The Max Bell School is thrilled to introduce our 2024-25 Master of Public Policy class, made up of outstanding and diverse individuals from around the world. Meet the members of this year's cohort.
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Al-Amin Ahamed
Previous degree:听Doctor of Pharmacy (Honours) with Global Studies in Pharmacy certificate, University of Toronto - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy;听Honours Bachelor of Science (with Distinction), Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto - Innis College
Nationalities:听American, Bangladeshi, Canadian
Recent work experience:听Clinical Instructor, International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) Program - University of Toronto, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy;听Elected Vice President Professional Faculties, University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU);听Pharmacy Student Technician, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Dr. Al-Amin (Al) Ahamed, PharmD, hails from New York City and later left "The Big Apple" to study in Toronto, Canada. As a double graduate from the University of Toronto (U of T), Al has a background in life sciences, pharmacy, and global health. During his studies, he earned the prestigious University of Toronto Student Leadership Award and graduated from the Doctor of Pharmacy program as a U of T Global Scholar, Valedictorian, and Class President for Life. Passionate about leadership and global health equity, Al has worked in various health organizations, including the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists and the Hospital for Sick Children, and co-founded TRUSTi, a harm reduction venture for illicit drug users. With an innate interest in the intersections of policy and health systems, Al enters the MPP program as a McCall MacBain Scholar, striving to optimize healthcare access for marginalized groups through policy-driven interventions.
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Michael Black
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Arts, joint honours political science & history, 苹果淫院
Nationalities:听Canadian, Irish, French
Recent work experience:听Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Civipol
Michael Black grew up in Paris and later moved to Montreal to study Political Science and History at 苹果淫院. After his studies, he went on to work as a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer for Civipol, where he contributed to an EU-funded project focused on combating money laundering across Africa. With a strong background in political analysis and international development, Michael is excited to pursue a Master鈥檚 in Public Policy at the Max Bell school to develop his skills and contribute to innovative policies that strengthen international cooperation and improve governance.
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Gabriel Blanc
Previous degree:听Hons. Bachelor of Arts, History and Environmental Studies, Brown University
Nationalities: Canadian, French
Recent work experience:听Project Support Intern, UN-Habitat
Gabriel Blanc is from Toronto, Ontario. As the former co-chair of the Young Greens of Ontario, he is passionate about policies to protect the environment, promote accessible public transit, and affordable housing. At UNICEF and UN-Habitat, he developed his knowledge of global education policy and best practices for sustainable urbanization.
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Julia Bruno
Previous degree:听Bachelor听of Arts, Philosophy and Political Science, Carleton University
Nationalities: Canadian
Recent work experience:听Junior Policy Analyst, Employment and Social Development Canada
Julia Bruno is from Ottawa and made the exciting move to Montreal for school. During her undergrad, Julia studied philosophy and political science at Carleton University. It is here that she first discovered her love of political theory and political philosophy. A particularly memorable experience was a seminar on philosophy with children.听Prior to coming to 苹果淫院, Julia worked as a Junior Policy Analyst with Employment and Social Development Canada on the implementation of the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Here, she enjoyed regularly meeting with program partners to discuss all aspects of program implementation and ways to best support a wide network of stakeholders. Outside of work, Julia enjoys skiing and learning about art history.
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Jorge Seth Bumagat
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Science (with Distinction), Chemical Engineering (Co-op), University of Alberta
Nationalities:听Canadian, Filipino
Recent work experience:听Chemical Engineering Student, Coanda Research & Development;听Process Development Student, EPCOR Utilities;听Undergraduate Researcher, Arlos Research Lab, University of Alberta
Seth Bumagat was born in the Philippines and spent his early childhood in New Zealand prior to settling in Alberta, Canada. He recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Chemical Engineering in the Co-operative program. During his undergraduate studies, he was involved in engineering & environmental research in academic and industrial settings. His experiences range from analyzing micropollutants in Calgary鈥檚 Bow River, exploring tailings treatments and management, and investigating the use of data communication tools for water policy in the Philippines鈥 Laguna Lake. With his background in Chemical Engineering and research, he hopes to bring a unique perspective to the field of public policy. He embarks on his journey at the Max Bell School with aspirations of being at the forefront of addressing global and societal issues at the intersections of engineering, science, and policy.
