“Finding ways to push the equality agenda is something that motivates me. One Instagram post at a time. One awkward conversation at a time. One story at a time.”
Lauren Chang MacLean’s work carries a lot of responsibility as a lawyer for Metrolinx, the Government of Ontario agency that manages public transit across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
As director of legal services for privacy, human rights and employment, during the pandemic, she has stayed on top of new COVID-19 rules and policies to keep people safe on a massive transit infrastructure.
“At times, the law has changed constantly, sometimes every few days. Each city and each region can have its own local laws about what you can do and not do, or must do,” says Chang MacLean.
How Concordia helped prepare her for her career
“I loved the small classes, the workshops, and the one-on-one time that I had with my professors.
“Going to law school was a decision I came to after sitting with my favourite professors, and talking to them about their careers, their journeys, their choices and pathways.”
Mentoring the next generation
“Many excellent lawyers are trained by the ‘sink or swim’ method. While this is proven and efficient, it can also come at great cost: to physical health, mental health, relationships, self-esteem and worldview.
“I want to provide the opportunity for students and junior lawyers to be trained in a highly supportive environment, with a longer runway if needed, and the opportunity to learn how to be an excellent lawyer without having to sacrifice enormous parts of themselves to get there.”
Speaking out for racial justice
“Throughout my life, I have experienced instances of racism, starting from when I was a very young child. I find myself unable to remain silent in the face of continuing affronts to people of colour.
“A friend and I just launched willyoumakeitbetter.com, a publishing platform featuring personal storytelling about racist incidents and micro-aggressions. We seek to acknowledge the deep emotional impact that racist incidents can have and provide space to share, reclaim the narrative, and demand better.”
“Finding ways to push the equality agenda is something that motivates me. One Instagram post at a time. One meeting at a time. One awkward conversation at a time. One story at a time.”