fb pixel
The University of Winnipeg

2025 Participants: Inner-City Work Study

Student picture Ahdieh Bimrew: Age 23. Neuroscience

I am passionate about community development and empowering individuals to take ownership of their growth. This program offers a unique opportunity to apply my experience in grassroots initiatives while deepening my understanding of reconciliation and systemic change. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how inner-city organizations address social inequities, and develop practical skills in community engagement, and learn how to connect academic theories on urban development with real-world solutions. I bring experience in youth mentorship, community-based education, and organizing service projects that foster collaboration and engagement. My background in neuroscience and psychology also allows me to approach challenges with an analytical and cognitive perspective. I believe sustainable change comes from within communities, and I am eager to learn from and work alongside residents, leaders, and organizations committed to meaningful transformation.

 

student picture Alysa Baraniuk: Age 41. Psychology

I am interested in the Inner-City Work Study Program because I want to be able to work with Indigenous women who are facing extreme situations such as domestic violence, homelessness, and drug abuse. I want to be able to work with them in my future career and this opportunity offers me the chance at more hands-on experience in what that will look like. I hope to learn from my supervisors in how they manage conflict when situations get difficult, how to grow empathetically towards others who come from different backgrounds, to dampen any unconscious bias I may have, and just have a great summer learning all that I can. I have a passion for advocating for the women in domestic violence situations and the promotion towards their healing journeys. I think this passion will help me to contribute empathy towards these women and their children and can only strengthen me in future careers moving forward. My hope is I can be helpful and supportive during my time there. I am very excited to be working in an Indigenous based transitional home for women who are facing homelessness, addiction, domestic violence as well as transitioning from incarceration. The hope is to heal from these past traumas and find a way to reintegrate into society or just develop the skills to be independent. In doing so, these women can find empowerment and restart their lives.

 

student photo Anshu Kaura: Age 21. Business Administration

A valuable commitment to the Inner-City Work Study program gets my deep interest—reconciliation, community empowerment, and social justice. All these issues interest me greatly. This offers me a great opportunity to work directly with the inner-city communities of Winnipeg and to offer potential learning experiences working from different perspectives while contributing toward mutual understanding within and between Indigenous, non-Indigenous, and newcomer populations. I wish to develop practical strategies to mobilize communities through the program, gain experience with harm reduction and conflict de-escalation techniques, and apply theoretical frameworks to concrete situations. More important is my interest in understanding how systemic barriers and social inequalities impact communities and how real and constructive dialogue can lead to real change within a community. My sensitivity and kindness with a commitment to collaborative learning should add to the collective environment of the program. Business and administration studies will see me through this application with a knowledge of project management and strategic planning—things that will favor community-based projects and. I am excited to participate actively in a process that not only promotes healing within our community but also equips me to become a more informed, compassionate, and socially responsible individual and will help build bridges and make a sustainable change in our community.

 

student photo Ashley Guenther: Age 24. Psychology

I am interested in the Inner-City Work Study program because I believe working within the inner-city community provides essential life and work experience for people pursuing a helping career. I hope to learn more about the community in Winnipeg, what reconciliation means to people in the inner-city and to learn practical skills to foster relationships with reconciliation at the forefront. I think my experience as a Direct Support worker will allow me to work with compassion and knowledge I have collected along the way. I will also contribute an excitement to learn and a dedication to challenge myself in situations I may not have previously encountered. I am excited to use the education I have and apply it to working with communities in the inner-city.

 

Brianna Machado: Age 21. Political Science

The Inner-City Work Study Program aligns deeply with my personal connection to underserved communities—communities that my father was once a part of. My mother, a nurse who has dedicated years to serving inner-city neighborhoods, has also shaped my passion for helping others. Together, their influence has inspired me to be part of the solution for creating lasting, positive change. This program presents a unique opportunity to connect with individuals on a more meaningful level and make a real difference in both their lives and the broader community. Through this experience, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing inner-city neighborhoods and develop valuable skills in community engagement, problem-solving, and social justice. I’m excited to contribute my energy, dedication, and perspective to support initiatives that uplift the community, while also learning from those who have firsthand experience in this vital work. I truly believe this program will not only allow me to give back but also help me grow into a more informed and effective advocate for social change!

