Our 2025-2026 Board of Directors
Michelle Clemens (she/her)
Michelle is a writer, producer, director and actor born in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. She won two Arts & Letters Awards: Showdown won the 2023 Dramatic Script; and Ready, Aim won in 2022 for Poetry. Showdown had a dramatic reading at PerSIStence Theatre’s Year of The Arts Woman’s Play Festival in 2024, and it was part of the Playwriters Guild of Canada’s International Craft Bites Program. Her one act play Baby Bonus, a no nonsense play dealing with women’s reproductive choices, won the Confederation 75 Arts & Letters award in 2025. Michelle’s three act plays, Mummering, Mischief and Murder: A Tibbs Eve Farce, sold out in December 2023, and Boomerang debuted at the Barbara Barrett Theatre to near capacity houses.
The Girls of Belvedere, her first novel, was published by Flanker Press in May 2025. Clemens wrote, directed and produced The Odds of That, a short film, which won Best First Time Film at the 4Theatre Film Festival and was selected for several film festivals: The Nickel International, The Smith Sound and The Parrsboro Atlantic. She wrote and starred in the comedy, It’s All Fun and Games which was a Finalist in So Limitless and Free International Film Festival (2024) and screened at the Smith Sound in 2023. Her screenplay Success, won The Best Short Film Screenplay at Australia’s Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival 2024. She has co-written and produced half a dozen other short films since 2022. Michelle is a regular storyteller with St. John’s Storytelling events where she performs her original short stories.
In her first career, Michelle began as a high school Drama and English teacher and completed her education career as a school principal. Michelle refired as the co-owner of PrinciPALS Productions with Bridget Ricketts.
Michelle is a writer, producer, director and actor born in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. She won two Arts & Letters Awards: Showdown won the 2023 Dramatic Script; and Ready, Aim won in 2022 for Poetry. Showdown had a dramatic reading at PerSIStence Theatre’s Year of The Arts Woman’s Play Festival in 2024, and it was part of the Playwriters Guild of Canada’s International Craft Bites Program. Her one act play Baby Bonus, a no nonsense play dealing with women’s reproductive choices, won the Confederation 75 Arts & Letters award in 2025. Michelle’s three act plays, Mummering, Mischief and Murder: A Tibbs Eve Farce, sold out in December 2023, and Boomerang debuted at the Barbara Barrett Theatre to near capacity houses.
The Girls of Belvedere, her first novel, was published by Flanker Press in May 2025. Clemens wrote, directed and produced The Odds of That, a short film, which won Best First Time Film at the 4Theatre Film Festival and was selected for several film festivals: The Nickel International, The Smith Sound and The Parrsboro Atlantic. She wrote and starred in the comedy, It’s All Fun and Games which was a Finalist in So Limitless and Free International Film Festival (2024) and screened at the Smith Sound in 2023. Her screenplay Success, won The Best Short Film Screenplay at Australia’s Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival 2024. She has co-written and produced half a dozen other short films since 2022. Michelle is a regular storyteller with St. John’s Storytelling events where she performs her original short stories.
In her first career, Michelle began as a high school Drama and English teacher and completed her education career as a school principal. Michelle refired as the co-owner of PrinciPALS Productions with Bridget Ricketts.
Margot Duley (she/her)
Dr. Margot Iris Duley was born in St. John's. She received a B.A. from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, an M.A. in British Imperial and South Asian History from Duke University, North Carolina. and a a Ph.D. in South Asian and British Imperial History from the School of Oriental and African Studies, the University of London.
She is Professor Emerita of History at Eastern Michigan University and Dean Emerita, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the University of Illinois, Springfield.
She is especially interested in cross-cultural, comparative studies of women's status and movements and her most recent scholarship has focused on Newfoundland. She is the chief editor and contributor to the Cross-Cultural Study of Women (Feminist Press, 1986). Her publications on women in Newfoundland, include the pioneering Where Once Our Mothers Stood We Stand: Women's Suffrage in Newfoundland 1890-1925; a biography of Armine Gosling, the leader of the women's suffrage movement; a study of the mid 19th century feminist Margaret Peace; women's patriotic work during World War One; and Nurse Mona Loder, the first Newfoundland nurse to arrive at the Front; and a biography of her aunt, entitled Extraordinary Passages: the Life and Times of Margaret Iris Duley, Newfoundland's Pathbreaking Novelist (Memorial University Press, 2024). A new and expanded version of Margot's suffrage history will appear shortly: From Silence to Suffrage: Women’s Path to Citizenship in Newfoundland, 1803-1949 (Boulder Books, 2025).
