BY J.M. LEE
Jacqueline is a second-generation settler in Canada and a biracial person of Indian ethnicity from Hyderabad/Secunderabad, India, and Irish/British ancestry. “My experiences in a racialized family have shaped my commitment to anti-racist and anti-oppressive approaches in my research and leadership. Before returning to academia, I spent ten years working with the Federal Government, where I designed data courses and managed research services. I completed my PhD in 2017, followed by two years of postdoctoral work through the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) Data Fellow Program in Washington, DC, and the University of Victoria Libraries. I work in the field of critical data studies as a Data/AI Justice Advocate and Public Sociologist, bridging community, academia, and technology. For the last two decades, I have partnered with Indigenous and racialized communities in leadership and advisory roles, focusing on social inequality through data and AI justice initiatives. Currently, I serve on the Provincial Anti-Racism Data Committee in British Columbia.”
As a woman with over two decades in government, academia, and private industry, Jacqueline faced harsh lessons on pay inequity, burnout, marginalization, and lateral violence. The most valuable lesson has been to honor other women’s experiences and struggles and to connect with diverse women to uplift one another. “I’ve been inspired by many women—mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunties, and friends who work tirelessly daily for their families’ survival. I learn from diverse women every day in the workplace who confront dominant colonial narratives in ways that build care, responsibility, respect, integrity, and love. These values guide my partnerships and solidarity work.”
The most vulnerable moment in her career came in 2011 when she resigned from a tenured position with the Federal government. After a decade of working with intergovernmental teams and earning the respect of her professional network, she returned to school to pursue her doctoral studies. “As a single parent of two preschool children, I faced unique challenges in my academic journey. Fortunately, I was mentored by remarkable women who understood my circumstances and supported me in applying for scholarships and developing my work. I am especially grateful to the late Dr. Karen Kobayashi (Sociology) and Dr. Charlotte Loppie (Indigenous Health), whose mentorship I strive to emulate in my work with students and colleagues.”
Jacqueline strives to create an environment that promotes leadership and values mutual respect, integrity, and collegiality. “I ask those I mentor to show up authentically, allowing us to build a trusting relationship. This creates a knowledge space that values their thoughts and ideas while providing relevant information for their aspirations, while being honest about their needs.”
Her yoga, ayurvedic, and meditation practice has developed her leadership and voice. “Courage, risk-taking, resilience, and managing ambiguity are essential traits for women aspiring to leadership roles. Organizations must cultivate safe and inclusive cultures that prioritize mentorship and leadership development for women, offering flexible work schedules, pay and benefit equity, and adequate resources for professional growth and advancement.”
Courageous leadership is essential for establishing trust and setting work expectations while exemplifying ‘leading by example.’ This approach guides others through actions and behaviors, inspiring them to achieve their professional goals.
“The resistance I have experienced often reflects social attitudes and ingrained gender and racial biases, which can create challenges and toxic dynamics in the workplace. We must change workplace cultures and organizational structures to acknowledge barriers for women and provide resources to empower them in their leadership roles.”
She maintains a work-life balance by setting clear boundaries and saying ‘No’ more often, protecting her time and energy, and preventing burnout. “My advice to young women is to ‘know your worth.’ Recognizing your skills, abilities, and contributions sets the foundation for your internal tolerance gauge. It empowers you to build strong working relationships. By valuing yourself, you signal to others how you expect to be treated.”
Inclusion is vital in leadership. It fosters a sense of belonging and promotes diverse perspectives, cultivating healthier work cultures that embrace diversity. “Our shared stories of resistance, challenges, and successes in leadership offer relatable insights.”
Jaqueline’s mother’s strength lies in her spirituality and gentleness. “She has instilled values that have shaped me into who I am today—teaching me to rise through life’s struggles with grace, compassion, and kindness.”
Her family, and especially her parents and children have profoundly shaped her understanding of feminine leadership. She has learned the importance of showing up and encouraging others, listening purposefully, thinking critically without criticizing others, and always remaining humble.
