Internship Spotlight: Maya Mohammad - Fondation Emergence

I am grateful to Mr. Gregg Blachford for funding the Gregg Blachford and David McGillivray Internship Award, which allowed me to intern at Fondation Émergence this summer. As a rising third year at McGill University, where I am majoring in sociology and double minoring in communication and gender studies, this experience was very fruitful and contributed positively to my academic experience.

My goal as an intern was to develop practical skills in using research and communication to support community-based work. It aligned with Fondation Émergence’s mission to oppose homophobia and transphobia through various awareness-raising methods. Furthermore, I wished to learn about the realities of local communities and gain a better understanding of the resources available to them. As a member of the LGBTQ+ and francophone community, I appreciated the opportunity to engage with a familiar cultural and linguistic context, which deepened my connection to the work.

My main tasks included organizing and digitizing archives, creating contact lists for networking and sensitization purposes, and documenting the actions taken by Quebec municipalities for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (May 17), which deepened my understanding of local awareness-raising efforts. I also carried out logistical tasks such as mailings and labelling sensitization materials offered for free by the organization, like posters, flyers, and stickers. Lastly, I participated in team meetings, which gave me insight into the organizational work environment, ongoing projects, and internal communication dynamics.

My academic background provided me with a strong interdisciplinary foundation to approach complex realities faced by marginalized communities. Through courses that examined structural inequalities, media representation, and intersectional approaches to gender and sexuality, I developed the analytical and communication skills necessary to engage with LGBTQ+ issues critically. This internship offered a valuable opportunity to apply that knowledge in a concrete setting, bridging theory and practice. It allowed me to contribute meaningfully to community-based initiatives while deepening my understanding of how academic frameworks translate into real-world advocacy and education.

The walk held on May 17th for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia was the most memorable activity of my internship. Participating in this public demonstration of solidarity allowed me to witness firsthand the strength and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Being part of this diverse crowd coming together was very moving and empowering. It reinforced the importance of collective action and community presence in the fight against discrimination, as well as reminded me of the real-world impact of awareness-raising efforts I had supported throughout my internship.

On a more day-to-day level, I often had difficulty assessing the degree of autonomy expected, especially in contexts where instructions were open. I had to learn how to ask questions at the right time and to ask for clarification. For the future, I wish to further develop my confidence in professional environments, particularly in taking initiatives and making suggestions. While the team was very receptive to my ideas and encouraged participation, I found myself learning throughout the internship how to navigate the timing and framing of my contributions. This ongoing process helped me better understand the dynamics of collaboration and project organization, and I view it as an important step toward becoming more assertive in team-based settings.

This internship has played a key role in shaping my professional direction. It affirmed my interest in working at the intersection of research, communication, and community engagement, particularly in support of local LGBTQ+ advocacy. The Gregg Blachford and David McGillivray Internship Award I received made this opportunity more accessible by helping cover essential day-to-day costs such as transportation and meals, allowing me to dedicate myself to the experience fully. I’m grateful for this support, which not only enriched my learning but also strengthened my pursuit of a socially engaged career. Thank you to Mr. Gregg Blachford for making this experience possible.