MPP Cohort 2026-27

Caitlin Arizala

Previous degree: Bachelor of Science, Population Health Major, Double Minors in Psychology & City Studies, University of Toronto Scarborough

Nationalities: Filipino, Canadian

­Recent work experience: Community Manager, Flaunt-It Movement; Legislative Intern, Ontario Legislature Internship Programme (OLIP); Communications Specialist, The City of Toronto, Social Development (Rexdale CBA / Summer Safety Plan)

Caitlin is a first-generation Filipina-Canadian from Northwest Toronto, Ontario. She graduated with High Distinction from the University of Toronto with a BSc in Population Health and double minors in Psychology and City Studies. She joins the Max Bell School as a McCall MacBain Scholar. As a researcher, she has led six studies on COVID-19 vaccine equity, social determinants of health in Toronto, equitable neighbourhood development, and decision-making complexity. For over seven years, she has also led youth programming across Toronto advancing economic empowerment and poverty reduction. As Community Manager at Flaunt-It, she co-developed a creative studio and co-founded ScholaRLY, an academic incubator supporting youth to post-secondary. In 2023, she served as Aide to the Mayor of Toronto and is a 2024–25 Ontario Legislature Internship Programme (OLIP) Intern, where she staffed both government and opposition MPPs. Caitlin looks forward to delving further into evidence-based public health, youth, and Canadian intergovernmental policymaking, implementation, and evaluation.

Samantha Babirye Nalumansi

Previous degree: Bachelor of Social Work, University of Regina; Certificate in International Studies, University of Regina

Nationalities: Ugandan

Recent work experience: Board Member, Not Alone Uganda; Client Service Provider, Unison at Kerby Centre

Samantha Nalumansi is originally from Kampala, Uganda, and moved to Canada in 2022 to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work and a Certificate in International Studies at the University of Regina. With a background in community development, social services, international studies, and policy-related research, she is passionate about addressing structural inequality and expanding access to education and social opportunities. Through leadership roles in organizations such as Not Alone Uganda and ANFGC Regina, as well as various university initiatives, she has worked to empower vulnerable groups. She is particularly interested in poverty reduction, regional development, immigration policy, and equitable access to social services.

Lydia Berigena

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Journalism, United States International University

Nationalities: Rwandan

Recent work experience: Independent Consultant (Business Development), Mercy Corps; Resource Acquisition Manager, World Vision International; Operations Specialist, World Vision International

Originally from Rwanda, Lydia Berigena has lived in a few different places, most recently calling Haiti home. She spent the last nine years working in the fast-paced development and humanitarian sector after a previous life in journalism. She is diving into public policy to explore how big decisions shape on-the-ground development. She’s also eager to learn policy research and data-driven analytics to strengthen her critical thinking as she strives to drive systemic change in development.

Edward Booth

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Economics

Nationalities: Canadian

Recent work experience: Research Assistant, Bank of Canada

Edward Booth is from the Outaouais region having come to Montreal originally to complete their bachelors at McGill in majoring in Economics and minoring in Computer Sciences. Upon completing their studies, Edward moved back to Ottawa to work at the Bank of Canada in their Economic and Financial Research department. During his time at the BOC his research focused primarily on macroeconomics and housing in Canada. Edward hopes to use his time at the bank a a foundation for strong economic policy work in the future.

Omar Boufala

Previous degree: Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Université de Montréal

Nationalities: Moroccan, Canadian

Recent work experience: Student Analyst–Strategic Planning, Governance and Accountability Public Curator of Québec; Student Ministerial Coordination Advisor Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration; Socioeconomic Assistance Officer Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration — Government of Québec

An Honorary Graduate in Political Science, Omar Boufala roots his research and commitment in the protection of minority rights and decolonial frameworks. He is particularly interested in the role of social media in political mobilization and civic engagement, as well as the challenges that misinformation poses to the integrity of democratic institutions. Drawing on hands-on experience at the Public Curator's Office and at the Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration, he has developed a grounded understanding of public administration and of the immigration pathways and legal mechanisms that safeguard vulnerable populations. That institutional background, combined with a strong record of associative leadership, has shaped his ability to navigate both policy environments and grassroots dynamics. He is now driven to design inclusive and resilient public policies that center marginalized voices and respond to the systemic inequalities and evolving challenges of pluralistic democratic societies.

