Skip to main content
SFU Staff
Communications and Events Coordinator

Photo of Alicia Fahrner
“To me, GSWS really complimented my Psychology journey,” she says. “It allowed me to not only understand individual behaviours and how they are influenced but also critically analyze our societies and how they shape/socialize us.”

Graduating with a BA in Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies (GSWS) and Psychology, Alicia Fahrner credits her experiences at GSWS for inspiring clarity in both her academic and personal life as a woman of colour. 

“One of my favourite things about GSWS is that I am always learning and unlearning ideas which challenge my own beliefs and remain critical toward institutions of power.”

Alicia initially came to SFU to pursue a major in Psychology to garner a better understanding of the mind. Throughout her studies, she was drawn to Cultural Psychology as an epistemological tool to understand the complexities of different cultures and the ways in which human behaviours are influenced.

Taking courses in GSWS provided a breadth of scope to Alicia’s studies. “To me, GSWS really complimented my Psychology journey,” she says. “It allowed me to not only understand individual behaviours and how they are influenced but also critically analyze our societies and how they shape/socialize us.”

During her studies, Alicia has also served as an active member of several extracurricular clubs and programs. She was the president, departmental representative and SFSS council representation for GSWS Undergraduate Student Union (GSWSSU) where she co-organized several engaging events like Escape the Patriarchy escape room, which contained several themes such as Cards FOR Humanity; Connect the Corporation to Climate Change; Smash the Patriarchy (wall); Where are the Feminists Picture Search (think Where’s Waldo with Feminist Icons).

In 2019, Alicia received the Rosemary Brown Undergraduate Award in Social Justice, recognizing her work on the podcast series “Black Mamas Matter.” She created the podcast to examine the multifaceted avenues of structural violence against black women and other women of colour within the maternal health care system. Alicia’s caring, creative and active contributions to the GSWS and broader SFU community, are respected and admired by students, staff and faculty alike. 

Alicia says the key to her success has been a mixture of perseverance and self-love. When asked if she has any words of wisdom for other students, also looking to make a positive difference in their communities, she advises, “Take time for yourself, as you are learning so much in your courses, learn more about yourself. Who are you, what do you like to do, what is something unexpected that you just learned about yourself? These two things are what really built me into the person I am today, who is thankful for myself, my opportunities, and my willingness to persevere through difficult challenges.”

Now that she has completed her degree, Alicia has several goals on the horizon. She wants to move back to Germany and continue her work in podcasting with a series exploring the lived experiences of Afro-Deutsche (Black Germans). She also has her sights on completing a Ph.D. in Anthropology, focusing on studying the impacts of stress and trauma from systemic racism and anti-black discrimination on bodies and health. 


This story was originally published on the Gender Sexuality, and Women's Studies website on October 20, 2020.

SFU Staff
Communications and Events Coordinator
visibility  64
Oct 20, 2020

You Might Like These... Career Exploration, Professional Development, Workplace Transition, Student Success, SFU Alumni, Convocation

Guy wearing his graduation gown, standing at the edge of a cliff overlooking the city
Justin's Journey

After Justin and Samantha decided to create Career Friends, the rest was history. They have kept each other on track while job-hunting post graduation. Read Justin's story about his experiences after graduating in 2002, and how he overcame the challenges of finding full-time employment.

Graduation ceremony
How to Prepare for the Workforce Before Graduation

How do you stand out and stay ahead of the game in today's increasingly competitive job market? Read on to learn about 4 important resources that can help you advance your career while you're still in school.

christina wu laughing
Life After Co-op Series: Connecting Local and Global Experience

Christina Wu finished a joint major in Business and Communication at SFU and is now working as a Communications Coordinator for the BC Council for International Education. She sat down with us to share her rich Co-op experiences and how they played a significant part in developing the skills and connections she has today.

You Might Like These... Convocation

Photo of Simran
Making Space for Undergraduate Research

An active leader in the student community, BA graduand Simran Purewal has been awarded the 2022 Dean's Convocation Medal.

Photo of Chao
Driven by a Passion for Research

Chao Bao graduates with a Ph.D. in Mechatronics. Equipped with a master's degree in engineering and nine years of experience in government research and industry, he made the difficult decision to leave a stable job to pursue his passion in research, with the goal of making a difference in society.

the author's portrait
You Get Out What You Put In: Portfolio, Contacts, Resume

Moving through your work term, it is valuable to consider what you will take from your co-op experience that will benefit your future career. Kimberly Blair recommends keeping three things in mind: portfolio, contacts, and resume.