Student Experience

5 star rating

Brave, powerful and super relevant

farrah branson

This training was so well curated and presented. I am grateful to each leader who gave of themselves to make this event happen. I am walking away with a tons...

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This training was so well curated and presented. I am grateful to each leader who gave of themselves to make this event happen. I am walking away with a tons of great information, resources and hope. Thank you.

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5 star rating

Impactful information, Safe discussions, Great Moderation

Shonyae Johnson

The flow of the webinar was great. I was a bit worried about participation due to the length (and expectation that I have to work twice as hard - 3 hours at ...

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The flow of the webinar was great. I was a bit worried about participation due to the length (and expectation that I have to work twice as hard - 3 hours at my desk seemed impossible). However, with the breaks for breathing/ medication, breakout groups for discussions and general breaks spaced out as well as they were - it was a beautiful flow. The information was impactful and presented in a way that was easy to digest. The experiences that were presented, to support the information given was reaffirming and gave me different viewpoints to see my experiences. I feel like conversations like this don't often have space to be had, so I'm grateful that this was available.

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5 star rating

A profound webinar

Rosee Riggs

This is one of the most significant webinars I've ever been to. My heart is full. Thank you to all of you involved in preparing this event and for leading an...

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This is one of the most significant webinars I've ever been to. My heart is full. Thank you to all of you involved in preparing this event and for leading and delivering it so sensitively. I would love to have more time (e.g. in the Care space) to listen and also to network.

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5 star rating

How will our professional organizations grow BIPGM leader...

Martha Meacham, Ph.D. CPDT-KA

Excellent presentation with important questions raised. This thought-provoking webinar encouraged my own line of questions from my positions of privilege. "...

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Excellent presentation with important questions raised. This thought-provoking webinar encouraged my own line of questions from my positions of privilege. "Why isn't the CPDT test available in Spanish?" is one that fosters my curiosity. How many more tragically sad effects of racism (and other "isms") do we need to witness before we do better in our profession? I hope this webinar will raise your own questions so we can have the outcomes we desire in our field. Thank you for creating the safe space for difficult conversations.

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5 star rating

Very provocative in a good way

Dawn Hanna

Wow. This was quite shocking. I have been so insensitive to triggering the global majority and other groups without even being aware. I'm grateful for the aw...

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Wow. This was quite shocking. I have been so insensitive to triggering the global majority and other groups without even being aware. I'm grateful for the awareness and tools and resources to change. I want to be a supportive colleague. This was a great first step. I'm so glad I attended. The facilitators were so kind, compassionate and understanding. I want to do better. Thanks for the inspiration and tools to start my journey !

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5 star rating

Well Done and Considerate, Delightful Presenter Dr. Alvar...

Leah Morse

Very well done with great care taken to aid in the potential stress associated with the subject.

Very well done with great care taken to aid in the potential stress associated with the subject.

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5 star rating

Fascinating and provactive

Kyla Sentes

This was a fantastic seminar, and I hope one of many to come covering the topic of social justice in the pet guardianship and pet care realm. It was an excel...

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This was a fantastic seminar, and I hope one of many to come covering the topic of social justice in the pet guardianship and pet care realm. It was an excellent theoretical primer for people who are new to anti-oppression literature, but also included so much new information and perspectives. There was such a wealth of information, I would love to see this further developed as a series featuring Dr Alvarez as well as many others. There is such tremendous potential moving forward from this.

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5 star rating

Wonderful Introduction to Social Justice & Equity Cul...

Sara Miles

I appreciate the information shared both in the presentation and in the course overall to continue expanding my knowledge, skills, and compassion for buildin...

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I appreciate the information shared both in the presentation and in the course overall to continue expanding my knowledge, skills, and compassion for building equity and social justice in the dog professional community and my community at large. Can't wait for the next one!

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5 star rating

Social Justice: Cultivating Equity for All Dog Profession...

Cris Skulmoski

Complete comprehensive course and at the same time, aware of ones triggers, feelings and experiences on the subject. Highly recommend.

Complete comprehensive course and at the same time, aware of ones triggers, feelings and experiences on the subject. Highly recommend.

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Change is possible, and it starts with each of us!

Katherina Alvarez, Ph.D., a dog trainer, social psychologist, racial equity, and anti-oppression educator committed to collective liberation, will raise social justice awareness among our beloved dog professionals community by unlearning (un)conscious oppressive social patterns and learning anti-oppressive practices, with a focus on anti-racism. She is the author of the newly released article The Reality of Being a Black, Indigenous, and Global Majority Dog Professional."

This webinar will discuss how oppressive systems work, how we may (un)consciously support them, how our social circumstances and privilege frequently result in power imbalances that we are unaware of, and how we can make society more fair, humane, and just. We will learn about our role in perpetuating inequitable systems and how each of us can make a difference. Working against these systems benefits everyone.