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Alexandra Cooper
Previous degree:听Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences, Political Science, University of Ottawa
Nationality: Canadian
Recent work experience:听Advisor, Privy Council Office;听Access to Information and Privacy Analyst, Privy Council Office;听Transparency Analyst, Global Affairs Canada
Alexandra Cooper joins the Max Bell School from Ottawa, where she has lived for six years, having grown up north of Toronto. While completing her honours degree in political science at the University of Ottawa, she served on the Board of Directors for her student union and completed several CO-OP education work terms and internships. Alexandra has worked in the Government of Canada for four years, most recently as an Advisor and Junior Analyst in social policy at the Privy Council Office. Alexandra鈥檚 policy interests include Open Government and transparency, democratic accountability and citizen participation, and federalism. She is eager to expand her knowledge of complex public policy systems and explore challenging, multifaceted policy issues in the MPP program.
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Tess Corkery
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Arts, Professional Communications, Toronto Metropolitan University
Nationality:听Canadian
Recent work experience:听Communications Advisor, Employment and Social Development Canada
Tess is a dedicated public servant with a strong ambition to shape what our governments can achieve through public policy. Originally from Ontario, Tess studied Professional Communications at Toronto Metropolitan University and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. During the pandemic, Tess began her career in the Federal Public Service, where she has since played a key role in enhancing digital service delivery through her background in UX design and policy implementation. By joining the Max Bell School, Tess aims to deepen her understanding of policy development and contribute to transformative changes in our public services.
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Clea Corman
Previous degrees: Graduate Certificate in Business Management & Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Bishop's University
Nationality: Canadian
Recent work experience: Organizational Development Manager, Provincial Employment Roundtable; Executive Board Member, Le Tandem; Programs Manager, Phelps Helps
With 10 years of experience in development and social policy, Clea Corman brings cross-disciplinary leadership skills to the projects she is a part of. She has worked directly with hundreds of at-risk youth, improved drop-out rates, and increased access to bilingual health and employment services for English speakers in Quebec. With previous experience as an executive director and board member of nonprofits, she knows first-hand the importance of advocacy for community well-being. She brings expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, stakeholder management, participatory research, and capacity building. She is currently leveraging these skills to further promote the needs of English-speaking Quebecers through her work at PERT, a Montreal-based policy think tank.
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Isabella Coronado Doria
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Affairs;听Bachelor of Economics
Nationality: Colombian
Recent work experience: Project Assistant, Presidents office Universidad de los Andes;听Research Assistant, Escuela de Gobierno Alberto Lleras Camargo, Universidad de los Andes
Isabella Coronado, born on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, is an economist and professional in Government and Public Affairs from the Universidad de los Andes. Before joining Maxbell, she worked as a project assistant to the President of the Universidad de los Andes, where she implemented strategic improvement projects and managed communication between the president's office, students, and parents. Isabella's strong interest in evidence-based educational public policy has led her to work as a research assistant on various projects. Additionally, she has volunteered with education-oriented non-profit organizations in Colombia, supporting their initiatives to improve learning communities.
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Samuel de Gr芒ce
Previous degrees:听Bachelor of Arts, Major in International Political Economy & Major in Business Management, Bishop's University
Nationality:听Canadian
Recent work experience:听Project Manager, Savaria Concord Lifts
Samuel is from Magog, Quebec, and graduated from Bishops University with a major in International Political Economy and a major in Management. New to the world of policy, he joins the Max Bell School with a background in advanced economics and political theory, in combination with his years of experience in the private sector in research and development, with the drive to become an efficient policy crafter. He looks forward to the vast policy areas covered by the Max Bell program, and especially transferring his strong theoretical base into the applied world. Samuel is especially interested in environmental policy solutions based around taxation and consumer habits, using fundamental economic principles to drive consumer, and especially corporative behaviour.