Taylor Bourne

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Political Science, Queens University

Recent work experience: Executive Director, the Center for Global Health & Development; Director of Partnerships, Women's Health and Economic Empowerment Network; 

Taylor Bourne is Director of Partnerships at the Women's Health and Empowerment Network (WHEN), a sustainable finance platform housed at the Center for Global Health and Development (CGHD), where she serves as Executive Director. She works at the intersection of policy and development finance. Her portfolio is cross-sectoral, spanning health, technology, energy, and infrastructure. She has supported the mobilization of over $500 million in blended finance transactions. Taylor holds an Honours B.A. in Political Science from Queen's University, where she graduated with distinction. Her interest centres on how innovations in health and technology are adopted into public systems, and the economic conditions that determine success

Opira Bosco Okot

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Ndejje University

Nationalities: South Sudanese

Recent work experience: Community-Based Protection Community of Practice Assistant, UNHCR; Global Communication Intern, UNHCR; Youth Advisory Committee, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda

Opira Bosco Okot is originally from South Sudan and spent most of his life in Uganda before moving to Canada to further his dreams. He has worked with UNHCR and is a dedicated advocate for human rights, climate action, and equity in policies and development programs. His advocacy has taken him to global platforms, including COP29 in Baku, the International Conference on Climate Change and Human Rights in South Korea, and the Education and Climate Conference in Denmark. Passionate about advancing inclusive, evidence-based policies, Opira aims to support the Sustainable Development Goals and drive meaningful change for marginalized communities worldwide.

Alexa Bowman Olay

Previous degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S), Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology

Nationalities: American, Canadian, Mexican

Recent work experience: Government Affairs Intern, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Legislative Policy Intern, 9to5; Government Affairs Intern, Prince Rupert Port Authority

Alexa Bowman Olay is a recent graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Public Policy and a minor in Women, Science, and Technology. A tri-national of the US, Canada, and Mexico, she is passionate about using research, analysis, and communication to advance advocacy and representation for underrepresented communities. Her interests in social policy and equity drive her commitment to addressing complex societal issues through thoughtful, impact-oriented work.

Augustine Brown

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Minor in Philosophy, University of Alberta; Certificate in International Learning, University of Alberta. 

Recent work experience: Student Policy Analyst, Prairies Economic Development Canada; Research Assistant, University of Alberta

Augustine Brown is originally from Edmonton, Alberta, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Alberta. She joins the Max Bell School after working with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) as a Student Policy Analyst, where she contributed to research and analysis on regional economic development and related issues, including Canada–U.S. trade and tariffs, defence, and food and agriculture. She supported the development of the Prairies Regional Tariff Response Initiative and took on the responsibilities of Policy Committee Secretariat. At McGill, Augustine looks forward to deepening her understanding of policy design and implementation while examining how governments can address challenges that span jurisdictions in an interconnected world. Outside of her studies, Augustine enjoys painting, travelling, and reading.

Carly Bullough

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Policy Studies, Mount Royal University

Nationalities: Canadian

Recent work experience: Policy and Risk Analyst, Calgary West Central Primary Care Network (CWC PCN)

Carly brings a diverse range of industry experience to the Max Bell School, having worked in the energy, healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors. Since graduating from Mount Royal University in 2021, she has been a member of the Governance and Policy team at the Calgary West Central Primary Care Network, a nonprofit healthcare organization that reports to Alberta's Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services. In this role, she has collaborated with government, family physicians, and community healthcare professionals to support the delivery of comprehensive, team-based, and accessible primary care. Carly has first-hand experience in policy development, risk management, legislative analysis, and strategic decision-making. She is passionate about advancing equitable public policy and effective program evaluation, and she is honoured and excited to continue her studies in Montréal.

Fernando Carrera

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, International Relations, Tecnológico de Monterrey; Diploma, Mexican Foreign Policy and Public Diplomacy, Iberoamerican Centre of International Studies (CIBEI)

Nationalities: Mexican

Recent work experience: Immigration Assistant, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Embassy of Canada in Mexico

Fernando Carrera is from Metepec, Mexico, and holds a BA in International Relations from Tecnológico de Monterrey. From 2021 to 2025, Fernando acquired experience in electoral institutions, holding several positions within the National Electoral Institute and the Electoral Institute of the State of Mexico. He currently works as an Immigration Assistant at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the Canadian Embassy in Mexico City.

