a family that stick beside you during any crisis is truly invaluable ”
Every hero needs to prioritize self-care, and for Tara, this means attending yoga classes weekly to de-stress and maintain work-life balances “Prioritizing self-care is important for me Attending yoga classes weekly to destress and maintain work-life balance makes the difference in my personal life,” she says, emphasizing how dedicating time to recharge is impactful Advising to stick to a strict schedule, which allows you to make time for both work and your personal life, all the while managing those stress levels
“As a defence lawyer,” for Tara, “you’re in constant contact with clients, not everyone will leave happy Prosecution is different there’s less direct client interaction ” The key to handling challenges? A strong support system, whether that be a friend or coworker, having someone to relate to on a personal level is crucial when understanding the unique pressures of your career, she says
As Tara lives everyday one step at a time, she reminisces on the most significant milestones of her career From the earliest, “my first trial is by far my biggest milestone, and it was so significant for me career wise” as she digresses “later on when I switched my career focus was another huge step in my career because while they present two very different challenges in terms of workload, but also managing a business and dealing with that learning curve was a very different set of challenges,” Tara boasts
Her advice for young aspiring lawyers is straightforward, yet influential: “Stop worrying about everything going on in the present and future wise It’s all going to work out” Tara encourages law students to go out and visit courthouses to see the job in action “You won’t know if criminal law is for you until you experience it firsthand,” she advises Staying calm and avoiding overstimulation are crucial traits for success within the legal system “This profession requires a steady hand being angry or flustered won’t help get you where you need to be ”
Coming home at the end of her workday, Tara’s motivation, even during tough cases, is her loving family “They are my biggest motivators, always encouraging me, giving me this sense of belonging,” she shares
Tara Mimnagh’s journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community when navigating the complexities of legal work, such as public prosecution Her insights offer valuable guidance to those that are considering a future career in law, particularly in criminal justice
PAIGE’S REFLECTION
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
Going into the interview, I was admittedly anxious; I doubted whether my questions could connect on the right level, but Tara’s understanding and personable demeanor put me at ease Her reassurance throughout the process helped me navigate our conversation with confidence, and I walked away from this experience feeling inspired and empowered. Often feeling unsure about what I want to do with my degree,questions such as “is law school really for me?,” or “do I even belong in this space as an English major?,” occupy my mind Speaking with Tara completely reshaped my perspective Coming from MIT and Philosophy, a background not typically associated with law, Tara proves there’s no “right” path to pursuing this career One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was Tara’s recognition of her team, coworkers, and family who have supported her career Despite her successes, Tara acknowledges the collective efforts behind her accomplishments, and is a perspective I truly find to be incredibly grounding
I am profoundly grateful to have had this insightful and motivating conversation with Tara It has been an honor to be part of this team, and to contribute to such a wonderful publication
SARAH MUNRO
CURATOR OF ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH AT MUSEUM
LONDON
In a world often defined by uncertainty about the future of arts and humanities careers, one Western graduate has carved a unique path that challenges conventional assumptions With a passion for connecting people through art, Sarah Munro has transformed her journey from student to the Curator of Engagement and Outreach at Museum London, demonstrating that careers in the arts are not only possible, but essential in shaping vibrant communities
Born and raised in London, Ontario, Western represented more than just an academic opportunity it was a chance to return to her roots After completing an undergraduate degree at Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD) in Drawing & Painting, Munro sought a graduate program that would nurture her artistic ambitions, and bring her closer to family
“I had done previous research on the faculty members, and I was really interested in learning from them,” she says “My advisors were Professors David Merritt, Sky Glabush, and Patrick Mahon.” Today, all three remain prominent figures in the arts community, and Munro continues to collaborate with them in her current role
From the outset, her goal was clear: to obtain a Master of Fine Arts degree, and emerge with a fully realized artistic practice But, what she didn’t anticipate was how much teaching, mentorship, and community engagement would shape her path.
One of Munro’s most transformative experiences at Western was her role as a teaching assistant (TA)
“My favourite experience at Western was working as a TA,” she says “That’s where I really felt the spark and the connection and the alignment with my interests.”
