Empowering Student Voices: Transforming Alternative Dispute Resolution into Student Advocacy
As a graduate of York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society and Political Science, Jessica Perri’s passion for student advocacy was evident from the beginning and has only grown stronger since. During her studies at York University, she contemplated a future in law, researching possible career paths. During her research, she discovered the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
After completing her undergraduate studies, Jessica pursued a post-graduate certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) at Humber Polytechnic, making the Dean’s Honour List. Jessica received her Qualified Mediator (Q. Med) designation from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada (ADRIC). During her studies at Humber Polytechnic, she completed her placement at the Humber Conflict Resolution Centre. Her work there sparked a passion for improving the student experience and empowering the student voice by providing the opportunity to witness and help solve the diverse struggles students experience whilst undertaking their educational journey. Her academic pursuits laid a powerful foundation for what would become a career grounded in advocacy, equity, and systemic change.
In 2022, after graduating from the ADR program, she began working as an Advocacy Coordinator at the Centennial College Student Association Inc. (CCSAI). In her role, Jessica is at the heart of student-led change. She provides training and mentorship to student leaders, serves as a liaison between the Board of Directors and the Executive Director/CEO, bridging the gap between governance and operations. Jessica seeks to develop advocacy strategies that directly reflect the dynamic needs and priorities of students. Her training in ADR has equipped her with the tools and skills to navigate and facilitate difficult discussions to empower students’ voices.
Jessica believes that student advocacy isn’t just about raising concerns, it’s about shaping solutions. Her role is to ensure students are not only heard, but that their voices translate into meaningful policy and institutional action. In her role, she oversees the Student Advocacy team that seeks to support students in navigating the different realms of college life, including the various policies and procedures. She collaborates with the Board of Directors to develop and amend policies as a tool for meaningful change to ensure that policies and procedures align with student needs. Whether she’s drafting policy recommendations or facilitating campus-wide discussions, Jessica consistently brings student perspectives to the forefront.
Jessica’s advice to current students is to engage in the student community. "Ask questions, advocate for yourself and others, and get involved in events, clubs, and initiatives. Your voice has the power to move institutions." As she continues to champion student voices, Jessica remains a driving force for equity, empowerment, and change in post-secondary education.
Looking back on her time in the ADR program, Jessica shares gratitude for the guidance and invaluable knowledge shared by Mary Lee, Professor and ADR Program Coordinator, and her wonderful professors. She looks forward to a career in the field of ADR as a Qualified Mediator and in advocating for student voices.
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