Meet UM’s finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships

Applications will open in June 2023 for September 2024 McCall MacBain Scholarships. Interested University of Manitoba students are invited to an information session on March 1 at *new time* 11 AM on the Fort Garry campus, UMSU University Centre, Room 210. Register now.

University of Manitoba students Clèche Kokolo [BA/23], Keziah Brothers [BA/23], and Soomin Han [BSc/23] are finalists for the first global cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University.

Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program. Students and graduates from more than 1,200 universities applied for the McCall MacBain Scholarships in this first year of global admissions and up to 30 will be selected after final interviews.

Clèche Kokolo

Clèche Kokolo is a student senator, representing UM Arts students, and is working to launch a mentorship program to make student leadership roles more accessible. She contributes to children’s rights advocacy as a youth ambassador, co-chairs a youth working group for women’s and children’s health, and works part-time as a career coach with the Winnipeg School Division. Clèche also volunteered with a high school symposium as a camp leader and served for several years on the mayor’s youth advisory council. She is a member of two fellowship programs and was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch for her community work. She is applying for law school.

“It feels amazing to be a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarships. It’s a true honour.”

She added: “I encourage all eligible students and alumni to apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarships. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From the application process to the interview stages, it’s an opportunity to reflect on your journey and think about what comes next.”

Keziah Brothers

An Academic All-Canadian athlete, Keziah Brothers played on UM’s women’s basketball team for six years, including two seasons as captain. During the pandemic, she organized outdoor workouts and online activities for the team. Keziah also started and ran a lawn care business, and works part-time. She spent a year volunteering and working abroad, and developed a community art project as a member of the President’s Student Leadership Program. Keziah plans to study law, with a specific interest in serving BIPOC communities and those with intellectual disabilities.

“The regional interviews were a very positive experience, and I look forward to meeting other finalists and learning about the experiences that brought them to this point,” said Keziah.

Soomin Han

Soomin Han is completing a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies at UM. Inspired by her experience in a climate action cohort, Soomin leads climate finance and policy work at Youth Climate Lab, a non-profit organization, and interns with the United Nations Climate Change secretariat. She established and led a student hub that raises awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, and serves on the board of The Starfish Canada, a youth environmental organization. For her advocacy, she was named a Top 25 Environmentalist under 25. Soomin plans to study public policy or law.

The scholarships are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, the second-largest single donation in Canadian history. Finalists will attend the final round of interviews in Montréal from March 8 to 12, meeting with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. If not selected as a McCall MacBain Scholar, each student is eligible to receive a $10,000 Canadian Finalist Award for studies at McGill.

REGIONAL AWARD RECIPIENT

Evan Chan

The McCall MacBain Scholarships program also offers Regional Awards of $5,000 to Canadian candidates who were among the top in their region. Evan Chan [BA/23], who is completing a bachelor’s degree in music history at the University of Manitoba as a President’s Scholar, is UM’s winner. He represents his college on the board of the student union, served as a board director for a dance company, and helped start several local non-profit organizations. Awarded the Manitoba Honour 150 Medal, Evan continues to serve the community through a variety of artistic avenues. During the academic year, Evan works as a research student, and he plans to pursue studies in music theory.

LEARN MORE

Applications will open in June 2023 for September 2024 admission. Interested University of Manitoba students are invited to an information session on March 1 at 10 AM on the Fort Garry campus, UMSU University Centre, Room 210. Register now.

UM Today Staff