Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) has seen yet another summer come and go. Despite our work-from-home context, summer fellows went above and beyond with new perspectives, inventive solutions, and passionate attention to issues that mattered most to them. The fellows never cease to amaze GCC with their dedication and hard work!
This year, operating within an online format posed new opportunities for collaboration as fellows were based not only in Ontario but also Quebec, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. From donor mapping to writing blog posts and press releases, assisting at Indigenous Innovation Initiative and Humanitarian Grand Challenge events, to innovation screening, this year’s cohort participated in a wide range of activities.
Here’s what they had to say about their summer experience. Including key takeaways, and advice for future summer fellows:
Martina Facchin (she/her) | Team: Global Health Innovation
Education: Political Science & Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies, University of Toronto, 2021
Which project from your summer did you find most interesting?
One of my most interesting projects this summer has been working with the OPTions portfolio to track how much money is being allocated towards safe pregnancy termination on a global scale. This donor mapping process has been very challenging to navigate, involving mixed-methods research and thought-provoking discussions with various stakeholders. Overall, it’s motivating to know that our project will help identify gaps and potentially leverage new funding.
What is a key takeaway from your experience at Grand Challenges Canada?
Working in global health innovation as a donor requires constant self-reflection and adaptability. Whether it’s navigating new international regulations or challenging the current application requirements for grantees, GCC is on the forefront of these conversations and follows through by taking action. Seeing the drive to do and be better in the people I work with has been very inspiring.
What advice would you give to future summer fellows?
Two things, firstly everyone at GCC wants to see you succeed, as a summer fellow and beyond. Make sure you communicate your needs and interests throughout your fellowship. Secondly, be curious. You’ll likely be given tasks across portfolios and being curious will help you to discover new interests and skill sets you previously hadn’t consider.
What is your favourite way to de-stress from a long day?
In general, I feel the need to go outside and get off a screen, whether that means going for a run or catching up with some friends; it depends on my motivation that day. This summer, I’ve found beach volleyball particularly fun!
Ashley Mutasa (she/her) | Team: Knowledge Management & Translation
Education: BSc (Hons) Neuroscience Specialist, double minor in Statistics & Biology, 2022
Which project from your summer did you find most interesting?
I have always been fascinated by data and the power that numbers have to change the world for the better. Over the summer, I worked with a lot of numbers — validating assumptions and evaluating impact models. I enjoyed working on a project to improve the collection of disaggregated data to better assess progress towards the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
What is a key takeaway from your experience at Grand Challenges Canada?
Although the world can seem marred by intractable injustices and inequity, there are people working tirelessly and selflessly to impact true and lasting change.
What advice would you give to future summer fellows?
I cannot understate the importance of networking! Working at GCC gives you access to some of the most accomplished people in the global health sphere. Learn from as many people as you can. The conversations you will have here will be pivotal to your career development.
What is your favourite way to de-stress from a long day?
I enjoy doing archery in the back yard.
Samaa Kazerouni (she/her) | Team: Global Health Innovation
Education: Masters of Global Affairs, Bachelor of Arts and Science (international development, psychology)
Which project from your summer did you find most interesting?
I had the opportunity to write blog posts for the OPTions portfolio, allowing me to research the history and new methods of pregnancy termination. It was fascinating to learn about the massive implications that politics, culture, and traditions have on advances in women’s health. Learning about the intricacies of navigating the safe pregnancy termination space, from both a communications and data perspective, was eye opening as well.
What is a key takeaway from your experience at Grand Challenges Canada?
This experience highlighted the central role of grant-making organizations within international development. I gained a better understanding of the diversity of stakeholders funding projects globally and learned about the stages of the funding lifecycle from the perspective of a funder.
What advice would you give to future summer fellows?
Make the most of your colleagues at GCC, whether it is through actively participating in the monthly speaker sessions or reaching out to individuals whose paths you are interested in learning more about. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up if there is a project you want to be involved with or a team you want to learn from. GCC works hard to listen to summer fellows and to ensure that they have a well-rounded experience!
