Growing into leadership: a conversation with the Maple League 3M National Student Fellows

Description (150-250 words)
The first Maple League Better Together session of the year will feature a conversation with 2024 3M National Student Fellows Sonoma Brawley and Erin Richelle, hosted by 2021 3MNSF Georges-Philippe Gadoury-Sansfaçon. Join us as we explore how these young innovators developed a sound leadership practice that fostered meaningful and sustainable change in their communities. In reflecting on their journeys, Sonoma and Erin will discuss what it means for them to build brave spaces within and beyond their networks that promote learning, growth, and innovation.
Sonoma Brawley
Sonoma is entering her third year at Bishop’s University pursuing an BA in Music Performance with a Musical Theatre Concentration and a Drama and English Minor in Lennoxville, Quebec on the traditional territory of the Abenaki. Sonoma is incredibly grateful for being recognized as a 2024 3M National Student Fellow alongside the other fabulous student leaders. Sonoma is actively engaged in arts advocacy and is serving her third term as Humanities Senator on the Bishop’s University Student Representative Council (BUSRC). Her commitment to building a case for the humanities is evident through her active participation in Bishop’s vibrant arts community, and leadership with the competitive dance team, community fashion show and Bishop’s University Music Society. Sonoma continues to shape her pathway as a performing artist with the purpose of creating a sense of belonging for everyone.
Erin Richelle
Erin Richelle is a recent graduate from Acadia University obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. This year, Erin was also named a 3M National Student Fellow for her work in leadership and innovation demonstrated at her institution. Throughout her degree, Erin actively sought out opportunities that would develop her leadership values and allocate space for growth in all aspects such as studying abroad, exploring practical applications within her field, and collaborating with the chemistry department to develop CHEM4733, a food chemistry course now offered through Acadia. As a nutrition student, she showcased the value of interdisciplinary education and harmoniously blended mentorship with the practice of students as partners. Her experiences have shaped her passion for trailblazing change in higher education systems as an individual, student, and leader.
Georges-Philippe Gadoury-Sansfaçon
Georges-Philippe has been focused on building spaces for others to lead and innovate, seeking tofoster systemic change and address equity issues through interdisciplinary training and a passion for learning and caring. He is a 3M National Student Fellow (2021) and a Bishop’s University alumni (BSc Mathematics and Applied Psychology ’21). He is currently pursuing an MD-PhD at Université de Sherbrooke and Université de Montréal (bioethics). In his PhD research, he explores how AI and modern technologies influence the way we love and grow, and how we can be intentional in navigating the ever-changing nature of our identities and relationships.