For Munro, this marked a turning point. She realized that art isn’t just about personal expression it’s about sharing, guiding, and helping others find their voices too “What resonated with me most in the program was how essential it is as an artist, to be successful, is to be able to teach ”
At Western, art wasn’t confined to the studio. Instead, students were encouraged to create exhibitions not only within the university’s visual arts department, but in the wider London arts community This involved collaborating with key institutions, such as the TAP Centre for Creativity, the London Arts Council, and the Michael Gibson Gallery
Instead of diving straight into the Canadian arts scene after graduation, Munro took a bold leap one that led her to Belgium. With her husband accepting a teaching position at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE), a NATO military base, she found herself in an unexpected, yet fulfilling role: working as a contract artisteducator at the Arts Centre on base
Eager to both stay engaged, and develop her skills as an educator, Munro taught international students, including homeschooled children, and adults seeking artistic instruction. “I was keen to develop as many [classes] as I possibly could,” she explains. “I often found that in teaching, it strengthened my personal artistic practice ”
“I did that for five years,” she says “I had never lived in Europe, so adapting to the European lifestyle was a shift, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I got to know a whole different community of folks… which was eye-opening I just wanted to be able to implement what I had learned as a TA and get involved ”
As the Curator of Engagement and Outreach at Museum London, she draws on her diverse experiences to develop innovative programs that connect the community through art From children’s and youth programming, to large-scale events and symposia, her role is centered around bringing people together, and fostering meaningful engagement with the arts
Recently, Munro partnered with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority to develop Hope and Action in a Changing Climate, a symposium that brought together 13 community partners, including the London Public Library and the London Bicycle Café The event was connected to an exhibition featuring the work of Christina Battle, an artist whose practice centres on environmentalism
WRITTEN BY ALYSSA DUARTE (SHE/HER)
“I wear a lot of hats, and I get to know a lot of folks,” she says “It’s a more amplified version of the skills that I was developing during my Master’s at Western.”
For students navigating the often uncertain path of a career in the arts, Munro offers practical advice: focus on teaching and collaboration Teaching, she explains, isn’t just about sharing knowledge it’s about effectively communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences, which proves valuable in any path
She emphasizes the importance of community, supporting peers, and building relationships across different fields “Be open to collaboration and be an ally for your fellow peers pump each other up, and be each other’s champion ”
Munro’s career trajectory proves that a successful career in the arts isn’t solely about individual achievement it’s about the collective power of collaboration, mentorship, and community engagement Whether through teaching, curating, or creating, connecting people through art remains at the heart of her work, serving as a powerful reminder that the arts are not only a career, but a force for positive change
ALYSSA’S REFLECTION
CREATIVE WRITING AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE, MINOR MIT
As a Sports and Culture staff reporter for the Western Gazette, interviewing Sarah Munro was an enriching experience that highlighted the importance of storytelling, mentorship, and community engagement. Her journey exemplifies how careers in the arts thrive on collaboration and the willingness to support others, resonating deeply with my work as a journalist
Munro’s reflections on teaching and outreach emphasize that shared knowledge is just as crucial as creating Similarly, journalism is not just about reporting but making information accessible and fostering conversations that matter. Her ability to connect people through art mirrored the way writing can bridge gaps, and create dialogue within a community
What stood out most was her dedication to making art an inclusive and engaging experience Her work serves as a reminder that cultural spaces are shaped by people who invest in them. This interview reaffirmed my belief in the power of storytelling not just as a means of expression, but also as a tool for connection and change
JACK BRADLEY
GIWETASHKAD INDIGENOUS HOMELESSNESS STRATEGIC PLAN AT ATLOHSA FAMILY HEALING SERVICES
For Jack Manidokaa Bradley, there’s one key truth he’s held throughout his life, from his undergraduate studies at Western to his meaningful and fulfilling career: “There's a balance between theory and practice, and relationships You have to learn how to really merge those together ”
During his time at Western, Bradley took these words to heart They chose Western after receiving the prestigious Beryl Ivey Scholarship “That opportunity alleviated a lot of barriers that I would have experienced as a first-generation university student,” they explained. Bradley did an Honours Specialization in English Literature, a minor in Political Science, and the Scholar’s Electives research program He explains that he chose English because he was attracted to the flexibility in choice of classes and essay topics: “I like to pair [English] with critical race theory, or Indigenous studies, or feminist theory ”
