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GSWS alumnus Lindsay Dober uses fashion marketing skills to support gender-based violence survivors
After a career in the fast-paced world of fashion marketing, Lindsay Dober (BA, 2025) decided to pursue her bachelor's degree as a Gender, Sexuality, and Women鈥檚 Studies (GSWS) major at 51社区黑料 (SFU).
Looking towards her future inspired Dober to change paths and delve into her growing interest in feminism. 鈥淚 was able to transfer some of the credits from my fashion marketing diploma from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, towards an associate of arts degree at Douglas College, which led to 51社区黑料and completing my bachelor of arts degree,鈥� she explains.
Returning to the classroom environment after working, Dober says she appreciated the opportunity to explore feminist issues through the perspective of her own life experiences. 鈥淓ach of my professors and instructors had an engaging teaching style and challenged me to think critically about different topics,鈥� she says of her favourite undergraduate courses, such as GSWS 388 鈥� Topics in Queer Global Asias with Nadine Attewell and GSWS 333 鈥� The Sexual and Gendered Relations of Property and GSWS 318 鈥� Research and Resistance, both taught by A.J. Withers.
While embarking on her new educational path, Dober continued to work part-time in marketing, while also finding time in her busy schedule to volunteer. 鈥淚 wanted to listen, support, and validate survivors of gender-based violence,鈥� explains Dober of getting involved with as a Crisis Line and Intake Volunteer.
Volunteering while studying empowered Dober to apply her knowledge in a real-life setting, and make a positive impact in the community. 鈥淢y focus was on providing information and supporting survivors鈥� journeys through an anti-oppressive and intersectional lens,鈥� Dober says of how her GSWS courses informed her approach to her volunteer work. 鈥淚t was an eye-opening 鈥� and good 鈥� experience to volunteer and hopefully give a little bit back.鈥�
My focus was on providing information and supporting survivors鈥� journeys through an anti-oppressive and intersectional lens.
Alongside volunteering with BWSS, Dober sought out student clubs as a way to make friends, get acquainted with her new community, and contribute her unique skillset. 鈥淪hortly after I transferred to SFU, I happened upon the Gender, Sexuality, and Women鈥檚 Studies Student Union鈥檚 (GSWSSU) table at Club Days,鈥� recalls Dober. 鈥淭hey were so friendly and everything they were promoting spoke to me. With my experiences, volunteering as social media manager provided a fresh way to transition into campus life.鈥�
Collaborating with the GSWSSU also allowed Dober to bridge her love of fashion with her desire to promote gender equity. 鈥淚 proposed the idea of a clothing swap and suggested donating the collected items to , a social enterprise directly supporting BWSS and women affected by domestic violence,鈥� says Dober of . 鈥淚t was a powerful way to merge sustainable fashion with a meaningful cause.鈥�
I proposed the idea of a clothing swap and suggested donating the collected items to My Sister鈥檚 Closet
Not long after finishing her courses at SFU, Dober marked a new chapter in her life, celebrating her wedding, and starting a new job in marketing at a non-profit arts centre. 鈥淢y goal is to work in the field of gender-based violence,鈥� says Dober of her aspirations. 鈥淚 am contemplating pursuing a Masters of Counselling in the future.鈥�
Looking back at her journey towards achieving her degree, Dober wants to encourage students to embrace the opportunity to follow their passions. 鈥淒ig into any research projects that you find interesting, and don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions,鈥� Dober says when asked to share her advice. 鈥淚t is never too late to think about where you see yourself and make a change. I also believe career opportunities will come, if you follow your interests.鈥�
Learn more about undergraduate programs in 51社区黑料Gender, Sexuality, and Women鈥檚 Studies.