Faculty supports students attendance at conference for tomorrow’s global leaders

Four Arts and Science students were fully funded by FAS to attend the annual Cansbridge Fellowship Conference. The Fellowships help widen students’ academic networks and accelerate their careers while surrounding them with like-minded and passionate change-makers.

The students selected for this opportunity included Laylin Keyes (Psychology), Jake Schincariol (Politics, Philosophy, and Economics), Amanda Ackehurst (Political Studies and Philosophy), and Essi Amegbelo (Global Development Studies).

The four joined Emily Talas (Concurrent Education, Health Studies, and Certificate in Business), Gonzalo Soto (Engineering), Aidan Gurung (Global Development Studies, English Minor), and Lauren Carsen (Physics) who were named Cansbridge Fellows earlier this year.

During the conference held in Squamish, British Columbia from May 13 to 15, attendees flew in from around the world and enjoyed an opportunity to meet and network with previous winners.

“We had the opportunity to provide funding for four Faculty of Arts and Science students to join Emily, Gonzalo, Aidan, and Lauren at the conference,” says Dean Barbara Crow, Faculty of Arts and Science, who also attended the event in person. “The weekend was filled with professional and personal development opportunities and all eight students benefitted from engaging with our country’s current leaders as well as each other and fellow students.”

Fellows participated in workshops, discussions, and adventures throughout the week alongside Canada’s greatest business, entrepreneurial, and spiritual leaders. Fellows were challenged to develop a venture idea and pitch it to investors. Lastly, fellows had the opportunity to meet the rest of the Cansbridge network and develop life-changing relationships.

“I wanted to attend this conference because it is an opportunity like no other,” explains Amegbelo. “It gathers a network of people that are ambitious and optimistic at forming innovative solutions for the future. I wanted to engage in thought provoking questions with like-minded people across Canada. Like education, experiences are an asset, and I was thrilled to learn from this opportunity.”

To learn more, visit the Cansbridge Fellowship website. Applications for next year open in the fall.