Two of the 30 newly selected McCall MacBain Scholars and two finalists will enter the Max Bell School of Public Policy this fall. The scholars were selected based on evidence of exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity. We are pleased to welcome them to the Master of Public Policy program!
Caitlin Arizala, Scholar, is a recent Honours Bachelor of Science in Population Health graduate from the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). She dedicates much of her time to leading programs and research that support leadership, education, and health outcomes in her northwest Toronto community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as principal investigator for a vaccine equity project, leading a team of researchers to examine health inequities in northwest Toronto. She also co-founded scholarly, a grassroots youth incubator supporting students in accessing postsecondary pathways.
As the community manager at Flaunt-It, she co-created a creative internship program and co-working studio as a local economic empowerment initiative. She recently completed a 10-month internship at the Ontario Legislature, supporting Members of Provincial Parliament and legislative research.
“The McCall MacBain Scholarship affirms the need for compassionate, innovative leaders whose local impact drives systemic change," Caitlin says. "It marks a new stage in my leadership, shaped by global and federal public policy perspectives I will engage with as a scholar. It also means I get to live in one of the most vibrant cities in Canada, something I have long dreamed of!”
Rebecca Seymour, Scholar, studied Political Science at Cape Breton University (CBU) and works as the Executive Vice President of the Students' Union. She hails from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.
Rebecca chairs Students Nova Scotia, an advocacy group representing 20,000+ students. She serves on the board of directors of Glace Bay Food Bank and recently helped the food bank secure a grant from Ocean Wise to host gardening workshops for its clients. Previously, Rebecca led the Honours Society for two years as president and chaired the CBU Students' Union.
“I am still not sure if it has fully sunk in that I will be the first McCall MacBain Scholar from CBU!” she says. “This scholarship will enable me to become a better leader while pursuing an education that is meaningful and impactful to me. I am honoured to have been selected and cannot wait to begin my studies this August!”
Lee Waldman, Finalist, is a recent Sociology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies graduate of Rice University. Lee is working for the Illinois Office of the Governor as a Health and Human Services Dunn Fellow.
Lee co-chaired the Ithaca, NY Youth Action Board, a youth-led community organization that created permanent supportive housing for unhoused youth in Ithaca through an annual federal grant. He continues to work on housing justice issues as a member of the National Council on Youth Homelessness, focusing on trans-inclusivity, disability accessibility, and practices for equitably serving youth. Lee also co-founded and co-led a disability student union and volunteered with Human Rights Campaign Texas, encouraging LGBTQ+ college students to become politically active. In 2024, he was selected as a Truman Scholar and Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute Fellow for his commitment to public service.
“During my master’s degree at McGill, I hope to further explore the root of social inequities and how to address them," Lee says. "By learning about policy solutions and approaches for change, I will become a more informed policy practitioner prepared to make a positive impact.”
Samantha Nalumansi, Finalist, majored in Social Work at the University of Regina. She is a board member of Not Alone Uganda, a non-profit organization she co-founded in 2018 to provide groceries and educational resources to families in need. In Regina,
Samantha volunteers with her church, leading the social media team and creating digital content, and organizes a weekly peer support group for women at the church. She serves as president of the University of Regina Champions of Change club, where she advocates for gender equality, and participates in the Model United Nations club. She currently works part-time as a residence assistant, supporting student wellbeing on campus. Samantha was also a lead mentor at EducationUSA in Uganda, where she helped students navigate the university admissions process.
Her long-term goal is to become a global policy analyst and help close gaps in access to basic needs by empowering communities.
“I chose to volunteer because I believe in giving back to the community and fostering environments where people can actively contribute to society," Samantha says. "It has also been a meaningful way for me to grow in service and pursue personal development.”
Applications will open in June 2026 for September 2027 admission.
