In November 2006, I was invited to participate in a week-long event hosted by the University of Ontario, Institute of Technology, on the issue of violence against women.  As a networker with the transnational group, Women Living Under Muslim Laws, I not only had the opportunity to speak about my own work, but also to hear other panel discussions by individuals working in the Ontario context.  It was a pleasure to hear a formal talk by Janette Watt, a woman I have known in a personal capacity to be warm, passionate and dedicated to the eradication of all forms of social injustice.  Her words served as an impassioned plea for community accountability, personal fortitude, and collective action, and inspired the students, staff, and general public who attended the event.

~ Aisha Shaheed, WLUML

&

The best professor and mentor, is one that teaches from the heart, not from the book, Ms. Janette Watt does just that.  Ms. Janette Watt’s ability to motivate and inspire through her passion and care for her students goes far beyond the class room setting.

~ Evan Mueller-Cheng  President, Student Association, University of Ontario

 &

 
Being one of Janette's students was an honour. The experience and wisdom she handed down to me is priceless. The mediation techniques she taught is something I can use anywhere.

However, there was one event that shook me. I invited her to speak at a conference about women's rights and the need to stand up for justice. At that time, the crowd finally understood what violence against women meant and the sense of injustice left its mark on everyone. No one was the same after her presentation, everyone left with the desire to conquer (or change.....whatever word you want) the world.

~ Neil (Hassan) Hajhassan

&

Janette combines a deep well of life experience and strong social conscience with her powerful abilities as a speaker and skilled mediator. She is extremely effective in unearthing the core issues, and is able to masterfully manage the effects of this epiphany at an organizational but most importantly at a personal level. 

~ Michael Khashmanian, B.A.; C.D.R.
Durham Community Mediation Centre

&

As a former student in Janette Watt’s Theory & Practice of Mediation course, I recognized the breadth of knowledge she was able to present in a dynamic manner. Janette doesn't simply take the approach of deeming who or what is “right or wrong,” but instead seeks to understand. From understanding comes her ability to interject the wisdom and skills that she has honed through years of experience.

I think that the best way to describe a main theme of what I learned in her classes is that sometimes people are actually saying or wanting the same result, but are communicating in a different manner, and therefore, a dispute ensues. In both work and my personal life I have witnessed people arguing, and through mediation skills that I learned I helped them realize for themselves that they were working toward the same goal but doing so in a different manner.

~David Bird

&

I have known Janette as a speaker on a few occasions and in different communities. Janette surprised me when I found out that she was a lawyer because of her incredible knowledge of social issues, woman's issues and diversity including human rights. She has an extraordinary personality that is friendly but strong and it comes through in her speeches.

Her strong commitment to social change is admirable. I am privileged to have her as one of my contacts as both a professional and as a colleague.

~Consuelo Kuettner-Sandoval
Shelter Program Manager
Women's Resources,  Lindsay Ontario

&

Hello!  My name is Karen Demers and I had the pleasure of being taught Theory and Practice of Mediation by Janette Watt during my second year at the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology (UOIT) located in Oshawa, ON.  She is a truly inspiring teacher who relates to her students on both a professional and personal level, aiding to ones growth and development [as a person].  Janette Watt uses both theoretical and practical techniques in the classroom which provide students with an overall understanding of the concepts used in a variety of fields such as mediation, negotiation and motivation.  This knowledge has helped me to excel in my own academic and career driven paths. 

I have also had the privilege to listen to Janette as the key note speaker for the 2006 CAW International Women’s Day Breakfast.  Her speech that day is one I will never forget as Janette brought women of all cultures and backgrounds together, teaching us we are as similar as the person sitting next to us at breakfast – she taught as that we, women, are “Just Like You”.  Such a stimulating speech drove me to be part of the UOIT’s 2006 December 6th Montreal Massacre Memorial planning committee and invited Janette to be the Key Note Speaker for this event to share her “Just Like You” address – harmonizing and humbling those who attended. 

Personally, she is a life mentor who has had a positive affect on my progress as a young adult.  She is an exceptional teacher who supplies her students with the tools they need to succeed!

~Karen Demers

&

I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that your words of wisdom are still with me today and reflect my performance daily.

~Amandeep Sekhon

Janette Watt was an invited speaker at our Symposium and for a classroom visit. Without pulling punches, she engaged and challenged both students and conference attendees with her ideas and analysis while simultaneously creating a comfortable space to discuss difficult issues.

~ Pierre Loiselle
Organizer, Symposium on Intellectual Property Rights and Traditional Knowledge
Department of Native Studies, St. Thomas University, Fredericton NB

&

As a university student, I've been through countless classes and many professors.  Of all my professors, none has had as profound an impact as Ms. Janette Watt.  Her classes were inspired, her methods ingenious, and her passion boundless.  Truly, Ms Watt has had a great effect on all her students, she inspires leadership and helps one reach their full potential. 

~ Chris Pang