University of Waterloo Athletics

My name is Chris Bertoia, I am a proud member of the ALLIANCE.

I am grateful to be the Head Coach and Manager of Football Operations at the University of Waterloo. I joined the Alliance because I want more opportunities to listen, learn, and educate myself on systemic racism and social injustices. I am a white male and I have white privilege.

During my life I’ve had opportunities to be outside of Canada for extended periods of time.  As a child I lived in Saudi Arabia from 5-9 years old.  After university I taught English in Taiwan and S. Korea.  I believe these opportunities helped me to have an inclusive attitude towards all but I know I still have room for growth and much to learn on my mission to be an ALLY.

As the leader of the most ethnically diverse team on our campus with 40 BIPOC players, it’s my duty to advocate for these young men, work with my ALLIANCE peers towards eliminating stigma’s, ignorance, bias and prejudice in creating a safe environment in our locker room, campus, and community.

My goal as an ALLIANCE member is to contribute to defeating systemic racism and helping influence positive changes on campus and in the Waterloo Region.