Racialized Graduate Student Collective
Welcome to the Racialized Graduate Student Collective at the Faculty of Education, Memorial University!
Our collective is a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to supporting and removing barriers for racialized graduate students within the Faculty of Education. As a collective, we strive to create a brave and welcoming space where racialized graduate students of the faculty of education can come together to share experiences, and resources, and support one another on our academic and personal journeys.
We recognize the unique challenges that racialized graduate students, particularly international students may face in academia and aim to address these through advocacy, mentorship, and solidarity. Our collective is committed to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and de/colonization within the Faculty of Education, advocating for systemic change and amplifying the voices of racialized scholars.
Whether you're navigating the complexities of graduate studies, engaging in research that reflects your identity and experiences, or seeking community and camaraderie, the Racialized Graduate Student Collective is here for you. Join us as we work towards building a more equitable and supportive academic environment.
About the Leadership Team
Racialized Graduate Students Collective, Faculty of Education is a student led initiative. We are non-hierarchical in our structure. Currently we have an executive committee that takes the lead in organizing events. If you would like to join the executive committee, email the current chair of the executive committee at aabu@mun.ca.
| Name | Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Esther (she/her) | Masters of Education - CTLS | eoseinkansah@mun.ca |
| Grace (she/her) | Masters of Education - Leadership Studies | giamako@mun.ca |
| Priscilla (she/her) | PhD Student | pt3654@mun.ca |
| Arif (he/they) Current chair |
PhD Candidate | aabu@mun.ca |
| Monica (she/her) | Masters of Education - CTLS | mmuriascato@mun.ca |
| Alejandra (she/her) | Masters of Education - CTLS | aescobedogon@mun.ca |
Our Programs
Community Connection Series
Every Tuesday starting June 3, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. –1:30 p.m. | Faculty of Education, Room ED3007C
The Community Connection Series is a weekly gathering space created by and for racialized graduate students and allies in the Faculty of Education. Held every Tuesday at 3:00 PM, these sessions are designed to nurture connection, belonging, and shared purpose—because community is not an afterthought, it is the foundation.
Whether you are navigating your first semester or returning with wisdom to share, this series offers a gentle rhythm to the week—a consistent hour to gather, reflect, celebrate small wins, and hold space for one another. From social mixers and peer support circles to resource-sharing and collaborative planning, each week will offer something different, grounded in what our community needs and desires.
Why Join Us?
- Build meaningful relationships with other racialized graduate students
- Share strategies for navigating academic life with joy and intention
- Co-create initiatives that reflect our diverse lived experiences
- Enjoy snacks, solidarity, and a space where you can just be
Led by:
- Rozhin Seifpanahi – rseifpanahi@mun.ca
- Muhammed Mojibola Amoo – mmamoo@mun.ca
Both Rozhin and Muhammed are committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment where no one has to choose between their scholarship and their well-being.
Come as you are, stay as long as you can. This is your space, too. Registration is not required.
|
Day |
Tuesday |
|
Week of June 3 |
Meet and Greet |
|
Week of June 10 |
Father Day Celebration |
|
Week of June 17 |
Break |
|
Week of June 24 |
Immigration Conversation |
|
Week of July 1 |
Break |
|
Week of July 8 |
Career Conversation |
|
Week of July 19 |
Field Trip |
|
Week of July 22 |
Sharing Memoris |
|
Week of August 7 (Thursday) |
End of Semester Celebration |
SheWrites Circle
Every Wednesday (In-Person - ED 3011) & Saturday (Online via Webex)
SheWrites Circle is a weekly writing space for graduate students who self-identify as women. It’s not just about productivity—it’s about being in community, showing up as we are, and nurturing joy in our academic journeys. Held in-person on Wednesdays at 5:00 PM and online on Saturdays at 4 p.m. (NL Time), SheWrites offers a consistent space to write, share, rest, and reconnect with your own voice.
Whether you're working on your thesis, revising an article, or just trying to get back into the rhythm of writing—this is your invitation to write in community, not in isolation.
Why Join SheWrites?
- Build or rebuild a consistent writing practice
- Share feedback, tips, and motivation with fellow writers
- Be in community with other women navigating grad school
- Reclaim writing as a source of connection, not just stress
- Receive one-on-one support for working with multilingual sources (e.g., Russian, Persian, Uzbek)
In-Person Circle
Wednesdays | 5–6 p.m.
Starting June 4, 2025
Room ED 3011, Faculty of Education
Kid-friendly and welcoming—feel free to bring your little ones. We’ll have quiet play activities available so you can focus on your writing while they’re gently engaged nearby. No registration needed. Just drop in.
In-person sessions:
|
1 |
June 4 |
When Writing Feels Heavy: Coping with Emotions and the Struggle |
Iroda Abdunazarova iabdunazarov@mun.ca |
|
2 |
June 11 |
Basic Peer Feedback on Writing/Thesis |
Bahareh Razavian brazavian@mun.ca |
|
3 |
June 18 |
Storytelling the Research Journey |
Bahareh Razavian brazavian@mun.ca |
|
4 |
June 25 |
From Broad Curiosity to Focused Inquiry: Why Your Question Matters |
Iroda Abdunazarova iabdunazarov@mun.ca |
|
5 |
July 2 |
From Descriptive to Critical Writing: Personal Reflections and My Practical Strategies |
Iroda Abdunazarova iabdunazarov@mun.ca |
|
6 |
July 9 |
Navigating Academic Unspoken Rules |
Bahareh Razavian brazavian@mun.ca |
|
7 |
July 16 |
The Art of Persuasion: Using the Toulmin Argument Model |
Iroda Abdunazarova iabdunazarov@mun.ca |
|
8 |
July 23 |
APA, Grammar, and Citation Tips |
Bahareh Razavian brazavian@mun.ca |
Online Circle
Saturdays | 4:00–5:00 PM (Newfoundland Time)
Starting June 7, 2025
Prefer to write from home? The online SheWrites Circle brings the same care and support to your screen, wherever you are.
Check the topic list and register to attend online:
Join SheWrites Online
For any questions, please contact Iroda Abdunazarova (iabdunazarov@mun.ca) or Bahareh Razavian (brazavian@mun.ca).
Both Iroda and Bahareh know that writing can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be isolating. Come write with us. Your presence matters, and your seat is already waiting.
Special Events
The Racialized Graduate Students Collective (RGSC) is proud to offer a range of special events tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of our members. These events, organized upon request, reflect our commitment to personal growth, professional development, community celebration, and academic support and dialogue. By partnering with both on-campus and off-campus service providers, we ensure a rich and comprehensive array of resources and opportunities. Through these special events, the RGSC reaffirms its dedication to support racialized graduate students and enriching their educational and social experiences. We are committed to listening to our members' needs and continually evolving our offerings to better serve our vibrant community.
