New book, “Women Transforming the Future of Higher Education” showcases stories of resilience and mentorship

(August 19, 2025) - The journey toward a more equitable and inclusive academic world takes a significant step forward with the publication of Women Transforming the Future of Higher Education (IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025)*. Co-edited by Laurentian University's Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering, Full Professor and Director of the School of Indigenous Relations, this new book serves as a testament to the resilience and innovative spirit of women in academia. Building upon the critical groundwork laid by her acclaimed 2020 co-edited publication, Critical Reflections and Politics on Advancing Women in the Academy, Moeke-Pickering's latest work offers a global perspective on how women are actively reshaping the landscape of higher education.

Women Transforming the Future of Higher Education delves into the multifaceted roles of women as leaders, scholars, and administrators within higher education. It navigates the persistent challenges women face—including systemic discrimination, sexism, and racism—while celebrating their innovative strategies for creating more equitable, diverse, and supportive academic environments.

"When IGI Global approached me about a second book, I saw it as an opportunity to continue these vital conversations and, importantly, to showcase the incredible talent and transformative work that women as knowledge holders contribute in academia, including at Laurentian University,” shared Moeke-Pickering. ”However, this book isn't just about women in academia - it's also about highlighting the strength and dedication of our community."

Moeke-Pickering, a Māori woman of the Ngāti Pukeko and Tuhoe tribes, has consistently championed Indigenous research methodologies and international Indigenous issues. For this new publication, she described having taken on “a mentorship role”, co-editing alongside Dr. Sharon Lauricella (Ontario Tech University) and Dr. Shubha Sandill (York University). This collaborative approach allowed for a broader exploration of women's experiences, featuring stories from across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and Africa.

The book’s collaborative spirit is exemplified by the inclusion of several women voices with affiliations to Laurentian University. 

In collaboration with Dr. Tomika Ferguson of Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Amanda Schweinbenz, Full Professor, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, explores how white women can become "co-conspirators" with racialized colleagues. Their chapter delves into the strategies for actively dismantling systemic discrimination, combating racial battle fatigue, and building a coalition of women to challenge the colonial and heterosexist foundations of academia. 

In another chapter, Assistant Professor and PhD student in Cultural Studies (Queen’s University), Nicole Wemigwans (School of Indigenous Relations), and PhD student in Rural and Northern Health (Laurentian University), Ophelia O’Donnell, share stories of navigating the academic world as Indigenous women scholars. Their work emphasizes the importance of mentorship, kinship, and community ties in fostering a sense of belonging and supporting the success of Indigenous women in academia.

“Contributing to this text was a wonderful experience that allowed us to highlight Indigenous methodologies and womanhood,” said Wemigwans, a member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory with matrilineal ties to Serpent River First Nation. “It was a pleasure to co-write this chapter in a way that was meaningful—a way to honour our paths in academia. Indigenous support within the academy is of the utmost importance at all levels, including administration, faculty, and especially the student level. Indigenous women's leadership in these spaces is crucial to ensure that the next generations can see themselves as welcomed, supported, and thriving.” 

This sense of collaborative honour is echoed by O’Donnell, a member of Henvey Inlet First Nation, with ties to Garden Village. “The very act of writing this piece with a mentor is mentorship and kinship in action. I am thankful for all of the strong, gentle and persistent Indigenous kweok that came before me, carving out spaces in the institution. I am honored to share in and continue their work.” 

For Moeke-Pickering, this “work” is what she describes as “heart work,” and it’s a journey she believes is at the core of Women Transforming the Future of Higher Education. “It's both inspiring and, at times, disheartening to see that many of the barriers women face in academia are still persisting," she noted. "But what truly shines through in this book is the immense creativity and resilience—the 'thriving' of women who are transforming higher education because we deserve to be here. We are academics too."

"We need to push the margins out in education," Moeke-Pickering stated. "This means challenging traditional structures, embracing kindness in our approaches to assessment, and fostering mentorship across all university systems. It’s about ensuring that all minds and experiences are valued."

"The stories within Women Transforming the Future of Higher Education are a powerful testament to the mentorship and kinship among women scholars,” said Dr. Jennifer Scott, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Health. “This important body of work demonstrates the profound impact that our scholars at Laurentian University continue to make in advancing equity and inclusion, and we are very proud of their contributions, which reflect the innovative leadership and resilience of women in higher education." 

Women Transforming the Future of Higher Education serves as a “call to action,” encouraging readers to become allies, provide mentorship, and advocate for policy reforms that address gendered injustices.

*Women Transforming the Future of Higher Education is currently discounted on IGI Global Scientific Publishing's online bookstore. From now until October 31st, 2025, the book is discounted at 25% off. In addition to the 25% discount, individuals can apply the discount code LAURENTIAN35 to receive an additional 35% off the book. This discount code is available now and is set to expire on September 28, 2025.