VIPIRG staff

VIPIRG staff are experienced organizers, researchers, and educators who can help students and community members find information, start new projects, and sustain ongoing campaigns. Staff provide students and community members with logistical support and other resources to help their projects going or to support existing projects.

Library Coordinator: Jenna Proudlove

Jenna Proudlove started working at VIPIRG in the spring of 2011. She currently works Fridays from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. Come by to say hi and see how you can get involved in VIPIRG’s alternative resource library!

Administrative Coordinator: Joanne Cuffe

Joanne began facilitating the admin and financial aspects of VIPIRG in 2008. She is grateful to live and work as a visitor in the unceded territories of the Lekwungen and WSANEC Peoples.

Communications and Outreach Coordinator: Rebecca Taylor

Rebecca Taylor started working at VIPIRG in April 2008. She is a mixed Inupiaq and settler woman, mother and student. She is currently completing a Masters of Social Work, Indigenous Specialization at UVic with a focus on identity, wellness and place.

Indigenous Research Coordinator: Cheryl Bryce

This is a new position filled by Cheryl Bryce with a focus on indigenous sovereignty. She is a member of the Songhees Nation (Lekwungen).

Interim Research Coordinator: Mark Willson

Mark Willson is serving as interim research coordinator from November 2011 – July 2012. Mark has worked with a number of local anti-poverty organizations and campaigns over the past five years, has served on VIPIRG’s coordinating collective, and has been engaged in action research aimed at institutional accountability: of the police, of the university, and of the local health authority. Mark is aiming to complete his PhD dissertation (‘The Construction of Homelessness: poverty policy for neoliberal times’) in Political Science at the University of Victoria in the next year or so.

Research Coordinator on sabbatical: Tamara Herman

Tamara Herman began working at VIPIRG as Coordinator of VIPIRG’s research program in September, 2008. Tamara is a community organizer and researcher who has been active for over ten years with a diverse range of groups and collectives working for justice, dignity and self-determination. Although much of her activism has addressed global poverty, militarization and capitalism, she is currently focusing on local issues as well. Tamara is completing a Master’s degree in Studies in Policy and Practice at the University of Victoria.