 

student photo Caleb Chernick: Age 21. Psychology

I want to help people, supporting others and creating meaningful relationships. This process brings me utmost joy and purpose to my life. It is truly what I want to do for the rest of my life. This program offers an amazing opportunity to provide me with crucial and hands-on experience in the exact kind of profession I am passionate about pursuing. I would be absolutely thrilled to be helping right in the heart of our community and actively working to make a positive impact. I hope to learn how to be an even more impactful member of our Urban Inner-City and broader Winnipeg community, through learning more about reconciliation, community practice theory, and how to effectively help heal our community. Alongside important planning, supporting, and communication skills that will help me make my partner organization an even stronger helper in our community. I am a very friendly, personable, empathetic, and open-minded person, who wants to help as many people as I can. I am dedicated to learning and growing along my journey to becoming a more helpful part of the community. I will use these skills to contribute to supporting our community members, supporting staff and volunteers, and bringing new ideas and fresh perspectives to the programs my organization offers. I will try my hardest to improve upon the already existing processes and programs that they offer, as well as implement new ones. At the same time, I will be hardworking and flexible helping wherever it is needed. I am a dynamic, enthusiastic and caring individual who will enhance the volunteer capacity by contributing to the smooth operation of my organization. I have a commitment to social justice and a compassionate heart for empowering people to give their best and overcome barriers. I truly believe I can be a key figure in helping our community. I love helping people, rock climbing, gaming, petting and playing with my Greyhound named Heath, and spending time with my partner, family and friends.

 

student photo Cameron Crockett: Age 24. Psychology

I want to gain hands on experience in a helping role while learning from professionals what it takes to run an Inner-city program. I hope to learn about the strengths of Inner-city organizations and the communities they support as well as how to apply harm reduction principles.  I believe I will contribute a non-judgmental, compassionate approach to the work as well as an open minded and positive attitude in the classroom.

 

student photo David Lado: Age 21. Business and Administration

The Inner-City Work Study program offers a valuable opportunity to combine theoretical learning with hands-on experience. This program also provides a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships. As a business student, I see this as a great opportunity to expand my knowledge in Urban and Inner City Studies, and develop into a more well-rounded professional. One of the key topics I hope to learn more about through this program is Truth and Reconciliation. I believe I have skills and experiences that can contribute to this program. I have informal experience interacting with inner-city communities, and I have dedicated many hours to volunteering with various non-profit organizations throughout the city. Additionally, my knowledge of business and economics could be beneficial to the program. Overall, I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program!

 

student photo Drake Perry: Age 31. Political Science

I’m looking forward to joining the Inner-City Work Study program as I’m excited to gain experience in the non-profit and charitable organization sector and better understand how these organizations function. This program is an opportunity to build my professional skills, learn from new mentors, and connect with the community. Through my placement with the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, I hope to connect with Indigenous entrepreneurs and allies and understand how this organizations advocates for its members through the principles of economic reconciliation and procurement. My ability to communicate, create meaningful engagement and my administrative experience are skills that I bring into the workforce. I am from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation in Treaty 4 Territory and an intergenerational residential school survivor, with both my mother and stepfather having attended in the past. In the future, I hope to further my education in public policy and administration and use that knowledge and experience to pursue a career in politics and Indigenous advocacy.