Having participated in an exchange program to McGill in 2017, Fernando is excited to return to Montreal to earn his MPP, and is interested in the role of public policy in improving the material conditions of people, especially those who are most vulnerable in society.

Lea Ghandour

Previous degree: Bachelor of Science, Economics minor in Political Sciences and International Affairs, Lebanese American University

Nationalities: Lebanese

Recent work experience: Public Policy Researcher, The Policy Initiative

Crystal Hammond

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Public Policy, University of California Riverside

Nationalities: Canadian, Ghanian, Jamaican

Recent work experience: Research Associate, Bankston Group Policy Lab; Research Fellow, Black Alliance for Just Immigration; Communications and Outreach Fellow, Kid City Hope Place

Crystal Hammond is originally from Toronto and is pursuing graduate study at McGill after spending most of her life in the United States. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from the University of California, Riverside, with a concentration in Sociocultural Policy and Institutional Processes. Before Max Bell, she focused on policy development and political advocacy within higher education. In 2025, Crystal was a Research Fellow with the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, where she produced Externalizing Asylum from Black Migrants, a research project analyzing how US immigration enforcement disproportionately targets Black migrants from Caribbean and African countries. At Max Bell, Crystal plans to expand her work in migration governance, international affairs, and environmental justice.

Breanna Hillgartner

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Honors Political Science and History, McGill University

Nationalities: Canadian, Kenyan, American

Recent work experience: Anti-Racism & DEI Intern, UNDP; Gender Parity Intern, UN Women

Breanna Hillgartner recently completed an Honours degree in Political Science at McGill University, with a minor in History. Originally from Kenya, her academic and professional interests are shaped by lived experiences with political instability, migration, and questions of institutional accountability. She spent the last two years at UN Women and UNDP in New York, supporting initiatives related to gender equality, workplace inclusion, and multilateral governance. At McGill, Breanna served as an editor for international relations journals and held leadership roles in Model United Nations conferences. She hopes to build a career at the intersection of multilateral cooperation and public service, with a long-term goal of returning to East Africa to work on governance and development policy.

Thomas Howells

Previous degree: Honours Bachelor of Science, Computer Science and Philosophy, University of Toronto

Nationalities: Canadian, American

Thomas Howells was born and raised in the United States, before attending the University of Toronto for an undergraduate degree in computer science and philosophy. After graduating, Thomas remained in Toronto, where he worked as a cybersecurity analyst. This role introduced him to the world of technology policy and helped him gain an interest in digital privacy and global internet governance, as well as their downstream effects on interpersonal social relations, the economy, and political systems at large. Thomas is excited to attend McGill and to contribute to digital technology policy development or research during and after his degree.

Visali Kandiah

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Concordia University

Nationalities: Canadian, Indian, Sri Lankan

Recent work experience: Research & Evaluation Fellow, HerStart Program, Youth Challenge International; Constituency Assistant, House of Commons

Visali Kandiah is a Canadian-born Tamil with roots in both South India and the North East of Sri Lanka. Her father’s journey as a survivor of the Tamil Genocide and Canada’s role in allowing him to rebuild his life inspired her to pursue experiences with a human rights focus in international development, government, and the non-profit sector. Her interests focus on how the growing integration of artificial intelligence affects human rights and how policy can regulate it. This past summer, she worked in Mpigi, Uganda, during the Ebola crisis, supporting social entrepreneurs in a consulting role while developing curricula on financial literacy and AI prompt engineering. Visali is also part of the founding team of the Quebec-registered non-profit TYSCA, which aims to address identity loss among second-generation Tamils through cultural and sporting events.

Tyler Kowch

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Economics and Political Science, McGill University

Nationalities: Canadian, American

Recent work experience: Communications Director and Strategic Advisor, Save Our Schools Arizona

Originally from Phoenix, United States, Tyler Kowch is a dual Canadian and American citizen who completed his undergraduate degree at McGill University and maintains deep ties to both countries. Tyler has spent the last decade navigating Arizona's complex partisan environment, organizing large-scale volunteer advocacy efforts, and communicating a pro-public-school, anti-privatization message to the press and general public in a media landscape fraught with misinformation. He is passionate about public education, urbanism, and emerging technologies. Tyler is excited to further research the role of media in shaping politics and policy, and the impact of privatization on longstanding government programs.

