Kelsey Adams, BA’13, MA’14, has built a career focused on uplifting and supporting youth. Once a shy student who struggled to assert herself, Adams now leads conversations as a gender-based violence prevention education coordinator at Western University.
“Education is a powerful opportunity to change hearts and minds,” Adams said. “I’m driven by hope to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Adams is a passionate advocate for students, helping them make informed decisions and healthy relationship choices.
“Navigating safety, intimacy and new social situations away from home can be tough,” she said. “That’s why our team’s work is fundamental.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2PQ5C1PSVQ
Finding a love for women’s studies
Adams arrived at Western in 2009 as an undergrad in Scholar’s Electives, a program for high-achieving students with an intensive interdisciplinary focus. Although she didn’t plan to pursue women’s studies, everything clicked when she enrolled in a first-year introductory course. “Women’s studies opened a new world for me,” Adams said. “The history of feminism and women’s rights resonated and the faculty and students created such a welcoming environment.” Before university, Adams struggled to raise her voice in group settings. Western changed that. “It was the first time I felt safe to ask questions, take on new challenges and express myself. I was excited to feel a sense of belonging.” Adams became a member of the Women’s Studies Student Collective and eventually served as the club’s president, expanding her public speaking and leadership capabilities in ways she never could have imagined.Driving community impact
As a women’s studies master’s student, Adams’ research examined how privilege can influence lived experiences of gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) and how marginalized women are often excluded from mainstream feminist movements.
During her graduate studies, Adams volunteered at a 24-hour crisis line for individuals experiencing GBSV run by Anova (formerly Sexual Assault Centre London). It was an eye-opening experience.
Adams began a full-time position with Anova following the completion of her master’s degree. She progressed in several roles and honed skills in group facilitation, delivered and evaluated training programs and collaborated with community partners. Adams remembers many heart wrenching moments as she supported clients dealing with traumatic experiences. “It was challenging to hear their stories, but it was also hopeful because they reached out. They walked through the door, which for some means they won’t spend a lifetime thinking they deserved what happened.”“I realized I wanted to continue the legacy of those who have been working in the GBSV sector and be a part of a community that supports the most vulnerable populations.” – Kelsey Adams, BA’13, MA’14, GBSV prevention education coordinator
