Meet The Strategic Indigenous Enrolment Initiatives Duo!

Allison Beardsworth – Associate Director, Strategic Indigenous Enrolment Initiatives

Allison Beardsworth is a member of the Deh Gah Gotie Dene First Nation in the Northwest Territories. Her career and educational paths have taken her across Canada – completing a Bachelor of Social Work at Dalhousie University (2001) and a Masters of Arts in Dispute Resolution at University of Victoria (2011).

Allison has dedicated her career to advancing reconciliation, advocating for recognition of Indigenous rights and amplifying Indigenous voices. She has extensive experience working for both federal and provincial governments, as well as First Nations organizations. She has over 18 years of experience in strategic policy and program development, including six years at the First Nations Health Authority, where she developed the student placement program, new employee orientation and employee wellness initiatives.

In her spare time, Allison volunteers for the Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS) as a puppy raiser and sitter. She raised her first dog, PADS Valentine from 2018-2021 and is currently raising PADS Angel II.

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Janelle Kasperski – Specialist, Strategic Indigenous Enrolment Initiatives

Janelle Kasperski is a Nisga’a woman, educator, artist, facilitator and advocate for Indigenous voices and success. She is a member of the Nisga’a Nation, from the village of Laxgalts’ap in the Nass Valley on the northwest coast of British Columbia. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts & Social Sciences, majoring in criminology with a double minor in First Nations studies and Sociology, from Simon Fraser University.

Starting with UBC this past February, 2021, she has come to us from McGill University’s Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), where she held the position of Indigenous Education Advisor. She has extensive experience in advising, curriculum enhancements, event planning, workshop facilitation and other collaborative work with faculties and units across the university. She has also worked for many years with Indigenous-run non-profit organizations for women escaping domestic violence, housing and homelessness initiatives for the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society, and Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) in First Nations Housing on a national level. She is dedicated to Indigenous education and cultivating spaces that are conducive and celebratory of Indigenous success.