The Max Bell School is looking forward to welcoming 39 new students from different academic and professional backgrounds representing 12 different countries to our MPP program this August.聽
The new cohort of accomplished individuals represent a rich diversity of interests and experiences, with degrees spanning from computer engineering to clinical psychology to development planning and including professional experiences such as consulting, content creation, and project management, to name a few.聽
This year the Max Bell School has attracted a McCall MacBain Scholar and five finalists from different backgrounds to join our fifth cohort of Master of Public Policy students. Michael Kynaston is one of the twenty leaders that have been selected among seven hundred applicants for the thirds class of McCall MacBain scholars. The five finalists are Sean Celi, Arwa Emhemed, Soomin Han, Jillian Hayden, and Elsie Mares.
Diverse Backgrounds
We take pride in the professionally and academically-diverse cohorts we have, a key component of our stimulating program that strives to challenge students every day to improve their analytical abilities.聽And while their experiences may be highly varied, the students share the common goal of shaping policy in a constantly evolving global landscape.聽
础苍颈迟补听顿别谤苍辞惫颈肠颈 holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations with a minor in Law. She made significant contributions by providing expert privacy guidance on all vaccination policies related to federally-regulated air, train, and rail transportation.聽"Amid the evolving global landscape driven by disruptive technologies such as generative AI and cryptocurrencies, I envision a future founded on just principles, safeguarding individual and collective well-being," she said.聽
Originally from Libya,聽Arwa Emhemed graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in Political Studies.聽Throughout her academic journey and professional experiences, she has developed strong research skills, including analytical writing and data collection and analysis. Her research focuses on the socio-political situation in Libya, particularly the civil war's impact on women and its induced gender-based violence. "My aim in studying public policy is to contribute to improving the socio-economic status of women in Libya to reduce the phenomena of gender-based violence," says Emhemed.聽
Sean Celi was born and raised in the Philippines but moved to Canada with his family when he was fifteen. His experience as a youth immigrant fueled his passion for participatory democracy and youth engagement. He holds an Economics degree from the University of British Columbia." I hope to combine my lived experience as an immigrant, my professional experience at IRCC, and my Economics degree from the Vancouver School of Economics to solve policy issues that lie at the intersection of the economy, globalization, and immigration," he says.聽
Elsie Mares, originally from California, United States worked in Washington DC as a Policy and Programs Associate with Peace Direct prior to attending Max Bell. Throughout her undergraduate career at Loyola Marymount University, she interned with EMILY鈥檚 List, the UK Parliament, and LMU鈥檚 Global Policy Institute. Elsie is thrilled to pursue her passion for addressing and preventing displacement through policy and programs work toward a world without violent conflict, at the Max Bell School of Public Policy.聽
Why Max Bell?聽
Through our teaching, research, policy engagement, and public outreach, the Max Bell School helps develop the skills and understanding to solve the most pressing and complex policy problems of our time. The five key components of the MPP program鈥攖he core policy courses, policy case studies, complexity seminars, and the Policy Lab鈥攃hallenge and ensure the students become equipped with both the theoretical and applied knowledge to navigate the real world of public policy.聽
Michael Kynaston completed his Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Warwick and聽enters the MPP program as a McCall MacBain Scholar. He is passionate about education policy and has good experience of participation and engagement work. "I was drawn to the MPP course because of its breadth, with it not only giving access to theoretical public policy expertise, but also a focus on the real-world skills and practical hands-on experience that are needed to address large-scale issues as part of public service, which is my goal as an aspiring public servant!"
Originally from Mexico,聽Nina Hern谩ndez Jayme is a聽sub-director for the federal health regulatory agency in Mexico聽and holds a double major in Government and Rhetoric and Writing from The University of Texas at Austin. "I look forward to expanding my knowledge and international focus at Max Bell, guided always by the same objective: contributing meaningfully to others," she says.聽
Teodora Durca holds a degree in聽Ethics, Society, and Law and Urban Studies from the University of Toronto. She is an experienced government relations consultant, policy researcher, and advocacy writer. Prior to joining 91社区, Teodora worked as a Research Associate in the Environment Practice at Sussex Strategy Group, where she provided strategic public affairs counsel, policy monitoring and analysis, and lobbying services to many clients at both the federal and provincial government level.聽Teodora is excited to join Max Bell to learn more about policy solutions for pressing environmental and social issues, and how to advocate effectively for innovators and communities.
Francis Padi originates from Akosombo, Ghana. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Development Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. "I aim to study public policy to catalyze evidence-based decision-making that effectively tackles critical issues like transportation, healthcare, and climate change," said Francis when asked about his interests in pursuing a MPP degree at Max Bell.聽
Tune in for the online profiles of our incoming students to learn more about their work and educational experiences. As Orientation is approaching, follow the Max Bell School on social media to welcome our students to the School and see their accomplishments throughout the upcoming semester.聽