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Angelina Freeman
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Arts, International Studies, American University
Nationality: American
Recent work experience:听Program Coordinator, World Learning
Angelina is from Albuquerque, United States and joins Max Bell after working as a Program Coordinator at World Learning. As a Program Coordinator, she supported the implementation of a virtual exchange program for high school students in the Middle East, North Africa and the United States. Angelina holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from American University鈥檚 School of International Service. During her time as an undergraduate, Angelina was selected as a Critical Language Scholar, Fulbright Canada Killam Fellow and Stevens Initiative Alumni Fellow, and was involved in research on policy, health and gender.
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Lilian Garcia Berg
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Universidad de Chile;听MSc. in Sustainable Energy Futures, Imperial College London
Nationality:听Chilean
Recent work experience:听Origination Manager, Sonnedix;听Profesional at Electrical Department, National Energy Commission;听Project Coordinator Engineer, Coordinador Electrico Nacional
Lili is from Santiago, Chile, and has over 11 years of experience in the energy sector and sustainability. She holds Master in Sustainable Energy from Imperial College and a bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering in University of Chile. Currently, 苹果淫院 MPP program candidate seeking to understand the challenges of crafting and implementing effective policies and to become an impactful policymaker. Lilian's interests include improving social equity and welfare, particularly in advancing the energy transition and reducing gender gaps in the energy sector.
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Kiran Gill
Previous degree: Bachelor of Industrial and Labour Relations
Nationality: Canadian
Recent work experience:听Program Administrator, Indigenous Services Canada;听Human Resources Project Officer, Employment and Social Development Canada;听Research Assistant, University of Toronto: Center for Industrial Relations and Human Resources
Kiran Gill is originally from Vancouver. He moved to Montreal four years ago to undertake his undergraduate degree at 苹果淫院. Kiran's professional experiences have led him to believe in the power of policy to create a more equal world. Specifically, he looks forward to learning more about housing, labour, and media policy.
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Camille Haisell
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology and History, University of Victoria
Nationality: Canadian
Recent work experience:听Policy Analyst, BC Public Service
With ancestral roots in Scotland and Ireland, Camille Haisell was born and raised on Lekwungen and W瘫S脕NE膯 territories in what is now known as Victoria, British Columbia. Camille is an Anthropology and History graduate from the University of Victoria. She's interested in justice system policy, with experience in the fields of civilian oversight of law enforcement and victim services. She currently works as a Policy Analyst, collaborating on policies, legislation, and programs supporting victims of violent crime in BC. In this innovative academic context, Camille is looking forward to applying an intersectional and anti-oppressive lens to the complex policy problems the world is facing and learning from the diverse perspectives of her teachers and colleagues.
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Kevin Haynes
Previous degrees:听Bachelor of Arts Political Science,听Philosophy, and听Government Relations
Nationalities: Canadian,听Croatian
Recent work experience:听Bachelor of Arts Political Science;听Bachelor of Arts Philosophy;听Government Relations
Kevin Haynes was born in Canada, but spent a considerable amount of time in post war Croatia. He wishes to develop a career in the security industry as a result of these experiences.
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Sean Jenner
Previous degrees:听Bachelor of Science, Biology and Health, Dalhousie University
Nationality: Canadian
Recent work experience:听Project Manager, Department of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Sean holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Health from Dalhousie University. Currently, Sean is a Project Manager for the Canadian Coast Guard in the Search and Rescue Directorate. With a strong academic background in health policy, Sean has contributed to campus-wide policy development initiatives through his work with the student-led medical response team. Professionally, Sean's work with Search and Rescue has led him to aid in both regional and national policy development work. Sean is excited to learn more about public policy, make new connections with public and private sector stakeholders, and collaborate with peers of various backgrounds.
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Suhanya Joseph de Saram
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Arts, Politics and Governance, Sciences Po Paris
Nationality:听Sri Lankan
Recent work experience:听Project Officer, Centre for Equality and Justice - Sri Lanka;听Trainee, European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives;听Intern, UNICEF Sri Lanka
Suhanya Joseph de Saram is a young development practitioner hailing from Colombo, Sri Lanka. She has a strong interest in socio-economic and climate policy, and has worked in the NGO and development sector in Sri Lanka with a particular focus on women's rights. With an academic background in policy and governance from Sciences Po Paris, she is eager to continue exploring fundamental policy issues and evolving policy narratives whilst at 苹果淫院.
