Raising Voices and Building Community: Trina Prince’s Path of Advocacy and Inclusion

For Nipissing alumnus Trina Prince, becoming an award-winning advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) has been based on perseverance, passion, and deep commitment to uplifting marginalized voices. Earlier this year, Prince received the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal, awarded to individuals across Canada who have made exceptional contributions to their communities. Among those honoured by the Governor General, the Honourable Mary Simon, Prince felt the profound weight of recognition for their work.

“I have so much respect and love for the work that Governor General Mary Simon is doing around reconciliation, decolonization, and inclusion,” says Prince. “The fact that she noticed the work that I am doing and chose to honour me with this award is humbling. Although I never do this work for recognition, being presented with this medal truly means so much.”

Prince’s career has been a tapestry of advocacy and leadership roles that began during their time as a student at Nipissing University. Serving as Vice President of Student Life for the Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU), Prince spearheaded a Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign that reached thousands of students. This formative experience ignited a passion for activism that carried them through a series of impactful roles, from volunteering and later becoming the board chair at Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre, to advancing to Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).

“I’ve always taken the opportunity to say yes to projects, incorporate EDI into my work, and raise the voices of those who need it most,” shares Prince. Over the years, they have created and presented workshops on gender equity to thousands of individuals, co-organized Pride initiatives, launched an Accessibility and Inclusion Events Guide, worked on the Creating a Culture of Consent campaign, and helped implement decolonization practices within their workplace.  

They are very thankful for the teachings from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge keepers over the past decade and it deeply impacts their ongoing work towards decolonization. “I did not learn the crucial history of so-called Canada in school,” they reflect. “Once I knew better, I wanted to do better. As a settler and uninvited person on these lands, I strive to center the teachings of the real stewards of these territories in my work and uplift the incredible efforts of Indigenous communities.”

Nipissing University was a cornerstone in Prince’s personal and professional development, offering them a sense of belonging and a space to find their voice. “It was at Nipissing that I came out as queer and started raising awareness for a number of causes,” they recall. “I realized that if a community works together and uplifts one another, it can have the strongest impact. Those lessons shaped my approach to leadership, which is rooted in care, kindness, and collaboration. I am so thankful for all of my peers who I got to work with at Nipissing.”  As a proud trans, non-binary person, Trina is hoping others will continue to advocate for those who need it the most. 

Their leadership style reflects a quote by Tao Tzu shared with them by a fellow Nipissing student: A leader is at their best when people barely know they exist; when their work is done, their aim fulfilled, the people will say: we did it ourselves. For Prince, this sentiment captures the essence of EDI work and creating spaces of belonging for everyone and ensuring that others feel seen and supported.

Prince’s journey has not been without challenges. As a survivor of sexual assault and someone who has faced mental health struggles, they have found strength in vulnerability and community. At Nipissing, they saw how others kept going even in the face of the hardest challenges, and it inspired them to keep going too. Prince hopes their story has helped others as well.

Looking ahead, Prince is excited to continue their work at KPU, including the creation of the university’s first Trans Inclusion Policy, launching KPU’s EDI Action Plan, releasing a 16-week learning program to support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and creating Accessibility tools for all employees. They remain steadfast in their belief that equity and inclusion are lifelong commitments, urging others to embrace the discomfort of growth.

“Nipissing taught me the value of listening, learning, and taking action. To the alumni network, I encourage you to give back – whether it’s staying connected, making donations, or sharing your expertise. To current students, take it all in. It goes by quickly, but it’s a time that can shape you in extraordinary ways.”

Through their work, Prince exemplifies the power of raising voices and building community. Their story thus far is a testament to the impact of leadership rooted in authenticity, resilience, and the unwavering belief in a better, more inclusive world.

Media Contact:

Khia Beauchesne
Communications Officer
Nipissing University
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4035
communications@nipissingu.ca