Real-world projects by fellows from the President's Student Leadership Program connect community.
The University of Manitoba’s James W. Burns Leadership Institute located at the Asper School of Business welcomed 23 students to the eighth cohort of the President’s Student Leadership Program (PSLP) this June.
The 2026 cohort represents 15 disciplines and four levels of post-secondary study, with Fellows from the University of Manitoba, Red River College Polytechnic, the University of Winnipeg and University College of the North. The current fellows join a growing network of more than 150 PSLP alumni.
Their journey began with an intensive Core Week in June, where Fellows met with senior executives and subject-matter experts and explored issues including community development through social enterprises, Indigenous leadership and economic reconciliation, manufacturing and health care.
Over the summer, PSLP Fellows transitioned from learning about leadership to putting it into practice, working with community partners to tackle real challenges across Winnipeg and Manitoba.
They formed interdisciplinary teams and partnered with community organizations to identify needs, develop solutions and create practical projects to make an impact in real time. This resulted in projects addressing social isolation, digital access, homelessness, youth entrepreneurship and mentorship.
“In each of the five projects, the fellows listened to community needs, built relationships and turned ideas into action. They navigated uncertainty, adapted to feedback and worked with community partners to create meaningful impact,” said Suzanne Gagnon, Asper Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Research Programs and Director of the James W. Burns Leadership Institute.
Asper Associate Professor Lukas Neville, co-academic lead for PSLP added, “The students gained direct leadership experience that can’t be replicated in a classroom. They learned to listen, build trust and adapt to different perspectives both within their own teams and the community they are serving. Those are lessons that will stay with them well beyond the summer.”
For frontline workers supporting people experiencing homelessness, finding the right service can be difficult in a complex and constantly changing network of supports.
Team ASPIRE partnered with Let’s Give Together to strengthen PathFind, a digital resource navigator designed to make that process easier.
The team researched Winnipeg’s homeless-serving system, consulted frontline workers and community organizations, conducted a usability review and helped pilot a shelter-capacity feature. Its work also helped strengthen connections between Let’s Give Together and community organizations including N’Dinawemak, Siloam Mission and the Downtown Community Safety Partnership.
Mofope A. J. Adefuye, Diploma in Creative Communications, Red River College Polytechnic
Nikhil Ahuja, Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management, Red River College Polytechnic
Fennela Chimasia, Master of Nursing, University of Manitoba
Ragheeba Khan, Doctor of Medical Dentistry, University of Manitoba
Joseph Penner, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Manitoba
A Poetry and Art Workshop at River Park Gardens, a long-term care home, gave residents an opportunity to share stories, memories and creativity while connecting with one another.
Team ASTER partnered with the University of Manitoba Poetry Society and River Park Gardens to design and deliver the event, which sparked conversation, new friendships and visible enthusiasm among residents.
The team also donated art supplies for future activities, extending the impact beyond the workshop and creating more opportunities for residents to connect, create and participate.
Semi Adegoroye, Bachelor of Computer Science and Statistics (Honours), University of Manitoba
Erika Beaudin, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (Biomedical), University of Manitoba
Tolu Ogunsolu, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Manitoba
Anshika Sharma, Bachelor of Science with Honours in Biochemistry, University of Manitoba
Rebecca Shingoose, Bachelor of Arts (four-year) Pre-Law Program, University College of the North
What do you do when you want to build a great relationship with a young person but are not sure what to do together?
Team Pathfinders partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg to create the Mentorship Passport, bringing existing mentorship resources together in one practical and accessible guide.
It includes safety information, icebreaker activities and a seasonal calendar of affordable activities in Winnipeg, with prices and local discounts.
Developed with feedback from current mentors, the Passport supports more than 100 volunteer matches and gives both mentors and youth more confidence and choice in planning meaningful time together.
Vidheesha Abeysinghe, Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science, University of Manitoba
Samantha Joy, Diploma in Dental Hygiene, University of Manitoba
Oyinkansola Kaka, Diploma in IT Operations, Red River College Polytechnic
Priyansh Modi, Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Accounting), University of Manitoba
Young people often have big ideas before they have opportunities to learn how to develop them.
Team KALE Mix partnered with CanU/Kahanee to design and deliver a hands-on social entrepreneurship workshop for youth. The team created a practical “playbook” and led activities focused on idea development, creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking.
Participant feedback showed strong enthusiasm for continuing to explore their ideas, giving youth new tools and confidence to see themselves as creators, problem-solvers and innovators.
Mike Apetagon, Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), University of Manitoba
Leanne Chaput, Masters in Sport Psychology, University of Manitoba
Alec Godin, Bachelor of Science in Geology, University of Manitoba
Kyra Swenson, Master of Business Administration, University of Manitoba
Reliable internet and access to technology are essential, but the barriers facing communities can be complex.
Team Connect 5 partnered with North End Connect (NEC) to gather community perspectives on digital access, taking the lead in designing and facilitating a stakeholder feedback session.
The team synthesized the concerns and ideas shared and provided NEC with actionable insights to help inform its larger community event planned for November 2026 and future engagement. The project demonstrated the value of listening first and building solutions around the priorities of the community.
Noah Crossman, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology, Minor in Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba
Ashleigh Laube, Master of Business Administration, University of Manitoba
Hevyn-Lee Martens, Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies, University of Winnipeg
Eniola Osabiya, Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), University of Manitoba
Daniel Rose, Master of Nursing, University of Manitoba
These projects are a snapshot of PSLP in action: student fellows learning from experienced leaders, working alongside community partners, and turning that learning into contributions that matter. They offer another glimpse of the program’s ongoing impact and the next generation of Manitoba changemakers.
The President’s Student Leadership Program gives successful applicants a meaningful opportunity to develop practical, real-world leadership skills, build lasting connections, and gain the experience and knowledge to make a positive impact in our communities.
Applications for Fellows of Cohort 9 open January 17, 2027. The program welcomes applications from students in all subjects and disciplines, and at all Manitoba public funded postsecondary institutions. It is fully funded through a fellowship.
The James W. Burns Leadership Institute was established through a visionary investment in leadership development by Canada Life, IG Wealth Management, Power Corporation of Canada, and the Province of Manitoba.
Learn more about the President’s Student Leadership Program.
At UM, we encourage life-long curiosity while providing tools – inside and outside the classroom – to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Empowering learners is one of the strategic themes you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.
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