With the launch of the RNA Action Plan scheduled for 9 August, we chat to Respect. Now. Always. (RNA) Project Officer Jen Smith about everything from her role in the project, to where to get the best donuts on campus!

Work stuff
I’ve been at Macquarie for…
Nine months.

In a nutshell, my job is to…
Support the ongoing development and implementation of the Respect. Now. Always. (RNA) Project at Macquarie. This includes policy development, supporting the RNA governance structure and engaging with students, staff and community partners to help improve Macquarie’s capacity to prevent and respond to acts of sexual assault and sexual harassment.

The question I hear most often in my work is…
“Will this be made mandatory?”

The top three things on my to-do list today are…
1) Finalise details for the launch of the RNA Action Plan (to be held on 9 August!)
2) Continue working on policy development
3) Attend the new Ally Network Training

If I could do any other job at Macquarie (with instant qualifications/knowledge) it would be…
A lecturer in Social Philosophy! I’m particularly fascinated by the relationship between social structures and moral agency (and implications for moral progress).

A Macquarie staff member who impressed me last week…
My colleagues Amber Loomis and Xuan Luu. They have both just successfully finished recruiting and training three peer educators to co-facilitate our RNA workshops next semester!

I get my campus coffee fix from …
Wally’s Coffee Cart, and an increasingly regular donut fix as well – the vanilla-glazed and caramel donuts are amazing!

Personal life
My favourite subject at school was…
Modern History, Extension History and Legal Studies (can’t pick just one!)

Outside work, you’ll often find me…
Walking my dog, Mintie, and attending talks/seminars.

I’m really looking forward to…
A number of events that the RNA team will be holding in the lead up to, and following, the launch of the Action Plan in August.
And personally, a three-week trip to Vietnam travelling from Ho Chi Minh up to Hanoi in October!

The most amazing place I’ve ever visited is…
Saint Petersburg. Following many years of interest in Russian history, from the Tsarist regime to the Soviet era, exploring the city and visiting the Winter Palace (Hermitage Museum) in particular, was incredible.

The last great movie I saw was…
The Untouchables.  

In 10 years from now, I hope to be…
In a role/profession that continues to allow me to work towards rethinking organisational structures and practices to promote positive cultural change.

To register to attend the RNA Action Plan launch on 9 August, click here.