Coady International Institute is pleased to announce the 2019-2020 OceanPath Fellowship cohort.
The OceanPath Fellowship provides community-focused experiential learning opportunities for graduating students to become active and effective change-makers, bringing new ideas and working closely with communities to foster sustainable and positive social change in Canada and around the world. These young leaders are graduates of Canadian partner-schools StFX University, University of Ottawa, McGill University, and Queen’s University.
Each hopeful participant applies with a proposed community initiative for the yearlong fellowship. Once selected, the participants begin in June with a three-week Foundations for Community Change course on the campus of Coady International Institute and StFX University. While on campus, fellows workshop and develop proposed initiatives using Coady’s participatory approach to development.
The fellows then return home and further develop their initiatives based on their learnings, followed by a final planning workshop as they prepare to enter the field.
The community phase of the fellowship is a nine-month immersive community experience, where each participant leads a community initiative in partnership with local organizations, with ongoing support from Coady staff. The Pathy Family Foundation supports each fellowship with up to $25,000 in funding.
Meet the 2019-2020 OceanPath Fellows
Giovanni Akeson will work with Antigonish Minor Hockey Association in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, to develop an inclusive para-hockey program.
Hanan Ghazal will work with Britannia Woods Community House in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada to develop a support group for refugee mothers.
Jessica Franko will work with Travel for Impact in Muan, Botswana, to enhance micro-economic empowerment through beekeeping.
Julia Weder will work with youth in Haida Gwiaa, British Columbia, Canada, to develop a multi-media space for youth.
Lauren Di Felice will work with the newcomer community in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, to develop civic engagement training for newcomers.
Maggie Rodrigues will work with Best Buddies and L ’Arche in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, to create employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
Nicola Brogan will work with Indigo Girls Group in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to empower young girls through health and well-being.
Salome Barker will work with the Mi’kmaq First Nations community in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, to revitalize identity in Mi’kmaq youth.
Stewart Langley will work with Ryandale Transitional Housing in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, to develop collaborative solutions for chronic homelessness.
The 2018-2019 cohort is currently in the midst of the community phase, where they are working to create positive impact in their chosen communities, and build on their leadership and development skills.