A publicly engaged scholar, Margot served as President of the National Organization for Women, Michigan Conference during the height of the Equal Rights Amendment campaign. Margot is included in a film "Passing the Torch," sponsored by Veteran Feminists of America and her papers are at the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan.
Upon retirement, she returned to the place she loves and is a Board Member of the PerSIStence Theatre Company. She has been delighted and honoured to serve as Chair of the Armine N. Gosling Statue Committee.
Dr. Margot Iris Duley was born in St. John's. She received a B.A. from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, an M.A. in British Imperial and South Asian History from Duke University, North Carolina. and a a Ph.D. in South Asian and British Imperial History from the School of Oriental and African Studies, the University of London.
She is Professor Emerita of History at Eastern Michigan University and Dean Emerita, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the University of Illinois, Springfield.
She is especially interested in cross-cultural, comparative studies of women's status and movements and her most recent scholarship has focused on Newfoundland. She is the chief editor and contributor to the Cross-Cultural Study of Women (Feminist Press, 1986). Her publications on women in Newfoundland, include the pioneering Where Once Our Mothers Stood We Stand: Women's Suffrage in Newfoundland 1890-1925; a biography of Armine Gosling, the leader of the women's suffrage movement; a study of the mid 19th century feminist Margaret Peace; women's patriotic work during World War One; and Nurse Mona Loder, the first Newfoundland nurse to arrive at the Front; and a biography of her aunt, entitled Extraordinary Passages: the Life and Times of Margaret Iris Duley, Newfoundland's Pathbreaking Novelist (Memorial University Press, 2024). A new and expanded version of Margot's suffrage history will appear shortly: From Silence to Suffrage: Women’s Path to Citizenship in Newfoundland, 1803-1949 (Boulder Books, 2025).
A publicly engaged scholar, Margot served as President of the National Organization for Women, Michigan Conference during the height of the Equal Rights Amendment campaign. Margot is included in a film "Passing the Torch," sponsored by Veteran Feminists of America and her papers are at the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan.
Upon retirement, she returned to the place she loves and is a Board Member of the PerSIStence Theatre Company. She has been delighted and honoured to serve as Chair of the Armine N. Gosling Statue Committee.
Rose Fazli (she/her)
Rose is a former faculty member at Allameh Tabataba’i University (ATU), the largest human sciences university in Tehran, Iran. She earned her PhD in Political Science in 2016 from Montesquieu University in France. Since immigrating to Canada in September 2023, she has been serving as the Youth Prevention Coordinator at Thrive in St. John’s, where she works on educational initiatives including the development of trainings, toolkits, and informative materials focused on preventing youth sexual exploitation.
Rose has also worked as a per-course instructor at Memorial University in St. John’s. Before moving to Canada, she contributed to numerous international projects supporting Afghan migrants and vulnerable populations in both Iran and Afghanistan. She facilitated programs centered on gender equity, peacebuilding, and social inclusion, with a particular focus on Afghan migrant communities in Iran. She also served as the Head of the Afghanistan and Middle East Committee at the International Scientific Association of Peace in Iran.
Rose is a former faculty member at Allameh Tabataba’i University (ATU), the largest human sciences university in Tehran, Iran. She earned her PhD in Political Science in 2016 from Montesquieu University in France. Since immigrating to Canada in September 2023, she has been serving as the Youth Prevention Coordinator at Thrive in St. John’s, where she works on educational initiatives including the development of trainings, toolkits, and informative materials focused on preventing youth sexual exploitation.
Rose has also worked as a per-course instructor at Memorial University in St. John’s. Before moving to Canada, she contributed to numerous international projects supporting Afghan migrants and vulnerable populations in both Iran and Afghanistan. She facilitated programs centered on gender equity, peacebuilding, and social inclusion, with a particular focus on Afghan migrant communities in Iran. She also served as the Head of the Afghanistan and Middle East Committee at the International Scientific Association of Peace in Iran.
