Tammy Adewumi, an incoming undergraduate student at York University, says she is eager to contribute her leadership skills as a summer intern for Canadian Jesuits International (CJI).
Adewumi, who graduated from Madonna Catholic Secondary School with honor roll distinction and was recognized as an Ontario scholar, says she applied for an internship at CJI because of its commitment to equality and peace. She views the internship as a great opportunity to deepen her understanding of CJI’s work and “contribute meaningfully to its mission.”
Adewumi will pursue a degree in criminology at York and hopes to become a lawyer and an advocate for justice.
“Throughout high school, I immersed myself in leadership development, participating in leadership classes for three years. This experience culminated in me taking the lead role in our course project hosted by [CJI Outreach Coordinator] Pieter Niemeyer,” says Adewumi. She also led the Black Alliance at Madonna, which “honed my ability to mobilize and advocate effectively within a community.” The club was founded by Madonna alumni to empower young Black girls within the school community, she says. It organized events throughout the school year, such as potlucks, Kwanzaa celebrations, Culture Fest, ice skating outings and Christmas parties. “Serving as a BAM leader in my senior year has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time at Madonna,” says Adewumi.
These experiences “have equipped me with valuable skills in team coordination, project management, and fostering inclusive environments,” says Adewumi. “I look forward to applying these skills to support and enhance the initiatives of CJI.”
During her internship, Adewumi says she wants to engage in activities that “allow me to educate others effectively,” and help “not only to inspire my peers but also enhance my own skills.” She wants to refine her writing and communication skills, improve her organizational skills “and foster a greater sense of self-accountability.”
Adewumi’s eight-week internship at CJI will involve working with Niemeyer to develop materials for CJI events focused on advocacy around forced displacement. Her internship was made possible through the Canadian government’s Summer Jobs Program.