Congratulations to our 2021 student bursary recipients!
These student members are from Nova Scotia and are completing accredited social work programs at Canadian universities. They each received $500 to help them achieve their academic and professional goals, and we wish them well in their studies.
CHELSEA PROVO
Dalhousie School of Social Work
Chelsea Provo
I reside in the community of Preston and am currently in my first year of a two-year MSW degree. I have always been passionate about pursuing a career to help marginalized populations and those who face racism and discrimination.
Growing up in North and East Preston, I have faced a great deal of racism and discrimination within the education system, work, and everyday life. These circumstances have had a profound effect on me and helped shape the person I am becoming. There is a dire need to re-examine and revise curriculums, practices, policies, rules, regulations, and research to enact social change and promote the core values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. People from diverse backgrounds need to be heard to establish the necessary change that creates opportunity within this process.
With my social work degree, I hope to pursue my goal of being a clinical social worker, and perhaps become a Veterans Affairs social worker.
CHANA WIELENGA | they/them
Dalhousie School of Social Work
Chana Wielenga
I was inspired to pursue a social work career while working as a community host at a clinic – a position where I supported and advocated for clients and visitors. Since starting at Dalhousie, I have joined the School of Social Work’s Diversity and Equity Committee (DEC); the Faculty of Health’s Inclusion and Equity Committee; and during 2020/2021, the School of Social Work’s Student Group.
Starting as a student member of DEC, I have also become a research assistant for the committee. Although still exploring the possibilities of where my career might take me, I have focused on issues of equity and social justice in my assignments; I would very much like to be involved in macro-level work, such as policy development.
LAURA BAIN
Dalhousie School of Social Work
Laura Bain
I graduated with a BA (hons.) from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax in 2016. Since then, I have been working as a reporter for Accessible Media Inc., sharing stories from the various disability communities in Atlantic Canada. I have many past and current involvements with disability advocacy organizations. In my theatrical debut this past spring with The Villains Theatre Company, I was proud to be cast as a first-voice member of the community playing a blind character.
This is my first year of the two-year MSW program at Dalhousie University, and I will be doing my first-year placement at CNIB NS where I am also a board member. I’m looking forward to using the knowledge I’m gaining in my program to support my community. My many areas of interest include mental health and addictions, housing and homelessness, and holistic approaches to wellness including nature-based therapy.
SHATAYA STEVENSON | she/her
Dalhousie School of Social Work
Shataya Stevenson
Born and raised in Halifax Nova Scotia, I have lived my entire life in the city. My passion to become a social worker started at a young age due to my lived experiences.
I am honoured to have been accepted into the School of Social Work at Dalhousie, and hope to continue my professional learning through employment, practicum, and education.