Soham Kulkarni

Previous degree: Bachelor Of Engineering Science, Mechanical Engineering; Master of Engineering Science, Manufacturing Engineering and Management

Nationalities: Indian

Recent work experience: Technical and Regulatory Consultant, Energy Democracy Now! Co-Op; Senior Research Associate, Center For Energy Environment and People (CEEP); Engineer, Battre Electric Mobility

Soham Kulkarni has lived and worked across four continents and brings to the Max Bell School a career that spans mechanical engineering, solar PV development, electric vehicle manufacturing, and energy policy research. Most recently, he worked as a policy analyst on electricity market regulation in Prince Edward Island, producing research that shaped legislative proposals on integrated resource planning, non-wires alternatives, and utility performance incentives. Soham holds a Max Bell Scholarship and brings to the MPP a deep interest in electricity market regulation, energy democracy, and the governance of just transitions. He is eager to apply rigorous policy analysis to questions of who owns, controls, and benefits from energy infrastructure.

Taya Lansanah

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Communication and Political Science, University of Ottawa

Nationalities: Canadian

Recent work experience: Recruitment Program Specialist, Bank of Canada; Junior Associate, Export Development Canada; Government Relations Associate, Canadian Nuclear Association

Taya Lansanah grew up in Ottawa, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Political Science from the University of Ottawa. Most recently, she has worked at the Bank of Canada as a Recruitment Program Specialist, leading various student programs and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives. This role builds on her diverse prior experience across government relations and corporate security. Drawing on her academic background and professional experiences, Taya is deeply interested in the intersection of public affairs, government relations, and strategic communication. At Max Bell, she looks forward to developing the advanced policy-making and advocacy skills necessary to effectively navigate complex political landscapes and shape impactful public policy.

Natalia Lebedin

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, English & Chemistry, University of Manitoba; Master of Arts, English, University of Manitoba; Master of Architecture, University of Manitoba

Nationalities: American, Canadian

Recent work experience: Principal, WSA; President, Ukrainian Cultural Association of Ohio; State Lead, Ohio, American Coalition for Ukraine; Program Director, Unbroken Cities Network

Natalia Lebedin is an architect and community organizer transitioning into public policy, with a focus on Ukraine reconstruction and whole-of-society recovery across infrastructure, housing, cultural memory, and community health. She comes to Max Bell from Columbus, Ohio, where she led the Ukrainian Cultural Association of Ohio and congressional advocacy delegations with the American Coalition for Ukraine. She has also advised on housing innovation policy through the Ohio Housing Innovation Partnership, and currently supports the Unbroken Cities Network connecting U.S. and Ukrainian municipalities. Born in Canada to Ukrainian refugees, she holds dual Canadian-American citizenship. She chose Max Bell for the opportunity to focus on global governance, which she sees as central to leading reconstruction-scale initiatives.

Colleen McCarthy

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Honours Criminology Minor Psychology, Saint Mary's University; Master of Arts, Criminology, Saint Mary's University;

Nationalities: Canadian

Recent work experience: Police Policy Intern, Halifax Regional Police; Research Assistant Criminology, Saint Mary's University

Colleen McCarthy is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a BA and MA in Criminology at Saint Mary’s University. Her research focused on online extremism, social isolation, and the social conditions that contribute to hate and radicalization. Through research and community-based initiatives, Colleen became interested in how harm reduction approaches and community led initiatives address gaps within justice and social services. Most recently, Colleen worked as a Police Policy Intern with Halifax Regional Police, contributing to organizational policy development and reform initiatives. Colleen is passionate about community-informed public policy, particularly in areas related to justice, equity, public safety, and social well-being.

Aisling McEvoy

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Business and Political Science, Trinity College Dublin

Nationalities: Irish

Recent work experience: Management Consultant, PwC Ireland; Government Relations Intern, Winning Strategies Washington; Tax and Legal Trainee, German Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Aisling McEvoy is from Dublin, Ireland, and holds a B.A. in Business and Political Science from Trinity College Dublin, having studied a semester at Sciences Po, Strasbourg. Previously, she worked in management consulting at PwC Ireland, advising public sector clients on complex policy implementation and transformation programmes. Her experience spans across Irish, E.U., and U.S. policy contexts, with a focus on healthcare reform and national energy projects. Aisling is an enthusiastic climate activist, volunteering for Eco-Unesco and leading national sustainability initiatives for PwC’s Sustainability Council. She also volunteers with Junior Achievement Ireland to provide career guidance to young people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Aisling is particularly interested in understanding how effective policy design can deliver meaningful social impact. Through the MPP programme, she hopes to deepen her policy expertise and strengthen the practical skills needed to address emerging public challenges and advance evidence-based, inclusive public policies.

