HIEU PHAM-FRASER,
UBC Library EDI Scholar-in-Residence 2023/2024
Hieu Pham-Fraser (she/her) has worked as an educator for over 27 years. She is currently a District Principal supporting schools in the area of equity, diversity and inclusion in the Metro Vancouver area. To do anti-racism work in schools, Hieu draws from her own lived experience; her work with English language learners; and the multiple roles she has taken on as an educator in the public K-12 school system. Hieu believes that anti-racism work is an action-oriented framework and that everyone can be successful to share the responsibility to create and maintain diverse and inclusive spaces for all. Read Hieu’s full bio.
Q: What have been your biggest professional challenges?
My biggest challenge has been navigating the systems of colonization and oppression as a woman of colour and Asian descent. The reason I name this as my biggest challenge is because the system is everything and everywhere and often the system doesn’t even know it is oppressing or pushing certain ideas or people out. Therefore, anything or anyone that looks different, sounds different is seen as untrustworthy. However, when I am able to share authentically, I feel that a different perspective can not only be trusted but also rewarding to the organization.
Q: What has been the highlight of the last year for you professionally?
The highlight has been winning two book awards in one year. When I originally wrote down the story, The Little Girl, I was very nervous. You are really putting yourself out there. So, winning the awards has been the greatest affirmation that stories do count, and that the messages of the book are taken seriously. Which means that messages such as one’s identity is not a luxury, it is a basic human right. Winning the awards give me hope that the “system” is beginning to see what antiracism work can be like.
“My biggest challenge has been navigating the systems of colonization and oppression as a woman of colour and Asian descent.”
Q: Why did you want to participate in the EDI Scholars-in-Residence program?
I was very honoured to be asked to participate in the EDI Scholars-in-Residence program. I wanted to be able to share the ideas that I have around diversity, equity and inclusion to a wider audience. I also want to learn from the other two Scholars-in-Residence who I was able to meet online in the Fall.
“I wanted to be able to share the ideas that I have around diversity, equity and inclusion to a wider audience.”
Q: In your consultation sessions with UBC faculty, staff or students, what topics would you love to discuss or what questions would you love to get?
I presented on the topic of micro-aggressions and how it contributes to systemic racism in general. We went over time in our discussion, and I only wish we had even more time. Participants were curious and wanted to use case scenarios to practice interrupting racist behaviours when it occurs. Their participation was inspiring to me, and I realize how action-oriented antiracism work is. I would like more hands-on opportunities to learn together about this important topic.
Q: Are there any resources at the library that you’re hoping to access while you’re here?
Currently, I am learning about how we can support students, staff and community members during the many global conflicts happening. I would love more reading materials that are historically accurate and written with a clear antiracism/humanitarian lens.
The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Scholars-in-Residence program is open to scholars who hold degrees in any discipline. Residency at UBC’s Irving K. Barber Learning Centre allows Scholars to participate in collaborative and interdisciplinary public programming with a clear impact on equity, diversity, and inclusion. For more information, visit the program website.