31 Mar Positive Impact from RISE UPEI- Leadership Program Launched by the UPEISU
Charlottetown, PE – March 31, 2026
The UPEI Student Union (UPEISU) is proud to announce that RISE UPEI, a leadership development program made possible through $12,070 in provincial funding from the Government of Prince Edward Island’s Anti-Racism Grant program, had positive results. This program was led by our President & CEO, Luciana Quiroa Paredes and Vice-President Academic, Deanelle Sotiar.
This funding marked a significant achievement for the UPEI Student Union, reinforcing our organization’s leadership in advancing equity, inclusion, and student empowerment through innovative, student-centred programming.
RISE UPEI was designed to directly support underrepresented and equity-deserving students at the University of Prince Edward Island, including women, 2SLGBTQIA+ students, Black, Indigenous, and racialized (BIPOC) students, international students, and students with disabilities.
Through a structured, three-session program delivered over the 2025–2026 academic year, participants engaged in inclusive leadership training, confidence-building workshops, and mentorship opportunities. The initiative equipped students with practical tools to overcome systemic barriers and step into leadership roles on campus and beyond.
Participants in RISE UPEI benefited from:
- Interactive sessions focused on leadership development and self-confidence;
- Engagement with community leaders and mentors;
- Workshops addressing unconscious bias and microaggressions in the workplace, including strategies for effective response;
- A certificate of completion, recognizing their commitment to leadership growth.
By combining skill-building with meaningful dialogue, the program strengthened participants’ sense of belonging while preparing them to navigate and challenge inequitable systems.
We congratulate Luciana and Deane for successfully executing this program and helping students develop skills in a meaningful way!
Media Contact
Luciana Quiroa Paredes- president@upeisu.ca