Douglas College names award-winning author Zena Sharman as 2026 Honorary Fellow
Award-winning author and equitable health care advocate Dr. Zena Sharman was awarded Douglas College’s highest honour – Honorary Fellow – today at a graduation ceremony. Sharman was recognized for her contribution to Canadian literature and dedication to supporting inclusive care at all stages of life.
“Zena Sharman’s dedication to inclusivity and community support is a direct reflection of the College’s values in uplifting our peers and colleagues,” said Dr. Kathy Denton, President of Douglas College. “Presenting her with this distinction feels like a true extension of the community we’ve cultivated at Douglas.”
Sharman is an internationally recognized expert on 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy and community wellness. She is passionate about equitable and inclusive care, providing support as an end-of-life doula and hospice volunteer. She authored a six-part magazine series called Queering Death and provides training for hospice staff and volunteers on inclusive end-of-life care. Sharman completed her End-of-Life Doula training at Douglas College in 2022.
While her career has led her down many different paths, Sharman’s work has always been rooted in the care of others, whether through her writing, advocacy or health research leadership. Throughout all her professional pursuits, she allows her values to guide her, urging our newest graduates to do the same.
“Take time to reflect on, name and get to know your values – not just as words you say, but as expressions of the most important qualities you want to bring to your work and career,” she said. “Our values can be a way of describing something fundamental about us, the impacts we hope to achieve and how we want to show up in our roles, relationships and communities. They can also be a compass when we find ourselves tested or ethically challenged by our circumstances.”
As Sharman received her Honorary Fellow designation, she encouraged our graduates to move into this new chapter in their lives with positivity and boldness.
“Remember that you don’t have to take the next steps in your journey alone or bear the weight of the world on your shoulders. Create and nurture relationships and communities where you find joy, witnessing and mutual support,” she said. “Be as brave as you can in the face of injustice, stay rooted in your values, and keep cultivating the kinds of workplaces and communities you want to be part of.”
The title of Honorary Fellow recognizes outstanding achievement or distinguished service by an individual on a local, national or global scale. Past Honorary Fellow recipients include Canadian icon Sarah McLachlan, Olympian Karin Larsen, Chief of Qayqayt First Nation Rhonda Larrabee and many more.
About Douglas College
Douglas College is the largest college in B.C., combining the academic foundations of a university and the employer-ready skills of a college to graduate resilient global citizens who adapt, innovate and lead in a changing world.
For more information, visit douglascollege.ca.
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