“I expect every day to be a learning experience,” says Emma-Angelina Murray Gonzalez, who will spend eight weeks as an intern at Canadian Jesuits International. Photo: Tess Sison/CJI
Emma-Angelina Murray Gonzalez, an incoming third year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, is eager to share her ability to effectively connect and communicate with a wide audience as a summer intern for Canadian Jesuits International (CJI).
“Throughout the internship, I hope to expand my knowledge of the non-profit sector, particularly by gaining a deeper understanding of the various roles and tasks necessary to enact change,” said Emma. “I expect every day to be a learning experience, whether it is by conducting research on the work done by CJI’s global partners, listening to the stories of those enduring crisis in the Global South, or merely shadowing team members to learn the responsibilities associated with their designated roles.”
Emma hopes that her stint at CJi will help equip her with “various professional skillsets needed within the non-profit sector” and further develop her existing abilities.
She is no stranger to CJI. She has volunteered and worked previously as an intern, which gave her the opportunity to see the transformative impact of Jesuit-led projects supported by CJI in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. “As a first-generation Canadian, seeing the differences between the Global South and the Global North has motivated me to bridge those gaps and support those in need.”
She looks forward to supporting the CJI team in any way that she can, including educating young people about CJI’s work. “Just as the CJI team will help me grow not only as an advocate but as an individual, I hope to leave the same lasting impression on them.”
Emma is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a double major in Political Science and Ethics, Society, and Law, with a Certificate in Business Fundamentals at the Rotman School of Business Management, also at the University of Toronto. She plans to pursue a juris doctor degree in the future.
“Although school can be stressful at times, I am passionate about my studies. I enjoy reading, writing, and learning about political philosophy and public policy,” she said. She is particularly drawn to Enlightenment –era philosophy, which she enjoys reading “both inside and outside of school.”
In her free time, Emma enjoys weightlifting and journaling “to keep both my mind and body active, while serving as a way for me to decompress.” She also enjoys expressing her creative side through painting and fashion.
Emma’s eight-week internship at CJI will involve working with members of the CJI team to develop materials for education and advocacy initiatives around women and justice, and to assist at events. Her internship was made possible through the Canadian government’s Summer Jobs Program.
