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Transform the SFU Experience
Tess Williams: transforming personal experience into institutional change
Tess Williams, a systems consultant in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, never expected to become an important advocate for trans equity at SFU, but through her personal journey and dedication to creating change she became exactly that. Recently honoured with a Staff Achievement Award (Equity & Belonging), Tess has turned her own struggles with imposter syndrome into motivation for creating a more inclusive environment for trans and nonbinary people at SFU.
鈥淲hen I first started at SFU almost 4 years ago, I tried to find other trans folk, but found that our particular demographic was a bit scattered. I reached out to Dr. Travers, a sociology and anthropology professor, who told me if I can鈥檛 easily find people, then I have to be the one to cast a wide net. That is when I decided to begin my journey to reach others.鈥�
In just four years, Tess has shown that even small, consistent efforts can drive meaningful change.
Her involvement in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Community of Practice (CoPr) opened the door to broader advocacy, including work on several key initiatives. One of the most impactful was launching a consultation with Pacific Blue Cross鈥攁 process that ultimately led to the creation of the Gender Affirming Benefits product, a coverage option that didn鈥檛 exist prior to her advocacy.
鈥淚 was surprised to know that gender affirming benefits were not yet a benefit option at Pacific Blue Cross. The benefit is now available to 1.8 million members, or one in three British Columbians. It was a challenging process, but knowing this work will help people I鈥檒l never meet makes it incredibly meaningful.鈥�
In addition to this, she led the creation of the Trans Equity Survey, gathering critical data to better understand the challenges faced by trans and nonbinary members of the university community. The survey鈥檚 results have helped inform policy and support initiatives. In addition, she played a central role in advocating for stronger inclusion of 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities in SFU鈥檚 Equity Compass, the institutional framework guiding equity efforts university-wide.
For Tess, the recognition is more than just an award鈥攊t鈥檚 a meaningful validation of her efforts and the community that has supported her along the way.
鈥淧ersonally, receiving this award helps me a lot in my ongoing battle against imposter syndrome, something that I believe we all deal with. It means my work is seen both by my peers and the leadership of SFU. It spurs me to continue on my path, and trust in those who have guided me thus far.鈥�
Looking ahead, Tess hopes the momentum she鈥檚 helped build will outlast her own involvement, and that others across SFU feel empowered to make change in their own spheres.
鈥淓veryone deserves a psychologically comfortable environment for both work and study. I hope that staff members here, no matter the role, realize that they have the power to change their workplace.鈥