Recognizing outstanding achievements of alumni within 10 years of receiving a bachelor’s degree or within five years of receiving a graduate degree.
Dr. Leah Levac has a growing concern with the lack of participation of marginalized youth in the development of policies affecting their lives. She is an assistant professor in Community Engaged Scholarship in the Department of Political Science at the University of Guelph, where she teaches, researches and explores her passion for the issue.
She was awarded a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) research grant focused on the wellbeing impacts of northern urbanization and resource extraction on women and youth, and their role in public policy development and community decision-making. In addition to her research, she teaches courses for the University of Guelph’s Certificate in Civic Engagement and Global Citizenship.
Though an Ontario native, Levac has a special fondness for the Fredericton region and her alma mater, where she received a Masters in Philosophy and was subsequently awarded a Trudeau Scholarship to pursue her PhD, one of only 15 students across Canada to receive this award each year.
During her time in Fredericton, she also taught at UNB’s Renaissance College and volunteered with several community initiatives and organizations, including Youth in Transition, 21Inc and the Social Policy Research Network. As a former Fredericton City Councilor, Levac actively demonstrated her strong commitment and passion for public engagement and community development.
Outside her professional career, Levac is committed to serving her local community. She currently serves as Chair of the Girls Action Foundation Research Committee, where she leads a literature review and an environmental scan of leadership and social justice programs for young women.