Tian Mi

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and English, McGill University

Nationalities: Chinese

Recent work experience: Volunteer Counsellor, Montreal Volunteer Bureau; Tax Clinic Volunteer, YWCA Montreal

Tian grew up in China before moving to Canada at 14, becoming the first in her family to live abroad. A McGill alumna with a background in Psychology and English, she has spent the past years building roots in the city through community work - notably at the YWCA Montreal, where she supported low-income women and families through a free tax clinic, and at the Montreal Volunteer Bureau, where she works as a volunteer counsellor connecting newcomers and halfway housing residents with resources and opportunities. Both roles have given her a close-up view of where systems can both uphold and fall short for people navigating unfamiliar terrain. She came to the MPP wanting to better understand why those gaps persist - and what it actually takes to close them.

Abdirahman Mohamed

Previous degree: Laurea in Economics, Somali National University

Nationalities: Somali

Abdirahman Mohamed comes to the Max Bell School from Somalia, where he earned a Laurea in Economics from Somali National University. His studies convinced him that a country's prosperity turns not on its resources alone but on the strength of its institutions and the quality of its public policy. That perspective has drawn him toward institutional reform and evidence-based policymaking, particularly in fragile contexts like Somalia. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, he sees the MPP as a chance to deepen his understanding of how effective policy can expand opportunity and strengthen resilience. Looking beyond the program, Abdirahman hopes to build a career where public policy and applied research support economic development, working alongside governments and development partners to put data and evidence to use in fostering inclusive growth and stronger institutions.

Ubah Mohamed Jama

Previous degree: Faculty of Social Science, University of Bosaso

Nationalities: Ethiopian, Somali 

Recent work experience: Puntland Legal Aid Center; Women's Action Advocacy Progress Organization

Ubah Mohamed Jama is an incoming Mastercard Foundation Scholar at McGill University, where she will pursue a Master of Public Policy. She has over eight years of experience, especially in social work with vulnerable girls and youth. Ubah worked at the Puntland Legal Aid Center, supporting access to justice and legal protection for women and marginalized communities. For the past three years, she has led youth innovation and protection initiatives through the WAAPO/UNICEF UPSHIFT program in Somaliland. Her work includes organizing social innovation boot camps, advocating against child marriage and FGM/C, and managing programs that empower adolescent girls through life skills, business training, and community-led advocacy. Ubah is passionate about designing inclusive policies that protect girls’ rights and promote social development. Through her studies at McGill, she hopes to gain the tools and knowledge needed to influence public policy and improve gender equality and social protection across underserved communities.

Juliette Nicolaÿ

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Economics, McGill University.

Recent work experience: Bilingual Policy Analyst, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Juliette Nicolaÿ graduated from McGill University with a degree in Economics. She then moved to Ottawa to take on a role as a Bilingual Policy Analyst at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, advocating for 100,000 small- and medium-sized business owners. As the lead for agriculture policy, she listened to her members’ concerns and perspectives, assessed existing policies and their impacts on agri-businesses, and explored alternative policy approaches. At the Max Bell School of Public Policy, she is eager to deepen her training in public policy and transition from the role of stakeholder to that of policymaker.

Brent Novikoff

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Arts and Contemporary Studies, Minor in Marketing, Toronto Metropolitan University; Post-Graduate Certificate, Marketing Research and Business Intelligence, Algonquin College; Advanced Professional Ceritifcate, Behavioural Insights, University of British Columbia

Nationalities: Canadian

Recent work experience: Public Opinion Research Advisor, Government of Canada

Brent will begin his graduate studies in Public Policy at McGill University with nearly ten years of experience with the Canadian Government. Brent’s work as a public opinion research advisor, across five major federal departments, entails leading and supporting both quantitative and qualitative studies. Brent holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as post-graduate certificates in Marketing Research and Business Intelligence, as well as Behavioural Insights. Whether surveying or observing focus groups with small business owners, farmers, federal employees, program recipients, international consumers, or the Canadian public, the goal remains to reduce decision risk through evidence-based decision making. Brent has lived and worked throughout Canada but as passionate adventurer, has travelled throughout almost forty countries on six different continents.

