University of Waterloo Athletics

My name is Jess Roque. I am an Alliance member and also the head coach of the Waterloo Warriors Women’s Basketball team. I was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. I am first generation Canadian—daughter to a Filipino father and Scottish mother. I grew up around diversity. I played sports with many other first-generation teammates. And although racial differences were always apparent to me growing up, I’ve never reflected on their impact and significance in depth until recently. I’ve lived in America for a good part of my adult life. My partner is black and American. And in my time with him, I have come to know and understand, there is still a lot of personal growth and work to be done on my journey to becoming an ally.  

I joined the Alliance because I want to be an advocate for racial equality in my intimate circle but also greater community. I want to create spaces to discuss social inequities safely. I want to make tangible change in my immediate realm of influence. I believe diversity is and can be a strength of any organization and should be celebrated. I am committed to continuing to educate myself on racial histories, current events and social policies that serve all.  

 To connect with Jessica please email alliance@uwaterloo.ca