We are four students studying rhetoric in online environments at the University of Calgary under the supervision of Dr. Tania Smith from the Department of Communication and Media Studies.
In order to better understand how rhetoric can be utilized to optimize online environments, we were tasked with identifying a cause we are passionate about. We unanimously agreed to address local women’s issues by focusing on how peer support can improve the financial, physical, mental, and emotional well-being of women in our communities.
In order to utilize our knowledge of rhetoric and draw attention to such a critical issue, we established a non-governmental organization model which we have called, “YYC For Women”, that seeks to serve the diverse needs of women in our city through companionship and support.
Meet our team
Sabrina
My name is Sabrina and I am a third year student pursuing a double major in Communication and Media Studies and History. I grew up on a small farm outside of Calgary, but moved to the big city in the fall of 2017 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree. When I am not busy studying, you can find me playing piano, cross stitching, or writing.
I see immense value in mentorship. Having strong women mentors in my life has certainly shaped me into the person I am today by offering me guidance and support when I needed it the most. I hope that “YYC For Women” will help connect women in the city of Calgary with women who understand what they are going through and who truly care about their wellbeing.
Katrina
Hi, my name is Katrina. I’m currently studying Media and Communications at the University of Calgary. I enjoy meeting new people and understanding the relationships we have to our environments and communities. In my spare time I enjoy sewing and patchwork which incorporate my Navajo heritage and love of modern quilting.
Anna
Hi! I’m Anna. I am a 3rd year communications student at the University of Calgary, also minoring in Russian. I grew up in France but moved to Calgary a couple of years ago. I like meeting people from other cultures and backgrounds than mine. Many men and women that I have met during my life have allowed me to witness and acknowledge certain challenges and needs women face everyday. As a result, I am convinced that “YYC For Women” will be an empowering platform for women.
Alex
Hi, I’m Alex, a third year Communications and Media studies and International Relations major. I’ve lived in Calgary my whole life, which has led me to recently get involved in local non-profit organizations, mostly concerning human rights and environmental causes. Between my mom, my friends, and many teachers, women have played a huge role in my life and a lot of women are personal heroes of mine. Through them, I have come to understand the ways in which women are disadvantaged in our society, and I want to commit myself to helping the people suffering in the city I grew up in. Through “YYC For Women”, I believe we can make a real difference in the community and in the lives of those who need it.
Our Mentor, Dr. Tania Smith
Dr. Tania S. Smith, Associate Professor Department of Communication, Media and Film, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary.
E-mail : smit@ucalgary.ca
My Office: 302 Social Sciences
Phone: 403-220-7774
Mailbox: SS 320 (Department office)
Mailing address
Department of Communication, Media and Film, SS320
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2N 1N4
YYC for Women 