Mia Veronika Price

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts (First Class with Distinction), Political Science, Extended Minor in French, Simon Fraser University

Nationalities: Canadian, British, Polish

Recent work experience: Research Assistant, Feminist Mobilization Index, Simon Fraser University; Pharmacy Assistant Technician, Pharmasave

Mia Veronika Price was born in the United Kingdom and raised in Quebec before settling in British Columbia. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (First Class with Distinction) in Political Science from Simon Fraser University's French Cohort Program in Public and International Affairs, with an Extended Minor in French, and completed a year-long academic exchange at the Université de Montréal. Her interest in immigration, education, and public health policy is rooted in her own experience moving between provinces, learning new languages, and adapting to new educational systems, witnessing firsthand how profoundly those transitions shape people's lives.

Emmanuel Prince-Thauvette

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, International Relations and International Law, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

Nationalities: Canadian

Recent work experience: Alberta Provincial Affairs Reporter, Radio-Canada; General Assignment Reporter, Radio-Canada

Emmanuel is a political journalist who has spent the last few years covering Alberta politics for Radio-Canada, Canada’s French national broadcaster. He has led the outlet’s coverage of political conventions, provincial budgets, legislative debates, and court decisions. He has also covered municipal, provincial, and federal election campaigns, along with other major news events, such as the 2024 Jasper wildfire and its aftermath, and the rise of Alberta’s separatist movement. After years of reporting on politics, Emmanuel has chosen to attend McGill’s MPP to deepen his understanding of how policy is designed and communicated. This new step also marks a return to his hometown of Montréal.

Hadi Saifi

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, double major in International Development Studies and Law, Justice and Society, Dalhousie University

Nationalities: Canadian

Recent work experience: Fundraising & Communications Assistant - Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia; Customer Service Representative - Government of Nova Scotia; Student Assistant/Research Assistant - Dalhousie University

Hadi Saifi’s path to public policy is rooted in displacement, resilience, and a sustained commitment to institutional justice. Having spent part of his childhood in rural Afghanistan and later years as a refugee in Thailand, Hadi came to understand exclusion not as an abstract condition, but as a reality administered through policy, legal status, and access to public services. In Thailand, he co-founded Bridge of Light and Hope. This refugee-led initiative worked with APRRN, HOST International, and Relief Singapore to support vulnerable refugee communities and advocate for education and essential services. After resettling in Halifax, he pursued International Development Studies and Law, Justice & Society at Dalhousie University while supporting refugee students and newcomers through WUSC and RRANS. At the Max Bell School of Public Policy, Hadi looks forward to deepening his knowledge of Canadian global affairs policy, immigration, and the accountability of Canada’s development funding abroad.

Rebecca Seymour

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Cape Breton University

Nationalities: Canadian

Recent work experience: Operations Supervisor, Cape Breton University Students' Union; Executive Vice President, Cape Breton University Students' Union

Rebecca Seymour is from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and has spent the last three years working in academic advocacy. She is committed to advancing equitable access to higher education through public policy. Through her work, she has developed a strong interest in advancing policies that address systemic barriers to academic opportunity for marginalized and historically excluded groups. Rebecca hopes to one day contribute to policy solutions that strengthen educational equity and create more accessible pathways to academic and professional success. Rebecca is thrilled to join the Max Bell School and further develop the skills and knowledge needed to advance meaningful and inclusive public policy initiatives.

Ameema Talat

Previous degree: Master of Arts in International Affairs, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies; Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Durham University

Nationalities: British

Recent work experience: Research Associate at AI Diplomatic and Engagement Network; Research Assistant at Global Governance Forum

Ameema Talat is pursuing a cooperative Master’s degree between Johns Hopkins University and McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy. Her work focuses on post-conflict governance, genocide and mass violence, and the policy challenges posed by emerging technologies and evolving systems of global governance. She has helped coordinate student and civil society input into UK development policy consultations by the International Development Committee. Ameema further served as a delegate and media lead at the 23rd Youth Diplomatic Forum in London. At the Global Governance Forum, she has supported research and expert convenings on the proposed United Nations Second Charter. She further spent a year at the University of Tokyo studying East Asian foreign diplomacy. She represented the University of Tokyo at the 8th International UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review, and later represented UK UN Women at the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Sofia Twende

