Mira Szudek

Mira Szudek (she/her) completed her MA in Gender and Social Justice Studies in the fall of 2024 after participating in the course-based program. After previously completing her BA at the University of Alberta with a major in Psychology and minors in Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies, the GSJ program allowed her to continue pursuing her interest in social justice.

Mira entered the program in 2023, most interested in the relationship between feminism and law. Focusing on right-wing populism in Canada after critical reflection in the GSJ 501 Social Justice Workshop and GSJ 502 Gender Research Workshop. In GSJ 501, Mira began to volunteer with the Edmonton Community Legal Centre as a community service learning student but chose to continue volunteering long after fall classes concluded.

For her Capstone assignment, Mira wrote an essay on the 2022 Freedom Convoy, titled “The Freedom Convoy: the Use of Gender Populism, White Tears, and Political Storytelling”. This paper analyzes the Public Order Emergency Commission Inquiry and the testimony of key organizers within the Convoy, connecting their statements and behaviours with Canadian and American populism, white masculinity, and white femininity.

Mira hopes to complete a Juris Doctor in the future, as she has discovered her passion for social justice within law and policy as well as standing up for others. She deeply enjoyed her time in the GSJ program, including the incredible relationships she made with both professors and fellow students.