The Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion is pleased to introduce Dr. Neila Miled, our new Anti-Racism Advisor
In this inaugural post of the Community Voices series, we feature Dr. Neila Miled.
Dr. Miled joins the REDI team at a critical time to lead our Anti-Racism/Anti-Discrimination education and training strategy across the Faculty of Medicine. She will provide support to departments, centres, schools, programs and administrative units in their efforts to embed principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in their work and decision-making.
Take a few moments to meet Dr. Miled, a passionate champion of respectful environments.
Describe your role in the Faculty of Medicine
I am the Anti-Racism Advisor in the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI). I am part of a committed team to enhance awareness, provide training and education in anti-racism and anti-oppression, and work towards a safer, more inclusive, equitable learning and working environment.
For you, what makes UBC special?
I have been at UBC for more than 10 years. It is not only where I studied, worked, and conducted research, but it was home for 7 years. I was part of a great community that lived, studied and raised kids at UBC. I did my MA in Educational Administration and Leadership in the Department of Educational Studies and that program opened my eyes to the pressing issues of injustices, inequities and racism. With my lived personal experience as a an immigrant, woman of color, and uninvited guest on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people, I became more committed to enhance my knowledge and expertise in anti-racism education, equity and diversity. I decided to pursue a PhD with a focus on cultural studies and anti-racism education. I was so privileged to work with Dr. Handel Wright, a leading scholar in this area.
What is interesting to know about you?
I lived in different countries, and I feel privileged to have such a rich transnational experience. With the COVID -19 pandemic and the travel restrictions, it became so difficult to travel and see my family back in Tunisia, where I was born and raised. It is hard and so many people are experiencing this and this feeling of isolation can impact people’s mental health, work and health. This makes me always remember that we need to be kind, patient and supportive to one another. It is tough time and we need kindness and compassion.
What do you like about your current work?
I like that I work with a team that comes from different backgrounds and brings different expertise, but we have a shared vision and a strong commitment to achieve our common goal. I enjoy meeting people from different departments in the faculty and getting involved in the ambitious work of transforming culture and working towards equity, diversity and inclusion.
Your favourite thing about Vancouver/BC
Nature, nature, nature. It is mesmerizing here. Being surrounded by the mountains, the forests, the ocean, the rivers and the huge biodiversity existing at this place is a blessing. I like walking, hiking and exploring the different trails.
More from the Community Voices series:
The Community Voices Series: Alix Wells
November 30, 2021Meet a UBC student who is creating an impact Read more >
The Community Voices Series: Lisa Renaud
October 28, 2021Get to know one of our students who is making a difference Read more >
The Community Voices Series: Dr. Farah Shroff
October 10, 2021Meet our latest champion of culture transformation Read more >