In this webinar, we will share the lived experiences of BIPGM dog professionals interviewed for a qualitative research study, as well as insights from researchers, scholars, writers, and activists leading the way to positive social change. We will speak about some of the difficulties that BIPGM dog professionals face in their daily lives and work, as well as how their experiences can inform broader discussions about social justice, equity, and inclusion. By bringing together diverse perspectives and voices, we hope to encourage a deeper discussion of the complexities of these issues and inspire meaningful action toward positive change.

We will hold a shame-free, courageous, and compassionate space, as well as encourage empathy, active listening, and a willingness to learn from BIPGM experiences. We aim to foster a positive learning environment to keep participants on the learning edge as we learn about privilege, social power, white supremacy, racism, ableism, heterosexism, and other oppressive systems.

We will create the space for acknowledging, processing, and healing from our collective history of injustice, as well as any emotions that may arise, in order to move toward healing, reparation, and reconciliation and build a stronger, more resilient community.  

This unique webinar will offer insight and inspiration for building a more equitable community. You will walk away with a better understanding of how to actively work in your personal and professional lives to dismantle systemic oppression and promote positive social change.

Live Webinar with Q&A Session. Dr. Alvarez will be joined by PhD Candidate Kassidi Jones to respond to questions that have come up in the care spaces during the latter part of the webinar (see more below about care spaces). See you Wednesday, May 31st, 10am-12:30 pm Pacific Time.
Will be recorded for registered students to watch later.

  • Suitable for anyone who wants to create a common language for discussing racism as well as other systems of oppression and their intersections (for example ableism, sexism, heterosexism, etc.). This is not a dog industry problem; this is systemic.

  • Learn to reframe discomfort as an opportunity to learn by noticing and exploring when we are on a learning edge and when we are moving to our comfort or panic zone.

  • Recognize the institutional, interpersonal, systemic, and cultural means by which racism, white supremacy, and white privilege are reinforced and communicated. 

  • Explore real-life examples of the experiences of BIPGM dog professionals.

  • Appreciate the richness of diversity, unique perspectives, and various ways of knowing.

  • Examine anti-Blackness, colorism, internalized racism, and horizontal hostility.

  • Explore ways to advocate for those who are marginalized in society without becoming a savior. Take action to challenge oppressive systems and co-create liberatory alternatives.

  • If you identify as being part of a marginalized population, please scroll down to see the sliding scale options.

  • This webinar and all of the other classes in the school are included with a Diamond Membership All Access Pass. For one low price per month, you get access to all of our emotionally enriching dog courses. See if Diamond is right for you.

    Already a Diamond? You're already enrolled in this webinar, at no extra charge. Just log in and refresh this page, and you'll see a Start Learning or Resume Learning button on the top.

  • We also have a Library Pass which lets you stream this course and a lot of other pre recorded content. Find out more on the Library Pass Page.

Thanks for being part of this!

Please keep reading to get the most out of this webinar.

  • Your Well-Being is Important

    Because this webinar may elicit strong emotions, it is important that you take care of yourself before, during, and after the session.

    That includes taking breaks, hydrating, snacking, moving, connecting to your support system, journaling, breathing, etc.

  • Structure & Continuing Education Units

    This presentation video is in multiple sections for easier viewing. Includes a presentation by Katherina Alvarez (she/her), PhD, Kassidi Jones, PhD Candidate (she/her), and GSA staffer Diane Redding (she/they) responding to questions. There are also grounding sessions by Luciana Martins and Diane. The live session included support by the BRIDGE organization.

    Professional dog trainers and behaviorists earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the CCPDT and IAABC.

    CEUs (CCPDT & IAABC) Available for Course Purchasers and Diamond Members

    CCPDT: 3 CEUs for Trainers & Behaviorists, IAABC: 3 CEUs

  • Continue the Learning

    Within 24 hours of the live session, you'll also get a recording, transcript, and downloadable handouts to facilitate your learning. You are free to watch the recording as many times as you like. Please note that if you're using a sponsor coupon, your access may only be for 7 days from the live session, through June 6, 2023. We invite you to purchase it after that point to support this continued work.

    Attendees are also eligible to continue the conversation in the Grisha Stewart Learner Support Facebook Group.

    Diamond members can also post in the special group for Diamonds.

About the Instructors

Research Consultant, Psychologist, and Racial Equity and Antioppression Educator

Katherina Alvarez, PhD

Dr. Katherina Alvarez (she/her) was born and raised in Panama, in Abya Yala, also known as Central America. She now resides in Amsterdam with her partner and heart dog, who inspired her to pursue her lifelong dream of training dogs. Katherina began her studies in psychology in Panama before moving to Amsterdam to pursue a Research Master's degree and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, thanks to several grants from the European Union, the Netherlands, and Panama. She has worked with people from diverse cultural backgrounds in the Netherlands, the United States, and Panama over the course of her more than 15 years as a psychologist, researcher, and educator.

Katherina's lived experience has motivated her commitment to reducing the effects of systemic oppression and trauma by facilitating the healing process of those excluded or marginalized from society through individual and group coaching. She also teaches and conducts research consultancies on how to incorporate anti-oppressive practices. Her approach is trauma-informed, based on scientific research, applied and experiential knowledge, compassion, empathy, kindness, mindfulness, and a sense of humor.

