MPNL student receives “Simone Joyaux Memorial Award”
Graduate student Mikayla Odut has received this year’s “Simone Joyaux Memorial Award,” which goes to an outstanding student who demonstrates volunteer leadership as a critical thinker, change-maker and bridge-builder.
The Award was established by Dr. Sharilyn Hale in honour of her mentor and friend Simone Joyaux, who had a passion for advanced learning, social justice and governance issues in the nonprofit sector.
“I’m extremely grateful for the support,” Odut says. “It means that I can take weekends off prioritizing my health and well-being, rather than trying to find freelance work to pay for educational expenses. The award gives me financial stability for at least two semesters, making sure I can put myself and my studies first.”
Odut works as the administrative coordinator at St. Joseph’s Parish, a diverse church and social-services centre. Her days are filled with donation record-keeping and philanthropic planning, supporting the centre’s various programs, building and operational management, and she provides administrative support for the rest of the staff. Working towards change in a diverse, multi-generational environment is important, and makes her time at the parish extremely rewarding.
“I enjoy the MPNL program, as I’m stuck with a bunch of like-minded charity geeks who want to work to make the world a better place,” Odut explains. “Having the support of the cohort makes my studies easier knowing I can rely on others — even though we are all in different cities and countries.”
Each year, the MPNL program distributes a number of scholarships and awards.