Jenita Poodwan, a high school student from Kelowna Secondary School is among 20 students from across Canada chosen as TD Scholarships for Community Leadership recipients for outstanding achievements in her community. Yesterday evening Jenita, along with all the TD Scholarship recipients, was recognized at a gala in Toronto.
Recalling how she felt like an invisible newcomer at school, Jenita is proud that she transformed herself from a ghost to a leader. She co-founded the KSS Diversity Club to provide a safe space for students from racial, religious, sexual and gender minorities.
The group fundraised for a local women’s shelter and hosted a presentation for school staff on challenges faced by minority students. Jenita helped lead a school board campaign to provide gender-neutral bathrooms, co-founded a mental wellness team and was active in a district-wide human rights committee. Jenita would like to study computer science at the University of British Columbia and achieve a career in technology and media.
As a 2017 TD Scholarships recipient, Jenita will receive a scholarship of up to $70,000 for post-secondary education, as well as summer employment, mentorship and networking opportunities.
In recognition of their outstanding leadership in driving social change in their communities and beyond, TD is awarding 20 Canadian students with up to $1.4 million in scholarships as part of the 2017 TD Scholarships for Community Leadership. Each recipient will receive up to $70,000 for tuition and living expenses for post-secondary education, along with the chance to make lifelong connections through summer employment with TD and mentorship opportunities.
Poodwan was recognized at a ceremony in Toronto on May 25, the 2017.