Breaking Barriers: How Q+ is Shaping Inclusive Leadership

“It’s not just about having a club; it’s about having a community that holds you up as you grow into who you truly are” 

When we first applied to Queen’s, "Stolen by Smith" was at the forefront of many people’s minds. Being queer women of colour entering this environment, we were terrified—not only by the pressure to succeed in a competitive academic space but also by the fear of not being fully accepted for who we were. We worried about whether we’d find a community where we could be our authentic selves, or if we’d have to hide parts of who we were just to fit in. That’s why stepping into the co-chair roles has been so important for us. As two BIPOC queer women in leadership, we are in a unique position to challenge stereotypes and create lasting change in spaces where diversity has often been lacking.

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"For me, stepping into the role of co-chair was about creating a space that I never had—a place where I could lead without hiding parts of myself. Q+ has allowed me to redefine leadership beyond professional achievement; it’s about identity, allyship, and fostering a sense of belonging. We’ve worked to ensure Q+ is not just for commerce students but inclusive of Arts and Science students too, creating a more diverse community. Through this, I’ve realized that leadership is about uplifting others while staying true to who I am" - Anran Wang

"One of the most meaningful moments for me was organizing the queer trivia event. It wasn’t just about fun—it was about creating a safe space where students could freely express their identities. Seeing students connect, laugh, and embrace their uniqueness while knowing that we were fostering an inclusive, educational environment, was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief that inclusive leadership is about more than representation; it's about cultivating spaces where everyone feels empowered to grow both personally and professionally." - Anran Wang

"My journey in Q+ actually began in my second year when I joined as Community Relations—funny enough, a role I had not even applied for. However, the co-chairs at the time told me they saw my potential to thrive in a communication-based role. At the time, I did not see myself as a 'communicator.' I came to Queen’s shy, more comfortable in the background and afraid of being judged. But something in that role clicked. Throughout my time in Q+, I have realized that in a space where you feel accepted, the fear of failure wanes, and you find yourself willing to take risks you never imagined. This environment made me feel secure enough to lead and even make mistakes, knowing I was supported. For someone who had always felt shy and wary of judgment, this level of trust was a foundation I had never had before." - Misha Chopra

"Seeing the immense value of Q+, I knew I wanted to do more, so I applied for a conference coordinator position. Once again, Q+ pushed me to expand my comfort zone. Instead of coordinator, I was offered the role of conference director—a position with a new level of responsibility and visibility. The first-year version of me would have run from an opportunity like this, but stepping into that role turned out to be one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Seeing the impact the conference had on students—many of whom shared how meaningful it was to be in a safe space and part of a community—reinforced for me why this work is so important. Our conference offers a space for conversations that often do not happen elsewhere—about identity, acceptance, resilience, and the unique challenges of navigating professional and academic spaces as queer individuals." - Misha Chopra

"At the end of my term as conference director, I knew I wanted to take my involvement further. With the confidence Q+ had given me, I applied for co-chair—and was thrilled to accept the role. What drove me forward was the mission and purpose of Q+. When Anran and I became co-chairs, we both shared a deep commitment to the values of Q+ and understood the impact it could have—not only within Smith but across the entire Queen’s community. We recognized how important it was to create a space where all students, regardless of faculty or background, could feel a genuine sense of belonging." - Misha Chopra

"As co-chairs of Q+, we’ve had the privilege of leading a community focused on fostering inclusive leadership within our campus. For me, this journey has been deeply personal—about creating spaces where people can truly be themselves while growing both personally and professionally. Through Q+, I've learned the importance of empowering others to lead with authenticity, and it has shaped my approach to leadership in ways I never imagined." - Anran Wang

"Being encouraged and supported in Q+ made such a profound difference in my life that it’s now central to my leadership style. Having experienced firsthand how empowering it is when others see potential in you, I make it a priority as a leader to encourage others to explore new roles and take on challenges they might not consider on their own, but I do so with the same support and encouragement I received.  I hope to create spaces in Q+ and the broader community where people feel empowered, not in spite of who they are, but because of it. " - Misha Chopra

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Together, we’ve learned that inclusive leadership is about more than just diversity—it’s about creating space for authenticity and growth. It’s not just about having a club; it’s about having a community that holds you up as you grow into who you truly are. As co-chairs of Q+, we are excited to continue this journey and invite more students to join us in making our campus a more inclusive place.