Traveling has always been a central part of my life, driven by my desire to gain international knowledge. Growing up in a family that emphasized exploring the world has instilled in me a deep appreciation for education and a commitment to supporting meaningful causes. This background inspired me to use my education to uphold my values and assist those who did not have the same privileges I experienced while growing up. As a result, I am pursuing a degree in Political Science with double minors in International Development and Quebec Studies, aiming to approach diverse issues with a comprehensive, intersectional
perspective.This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with The Round Table for Black History Month, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing racism and discrimination within Montreal’s Black communities. I was honored to be involved with this mission, which aligned with my passion for social justice. The experience was eye-opening, as I learned about the rich history and diverse realities facing Black communities both in Montreal and globally. As someone who is not of African descent, I am honored to have been selected and embraced as an ally of Montreal's Black communities. This role has allowed me to closely witness both the challenges they encounter and the rich diversity within these communities. Working alongside a supportive team of women of color, I have been deeply impressed and inspired by the progress and impact of this non-profit, particularly since my internship director, Mrs. Nadia Rousseau, joined over a decade ago.
During my internship, I was privileged to engage with the vibrant communities of Little Burgundy, Montreal’s historic Black neighborhood. My responsibilities ranged from conducting research to participating in community events and upcoming projects. Some of my highlights included organizing workshops and events, assisting in important meetings, and developing new initiatives. Notably, I had the opportunity to participate in a meeting with Minister Christopher Skeete, responsible for the Economy and Fight Against Racism, to discuss potential collaborations with our NPO. I also met Mr. Frantz Voltaire, a prominent figure in Haitian education and documentation as well as Mrs. Maëlle Figaro David, one of Haiti’s leading high fashion designers. Additionally, I organized workshops for teens working as park patrol officers on Emancipation Day on intersectionality along with contributing to a mural project highlighting the history of porters and the Colored Women’s Club, involving research and grant application processes. Consequently, my tasks encompassed a broad range of responsibilities, allowing me to learn a multitude of things.
Overall, this internship had a profound impact on my academic journey, significantly enhancing my understanding of the intersection between politics and non-profits and deepening my knowledge in International Development and Quebec Studies. I am especially thankful to Ms. Sokoloff and Mr. Bukhman for facilitating this experience through The Lev Bukhman Internship Award. As for my internship director, Mrs. Rousseau, she has been an inspiring figure for me, not only due to her impressive international background, but also for her kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication to her work. This experience has undoubtedly shaped my university experience and will hopefully serve as a guide for future opportunities.