Katherina is part of the Global Majority, Latine, disabled multiracial and multicultural body, and a cisgender immigrant. She can be reached at katherinaalvarez.com.

Photo Description: A mixed-race woman with curly black hair wearing a white blouse and blue jeans. She sits on a couch, looking at the camera, while patting her dog, Umi, who is also looking at the camera. Umi is a small white and brown Jack Russell mix. He's sitting on a small piano bench next to the couch.

Ph.D. Candidate

Kassidi Jones

Kassidi Jones (she/her/hers) is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in African American Studies and English at Yale. Her dissertation is an exploration of nineteenth-century ecopoetics, focusing on pleasure as an experience central to the relationships between Black folks and nonhuman members of their environments. She shares some of that research through content creating for @gingers_naps on Instagram. She currently resides in the Hartford area with her dog, Ginger.

Sponsored Access: Get in Free!

These organizations and schools have contributed financially to this webinar. Please support them!

Each sponsor gets a certain number of free tickets to this webinar, depending on donation level. If you're affiliated with these organizations, look for an email or check with them for a special sign-up link for free access.

We are just getting started.

This webinar is an introduction to a much larger discussion, and we will cover as much ground as possible. If you are a member of the Global Majority (i.e., not white) and would like us to discuss a topic that is not covered here, don't hesitate to contact Katherina, and we will do our best to include it.

We are all in the process of learning and co-creating.

Sliding Scale for Marginalized Populations

We invite you use the Discounted or Free options below if (and only if) you identify as being part of a marginalized population, including, but not limited to Black, Indigenous, People of the Global Majority, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, Disabled, Neurodiverse, etc.

  • Cisgender Women

    Cisgender means your gender expression matches the sex assigned to you at birth. While cisgender women do experience systemic oppression relative to men, please also remember that dog professionals are primarily women, so we ask you not to use the sliding scale option if you do not identify with an additional marginalized identity.

  • Marginalized Populations - Half off

    Use this option if it is comfortable for you to financially support this work: $14.50 or $19.50.

  • Marginalized Populations - Free Access

    Free Access to this webinar

    The Grisha Stewart Academy also has ongoing need-based scholarships for 6 months of Diamond membership, totally free. That includes all the coursework for the CBATI-KA certification.

Paid-Access Registration: Ready to co-create a better world together?

It's your choice: buy this online session individually for the price that your financial situation allows or get it (and a lot more) for FREE as a Diamond Member.

We invite you to see other registration options above.

  • $39.00

    $39.00Social Justice: Cultivating Equity for All Dog Professionals with Katherina Alvarez, PhD.

    Standard Contribution.

    One-time payment to add this recording to your library of courses. Your access will not expire.
    Buy Now
  • $49.00

    $49.00Social Justice: Cultivating Equity for All Dog Professionals with Katherina Alvarez, PhD.

    Supporting Contribution.

    Thanks for contributing $10 extra on behalf of those who cannot afford the standard rate! This level is especially appreciated from those who have not been systemically marginalized. One-time payment to add this recording to your library of courses. Your access will not expire.
    Buy Now
  • $100.00

    $100.00Social Justice: Cultivating Equity for All Dog Professionals with Katherina Alvarez, PhD.

    Super-Supporting Contribution.

    Thanks for contributing $61 extra on behalf of those who cannot afford the standard rate. Thanks!

    One-time payment to add this recording to your library of courses. Your access will not expire.
    Buy Now
  • $29.00

    $29.00Social Justice: Cultivating Equity for All Dog Professionals with Katherina Alvarez, PhD.

    Discounted Rate.

    For those who cannot afford the standard contribution. One-time payment to add this recording to your library of courses. Your access will not expire. Marginalized Populations see above.
    Buy Now
  • $39.99 / month

    $39.99 / monthDiamond Membership All Access Pass

    The best value option for dog professionals and dog people who want access to ALL live and on-demand streaming content on the site, including this webinar.

    Diamonds are also part of a thriving, supportive community that loves to dig into every aspect of dog behavior. You'll get help from a growing library of emotionally intelligent dog training and animal behavior classes, taught by my favorite experts from around the world. Diamonds also get special events, student coupons, and other perks. [Learn more].
    Go Diamond
  • $29.99 / month

    $29.99 / monthGSA Library Pass

    A great value option for dog lovers who want to watch webinars on demand, but don't need the full benefits and community of a Diamond Membership.

    Access pre recorded content and Grisha's eBooks for one low price per month. [Learn more]."
    Go Library

Diamond membership Information

When you start a membership - either a Diamond or a Library Pass - it will go for a month and then renew automatically each month after that. You can easily cancel renewal at any time and your access to the content will just expire on your renewal date.

Scholarships: the cost of education should not be a barrier. If the requested contributions are beyond your financial means, but you believe you will benefit from attending this webinar, please check out our Diamond membership scholarship program. Scholarships are for 6 months of education at the Academy, including this webinar.

Scholarships do take time to process, so thank you for your patient. If you apply within a week of the webinar, you may need to watch the recording instead of the live event.