Valedictorian

Leen

Leen's remarkable journey spans across half the globe, starting in the United Arab Emirates, making a stop in India, and culminating at UNB Saint John. Her journey is a testament to her dedication to academic excellence and her commitment to understanding and working on complex economic and social issues.

Graduating with a bachelor of arts in economics, with a minor in business, Leen’s focus both inside and outside of academia has been on the impact of economic policies on public health in Atlantic Canada and the North.

Her research has centred on social determinants of health and the impact of racism on health and economic outcomes, with a particular focus on Indigenous and other minority communities.

By providing important research on issues like energy poverty and housing affordability in New Brunswick, Leen has helped shine a light on many of the overlooked communities that feel the real quality of life consequences as a result of policy decisions.

She has also played an active role on campus, as a volunteer at the campus food pantry, and as the president of the Women in Business Society. In this role, Leen has helped run skill building seminars covering everything from personal investments to filing taxes and starting a business – demystifying the complex world of finance for those trying to get started in the field.

Leen will deliver her valedictory address in Saint John on Friday, May 17 at 2 p.m.