Celebrating the 2020-2021 IJM Canada Campus Chapter Presidents

When it comes to creative problem-solving and team spirit, IJM Canada’s student champions take the prize. In this year of remote learning, a result of the global pandemic, these courageous students persevered and led their teams to raise funds, advocate and pray for the work of International Justice Mission and an end to modern slavery and human trafficking around the world.

When we asked them to share this year's highlights and takeaways and what's next for them, they said:

Sabrina Khan, International Development Studies, McGill University

Biggest takeaway: We are capable of more than we expect! Despite the challenges brought on by this year online, we were still able to have a wonderful year as a campus chapter. Connecting with the other campus chapters was a big highlight as well! 

What’s next: I'll be continuing my studies at McGill, preparing for graduation!

Vanessa Ramirez, Bachelor of Arts program, McGill University

Biggest takeaway: small changes can make a big impact. When I attended an IJM seminar, I learned that every person has a story - a story of who they are and how they came to be where they are. I will always be grateful to have been a part of McGill’s campus chapter and that community. 

What’s next: Finishing my Bachelor’s degree and working on my application to go into a youth work career program!

Isabelle Lam, Journalism and English, Carleton University

Highlight: This was IJM Carleton's first year and one of the biggest highlights was seeing our leadership team double in size throughout the year! It has been so encouraging to see people become passionate about this cause and take action.

What’s next: Excited for a summer position as a Communications and Marketing Student

Jenna Williams, International Development and Economics, University of Ottawa

Highlights: It was such an honour to lead a team of people who are so passionate about the work of IJM. The first highlight was our September kickoff event, a virtual coffee house. Although it was by no means the event that raised the most money or had the most attendees, it was the first time our team came together to put on an event. I was so proud of them. The energy that night was amazing, and the success of that event gave us such momentum for the rest of the year.

The second was winning the best Philanthropic Club award at uOttawa in March. What a joy it was to celebrate in that together! God sustained and blessed us beyond what we could have asked for this year, and it has been amazing watching that happen with my team.

What’s next: MA in Political Economy at Carleton University, with a specialization in Work and Labour. I am hoping to do my thesis on the politics of supply chain legislation in Canada, but only time will tell!

Martina Gobran, Honours Science, University of Waterloo

Takeaway: I have learned so much about IJM through my work with them and the impact it has on many people’s lives. My biggest takeaway is you have to be patient, you can’t expect to reach everyone and spread awareness about IJM and their work from one event. It is a process, but it is rewarding when people start discovering and asking questions! Another takeaway is that I really enjoyed and loved working with a group of like-minded people who share the same passion of helping people whether they were from Waterloo, other universities, or from IJM Canada.

What’s next: Getting into pharmacy school and becoming a pharmacist!

We are thankful for the dedication of the Campus Chapter Presidents and their teams. And we wish them every success as they explore new opportunities.

It's our hope that this experience leads them to continue being part of the fight against injustice. Because of them, more people can be free.

Learn more about student opportunities or start your own campus chapter here!