Judith Fairholm Recognized as "Global Citizen"

Judith Fairholm began her nursing career as an ICU nurse in Canada and initiated the global aspect of her work in India and Tibet. Hoping to supplement her international experience with a comprehensive nursing degree, Judi enrolled at UBC and graduated with a BSN in 1972. Post graduation she was back to nursing duties, this time in Tiawan, where Judi witnessed firsthand several health issues pervasive among the youth there, including child abuse. These experiences, along with her UBC education, helped her to realize the concept that would shape the rest of her career and have a positive impact on literally millions of people around the world: violence and abuse represent a critical public health issue that is best confronted by encouraging social change through a proactive, preventative, and educational approach.

Devoted to creating healthy communities, Judi Fairholm has championed violence prevention, child protection, and gender equality across Canada and internationally. She directed the Canadian Red Cross program RespectEd, which prevents child and youth abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, and violence and develops safe environments. To address interpersonal violence magnified by disasters, she worked with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Secretariat to develop a global strategy to integrate violence prevention into disaster response. As an internationally renowned expert, she has supported violence and abuse prevention efforts in more than 30 countries and continues her international work as a senior advisor with Proteknôn.

This prestigious award will be presented on November 14, 2023 at the Fairmont Waterfront. Read more about the Alumni Achievement awards and the other worthy recipients for 2023.

Read Judi's full story on our Amazing Alumni pages.