º£½ÇÉçÇø

This rapid inflation in home prices has left many younger generations questioning whether the homeownership dream is just that – a dream. It has also led many Millennials and Gen Z’s to consider alternative types and forms of housing and tenure. Our panel discussion will highlight the housing experiences of º£½ÇÉçÇø students, identify some of the drivers of the housing affordability crisis, and point to solutions that can contribute to fairness in our housing system. This event will address SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 10: Reduced Inequality, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Dr. Summers is Professor and Director of the º£½ÇÉçÇø's School of Urban and Regional Planning and the Academic Director of the º£½ÇÉçÇø's Sustainability Council. His research focuses on how communities can transition to a more sustainable form. He has a BA in Geography from the º£½ÇÉçÇø, a Masters of Geography from Carleton University and a Phd in Interdisciplinary Rural Studies from the University of Guelph. He also is a registered Professional Planner (RPP) with the Alberta Professional Planners Institute.

Lisa Glock - º£½ÇÉçÇø Students Union

Lisa Glock is in her fifth year of a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Political Science and Women’s & Gender Studies. She is from Stettler, Alberta, and is the President of the º£½ÇÉçÇø Students' Union (UASU). Lisa is passionate about holistic sustainability and student advocacy.

 

Saad Iqbal - Graduate Students’ Association

Saad is a second year Ph.D. student in the EAS Department, Faculty of Science at the UofA. His research is in the field of Human Geography where he is exploring the benefits of therapeutic spaces and healing gardens in healthcare settings. His previous degrees include a Master of Education, UofA, as well as a Master and Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Punjab, Pakistan. Saad has also worked as a Lecturer in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with his teaching experience spanning seven years. Over the last three years, Saad has contributed to multiple student leadership and volunteering roles and is currently working as the Vice President of Student Services in the UofA Graduate Students’ Association.

 

Emma-Leigh Snow - Indigenous Students’ Union

Emma-Leigh Snow is a proud Métis woman and a third-year Sociology student at the º£½ÇÉçÇø. As the VP of Finance for the Indigenous Students Union (ISU), she dedicates herself daily to supporting her community, going beyond the financial management role to develop and maintain programs that uplift Indigenous students. Emma's work extends into advocacy, where she and her team hold the University and other organizations accountable for fostering a safe and supportive environment for Indigenous students. By challenging and decolonizing systems that work against her community, Emma plays a key role in creating lasting change.

 

Joshua Evans - Session Moderator

Joshua Evans is associate professor of human geography at the º£½ÇÉçÇø. He studies geographies of exclusion and inclusion. His most recent research focuses on spaces of care, home, and work and their role in shaping the lived experiences of socially marginalized and vulnerable individuals, as well as spaces of policy development and implementation and their role in the creation of healthy, enabling and equitable urban environments.

This event is co-hosted by the Affordable Housing Solutions Lab and the Sustainability Council. 

Learn more: