fb pixel
The University of Winnipeg

Project Assistants

Juan Li - Archives

Photo of Juan Li, Project Assistant in German-Canadian Studies, smiling at the cameraJuan Li joined German-Canadian Studies at the University of Winnipeg as a Project Assistant in February 2025. She is also a PACE student at the University of Winnipeg, enrolled in the Advanced Business Management program. Previously, she obtained her Diplom in Technical Communication and Translation from the University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal in Germany in 2007.

Having lived, studied and worked in Germany for many years, Juan has developed a deep appreciation and passion for German culture and traditions. With a decade of professional experience as an executive assistant and project coordinator in international companies, she has honed her organizational, cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills.

Juan looks forward to contributing her expertise to GCS, supporting academic projects and initiatives that explore German history heritage in Canada. In her role, she collaborates with the Chair in GCS to research archives and personal collections within the context of German culture.

 

Lea Friesen - Oral History

Lea Friesen stands in front of a shrub, smiling at the cameraLea Friesen joined the German-Canadian Studies team as a Project Assistant in Oral History in May 2025. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and German from the University of Manitoba, and is excited to continue learning while increasing her daily exposure to the German language through transcription and translation work.

Lea studied for one year in Greifswald, Germany and speaks German in her daily life. This opportunity allows her to apply her passion for the German language in her professional life, exploring the unique blend of language, cultural exploration, and history that the position offers, particularly regarding German immigration to Canada.

Lea is looking forward to contributing meaningfully to GCS’ ongoing oral history projects and helping preserve the stories and experiences of German Canadians. She hopes to carve out her own niche within the transcription and translation side of the work and is excited to see where this journey takes her!