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Promotional poster for the RISE Conference: Research, Identity, Solidarity, Empowerment. The conference will take place over two Fridays—January 30 and February 6, 2026—at Ontario Tech University. The header features a stylized silhouette of a woman’s profile integrated into a flower design with soft orange, purple, and green tones.  Four featured speakers are shown with photos and titles:  Kanika Samuels-Wortley, PhD – Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Systemic Racism, Technology and Criminal Justice, Ontario Tech University.  Eleanor Gittens, PhD – Professor and Program Coordinator, Police Foundations, Georgian College.  Lori Hall-Kimm – Senior Managing Director & Head of Global Private Equity at Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).  Karene Paul-Nisbett – Lawyer, Manager of Strategy/Risk & Transactions Claims Practice at MetLife Canada.  Conference Details:  Friday, Jan 30, 2026 – Downtown Campus  10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Workshop #1 – Rooted Voices: Claiming Space Through Storytelling  12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch  1:00–3:00 PM: Workshop #2 – Radical Rest: Wellness & Resistance  3:00–4:00 PM: Break  4:00–6:00 PM: Panel #1 – Academic Professionals  6:00–8:00 PM: Poster Session / Mixer  Friday, Feb 6, 2026 – North Campus  10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Workshop #3 – Finding Your Way: Funding, Fellowships & Experiential Learning  12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch  1:00–3:00 PM: Workshop #4 – Preparing for Next Steps: CV, Resume & Grad School  3:00–4:00 PM: Break  4:00–6:00 PM: Panel #2 – Industry Professionals  6:00–8:00 PM: Networking Event / Mixer  Text at the bottom of the poster notes that registration is free, food and refreshments are provided, and poster presentation opportunities are available via the conference website. A large "REGISTER NOW" button is centered at the bottom.

RISE Conference

RISE (Research, Identity, Solidarity, Empowerment) is a transformative two-day conference—Friday, January 30 and Friday, February 6—that uplifts and amplifies the voices of BIPOC women pursuing research and professional careers.

Engage in interactive workshops, hear from inspiring speakers, and connect with a community committed to collective growth and representation.

This conference is supported by the Women in Research Council's EDI in Knowledge grant, and co-founded by Dr. Tanya Karam-Zanders and Dr. Shannon Vettor, along with Funmilola Ogunseye (PhD Candidate, Forensic Psychology). 

When: Friday, January 30
Where: Charles Hall

When: Friday, February 6
Where: Shawenjigewining Hall and the Dixon/Alger Fireside Reading Room (North Library) 

Visit the RISE Conference website for more information