About Student Open Circles

I am a medical student at the University of Toronto and an alumnus from McMaster University. Back in undergrad, I felt directionless and struggled with my sense of purpose. It was through Student Open Circles and Community Volunteer Circles that I learned the value of community work. There is no better feeling than seeing the effect of your actions on the lives of others, especially when you can share this experience with a team of incredible volunteers. I believe it is through kindness, not competitiveness, that leads to success in this life and beyond.

This organization played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today. Student Open Circles fosters connection between people from different communities, and I hope to continue to support its mission!

I am a professor of materials engineering at McMaster. I previously served as dean of engineering and as university provost. My research and teaching are in the area of the strength and ductility of materials, with a particular focus on the development of lightweight automotive structures for improved fuel efficiency.

Emilie attended McMaster University as an undergraduate student and participated in SOC student groups throughout the entirety of her degree. Following her undergrad, she interned with SOC before pursuing her Masters’ of Teaching at the University of Toronto. Emilie currently works for a non-profit and is driven to find ways that allow youth to understand issues in their communities and empower them to take action.

Julia works at McMaster as a Transition Coordinator for students with disabilities. In her role she meets with high school students, educators, and families to share about what is possible and help students see their own potential as a university learner! She also the leads the design and implementation of MacStart, a summer program which equips students with disabilities with the skills and supports they need to help them thrive on their journey of post-secondary education.

Maddie is Social Planner with a passion for supporting and building community. She often splits her time between Kitchener (where she lives) and Hamilton (where she still has strong ties to community). She has a strong commitment to her own reflective and creative practices, something that was fostered during her time as a student with SOC.

Student Open Circles was a very important part of my time at McMaster University. It really was formative and grounding, at a time of lots of change and discovery. Being part of the board gives me an opportunity to pay that forward to future students.

Paul is a medical student at the University of Toronto. As an undergraduate at McMaster University, he was a facilitator with Student Open Circles, helping students build connections and engage in community service. These experiences taught him the value of creating spaces where people feel heard, valued, and inspired to grow together. He feels grateful to contribute to a community that nurtures curiosity, learning, and personal growth.

I’ve seen firsthand how Student Open Circles creates meaningful experiences for students, encouraging reflection, connection, and exploration of personal values. I feel fortunate to be part of the board and to support that work, helping make these experiences possible for others.

Becca Tanouye is the Outreach and Enrichment Specialist for the University of Waterloo where she works with communities who historically have not accessed postsecondary education, primarily due to systemic barriers, and creates curated programming and opportunities that encourage youth to see themselves in PSE. She is a certified teacher and mindfulness and meditation leader. Becca hopes that through her work, she supports youth in dreaming a little bigger and taking the necessary steps to sustainable happiness.

Rodrigo Narro Pérez (he/him/él) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Earth, Environment and Society (SEES) in the Faculty of Science at McMaster University. Rodrigo was born in Lima Perú and is interdisciplinary scholar whose teaching and research spans the fields of Environmental Science, Climate Change Science, Latin American Geography, Latinx Geographies, Community-Engaged Education, Latin American Studies and Latinx Studies. He teaches a variety of courses in Earth and Environmental Sciences as well as in the Latin American/Latinx Studies program where he is deeply committed to inspiring a commitment to climate change knowledge and action in students and also empowering the Latin American/Latinx community at McMaster.