The black youth for social innovation (BYSI) initiative
Transforming Black Youth Mentorship in Canada
Rather than following a traditional one-way relationship model, where the mentor passes knowledge to the protege, BYSI fosters a vibrant community experience driven by the youth, themselves. As the students put it, the program is like a living tree, rooted in Black cultural teachings and practices, empowering undergraduate students to address both longstanding and emerging challenges through research and leadership. The program emphasizes authenticity, respect, connectivity, curiosity, resilience, and legacy, nurturing Black youth to become leaders in social innovation and advocates for a more just and inclusive society on campus and beyond. Learn more on our website.
featured service to my community
Black Faculty Collective
Alberta Policy Internship Program
Black Faculty Collective
I am a proud member of the UAlberta Black Faculty Collective -- an interdisciplinary group of scholars dedicated to improving the career prospects and professional development of current and future black colleagues. I'm also a member of the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program, which identifies and empowers high school students to realize their potential as university researchers.
Ward Boundary Commission
Alberta Policy Internship Program
Black Faculty Collective
I was honoured to serve as the Chair of the inaugural Edmonton Ward Boundary Commission. Working with a team of committed citizens, our Commission consulted with Edmontonians on how best to re-draw their electoral map. We were the first body of our kind to develop an operational definition for "effective representation," providing a foundation for future electoral boundary commissions across Canada.
Alberta Policy Internship Program
Alberta Policy Internship Program
Alberta Policy Internship Program
I helped forge a strong partnership among the Alberta Public Service, University of Alberta, and University of Calgary. APIP places promising policy students into paid practicum placements in the Government of Alberta. The Alberta Policy Internship Program runs on an annual basis, helping students bridge from their Master's programs in public policy into rewarding roles in the public sector.
contract and volunteer work
Learning and Development
I lead workshops related to my professional and research expertise:
- public opinion and political culture in Alberta
- public policy and government
- building a successful public service career
- bridging between academia and other sectors
- focus groups and public opinion research
Workplace Culture
Using techniques derived from our Common Ground research, I support teams and organizations trying to better understand their internal workplace cultures.
Board Experience
I have served on a number of non-profit boards, contributing to their efforts to improve internal governance and communications.