The Department of Gender Studies is pleased to announce Jarena Lee as the new Undergraduate Program and Administrative Assistant.
Jarena (she/they) brings a variety of administrative experiences to this role, with consistent themes of imagination, authenticity, and connection. They studied Fine Arts at Concordia University in Montreal as well as the School of Visual Arts in New York City. The committee was impressed by Jarena鈥檚 ability to balance their strengths in administration and operational efficiency, with thoughtful and creative approaches to fostering community from within. She demonstrated a rich understanding of Gender Studies and Black Studies, and is passionate about making Kingston a more liveable place where people and communities can thrive.
鈥淲e are delighted to have Jarena joining us as the new Undergraduate Program and Administrative Assistant for Gender Studies. Jarena brings experience in both administration and customer service, as well as strong organizational skills and attentive communication skills. Their enthusiasm for supporting our undergraduate program and contributing to the collaborative administration of the Gender Studies and Black Studies programs is exciting, and I know she will play a key role in advancing our mission through our programming. I truly look forward to working together with Jarena and welcoming them to our Gender Studies department,鈥 adds Gender Studies Undergraduate Chair, Melissa Houghtaling.
Jarena comments, 鈥淲ords cannot express my excitement to join the Gender Studies and Black Studies department at Queen鈥檚 University. As a black queer administrator and artist, it has always been a mission of mine to cultivate spaces where folks can be seen, heard, and valued for who and everything they are. I am elated to continue pursuing this mission as the Undergraduate Program and Administrative Assistant for the Gender Studies Department. I look forward to connecting with students, faculty, and staff in the Gender Studies and Black Studies department at Queen鈥檚 as well as members of these communities of Kingston at large.鈥
Jarena鈥檚 start date is November 21, 2022, but they will be doing some in person training before then. You can contact Jarena at gndsug@queensu.ca, 613-533-6318, Sutherland Hall room 453.
Please join us in welcoming Jarena!