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Jacob Kates Rose
Previous degree:听Honours Bachelor of Arts, Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies & Political Science, University of Toronto
Nationality: Canadian
Recent work experience:听Constituency Assistant, Office of Councillor Shelley Carroll, Toronto City Hall
Jacob Kates Rose is a Toronto-raised student who has come to the Max Bell School to learn the skills to think about policy, society and government in an interdisciplinary, evidence driven manner. He has previous experience working at Toronto's City Hall, as well as in various capacities in community arts organizations. Jacob is passionate about immigration and multiculturalism, housing and land use policy, and the intersection between law, policy, government and society.
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Hannah Male
Previous degrees:听Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, International Affairs, and French, Simon Fraser University
Nationality:听Canadian
Recent work experience:听International Development Officer, Global Affairs Canada;听Co-Chair, Global Affairs Canada's Young Professionals Network
Hannah Male is originally from Vancouver, Canada where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from Simon Fraser University. Following her degree, Hannah gained professional experience across several Government of Canada departments. Most recently, Hannah worked as an International Development Officer on the Haiti Bilateral Program at Global Affairs Canada, advancing security, stability, democracy, and sustainable development in Haiti, in partnership with international institutions, such as the United Nations. Hannah is keen to learn about evidence-based solutions for macro issues, as well as diving deeper into how domestic priorities impact the international landscape.
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Bianca Mammarella
Previous degrees:听Bachelor听of Science in Integrated Science, School of Interdisciplinary Science, McMaster University
Nationality: Canadian
Bianca Mammarella was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area attending McMaster University for her undergraduate training in Integrated Science with an interdisciplinary minor in community engagement and an concurrent certificate in leadership, equity and social change. She is interested in health policy specifically in resuscitation, science knowledge translation and the intersectionality of health.
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Elijah Maubert
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Arts, Joint Honours Philosophy, Political Science and Social Entrepreneurship, 苹果淫院
Nationalities:听French,听Kenyan
Recent work experience:听Policy Analyst, Macdonald-Laurier Institute
Elijah Maubert joins the Max Bell School with recent experience at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, where he contributed to policy research on AI, Technology and Innovation policy. He has recently completed his undergraduate studies at 苹果淫院, focusing on Political Science and the applied philosophy with a thesis on the Ethics of AI. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical policy analysis, and a keen interest in the ethical implications of emerging & exponential technologies, Elijah is dedicated to addressing policy challenges at the nexus of technology and society. He aims to contribute to the development of policies that ensure the responsible use of AI, promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the digital age.
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Nickson Mugabi
Previous degree:听LLB(Hons)MUK
Nationality:听Ugandan
As a dedicated human rights advocate, Nickson Mugabi has spent over three years supporting political & torture victims in Uganda, helping them recover from trauma and rebuild their livelihoods. With a strong educational foundation in law from Makerere University Law School, Nickson brings expertise in administration, advocacy, activism, research, and alternative dispute resolution to the community of those among whom have crossed the lethal strike involved in the pursuit of social justice. Skilled in knowledge graphs, Nickson effectively analyzes and visualizes complex data to inform human rights initiatives. Passionate about creating positive change, Nickson is committed to continuous learning and seeking innovative tools to enhance the dignified respect of all humans as equal.
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Cyrus Nagra
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Political Science and Philosophy, University of Ottawa
Nationality: Canadian
Recent work experience:听Business Client services, RBC;听Administrative Assistant, PI Financial;听Junior Legal Associate, HelloBrigit
Cyrus Nagra is a recent graduate receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Ottawa. He has gained some work experience in both the financial services and legal sectors. First with a small wealth management family practice in Toronto and more recently at RBC, assisting with the merger of the domestic operations of HSBC. He has also held contract work in the legal department of the fin-tech startup HelloBrigit. Cyrus has also undertaken social justice and education reform work in Maharashtra, India with the YUG Foundation, by working to amend municipal school curricula for Pune's institute for the blind. These experiences have influenced his interest in understanding the policy process and the Public Good. Cyrus is hoping to gain new skillsets from the MPP program that will help in his future study of the intersection of law and policy both in Canada and abroad.
