RPD Student Profile - Preethi Anbalagan

Preethi’s (she/her) hometown is Brampton, Ontario. Preethi completed a Bachelor’s degree at McMaster University studying earth and environmental science. She is now completing a Master’s degree at the University of Guelph in Rural Planning & Development. 

As a final year RPD student, Preethi has been working alongside the SSHRC-funded ‘Global Minerals Local Communities’ research group under the supervision of Dr. Sheri Longboat. Preethi’s research aims to address the gendered impacts of extractive industries and explore Indigenous womens’ leadership in resource development projects as a response to the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls National Inquiry calls to justice. Currently, Preethi is conducting desktop analysis to understand community-developer relations and frameworks for community benefit agreements. This research aligns with Preethi’s interests in working with and for BIPOC communities and perspectives. 

In private and public realms, Preethi has worked with McMaster’s multiple research institutes, grassroot organizations that support women’s shelters and support lines, and the City of Hamilton’s planning department for community engagement. With her degree, Preethi aspires to be a planner that continues the work of advocating for transformative change, especially racial and gender equity in our communities and planning practise.

Follow Preethi on Twitter - @inessnce. Check out the Rural Planning and Development webpage for more details on our graduate programs.