 

student photo Isabella Gatehouse-Pike: Age 22. Urban and Inner-City Studies

I am interested in the Inner-City Work Study because it gives me a chance to work within the nonprofit sector and explore my interests in community development and policy making. Along with the academic opportunity to expand my knowledge on inner city community practices and anti-oppressive tactics, I believe this course will benefit me greatly. This course will also give me the skills needed to continue my education in this field and deliver me more work opportunities outside of the program. Throughout this program I hope to learn more about networking and the communication strategies used by nonprofits. By the end of this program I aim to have developed new skills in communications, anti-oppressive work tactics and professional writing. Academically I hope to learn more about how we as individuals can help improve the state of Winnipeg's inner city, this goes along with learning more about Winnipeg's policies and history. I also hope to learn more about the different kinds of nonprofits Winnipeg has to offer. My contributions will include a fresh set of eyes to the partner organizations, offering a new set of ideas and creative strategies. With a positive attitude I plan to create a fun and exciting experience for my superiors, co-workers and classmates. Over all I will contribute to creating a positive environment and using my knowledge from class to develop informed success strategies for the partner organization.

 

student photo Jersey Maxwell: Age 19. Education

I am a Métis woman in the Faculty of Education! I am on my journey to becoming an educator, with a passion for working with young minds. I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the Newcomers Employment & Education Development Services Program! Through this role, I will have the privilege of supporting youth during their first few months of integration into Canada and I am dedicated to making this process a positive experience for the children. The Inner-City Work Study Program offers the ideal environment for me to apply my knowledge and practices to help build a positive atmosphere and community. This program fosters relationships while addressing complex issues. I believe this program highlights the importance of tackling inner-city injustices, while also providing a hand in help to support sustainability. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from working with children is that I learn just as much from them as they do from me! This is why I am eager to learn and apply the knowledge from this course in real-time. As a future educator and a current educational assistant, it is my responsibility to create a safe, positive, and nurturing environment that encourages curiosity, comfort, and growth for all students. To fulfill my role as an educator, it is crucial for me to understand the injustices faced by inner-city communities, so I can better support and connect with the challenges they face.

 

student photo Madison Doerksen: Age 19, Criminal Justice.

I am interested in the Inner-City Work Study program because I feel it will be an invaluable learning experience and an opportunity to be immersed into the city I have lived in my whole life. This Inner-City work program gives me the opportunity to apply what I have learned so far in my Criminal Justice degree to real life challenges as well as participate in meaningful action with my community. I believe it is important to understand the complexities of the dynamics of the city and how it interacts with the criminal justice system. I hope to further my understanding of Indigenous issues within the inner city and what reconciliation looks like put into action. I’m interested in the many socioeconomic factors that contribute to crime as well as how the criminal justice effects those that are a part of it. I am looking forward to my role at YES Manitoba helping youth in the criminal justice system find employment as it gives me invaluable insight and hands on experience working with those effected by the criminal justice system itself. These organizations are what keeps our city alive, and I am so excited to be a part of fostering further community connection.

 

student photo Man Nguyen Huynh: Age 33. Social Innovation and Community Development – Red River College Polytech

My interest in the program stems from a passion for empowering communities to create sustainable solutions rooted in their lived experiences and culture, aligning with meaningful actions for reconciliation. This program offers an opportunity to integrate my experiences and skills with new learning, contributing to healing and strengthening our community more effectively, especially as many Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions remain unfulfilled. I aim to deepen my understanding of community engagement by working directly with community members, developing outreach strategies that address their specific needs, and assisting in coordinating programs that promote self-reliance and sustainability. I also want to learn how to navigate challenges in community development, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and apply innovative solutions to support long-term impact. My experience in fly-in Indigenous communities has deepened my understanding of the lasting impacts of colonization, residential schools, and social disparities. With a background in leadership, social innovation, and community work, I am prepared to contribute by improving accessibility, facilitating meaningful discussions, and supporting sustainability efforts. The Seven Grandfather Teachings—love, humility, wisdom, bravery, honesty, respect, and truth—guide my collaboration with community members. These values shape my approach to supporting reconciliation by fostering trust, understanding, and meaningful engagement.

