YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg Scholarship Award

Angelique Andam

(Child Care)

For about 9 years, Angelique has passionately served as an Inclusion Support Worker and Child Care Assistant, creating inclusive and supportive spaces for children. Her journey has inspired her to pursue nursing, broadening her capacity to provide compassionate care. With this scholarship, Angelique aims to bridge childcare and healthcare, driving community well-being and deepening her impactful contributions to Y families and the lives she touches. 

Congratulations Angelique!

Brynn Curtis

(Health, Fitness and Aquatics)

Brynn is a former competitive swimmer turned lifeguard and instructor, ensuring inclusive aquatic programming. She advocates for safety and skill-building, including women-only classes for Muslim members. Brynn aspires to integrate aquatic safety with medical training to serve broader community needs. This scholarship would support her education, amplifying her impact at the Y.

Congratulations Brynn!
 

Sophia Garrett

(Camp Stephens)

Sophia’s connection to Y Winnipeg began with her family’s deep ties to Camp Stephens. Inspired by her father and uncles’ transformative canoe trips, she joined at age 8, finding a sanctuary where she thrived. Joining a six-week canoe trip deepened her passion for nature and resilience. Now studying Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba, Sophia’s work explores reconnecting society with nature, reflecting the values instilled at Camp Stephens

Congratulations Sophia!

Mathew Gravelines

(Health, Fitness and Aquatics)

Matthew is a lifelong Y member and leader, devoted to water safety and teaching inclusive swimming lessons.  He actively supports and mentors youth while fostering a collaborative team environment. Matthew is pursuing a degree in Kinesiology to further his impact on health and wellness initiatives. This scholarship will facilitate his academic goals, enhancing his contributions to Y programs and member experience.

Congratulations Mathew!
 

Amalie Herath

(Health, Fitness and Aquatics)

Amalie has eight years with the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, evolving from a volunteer to a Youth Leadership Council member. She advocates for empathy and inclusion through innovative children’s programs. Amalie is a final-year business student committed to using her CPA to enhance Y operations. This scholarship will provide financial relief, allowing her to focus on professional growth and leadership.

Congratulations Amalie!
 

Myrian Lopez-Trejo

(People & Culture)

Myrian joined the Y as a newcomer to Canada, progressing through roles in Child Care, Registrar, and People & Culture. She is dedicated to advancing Y operations through continuous learning and professional development. Myrian is pursuing the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) program to enhance her expertise. This scholarship will support her growth, enabling her to contribute more effectively to the Y’s payroll operations

Congratulations Myrian!

Barake Nyelele

(Community Programs)

Baraka’s journey from a Y Winnipeg member to a valued staff member reflects her deep connection to the organization’s culture of belonging and inclusion. Through genuine relationships with colleagues and members, she fosters meaningful community connections and strengthens the Y’s impact. With a commitment to advancing the Y’s mission, Baraka seeks this scholarship to further develop her leadership and organizational skills, empowering her to make an even greater difference in the community she serves.

Congratulations Barake!
 

Jacob Riseling

(Community Programs)

Jacob is a compassionate Newcomer Youth Wellness Program Assistant, dedicated to equipping youth with the tools to build resilience and prioritize mental well-being. Drawing from his experience in youth addiction services and wellness education, he creates inclusive and supportive spaces for newcomers. With a heartfelt commitment to mental health advocacy, Jacob aims to pursue a master’s degree in counseling, further strengthening his ability to make a lasting impact and expand the reach of the Newcomer Wellness Program.

Congratulations Jacob!

Emma McKay-Sharpe

(Community Programs)

Emma excels in fostering inclusion and creating impactful first experiences as part of the Children’s Program Staff. She is passionate about building community and celebrating diversity and inclusion within Y programs. She plans to focus her education on developing innovative programming with scholarship support as she is dedicated to ensuring the Y is a place where everyone feels valued and included.

Congratulations Emma!

Danica Zhu

(Child Care)

Danica is a passionate Child Care Assistant, combining her practical experience with ongoing studies in Early Childhood Education at Red River College Polytech. Her dedication shines through her ability to implement the YMCA Play to Learn curriculum, creating inclusive, engaging environments for children. With a passion for nurturing growth and development, this scholarship will enable Danica to further enhance her skills, enriching childcare programming and fostering thriving spaces for every child.

Congratulations Danica!