Braiding Diversity into Justice
Braiding Diversity into Justice is an annual event first offered in the Kitchener-Waterloo area in 2018. Its goal is to connect marginalized and/or racialized young women (cis and trans) between the ages of 16 and 20 with women working in the legal sector. Gender fluid and non-binary youth are also welcome. There is a place for everyone in the legal profession regardless of socio-economic status, disability, migration, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, or religion. Find inspiration from diverse women who are successful legal/justice sector professionals.
Braiding Diversity into Justice 2023 will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The event will take place in person, at the Kitchener courthouse.
“If you think you don’t belong in the legal profession, you are exactly the type of person who needs to be here.” — Jordana Goldlist
2023 Keynote Speaker: The Honourable Justice Maria N. Sirivar
We are pleased to welcome The Honourable Justice Maria N. Sirivar as our 2023 Keynote Speaker.
Madam Justice Maria N. Sirivar is a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice who is currently assigned to the Toronto Family and Youth Court at 311 Jarvis Street, and has been there since her appointment in 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Western University and an Honours Business Administration degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business. Justice Sirivar graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School (2006) and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2007.
Prior to her appointment, she ran her own practice (Sirivar Law) focused on family and employment law. Justice Sirivar was also an agent for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer and duty counsel. Prior to starting her own practice, Justice Sirivar was an associate at Faskens and Air Morse LLP. Justice Sirivar is bilingual and presides over French and English proceedings in Family and Youth Criminal court.
Media:
CBC: “Waterloo region youth ready to take on law after diversity event.”
CBC: “40 girls, youth to visit Kitchener courthouse, learn about careers in law.”
SNAP’d: “Braiding Diversity Into Justice.”
Braiding Diversity 2022 – Chief Justice Strathy letter
Chief Justice Morawetz – Braiding Diversity 2022 Letter of Support
Chief Justice Maisonneuve – Braiding Diversity 2022 Letter of Support
Letter from Minister of Justice Lametti – Braiding Diversity 2022
2023 Registration
Registration open: January 9, 2023
Deadline to send application in: February 27, 2023
Spaces are limited. Registration will be closed once the event reach full capacity.
Important: Students registering for Braiding Diversity into Justice must request a permission form from their teacher authorizing them to miss the classes they would regularly attend during the program. Students who are 18 years of age or older on March 7, 2023 may sign the form themselves and return it to their teacher. Students under the age of 18 on March 7, 2023 must have a parent or guardian sign the form and return it to their teacher.
If you are a teacher registering to accompany your students during the event, please email info@ojen2.turnbull.co with “Braiding Diversity Teacher” in the subject line and we will assist you.
Braiding Diversity 2023 Agenda
Braiding Diversity Speakers 2023
Chief Justice Morawetz – Braiding Diversity 2023 Letter of Support
Chief Justice Tulloch – Braiding Diversity 2023 Letter of Support
Minister of Justice Lametti – Braiding Diversity 2023 Letter of Support
Chief Justice Maisonneuve – Braiding Diversity 2023 Letter of Support
Braiding Diversity into Justice returning in 2023
Braiding Diversity into Justice Trailer
About Braiding Diversity 2023
