Note: The Brock Employee Feature is a Q&A-style series that aims to highlight those who contribute to the University’s positive working environment and make a difference in the campus community. The full series is available on The Brock News. Employees interested in being featured are asked to fill out an online form.  

Eve Nyambiya (BA ’21) says the most rewarding part of her job is the opportunity it allows her to contribute to meaningful change.  

As Gender and Sexual Violence (GSV) Education Co-ordinator with Brock University’s Human Rights and Equity (HRE) Office, Nyambiya oversees the GSV Support Certificate program and creates and facilitates educational training opportunities on topics such as consent, healthy relationships, establishing boundaries, bystander intervention and sexual violence support.  

“I find my role to be fulfilling as I get to contribute to our ongoing efforts in ensuring our campus promotes respect, dignity and safety through education and awareness campaigns,” says Nyambiya. “Education is a major component in violence prevention as it empowers people to create positive change to end sexual violence.” 

Nyambiya is also responsible for communications and social media, managing HRE’s in-person drop-in space, and leading student peer support staff to collaboratively work on programs and events focusing on sexual violence support and prevention. 

“Running a peer-to-peer drop-in space on campus where students can feel safe and validated is also the reason why I do this work,” she says. “Recognizing the trauma that comes with sexual violence, I am grateful to work with an amazing team of student staff who offer support and validation to survivors and work collaboratively towards policy changes.” 

Share your Brock career story.  

I started working at Brock in 2019 while I was still a student. As a Student Life Assistant with Student Life and Success, I helped co-ordinate events such as LEAP and Brock Cares. The following academic year, I worked with the HRE GSV team as a Peer-to-Peer Support Member facilitating workshops about consent, healthy relationships, anti-racism and more. I also worked in the peer support drop-in centre and helped create the grooming workshop in the GSV Support Certificate series. 

After graduating in June 2021 with first-class honours in Political Science with a concentration in International Development, I started as HRE’s Interim Anti-Racism Advisor. I facilitated anti-racism workshops, training and events and played a supportive role in case management. In April 2022, I transitioned back to GSV work. 

My time with HRE is what sparked my interest in pursuing international social work. I always had an interest in human rights, international development and advocacy, and while I am gaining experience in policy and advocacy, I hope to advance further in international development.  

Describe what your department does.  

Brock’s HRE Office is responsible for preventing discrimination and harassment for members of the Brock community with a goal to create a safe, accessible and inclusive work and learning environment. Advisors, educators and student staff work tirelessly to advance this goal through a variety of programs, education campaigns, training and support referrals.  

Students, faculty and staff will seek support from HRE after experiencing discrimination, harassment or sexual violence. Our team helps them navigate the reporting structure (if they choose to go down that route) and connects them to wellness resources. We follow a survivor-first model, in which the person affected decides what course of action suits them best. 

How would others describe you? What are you known for? 

Family and friends have told me that I can easily lighten people’s moods by cracking a joke or making a funny comment. I am known as a chill friend who is calm in crisis situations. My personal motto is ‘everything always works out.’ I am also known for having decent fashion style.  

What do you do for fun? What are your interests and hobbies?  

I like to spend time outdoors, often at the beach, hiking or going for picnics. I love trying new places to eat and enjoying the company of loved ones over a good meal. I firmly believe that food is the key to happiness. Besides its obvious benefits for nourishment, eating with friends and family always lifts my mood. 

What was your first job ever?  

My first job was newspaper delivery when I was 11 years old, and my first hourly wage job was working at a movie theatre. I ate a lot of popcorn. 

What is something most people don’t know about you? 

I love watching videos of people cleaning carpets and detailing cars. I don’t what it is, but seeing things get cleaned is very satisfying. I also find Dr. Pimple Popper’s videos to be very satisfying (the perks of having a strong stomach).  

Where is your favourite place to visit or spend time in Niagara?  

I enjoy visiting wineries, which has become a new hobby of mine. Within the past two years, I have visited more than 15 wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Lincoln, and have experienced their great food and wine, and their relaxing and calming atmospheres. Fun fact: visitors to Wayne Gretzky Estates, Trius Winery or Pellar Estates might see me on their promotions. 

I also love going to the Watering Can Flower Market in Vineland. It’s another great place to eat food and purchase beautiful succulents. 

What do you do for self-care to maintain positive mental health?  

I sleep and go on nature walks. Dancing to music in my room always boosts my mood. 

Do you volunteer with any community organizations?  

I currently co-chair a Youth Advisory Committee with the Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF) on youth initiatives. The CWF is a federal organization that provides funding to community organizations that respond to and prevent gender-based violence and fight against gender inequality. I have been volunteering with the CWF since 2020, when I helped develop their youth engagement strategy. As Co-Chair for the Youth Advisory Committee, I prepare monthly meetings, assist with professional development for committee members and advise on their signal for help campaign.  

I also recently started a two-year term with the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) on their Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Community Advisory Committee. I will be providing feedback to the DSBN on issues related to equity, inclusion and diversity, and advise on engagement strategies for students. 

Any last thoughts? 

November is Women Abuse Prevention Month and Nov. 25 is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. I encourage everyone to listen to survivors of violence and understand that abuse is multifaceted. Although survivors can be of any race, age, gender, sexual orientation and financial status, we must acknowledge that those with disabilities and racialized women are more susceptible to violence. Furthermore, we must recognize that we all share a responsibility to take care of each other and continue to build a community where survivors can be heard, uplifted and supported. 

Eve Nyambiya (bottom row, far right) with members of the Canadian Women’s Foundation Youth Advisory Committee in September at their first in-person meeting in Toronto.