Bridge To Inclusion: Exploring Global Gender Dialogues - DEVS DSC Conference 2026

The DEVS DSC Conference 2026 invites the Queen’s community to centre diverse gender equity as a critical lens for understanding development, power, and social change at the local and global level. Since gendered dimensions shape every aspect of DEVS studies, from health and economics to policy and global governance, this conference creates space to critically engage with gender across academic theory, local context, health systems, and global organizations, using a feminist lens to explore how inequality is structured, experienced, and resisted.

We are excited to welcome three incredible speakers:

● Shuying Chen is a representative from Trellis HIV & Community Care who will explore how HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts women and LGBTQ+ communities in Kingston and across Canada.

● Meghan Mendelin is a PhD student here at Queens, whose work uses feminist political economy and social reproduction frameworks to examine the role of community-based nonprofit organizations in contemporary Canada.

● Nadine Grant works for Plan Canada, an international NGO. She will discuss her work on gender inequality on a global scale and the strategies used for bridging systemic gaps.

The conference will also feature interactive workshops, lunch, and networking opportunities. Join us as we critically examine how Gender shapes our world and how we can work toward greater equity within it.

Those wishing to attend must purchase a ticket.

Purchase your ticket at the ASUS Store

Program

The conference will have three 45 min speaking blocks, with time for speaker Q&As, a lunch break with food provided by Big Brothers and Sisters of Kingston, headshots and networking opportunities, and DEVS DSC tote bags and stickers for sale!

12:45 pm – Doors Open

Attendees are invited to settle in and connect with one another before the formal program.

1:00 pm – 1:15 pm – Opening Remarks

Our DEVS DSC Conference Team will begin with opening remarks to ground our discussion, introduce the purpose of the event, and set the tone for reflection, learning, and community.

1:15 pm – 2:00 pm – Nadine Grant

Gender equity advocate at Plan Canada (INGO)

Nadine will share her story and lived experience working at an influential international NGO, offering insight into the realities families face and the importance of community-based support systems.

2:00 pm – 2:45 pm – Lunch Break

Catering provided by Big Brothers and Sisters Kingston

Attendees are encouraged to enjoy lunch together, connect with peers, profs and speakers, and reflect on gendered dimensions of development.

2:45 pm – 3:45 pm – Shuying Chen

Trellis HIV & Community Care Representative

Shuying will guide us through an in-depth session exploring community-based care, including:

● A 15-minute overview of community-based care models

● The challenges of accessing and maintaining medication

● Cultural barriers and the impacts of systemic racism

● A visual “map” of the barriers women face

The presentation will conclude with a 5–10 minute Q&A session.

3:45 pm – 4:30 pm – Megan Mendelin

DEVS PhD Candidate

Meghan will lead a thought-provoking talk on her ongoing feminist political economy research, focused on social reproduction frameworks that examine the role of community-based nonprofit organizations in contemporary Canada.

4:30 pm – 4:40 pm – Closing Remarks

We will formally conclude the speaking program with closing reflections and key takeaways from the afternoon.

4:40 pm – 5:00 pm – Networking Reception

Attendees are invited to stay, connect, and continue conversations sparked throughout the day in an informal networking space.