 

student photo Matthew Pahl: Age 22. Psychology

I applied to the Inner-City Work Study program because I want to help people in need, but I don’t always know the best way to do so. As someone who lives in Winnipeg’s inner-city, I have seen firsthand the injustices that exist – homelessness, poverty, and systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Indigenous communities. This program offers a chance to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills I need to make a meaningful difference. I am excited to be working with OPK, where I hope to learn how to support inner-city communities in a way that is both effective and respectful. My curiosity and empathy drive me to understand the root causes of these issues, and my background in psychology has strengthened my ability to listen and engage thoughtfully. Ultimately, I see this opportunity as a step toward my future in a helping profession, possibly in social work or counselling. I want to contribute a positive, strengths-based perspective and learn how to walk alongside others in their journeys.

 

student photo Mehakpreet Saini: Age 22. Criminal Justice

I'm thrilled to participate in the Inner-City Work Study program as it offers a unique opportunity to apply both practical experience and academic learning in the community. Through this program, I aim to deepen my understanding of reconciliation, community engagement, and develop essential skills like grant writing and harm reduction. With my criminal justice background, I hope to contribute valuable insights while actively participating in fostering positive change. This experience will not only enhance my education but also prepare me for a career dedicated to social justice and community empowerment.

 

student photo Petra Friesen: Age 29. Psychology

I feel honoured to finish up my degree with the Inner-City Work Study program. I joined the program because I love working with people and wanted a hands-on way to learn about the different initiatives in Winnipeg- especially those working with newcomers. As someone who has been a newcomer to different countries and cultures, I know how intense that transition can be. That’s why I feel honored to have the chance to support others through similar experiences. This program is also a great way for me to bridge my studies with real-world work, especially as I hope to pursue a career in therapy. I’m excited to bring my passion for community, my cross-cultural experiences, and my years of working with people into this role—and I can’t wait to learn and grow through it!

 

student photo Salem Mamo: Age 23. Criminal Justice

I am interested in the Inner-City Work Study program because I want to connect my studies in criminal justice and conflict resolution practically. I recently took an urban and inner-city class, which sparked my interest in learning more about the community that calls the inner-city home. I am interested in furthering my understanding of the systemic barriers people in the inner-city face and how that might increase their chances of being involved in institutions such as the criminal justice system and the child welfare system. I hope to learn how to support those who are overrepresented in these institutions, such as Indigenous peoples and people of colour. Additionally, I hope to learn the ways I can continue to engage in reconciliation.  I am excited to partake in the Inner-City Work Study program. I know the lessons I learn throughout this experience will be ones I carry with me forever.

 

student photo Teddy Lands: Age 45. Social Innovation and Community Development – Red River College Polytech

I became interested in the Inner-City Work Study program after learning about it during an orientation at RRC Polytech. I am in the Social Innovation and Community Development Program. The opportunity to dig deeper into community development, create policies and programs, and apply academic experience to practical work over the summer seemed like a perfect fit for me. I am excited about the chance to study and work at the same time, making this a very exciting opportunity. Although I am not exactly sure what I hope to learn from the program, I am confident it will be an amazing experience. As a lifelong learner, I plan to gain as much information as possible, believing that education is key to solving problems at all levels of community and government. I hope to contribute positivity to my cohort, offer support during stressful times, provide insights to program administrators, and assist my organization with innovative project ideas. Additionally, I am a two-spirited mom with a daughter who has developmental disabilities, and I have disabilities as well. I view these as challenges to overcome and opportunities to break down barriers. I love classic rock music, especially Queen, and enjoy horror movies, particularly the found footage genre. I embrace everything life has to offer and am very open-minded to different cultures, languages, and people.

 

Vanshita Mohindru: Age 21. Criminal Justice

I am passionate about pursuing a career in law, and the Inner-City Work Study program stood out to me as a meaningful opportunity to gain grassroots experience in community work. I hope to grow both personally and professionally by learning empathy, compassion, resilience, and a deeper respect for diverse communities—especially gaining a better understanding of Indigenous cultures. Through my practicum at Legal Help Centre, I have developed strong research skills and a greater awareness of legal barriers and challenges in accessing welfare programs, which I look forward to bringing into this program. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, as I believe it will shape my character and help me make a more informed and impactful contribution to society.