Representation Matters: Reflections on the Black, Racialized, and Indigenous Student Career Fair 

Submitted by Aba Mortley, program coordinator, Esthetics and Ekta Singh, program coordinator, Health Care Administration 

On November 15th, Aba Mortley, program coordinator, Esthetics, and Ekta Singh, program coordinator for Health Care Administration, had the privilege of representing St. Lawrence College and participating in the Black, Racialized, and Indigenous Student Career Fair hosted by the Boys and Girls Club Southeast Kingston. The event, organized by Grade 12 student Ayesha Bukhari in collaboration with the equity team at the Limestone District School Board, brought together inspiring leaders and advocates from the community, including Aba Mortley, Mona Rahman, Jason Morningstar, and Peng Seng Cau. 

The career fair aimed to provide racialized and Indigenous students with the representation and inspiration they need to envision their own success and build confidence in their futures. 
As part of the event, Ekta Singh shared her career and educational journey as a professor in the Health Care Administration program at St. Lawrence College and as an EDIIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility) specialist. Reflecting on the experience, she emphasized the critical role of representation in shaping aspirations and dismantling systemic barriers. According to a 2021 study by Statistics Canada, Black and Indigenous scholars are significantly underrepresented in Canadian universities relative to their population size, a disparity that underscores the urgency of fostering connections between racialized leaders and youth. 

Ekta’s story, spanning her roles as a high school teacher, university instructor, community health professional, college professor, and coordinator, highlighted the resilience required to navigate higher education as a racialized woman. Sharing this journey with students felt profoundly meaningful, demonstrating that success is achievable despite challenges. 

Similarly, Aba Mortley spoke passionately about the importance of representation from her perspective as a BIPOC woman. She reflected on the power of sharing personal stories to demonstrate to students that they are welcomed, valued, and supported across various fields. Aba noted that the panel was not only inspiring but also deeply impactful, as it allowed students to see relatable examples of success and provided insights into pathways and opportunities. 

One of the event’s key takeaways was the transformative power of visibility. When racialized youth see professionals who look like them and share their lived experiences, it inspires them to dream bigger, persevere through systemic challenges, and recognize their value in spaces where they might otherwise feel excluded. Representation fosters belonging, a crucial factor for young people navigating discrimination and barriers to opportunity. 

Following the panel, Aba hosted an engaging interactive manicure demonstration, introducing students to the Esthetics program at St. Lawrence College. The activity showcased the diverse opportunities within the program and offered students hands-on experience in the field. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the students were truly energizing and reaffirmed the importance of creating inclusive and engaging spaces. 

This career fair was a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering inclusive environments where all students can feel represented and empowered to pursue their goals. It was an honor to contribute to such a meaningful initiative, and we look forward to continuing to support equity and inclusion in education and professional development. 

To Ayesha Bukhari and the team at LDSB, thank you for understanding that representation is not merely symbolic—it is transformational. As Ekta reminded the students: "Your presence and voice are powerful tools for change. Don't be afraid to take up space and break barriers. The spaces you enter and the barriers you break will pave the way for others." 

Let us continue to create opportunities where racialized and Indigenous youth can see themselves in their futures and connect with leaders who reflect their potential. Together, we can build pathways toward equity and inclusion—one conversation, one story, and one career fair at a time.