Olivia Heaney (she/her)
Olivia is an educationalist, theatre practitioner, writer, and cultural organizer whose work bridges higher education, feminist cultural production, and community engagement. She holds a PhD in English Literature and Letters from McGill University as well as an MA and BA (Hons.) in English Language and Literature from Memorial University and a Bachelor of Adult Education from Brock University. A former SSHRC Doctoral Fellow, Olivia has taught literature, film, and theatre at both McGill and Memorial Universities and presented her academic research at conferences and invited talks across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Her research and writing have appeared in publications such as Canadian Theatre Review, After Oil, Riddle Fence, and the Los Angeles
Review of Books.
A long-time contributor to the cultural landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador, Olivia has performed in and directed numerous theatrical productions, and was part of the original touring cast of the nationally-staged musical No Change in the Weather. She has worked with organizations such as Shakespeare by the Sea, Spirit of Newfoundland, Resource Centre for the Arts, St. John’s Shorts, the St. Johns International Women’s Film Festival, WritersNL, and TaDa! Events.
While living in Montreal, Olivia was an active contributor to McGill’s theatre and film community—performing in student productions, serving on juries for student film festivals and playwriting competitions, and directing performances at the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada. In Olivia’s current position as Manager of Academic Program Assessment at College of the North Atlantic (CNA), she leads institution-wide initiatives in program evaluation and
academic quality assurance. Previously at CNA, she worked as a Program Developer at the Paul Pope Centre for Film & Media, where she designed academic programming that supports emerging filmmakers and promotes equity in the screen industries.
Olivia brings a collaborative, community-based, and values-driven approach to the board, as well as an ongoing commitment to mentorship and the creation of inclusive, supportive spaces for emerging artists and scholars. She is honoured to support PerSIStence Theatre’s mission of creating bold, intersectional feminist performance.
Olivia is an educationalist, theatre practitioner, writer, and cultural organizer whose work bridges higher education, feminist cultural production, and community engagement. She holds a PhD in English Literature and Letters from McGill University as well as an MA and BA (Hons.) in English Language and Literature from Memorial University and a Bachelor of Adult Education from Brock University. A former SSHRC Doctoral Fellow, Olivia has taught literature, film, and theatre at both McGill and Memorial Universities and presented her academic research at conferences and invited talks across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Her research and writing have appeared in publications such as Canadian Theatre Review, After Oil, Riddle Fence, and the Los Angeles
Review of Books.
A long-time contributor to the cultural landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador, Olivia has performed in and directed numerous theatrical productions, and was part of the original touring cast of the nationally-staged musical No Change in the Weather. She has worked with organizations such as Shakespeare by the Sea, Spirit of Newfoundland, Resource Centre for the Arts, St. John’s Shorts, the St. Johns International Women’s Film Festival, WritersNL, and TaDa! Events.
While living in Montreal, Olivia was an active contributor to McGill’s theatre and film community—performing in student productions, serving on juries for student film festivals and playwriting competitions, and directing performances at the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada. In Olivia’s current position as Manager of Academic Program Assessment at College of the North Atlantic (CNA), she leads institution-wide initiatives in program evaluation and
academic quality assurance. Previously at CNA, she worked as a Program Developer at the Paul Pope Centre for Film & Media, where she designed academic programming that supports emerging filmmakers and promotes equity in the screen industries.
Olivia brings a collaborative, community-based, and values-driven approach to the board, as well as an ongoing commitment to mentorship and the creation of inclusive, supportive spaces for emerging artists and scholars. She is honoured to support PerSIStence Theatre’s mission of creating bold, intersectional feminist performance.
Wanda Hillier (she/her)
Born in Fortune NL on the Burin peninsula. Professionally employed with RBC Royal Bank since 1998. Currently holds the position of Relationship Manger Business Markets. Board chair for the Community Food Sharing Association, involved in various capacity with the board since 2002. We are the provincial organization responsible for the collection and distribution of food to the food banking network across Newfoundland and Labrador. This is in partnership with Food Banks Canada, our National Partner. Parent to a 16-year-old daughter, we love the outdoors and exploring the world we live in.