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, International Relations, USIU-A

Recent work experience: Community Worker/Student & Family Advocate; Community Liason/Youth Worker; Program Coordinator

Born in East Africa, and with Canada now home, Sofia Twende has spent nearly a decade in the government and nonprofit sector, moving between frontline work and management. Working closely with communities made one truth difficult to ignore: hardship is rarely produced by circumstance alone; it is often reinforced by the rules, institutions, and silences around it. Public policy therefore became more than an academic interest. It became a way to ask sharper questions—who is protected, who pays, and who disappears from view—and to pursue answers with evidence and care. At McGill, Sofia hopes to strengthen the analytical skills needed to challenge gatekeeping, help design fairer systems, and ensure that people are not harmed again by institutions they turn to for help. Their ambition is simple, though not small: to help make social freedom less dependent on luck.

Lee Waldman

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts; Sociology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Rice University

Nationalities: American

Recent work experience: Dunn Fellow, the Office of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker; National Council on Youth Homelessness Member, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness

Lee Waldman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Rice University. He is driven to prevent and end youth homelessness both locally and nationally with a focus on LGBTQ+ rights and disability justice. Originally from Upstate New York, he co-founded a youth-led advocacy organization, which was awarded a multi-million dollar federal grant to create permanent supportive housing. Nationally, Lee is a member of the National Council on Youth Homelessness, where he partners with academics and think tanks to uplift young people during the research process. As a Dunn Fellow in the Office of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, he has supported projects aimed at improving the lives of LGBTQ+ and disabled Illinoisans. Through these roles, Lee has gained insight into equitable policy-making, and he is eager to build on this foundation at the Max Bell School to become an effective policy practitioner.

Adam Woehl

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Political Studies, Queen’s University

Nationalities: Canadian

Recent work experience: Waste Policy Intern, City of Kingston; Policy Intern, Community Foundation for Kingston and the Area

Adam Woehl is a recent graduate of Queen’s University with a degree in Political Studies and a Certificate in Law. Originally from Fort Erie, Ontario, he has developed a strong interest in public policy through municipal government, community development, and environmental sustainability. Adam previously worked with the City of Kingston’s Solid Waste Services division, where he helped support major waste management initiatives and public engagement efforts. He has also worked with the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, contributing to initiatives that strengthen local communities and support the nonprofit sector. Adam is passionate about building more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities and looks forward to further developing his policy analysis and leadership skills.

Sakshi Yadav

Previous degree: Bachelor of Political Science, Miranda House, University of Delhi

Nationalities: Indian

Recent work experience: Senior Associate, Rajasthan Patrika Foundation; Consultant, Indian National Congress, Inclusive Minds; Fellow, Jan Suraaj Young Leaders Program

Born and raised in Rajasthan, India, Sakshi Yadav moved to New Delhi to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Honours) at Miranda House, University of Delhi. Her interest in public policy, grassroots development, and social impact grew through both her education and work experiences. She started her career in research roles and later joined the Jan Suraj Young Leaders Program as a Fellow, working closely with communities across rural Bihar to understand local governance challenges. She then worked as a Consultant at Inclusive Minds during Assembly elections, focusing on political research and strategy, managing 11 urban constituencies. Most recently, she worked as a Senior Associate at Rajasthan Patrika Foundation, leading initiatives to train selected first-time candidates in urban local elections and strengthen local leadership. Sakshi is interested in governance, gender equality, and building policies that create meaningful social change.

Haile Meseret Yemane

Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Addis Ababa University

Nationalities: Ethiopian

Recent work experience: Market Development Officer, Ethiopian Capital Market Authority; Young Professional Trainee, Ethiopian Capital Market Authority; Economic Policy Intern, Ministry of Planning and Development Ethiopia

Haile holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Addis Ababa University. He has over two years of professional experience in capital markets, with a focus on market development, capacity building, and policy initiatives. His work involves supporting transparent market practices, investor education, stakeholder engagement, and initiatives such as the Regulatory Sandbox and IPO Clinic. He has also been actively engaged in community service and youth empowerment activities. Haile is passionate about addressing economic development challenges through effective public policy and contributing to the design and implementation of evidence-based policies that promote sustainable and inclusive development.