In addition to his robust academic studies, Bradley wholeheartedly embraced extracurriculars at Western Bradley cites his time as Arts & Humanities Students’ Council (AHSC) president as one of the most valuable experiences he had in undergrad. Bradley was a trailblazer, establishing a new Equity portfolio on AHSC, and creating and organizing scholarships for marginalized students “I enjoyed having the capacity to be able to hear students out in terms of barriers they were having,” Bradley reminisces
The life experiences he gained from working on AHSC, and other organizations, such as the Pre-Law Society, are why Bradley recommends that all students get involved in extracurriculars: “There are certain times where my community involvement was just as or more helpful, if not more helpful than my classes themselves ”
When it comes to Western’s clubs system, Bradley wishes they had gotten more involved earlier during university, particularly with the Indigenous Students’ Association. They urge current students to get involved with clubs sooner rather than later. “It's never too late, but if you can dig your roots in early, that's all the better because those are relationships that can help you all through ”
Entering their first post-grad job as a policy analyst for Health Canada's Office of Indigenous Affairs and Engagement, Bradley discovered how important both the theoretical, and the practical elements of his undergraduate education were to his success. From preparing briefings to consulting with national Indigenous organizations, Bradley utilized the consultation and governance skills he developed as AHSC president, and the communication skills he fostered through his English degree
Though he is grateful for his time at Health Canada, he decided last fall to not renew his contract and began working for Atlohsa Family Healing Services in London, feeling that his time was better placed with an Indigenous-led organization They explain, “I appreciate the value and integration of Indigenous ways of knowing and culture directly into the work, rather than speaking about it as this kind of thirdparty acknowledgement that doesn't actually get implemented into the structure of the work that we do ”
At Atlohsa, Bradley works as part of the Giwetashkad Indigenous Homelessness Strategic Plan, working to alleviate Indigenous homelessness in London Bradley explains that this is a critical issue to address while Indigenous Peoples only make up about 2 5% of London’s total population, they are 30% of London's homeless population While every day on the job is different, Bradley’s work involves attending meetings with other organizations addressing homelessness in London, hiring community care workers, and crafting summaries of Atlohsa’s strategic planning sessions Last October, Bradley attended the National Conference of Homelessness in Ottawa, where they presented on Indigenous-led coordinated access systems and addressed how current systems for addressing homelessness in London often fail Indigenous People Something Bradley appreciates about Atlohsa is their “non-hierarchical approach that really values Indigenous knowledge ”
When considering the value that his Arts & Humanities degree brings to his work, Bradley stresses that his English degree taught him how to break down complicated concepts into simple language without losing their meaning This has allowed them to communicate with a variety of groups about important issues, including City of London employees and Indigenous knowledge keepers and elders “Things can only go so far as you can communicate them to other people and implement them and collaborate with others,” Bradley explains
ASHA’S REFLECTION SASAH & ENGLISH
As for his next steps, Bradley is looking into obtaining an MA at McMaster University in Indigenous Studies They’re not rushing to get back in the classroom just yet though “I want to have more time in practice rather before jumping right back into theory again,” Bradley explains.
If Bradley could tell current Arts & Humanities students one thing, he’d say to “have confidence that the work you're doing is important ” No matter what you’re studying, Bradley stresses that your degree is malleable, and you can take it in whatever direction you want to go, in service of whatever cause or goal is important to you. With a balanced combination of theory and practice, your options are endless.
Interviewing Jack was a wonderful experience I was a first-year associate on AHSC when Jack was the President, so I got to witness first-hand how passionate Jack is about supporting marginalized individuals, and addressing structural barriers. Three years later, it was incredible to get to reconnect with him and hear how that passion has flourished into an amazing and impactful career I’m so inspired by all the great work he’s doing, and his thoughtful reflections on the value of the Arts & Humanities, as well as extracurricular involvements, give me so much confidence as I embark on my post-grad life and look for opportunities to make change in the world. Thank you, Jack!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
JENNA GREENSPOON (SHE/HER, ALUMNI RELATIONS COMMISSIONER)
CHAHAT GHUMAN (SHE/HER, VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLICATIONS)
JESSICA SCHAGERL (SHE/HER, PROJECT SUPERVISOR)
CO-EDITED BY: ASHER GRIS (THEY/THEM, COPY EDITOR)
LAYOUT BY: ZOE PORT (SHE/HER, LAYOUT EDITOR)
COVERS BY: EMMA HARDY (SHE/HER, COVER DESIGNER)
CONTRIBUTIONS BY:
ALYSSA DUARTE (SHE/HER)
ASHA SAHA (SHE/HER)
FIONA GAO (SHE/HER)
JEN HWANG (SHE/HER)
KATE ARMSTRONG (SHE/HER)
KYRA PRANGER (SHE/HER)
MARGARET GLEED (SHE/HER)
MOLLY ASMA (SHE/HER)
PAIGE HAMMOND (SHE/HER)
THANK YOU
