Why did you first choose to study Human Rights?
I chose to study human rights because, as an immigrant whose family came to Canada in the 90s, my family's resettlement journey was often faced with many instances of discrimination and inequity. I then spent 10 years of my career working in the settlement and immigration sector supporting other newcomer families especially youth, so that their settlement journey would be a more positive experience than what I had endured. I wanted to be able to use both my education and lived experience to make changes to current immigration and settlement policies in Winnipeg to be more welcoming and inclusive to newcomers, so studying human rights seemed like the best academic pathway to do so.
What compelled you to go on and take an MHR at the University of Manitoba?
I did my BA at the University of Winnipeg in Human Rights and Global Studies and at the time there was no Human Rights program being offered in Manitoba. Other master's programs did not really align with my passions in the same way my undergrad program did, so I decide to gain more work experience in the field. When the MHR program was implemented at the University of Manitoba, I knew it would be the best fit for me and was excited to finally have a program close to home that I could pursue.
What was your practicum placement, and who was your advisor?
I chose to do my practicum at The Winnipeg Foundation, Canada's oldest community foundation as it aligned with my focus area of research about the role of philanthropy in human rights. My advisor was Dr. Lori Wilkinson [Distinguished Professor, CRC in Migration Futures, Tier 1, Faculty of Arts, Department of Sociology and Criminology] who was an immense support throughout this journey.
What is next for you?
My next steps after graduation are to continue to apply my knowledge gained from my practicum and in completing my major research paper to my work at The Winnipeg Foundation as a Senior Grants Officer. My hope is to continue to advocate for systems change both in the philanthropic sector and in other areas that are meant to support vulnerable community members.