What is your favourite way to de-stress from a long day?
I really enjoy long walks in the evenings, sometimes with a quick stop by my local ice cream store for some dessert!
Avinash Pillay (He/Him) | Team: Legal
Education: Hons. B.Sc. (McMaster), Queen’s Law J.D. Candidate 2022
Which project from your summer did you find most interesting?
The project I found most interesting was working to develop GCC’s privacy and data protection architecture to be up to date with current best practices in this niche, but ever-growing field of the law. GCC’s unique foundation allowed me to work with Canadian legislation such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, as well as the European Union’s
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and e-Privacy Directive. I found these projects to be interesting because they engage with my passions for technology and data security, while still being “grey” enough to allow for creativity and out of the box problem solving.
What is a key takeaway from your experience at Grand Challenges Canada?
To keep an open mind to the kinds of work that bring you joy. I entered my time at GCC with the impression that a legal career is both hierarchal and high stress. GCC’s legal team helped me see that a lawyer can accomplish meaningful work while benefitting cathartically from providing legal support to a multi-disciplinary organization. I took away the understanding that the most important reward gained from a good career is the value of achievement and doing what you love.
What advice would you give to future summer fellows?
Get to know your fellow GCC colleagues! I found that the organization is very multifaceted, with team members originating from backgrounds such as broadcasting, science, engineering, business, and more. Many GCC staff members started their journey on a completely different career path. Consequently, I found it useful to talk candidly with staff and friends to get to know them better. Career elements that interested me appeared organically in these conversations, creating a network of mentors that has helped me become comfortable with the uncertainty of the future.
What is your favourite way to de-stress from a long day?
A brisk 45-minute workout, followed by a shower and 20 minutes of meditation!
Drew-Anne Glennie (she/her)| Team: Global Health Innovation
Education: International Relations and Peace, Conflict and Justice, University of Toronto 2022
Which project from your summer did you find most interesting?
I worked on the communications for to announce Global Mental Health’s first seed cohort, which included writing the press release and liaising with our international funding partners to ensure this important program got the coverage it deserves!
What is a key takeaway from your experience at Grand Challenges Canada?
I got hands-on experience combining my program of study with my interest for communications, which is what I plan to do in my future career. This was under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals, who taught me a lot about both sides of my passion as well as how to bring them together.
What advice would you give to future summer fellows?
If there is a project or idea you want to take on, just ask! That is how I ended up working on some of my favourite assignments of the summer.
What is your favourite way to de-stress from a long day?
Tending to my rooftop container garden!
Aiden Cyr ( he/him) | Team: Indigenous Innovation Initiative
Education: Bachelor of Arts Major in Community, Public Affairs, and Policy Studies & Major in Political Science, Concordia University 2021
Which project from your summer did you find most interesting?
The Indigenous Innovation Initiative (I3) hosted an event, “Paddles Up! Summer Celebration of Indigenous Innovation,” in honour of the Indigenous innovators we supported in our inaugural year of programming. Helping make the day special for the Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQ+ people who are redefining social enterprise and uplifting their communities everyday presented me with so many interesting takeaways. Ultimately, working firsthand with innovators grounded me culturally which helped me better professionally support Indigenous excellence in the innovation space.
What is a key takeaway from your experience at Grand Challenges Canada?
I3 trusted me to try my hand at a number of projects where I was able to learn a lot more about myself and find the things that I am both good at and more importantly enjoy doing. Perhaps, my greatest takeaway is that there is no, “right path” and that it is best to satisfy your inner interests (gut feeling) and continue to explore new paths wherever they might take you.
What advice would you give to future summer fellows?
Don’t be afraid to use your voice and ideas! Grand Challenges Canada is a welcoming organization full of brilliant minds. You may be intimidated to open up over the summer because you’re new and may not be used to your ideas being taken seriously. When you share your ideas you’ll realize just how inviting and accepting the people in this organization are to creativity, challenging the norm, and authenticity. Sharing new ideas is a risk that’s worth taking!
What is your favourite way to de-stress from a long day?
