CBC: Top 40, part 3
CBC Manitoba is again running their Future 40 contest – highlighting the province’s new crop of leaders, movers and shakers under the age of 40.
Tracie Afifi
Age: 38
Category: Teaching and Healthcare
Dr. Tracie Afifi is an Associate Professor and researcher at the University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on understanding how child maltreatment (abuse and neglect) is related to mental and physical health problems; how to help children who have been maltreated; and how to prevent child abuse in Manitoba.
She is an advocate for child rights and was the 2013 recipient of the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children, Children’s Rights Supporter Award. In 2014, she was recognized as one of Canada’s leading mental health researchers in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority WAVE magazine.
She is dedicated to investing in the education and training of the next generation of health professionals and researchers in Manitoba, collaborating with local community stakeholders and takes part in several community talks every year, teaching people about child maltreatment and communicating her vision: that preventing child maltreatment will change a child’s trajectory, improve health and strengthen families.
Monica Cyr
Age: 36
Category: Teaching and Healthcare
Life-long learner, student and popular public speaker, Monica Cyr teaches health and cultural knowledge at the North End Food Security Network, Youville, Siloam Mission, Barbara Mitchell Centre and Promoting Aboriginal Community Together.
A founding member of the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment, member of Migizii Agamik and the University of Manitoba Aboriginal Students’ Association, she is a strong Metis leader, engendering change through passion, positive attitude and service.
Monica juggles a busy family, studies, Food Matters programming, Frontier College nutrition literacy and U of M Indigenous content tutoring.
With many publications and awards, Monica is an amazing woman who gives back these teachings through her volunteer and work activities, and is someone who will continue to be a positive force in Winnipeg and beyond.
Akosua Tiwaah Bonsu
Age: 22
Category: Community, Social Activism and Volunteerism
Akosua uses every position to empower the lives of youth around her.
She is a fourth-year Global Political Economy major at the University of Manitoba; a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg; member of the Young Canadians Roundtable on Health; Volunteer Coordinator of the University of Manitoba’s Cystic Fibrosis Canada campaign; and Ambassador General of Folklorama
In 2013, Akosua was selected from more than 800 applicants to represent Manitoba on an international trade and development mission to Asia. She is now a mission team leader with Global Vision, traveling the province and the nation to mentor future young leaders, facilitate economic roundtables, and lead hands-on experiences in community leadership, international trade, governance, and diplomacy.
As a YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award recipient and a University of Manitoba Emerging Leader Award recipient, she has been unstoppable when it comes to making a difference in her community.