Experience North 2020

Abby Shillinglaw

Publications:

Even online you can be green and buy local

Andrew Jalak

Andrew will be entering his third year of study at Wilfrid Laurier University, with a focus of communications studies in Waterloo Ontario. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Andrew has developed a great knowledge of Northern Ontario and the beauty this fine land has to offer, through opportunities and travels over his 20 years. Andrew’s thirst for travel has not held him within our rocky mountains, but to many places across the world, some of his favourites being’ Paris, Liverpool, London and Portrush in Northern Ireland. Not only is Andrew an avid traveler, but he is also very into sports, both as a participant and spectator. Growing up playing hockey, much like many Canadians, this is his sport of choice, still playing at the recreation level at Wilfrid Laurier. As a fan his favourite team is the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. His love for sports does not just end there, he also enjoys watching the Toronto Raptors of the NBA, and also playing golf. During the summer months, you can find Andrew spending time out at camp with his family, friends and of course his chocolate Labrador, Dolce.

Publications:

Tourism: Looking forward to seeing fellow Ontarians this summer. 

Communities Banding Together in Times of Uncertainty – Part 1

Communities Banding Together in Times of Uncertainty – Part 2

Christina Fera

Christina Fera is a recent graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University where she majored in Communication Studies with a specialization in the Cultural and Creative Industries. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Christina moved to Southern Ontario in order to pursue her degree. Christina is planning on continuing her studies in the fall at Humber College in order to obtain a post graduate certificate in Public Relations. Previously, Christina worked as a Communications Specialist Student for a non-profit in Waterloo, Ontario, called Monica Place. She also spent two years working for Laurier’s Department of Residence as a residence life assistant and two years working for the Municipality of Sault Ste. Marie as an environmental initiatives student. In her free time, Christina loves spending time out at her camp on Lake Superior, taking her dog for walks and writing poetry.

Publications:

Ionic Mechatronics

9 Lives Design

Maia Kvas

Born and raised in Marathon, ON, Mateo is proud to call Northern Ontario home. Heading into his fourth year of Arts & Science at McMaster University,  Mateo tries to bring an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. A firm believer in a self-directed North, he wants to apply his experiences in research and grassroots activism to help foster stronger and more sustainable communities across Northern Ontario. After spending his last few summers working at Pukaskwa National Park, Mateo has become passionate about protecting the region's unparalleled natural resources. Unsure of where his future will take him - other than back to the North - Mateo has gotten involved with initiatives across disciplines, from Strength & Conditioning coaching to forestry research and student governance. When he's not working, Mateo enjoys powerlifting and exploring the outdoors (which usually results in a little too much bushwhacking).

Publications:

Northern Ontario’s state of mental health and why

Mateo Orrantia

Born and raised in Marathon, ON, Mateo is proud to call Northern Ontario home. Heading into his fourth year of Arts & Science at McMaster University,  Mateo tries to bring an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. A firm believer in a self-directed North, he wants to apply his experiences in research and grassroots activism to help foster stronger and more sustainable communities across Northern Ontario. After spending his last few summers working at Pukaskwa National Park, Mateo has become passionate about protecting the region's unparalleled natural resources. Unsure of where his future will take him - other than back to the North - Mateo has gotten involved with initiatives across disciplines, from Strength & Conditioning coaching to forestry research and student governance. When he's not working, Mateo enjoys powerlifting and exploring the outdoors (which usually results in a little too much bushwhacking).

Publications:

Take me home, country roads: housing services and Indigenous mobility in Northern Ontario

Mercedes Labelle

Mercedes Labelle graduated from McGill University in 2020 with an Honours Bachelor of Political Science and Urban Systems. During her studies, she focused on Canadian politics and public policy processes, specifically researching the uneven distribution of benefits and services between urban and rural communities. At McGill, Mercedes provided analysis on Canadian Politics for the McGill Journal of Political Studies (MJPS). Through her involvement with MJPS, Mercedes developed a deeper understanding of the diverse interests and needs of the Canadian population. Having grown up in Canada, the United States, and Spain, Mercedes is eager to return to Northern Ontario, where her family now resides. In her free time, Mercedes enjoys listening to podcasts, cooking, and reading.

Publications:

Staying connected in increasingly distant times: transportation in the COVID-Era

Can the government help Canada’s most vulnerable population amid a pandemic?

1520 Queen St E.

SSM, ON.

P6A 2G4

11-2 Ontario St.

Marathon, ON.

P0T 2E0

640 Latchford St. 

Haileybury, ON.

P0J 1K0