Strolling down a busy street on a beautiful day. Finding a patio, drinking a drink, and laughing with my friends and loved ones.
Nabeel Chudasama (He/Him) | Team: Global Health Innovation
Education: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Health Sciences (Co-Op), University of Waterloo, 2023
Which project from your summer did you find most interesting?
I had the opportunity to work on the Innovation Screen for GCC’s Stars in Global Health Program, which is the first step in the review process for selecting applications that will be funded. I found the project to be interesting because it allowed me to gain an insight into the various bold ideas that future and current innovators believe will improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of children, adolescents, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa.
What is a key takeaway from your experience at Grand Challenges Canada?
I learnt that it is okay to not have everything figured out such as perfectly planning where your professional or academic journey is heading in the next 5-10 years. I learnt that non-traditional backgrounds are perfectly normal, most of the fantastic individuals that work here come from diverse experiences. It is always important to keep an open mind, and when thinking about the next phase of your journey, think about how it aligns with what makes you happy.
What advice would you give to future summer fellows?
The summer fellowship will go by quicker than you think; it would be great to reflect on what skills you want to build on from this experience and what else you want to learn. The individuals that work here are extremely supportive, if you have an idea about something, share it with your team; if you want to get your hands on an interesting project, share it with your supervisor. Do not be afraid to connect with people.
What is your favourite way to de-stress from a long day?
In the summer, going for a long bike ride. In the colder seasons, drinking a cup of tea and re-watching my favorite series.
Habon Ali (she/her) | Team: Humanitarian Grand Challenge
Education: HBsc with High Distinction from the University of Toronto (2020), MSc in Global Health at McMaster University (2021)
Which project from your summer did you find most interesting?
I contributed to the planning, research, and execution of an Humanitarian Grand Challenge Town Hall in May. The purpose of the town hall was to convene innovators within the HGC community to reflect on how we could improve our community and become a leading influence on the humanitarian sector. This experience was informative. I learned about the humanitarian sector and the incredible work innovators were spearheading to improve and save lives in conflict zones.
What is a key takeaway from your experience at Grand Challenges Canada?
There is a lot of doom and gloom in the world and our generation is up against the immense pressure of intersecting crises, including the climate crisis. GCC has taught me that human ingenuity is a reason for hope. There are people and coalitions of teams leading responses and creating proactive solutions for our times most pressing issues. As conflict and crises continue to occur, innovation and hope will continue to exist.
What advice would you give to future summer fellows?
If you are experiencing the internship online or in person, the wealth of knowledge, experiences, and kindness at GCC is unlimited. Set up coffee chats, collaborate with fellow interns, and get to know your teams well. The summer flies by so it is important to be intentional coming into your internship.
What is your favourite way to de-stress from a long day?
Jumping on a facetime with my best friends or going on a walk in my neighborhood.
Joy Hannam (she/her) | Team: Communications
Education: International Development, Minor in Psychology and Health Geography, McGill University, 2021
Which project from your summer did you find most interesting?
A project that I found interesting to do was assisting in social media content support for the OPTions RFP. Taking part in this project provided me with an opportunity to utilize my expertise in graphic design, video creation as well as collaborate with other members of the OPTions team. As a result of this experience, I got a first-hand understanding of how networks within non-profits and health institutions operate, and the importance for transparency and clarity in communication.
What is a key takeaway from your experience at Grand Challenges Canada?
A key takeaway for me was appreciating the power of emerging innovation and ideas that come from entrepreneurs, researchers, and sectors and how it all works together. I got to witness firsthand how different experiences and opportunities have led both GGC staff and innovators to come up with unique solutions to present challenges. Having learned the importance of coordination and how different people contribute to making an impact has motivated me continue working in the NGO sector.
What advice would you give to future summer fellows?
Advice that I would give to future summer fellows is to be curious! Learning more about things can help you to understand how and why they work. That is the best way to understand how things are connected to each other and how things operate at such a scale as GCC.
What is your favourite way to de-stress from a long day?
In the evening, I like to take walks around the city, bringing my camera along.