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Zara Rezae
Previous degree:听BA, Major in Political Science, Minor in Communication Studies
Nationality: Canadian
Recent work experience:听Digital Clerk/Administrative Agent
Zara is originally from Afghanistan, was raised and grew up in Iran, moved to Turkey and lived in Istanbul for four years, and finally moved to Canada 10 years ago with her family. Recently, Zara got her BA in political science from 苹果淫院, and due to her concerns and interests in public health, immigration and human rights, Zara continued her higher education journey at MaxBell School of Public Policy.
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Fayez Sahak
Previous degree:听Bachelor in Law, American University of Afghanistan
Nationality:听Canadian
Recent work experience:听Monitoring Expert, Organization at World Bank;听Adaptation Policy and Monitoring and Evaluation Expert,听SAMA Consulting;听Stakeholder Mapping and Analysis Consultant,听International Rescue Committee
Service-oriented professional with 7 years of experience in adaptation/mitigation and monitoring & evaluation, specializing in gender-responsive evaluations and policy development. I have worked extensively on gender equality, climate change, migration, and food insecurity, supporting women鈥檚 organizations and marginalized groups. My expertise includes climate resilience, carbon emission reduction, and rigorous monitoring frameworks. Skilled in designing Result Frameworks, Theories of Change, and Logframes, I collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to ensure impactful initiatives. With a strong understanding of the UN system and humanitarian programs, I excel at building partnerships and driving sustainable change.
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Antoinette Steele
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, International Policy Studies, Carleton University
Nationality: Canadian
Recent work experience:听Assistant Negotiator, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada;听Policy, Public Affairs and Projects Assistant, Canadian Institute of Planners;听Student, Department of Justice Canada
Toni Steele is a 2023 graduate of Carleton University, where she received a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management degree. With a goal to make public policy more accessible to other students, Toni became a Staff Writer with Kroeger Policy Review, a student-run policy publication, writing on issues such as environmental pollution and urban planning. Toni has varied policy interests, leading her to work and research in many different organizations. However, she currently works in the Federal Government at Crown-Indigenous Relations. Passionate about helping others and contributing to a more sustainable, equitable future, Toni is excited to learn, challenge herself, and connect with others at the Max Bell School.
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Adrienne Vaupshas
Previous degree:听
Nationality:听
Recent work experience:
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No茅mie听Veilleux
Previous degrees:听Bachelor of Arts, Sexology, Universit茅 du Qu茅bec 脿 Montr茅al
Nationality:听Canadian
Recent work experience:听Sexual Violence Prevention Specialist, Social Collective;听Student, Minist猫re de l'Enseignement sup茅rieur du Qu茅bec;听Research Assistant, Chaire de recherche sur les violences sexistes et sexuelles en milieu d'enseignement sup茅rieur
No茅mie Veilleux is a sexologist who graduated with honors from Universit茅 du Qu茅bec 脿 Montr茅al. She is involved in research and program design aimed at addressing and preventing sexual violence in educational settings. No茅mie has also worked on the implementation of public health policies within Quebec's Ministry of Higher Education. She is passionate about outdoor activities and sustainable changes that arise from the convergence of knowledge development, community action, and inclusive public policy. Beyond her professional bio, No茅mie is a friend, sister, and adventurer. She is excited to join Max Bell community to further enhance her skills and critical thinking.
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Husein Pumaya Yakubu
Previous degree:听Bachelor of Science, Land Management, University for Development Studies
Nationality:听Ghanaian
Recent work experience:听Asst Program Officer, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources;听Civil Service Fellow, Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana;听Research Assistant, In-Out Research Consult
Husein Pumaya is dedicated to advancing effective public governance and land administration. With a strong background in Land Management and over five years of professional experience in land administration and government, Pumaya has played a key role in revising Ghana's National Land Policy and contributing to drafting the Regulations for the Land Act of Ghana. He also leads the secretariat of the Ghana Land Sector Multi-Stakeholder Platform. By joining the Max Bell School of Public Policy, Pumaya aims to hone his public policymaking and analysis skills further, positioning himself to promote resource equality and enhance public sector management in Africa and beyond.
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