1. Work
Making Space
(Master of Urban Studies thesis]
My thesis highlighted the power of temporary interventions in urban spaces, while also revealing the complexities and challenges of community-driven change in a neoliberal context.
For this research, I was awarded:
- Graduate fellowship with SFU Community Engaged Research Initiative
- Alumni Award for Community Engagement from SFU Urban Studies
Read the full thesis!
15-Minute Neighbourhoods in Surrey
Report designed and illustrated by me︎︎︎
“Does the 15-minute neighbourhood concept resonate with Surrey residents?" This question guided our exploration with diverse Surrey communities, including refugees, newcomers, youth, older adults, low-income single mothers, urban Indigenous, and queer groups.
Access the full report here.
Towards a Feminist City of Surrey
Illustration by me︎︎︎
In 2020, I co-founded City in Colour Urban Consultancy Cooperative (CiC). One of our first projects was 'Towards a Feminist City of Surrey', a three-year community-engaged research initiative focusing on HR practices in civic institutions. This project aimed to understand and address systemic issues affecting racialized women in these workplaces.
A key outcome of this research was a workbook titled "Creating a Safer Workplace for Racialized Women." Designed for managers and leaders in civic institutions committed to equity and inclusion, this workbook offers practical guidance for those responsible for hiring, retention, and employee advancement.
You can download the workbook here.
Short-changed: Experiences of Deskilling
After years of witnessing my mom's experiences of deskilling and workplace harassment, I led this one-year community action project examining challenges faced by racialized immigrant women in the Lower Mainland.
The study focused on deskilling, where highly skilled immigrants find themselves underemployed or in positions mismatched with their qualifications. This community-based research involved lived experience co-researchers and created safe spaces to empower participants to share their stories and advocate for change.
This project was funded by the Law Foundation of BC.
Other research
During my graduate studies, I was involved in several community-engaged research, institutional assessment, food security initiatives, and urban storytelling initiatives at SFU:
- Community Engagement Research Initiative (CERi): Co-developed research framework for low-income transit subsidy program, in partnership with the City of Vancouver.
- Carnegie Community Engagement Classification: Supported data collection and analysis of SFU's community engagement activities.
- TD Community Engagement Centre: Co-organized Farm to Campus Initiative at Surrey Campus during COVID-19.
- Urban Studies: Produced "Temporarily Urbane" podcast, exploring urban lives and ideas.
Communication specialist and designer
(2015-2021)
For 5 years, I worked as a communicator for Simon Fraser University. I supported departments and faculties including Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Department of Indigenous Studies, Department of Gerontology and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). I collaborated with different teams to design website, print and graphic materials, as well as A/B testing different digital marketing campaigns to support student recruitment and retention. I also managed and trained junior staff.
As a freelance communication and design consultant, I worked with various local not-for-profit organizations, researchers and small businesses.
︎ hello@amanchandi.com