Born in Fortune NL on the Burin peninsula. Professionally employed with RBC Royal Bank since 1998. Currently holds the position of Relationship Manger Business Markets. Board chair for the Community Food Sharing Association, involved in various capacity with the board since 2002. We are the provincial organization responsible for the collection and distribution of food to the food banking network across Newfoundland and Labrador. This is in partnership with Food Banks Canada, our National Partner. Parent to a 16-year-old daughter, we love the outdoors and exploring the world we live in.
Cassondra Murray (they/them)
Cassondra Murray, a dedicated Neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQ community advocate, brings a wealth of experience and passion to their roles within the community. As a certified Peer Supporter (CPS) through Peer Support Canada, Cassondra is deeply committed to creating a supportive environment. Their completion of the Empowering Ourselves: Exploring Intimate Partner Violence facilitator training program through the Status of Women Council showcases a profound commitment to addressing gender-based violence. Cassondra's journey also includes Restorative Justice/Practices certification through Yukon Circle of Change, enhancing their skills in fostering healing and understanding within the community.
Beyond certifications, Cassondra has volunteered for various community events and on local support lines, including Planned Parenthood’s 2SLGBTQ Warm Line and End Sexual Violence NL's 24-hour crisis & support line. Their lived experiences, coupled with comprehensive training, empower Cassondra to navigate complex issues, offering invaluable insights and support.
As a Board Member at both the St. John's Status of Women Council and Violence Prevention Avalon East, and a member of the Leadership Committee at Equal Voice NL, Cassondra actively contributes to the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Their multifaceted contributions resonate with a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space for marginalized persons within their community.
In their free time, Cassondra, an experimental vocal artist, lends their voice to various festivals and events. Recognized for their artistry mentioned in Chris Tonelis’ Voices Found: Free Jazz & Singing, Cassondra's unconventional voice and stage presence have left an indelible mark on improvisational and experimental music communities.
Cassondra Murray, a dedicated Neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQ community advocate, brings a wealth of experience and passion to their roles within the community. As a certified Peer Supporter (CPS) through Peer Support Canada, Cassondra is deeply committed to creating a supportive environment. Their completion of the Empowering Ourselves: Exploring Intimate Partner Violence facilitator training program through the Status of Women Council showcases a profound commitment to addressing gender-based violence. Cassondra's journey also includes Restorative Justice/Practices certification through Yukon Circle of Change, enhancing their skills in fostering healing and understanding within the community.
Beyond certifications, Cassondra has volunteered for various community events and on local support lines, including Planned Parenthood’s 2SLGBTQ Warm Line and End Sexual Violence NL's 24-hour crisis & support line. Their lived experiences, coupled with comprehensive training, empower Cassondra to navigate complex issues, offering invaluable insights and support.
As a Board Member at both the St. John's Status of Women Council and Violence Prevention Avalon East, and a member of the Leadership Committee at Equal Voice NL, Cassondra actively contributes to the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Their multifaceted contributions resonate with a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space for marginalized persons within their community.
In their free time, Cassondra, an experimental vocal artist, lends their voice to various festivals and events. Recognized for their artistry mentioned in Chris Tonelis’ Voices Found: Free Jazz & Singing, Cassondra's unconventional voice and stage presence have left an indelible mark on improvisational and experimental music communities.
Shazia Shaheen (she/her)
Shazia is a highly accomplished advocate for women's rights with extensive experience in feminist and human rights organizations. She has played a pivotal role in championing legislative reforms to protect women and girls in Pakistan. Notably, her leadership positions, including Coordinator of Mumkin: Ending Violence against Women Alliance in Punjab and co-convener of Ending Gender-Based Violence and Girls in Islamabad, have been instrumental in the passage of significant laws, such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act, Domestic Violence Against Women and Protection Act 2016, Anti Honor Killing Law, and Acid Crimes against Women Act. Additionally, her expertise extends to media and communication, where she has conducted numerous webinars, edited publications on violence against women and child marriages, and contributed to awareness-raising animations.
