Leadership rooted in culture: Sandeep Kaur Glover receives the Kris Magnusson Emerging Leaders Award – Faculty of Education

Sandeep Kaur Glover, a doctoral student in arts education at Simon Fraser University (SFU), received the Kris Magnusson Emerging Leaders Graduate Award. This award recognizes leadership and commitment to transformative education.

Dr. Celeste Snowber, Sandeep’s academic supervisor, praised his fearless leadership and innovative research: “Sandeep’s leadership is particularly innovative in his approaches to benefit the Punjabi community by integrating creative research with Punjabi women (Punjabi perspectives- Sikh and/or decolonizing perspectives) in arts-based modalities. She brings a unique perspective from her lived experience.

For Sandeep, this award has deep meaning. “As the first in my Punjabi-Sikh lineage to pursue a doctorate, this leadership award holds sacred significance,” she explained. “I carry on my ancestors’ ideas of fairness and justice in my research and community engagements. It is an incredible honor to be recognized for leadership deeply rooted in my cultural heritage. »

Sandeep’s research is innovative in integrating arts-based methodologies, focusing on activism for social justice and healing within the Punjabi community and the integration of Punjabi and Sikh knowledge. Her work explores holistic formations of identity and researcher positionality, sensory approaches to relational and critical consciousness, embodied reflexivity and imagination through the arts, all framed by her Punjabi-Sikh heritage. This unique blend of cultural roots and academic research has allowed Sandeep to create new avenues of healing and activism.

Sandeep’s influence extends beyond SFU. His work has been presented at national and international conferences, including those of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE). “Through these engagements, I have made exciting connections with academics across universities,” said Sandeep, reflecting on the collaborative impact of his work.

Another aspect of his leadership is his commitment to creative knowledge mobilization. Sandeep has published in Tier 1 journals like Qualitative Inquiry, integrating arts-based research into broader academic discussions. “Publishing your work at this stage of your doctoral studies is impressive,” says Dr. Snowber. “His leadership shapes our understanding of the intersections of identity, art and social justice.”

Sandeep’s leadership journey has been challenging. She acknowledged the discomfort of advocating for change: “One of the main challenges I’ve encountered is the inevitable discomfort that comes with activism. Yet discomfort is the gateway to change and can be a powerful force for activism and healing through embodied practices such as dance. , songs and autobiographical writings.

Sandeep offers this insight when advising his fellow graduate students: “I encourage my peers to think of leadership as an embodied way of being. It is important to develop rewarding relationships with colleagues and community members who share a common view of the world. She emphasizes that leadership is most powerful when it transcends individual success and focuses on collective transformation.

As Sandeep Kaur Glover continues her academic journey, her leadership exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Kris Magnusson Emerging Leaders Graduate Award.