About Us
WISE (Women in Support and Education) is a global platform for those who identify as women seeking connection, celebration, and empowerment. Launched in 2025 as a part of the DISE Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (DEDIC) initiative within the Faculty of Education at McGill University, Canada, it aims to serve the community within and beyond McGill.
Though our cultures, languages, sexual orientations, and systems may differ, the core challenges we face—and the strength we carry—are deeply shared. Here, we break through the subtle barriers and rediscover the power that’s already within you. This isn’t about fixing what’s missing—it’s about awakening what’s been waiting.
Because at the heart of it all, we’re human. And together, we’re unstoppable!
Our Story
Behind every smile is a story! And that is exactly what each one of us and you do. Story-telling here is not about our accomplishments or achievements, but about insecurities, self-sabotaging behaviors, critical inner voice, and we ourselves clinging on to and holding strongly to the gender norms. Societal structure is not to be always blamed, sometimes we need to look inside ourselves!
This is our story after years of self-reflection and cultivating lasting love!
Meet the Team
Shubhangi Bhardwaj
(Founder & President)
"The priceless relationship you'll ever have is with yourself, especially in the moments of darkness and doubt!" This line in itself captures the very essence of what our founder lives by. In her opinion, a world where victory is celebrated, success is loud, and lives are "carefully-curated", the subtlety and beauty of life lies in the very first step, that uneven path, back-to-back failures, and the silent reflective moments just with yourself! Of course, not easy, but what comes easily in life. Our founder leaves a lil message for you- Just keep growing and loving yourself, and spread it around- doesn't have to be grand, though!
Zian (Pen name)
(Former Founding Team Member)
Zian, as a former founding team member, was actively involved in launching this organization in 2025!
Ashley Sun
(Director of Communications)
Ashely is a master’s student in Education at McGill and the Director of Communications for WISE. She focuses on the intersections of neurodiversity, gender equity, and mental health, drawing from the lenses of Cognitive Science and Instructional Design.
At WISE, she aspires to cultivate communication that is human and intentionally unpolished, mirroring the raw complexity of the movements we represent. She is eager to build meaningful links with this community, so please feel free to reach out!
Laura Humez
(Assistant director of Communications)
Laura is a master's student in School/Applied Child Psychology at McGill University who believes that empowering women begins with knowledge, compassion, and community. Passionate about women's mental health and well-being, she hopes to use her role at WISE to share meaningful resources, spark thoughtful conversations, and help women and young generation recognize their resilience, break harmful cycles, and support one another in reaching their full potential.
Laura Taylor
(Director of Human Resources)
As a PhD student in Education at McGill University and a classroom teacher, Laura's work explores teacher disengagement, emotions, and care through feminist and arts-based research. She is passionate about building spaces where people, especially women and educators, can reflect, create, and connect. She believes in collective care, community well-being, and learning that lives both inside and outside the classroom.
Helene Damoulianos
(Co-director of Events)
"I believe that meaningful change begins with listening, learning, and lifting one another up". As a Senior Mathematics Educator and PhD student in Educational Psychology at McGill University, Helene is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to share their voice. As Co-Director of Events, she looks forward to building opportunities for connection, thoughtful dialogue, and community, and hopes to be someone others feel comfortable approaching for support, ideas, or simply a conversation.
Dr. Shalini Gupta
(Co-director of Events)
Dr. Shalini Gupta is a physician and a master's student at McGill University, passionate about women's health, education, and creating meaningful connections. She believes that empathy, open conversations, and supportive communities empower people to thrive. As a Co-Director of Events at the WISE Feminist Club, she hopes to help create a welcoming space where everyone feels heard, valued, and inspired to grow together.
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