Shazia’s research on women in conflict situations, women's inheritance rights, and movements for land and fisheries rights has provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in Pakistan. With her project management skills, she has successfully led initiatives promoting women’s education, health, gender equity, and diversity among religious and ethnic minorities as Head of the Programme at Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO). Shazia’s contributions extend to academia, as she co-authored the research publication Justice Prelude: Women's Access to Justice further enriching the discourse on women's rights and access to justice
Shazia is a highly accomplished advocate for women's rights with extensive experience in feminist and human rights organizations. She has played a pivotal role in championing legislative reforms to protect women and girls in Pakistan. Notably, her leadership positions, including Coordinator of Mumkin: Ending Violence against Women Alliance in Punjab and co-convener of Ending Gender-Based Violence and Girls in Islamabad, have been instrumental in the passage of significant laws, such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act, Domestic Violence Against Women and Protection Act 2016, Anti Honor Killing Law, and Acid Crimes against Women Act. Additionally, her expertise extends to media and communication, where she has conducted numerous webinars, edited publications on violence against women and child marriages, and contributed to awareness-raising animations.
Shazia’s research on women in conflict situations, women's inheritance rights, and movements for land and fisheries rights has provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in Pakistan. With her project management skills, she has successfully led initiatives promoting women’s education, health, gender equity, and diversity among religious and ethnic minorities as Head of the Programme at Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO). Shazia’s contributions extend to academia, as she co-authored the research publication Justice Prelude: Women's Access to Justice further enriching the discourse on women's rights and access to justice
Michelle H. Snow (she/her)
Michelle Snow is an Executive Leader, Governance Professional and Public Engagement Practitioner. Her professional career has spanned over three decades of public service with Memorial University and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. From 2019 through to the end of 2020 she served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Workforce Development, Labour and Immigration with the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour. Since joining the provincial public service in 2009 she has held the positions of Director of Energy Efficiency with the Department of Natural Resources, Director of Regional Partnership Development with the Rural Secretariat, and Director of Public Engagement, Office of Public Engagement. From 2020 to 2023 Michelle was a senior advisor to Memorial University as the Executive Director, University Governance Secretariat and Interim Secretary of Senate providing strategic advice to the President and the Chair of the Board of Regents on matters of governance.
Perpetually curious, Michelle is committed to learning new things through formal and information education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and certificates in Public Administration and Newfoundland Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from York University. In 2023 she completed the Directors Education Program from the Rotman School of Management earning the coveted Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D designation. Michelle is an alumna of the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and was the Newfoundland and Labrador Tour Chair for the Commonwealth Study Conference 2023 Newfoundland and Labrador Study Tour.
A seasoned governance professional and public engagement practitioner, Michelle has over 25 years of project and event management experience. With experiences in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, her professional and volunteer career has revolved around a core value of public service and the relentless pursuit to make a difference. A life-long volunteer, she has held numerous leadership positions with local, regional and national boards including the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) and the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2).
Michelle Snow is an Executive Leader, Governance Professional and Public Engagement Practitioner. Her professional career has spanned over three decades of public service with Memorial University and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. From 2019 through to the end of 2020 she served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Workforce Development, Labour and Immigration with the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour. Since joining the provincial public service in 2009 she has held the positions of Director of Energy Efficiency with the Department of Natural Resources, Director of Regional Partnership Development with the Rural Secretariat, and Director of Public Engagement, Office of Public Engagement. From 2020 to 2023 Michelle was a senior advisor to Memorial University as the Executive Director, University Governance Secretariat and Interim Secretary of Senate providing strategic advice to the President and the Chair of the Board of Regents on matters of governance.
Perpetually curious, Michelle is committed to learning new things through formal and information education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and certificates in Public Administration and Newfoundland Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from York University. In 2023 she completed the Directors Education Program from the Rotman School of Management earning the coveted Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D designation. Michelle is an alumna of the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and was the Newfoundland and Labrador Tour Chair for the Commonwealth Study Conference 2023 Newfoundland and Labrador Study Tour.
A seasoned governance professional and public engagement practitioner, Michelle has over 25 years of project and event management experience. With experiences in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, her professional and volunteer career has revolved around a core value of public service and the relentless pursuit to make a difference. A life-long volunteer, she has held numerous leadership positions with local, regional and national boards including the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) and the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2).
