Shift is changing the social conditions that enable violence — across Alberta and beyond.
Dedicated to stopping violence before it starts.
We’re the first research-action hub of its kind in Canada. Based in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary and led by Lana Wells, the Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Shift turns knowledge into action and lasting impact.
In 2010, Shift launched with a bold purpose: to prevent violence from happening in the first place.
We take up an intersectional and decolonial lens to prevent interconnected forms of gender-based violence, including:
- domestic and family violence
- intimate partner violence
- sexual violence
- adolescent dating violence
With a $3 million investment from the Brenda Strafford Foundation and the Government of Alberta in 2017, Shift was created to break the mould of traditional research — bringing communities, ideas, and action together to drive real change. At Shift, research turns insight into action and action into impact.
Through innovative, evidence-based solutions, we work to advance systems change, amend and develop prevention policies, and change practice at local, national, and global levels. We collaborate with researchers, policymakers, law enforcement, non-profit organizations, and communities to develop, test, and scale prevention strategies that address the root causes of violence.
By equipping leaders with the insights and tools they need, we aim to build safer and more equitable communities for everyone.
OUR APPROACH
Research
We explore the leverage points for systems change, grounded in a social justice and ecological perspective.
Policy Advocacy
We champion recommendations for policy and legislative change, from design to implementation.
Knowledge Integration
We connect universities, governments, organizations, and communities in leveraging data and promising prevention practices.
Capacity Building
We provide co-leadership and support changemakers at local and systemic levels.
OUR TEAM
Click on each picture or title to learn more about our team.
LANA WELLS
Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence; Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary; Fellow and Faculty Member of the School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
Lana Wells is a top-ranked and internationally recognized expert on gender-based violence prevention, social work, and public policy.
ELENA ESINA
Director, Operations & Special Projects
Elena is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in the non-profit and private sectors. Elena expertly manages operations for large-scale research projects in domestic violence prevention while supervising students, conducting research, and leading Shift’s pioneering Immigrant Women Work-Integrated Learning Hub.
MARINA IVANOVA
Business Coordinator
WINTA ABERA
Project Coordinator and Technical Lead
ZIYANA KOTADIA
Strategic Communications and Public Relations Specialist
Shift works across Alberta on Treaty 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 territories. These are traditional travelling routes, gathering places, and meeting grounds for many Indigenous Peoples, including the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations); Tsuut’ina First Nation; Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations); Cree; Saulteaux; Nakota Sioux; Dene; and the Métis Nation in Alberta (across Districts 1-22).
We respect the Treaties that were made, acknowledge the ongoing harms of colonial violence, and dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
Initiated by The Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence
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