Alyssa Blais

About

My name is Alyssa Blais, and I am a lifelong learner and student researcher committed to women’s health, community development and social equity. I am dedicated to understanding how social inequities impact our health and communicating these insights to the broader community.

A bit more about me: I am an ambivert who loves arts, crafts, tech, and green tea. In my free time, I enjoy tending to my garden and embracing new learning challenges. My favourite podcast host is Kara Swisher!  

RESEARCH

My research interests focus on the intersections of women’s health, ageism, health equity and literacy, with a particular emphasis on how social inequities and patriarchal structures shape bodily autonomy and well-being. I am especially interested in exploring the experiences of older women and examining how societal narratives influence our views on aging, health, and gender.

CV​

  • Master of Adult Education (M.Ad.Ed.) in Women’s Leadership and Community Development – St. Francis Xavier University
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Women’s Leadership – Coady Institute and Canadian Women’s Foundation
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Institutional Administration – Concordia University
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology – Concordia University
  • Certificate in Creatively Fit Coaching and Open Studio Project Facilitator Training
  • Certificates in Mental Health First Aid, Working Mind, and Peer Support

CURRENT MEMBERSHIP/VOLUNTEER

Co-Chair of Annapolis Community Health Board

Member of CASAE | ACÉÉA

AWARDS

Audrey Fenwick Award (2025): In honour of lifelong learning, this award recognized my graduate research in women’s lived experience of menopause and academic excellence.

PUBLICATIONS

Blais, A. (2024). Women, Menopause, and Menopause Learning: A Critical Feminist Analysis. https://stfx.scholaris.ca/items/5d5276f2-19bb-4412-88a6-de538630fa02 

Hypersexualization: Countering Exploitative Child Girl Images in the Media

CURRENT WORK

I work for the County of Annapolis, focusing on strategic initiatives such as our poverty reduction strategy and the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) committee, where we are developing a plan to reduce racism and hate in the county. Additionally, I serve as a part-time project coordinator for a five-year initiative involving four universities, including St. Francis Xavier University, that focuses on Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change. In this role, I oversee the project’s financial reporting and ensure compliance with the requirements outlined in the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) agreement.