The 1834 Experience: Reflections from Our Alumni

In the season 3 premiere of 1834 Talks, we bring together alumni from the 1834 Fellowship (Nana Kofi Prempeh), 1834 Global Fellowship (Gina Malaba), and 1834 Youth Debates (Brielle Douglin) for a conversation about their experiences, journeys, and the impact of being part of the 1834 community. Hear their reflections on leadership, personal growth, and the connections and opportunities that continue to shape their paths beyond the programs.Stay tuned for more conversations, inspiring stories, and fresh perspectives this season!Host: Venassa BaptisteConnect with the 1834 Foundation and its initiatives below:Instagram (1834 Fellowship): instagram.com/1834fellowshipTwitter (1834 Fellowship): twitter.com/1834FellowshipLinkedIn (1834 Fellowship): linkedin.com/1834-foundationInstagram (1834 Global): instagram.com/1834globalTwitter (1834 Global): twitter.com/1834global

This episode features Yanique Williams, the Public Policy Manager for Uber Canada’s Western region, who transitioned to the tech sector after eight years in Canadian politics. She shares insights on navigating that shift, leading policy initiatives across four provinces, and driving national safety efforts focused on road safety, personal safety, and women's safety. Yanique also discusses her leadership in Black at Uber ERGs and her commitment to equity and community impact. Tune in for an impactful conversation on navigating public policy in the private sector!Host: Iyanu Soyege------ Connect with the 1834 Foundation and its initiatives below:Instagram (1834 Fellowship): instagram.com/1834fellowshipTwitter (1834 Fellowship): twitter.com/1834FellowshipLinkedIn (1834 Fellowship): linkedin.com/1834-foundationInstagram (1834 Global): instagram.com/1834globalTwitter (1834 Global): twitter.com/1834global

In our season 2 finale, we feature the Honourable Audrey Gordon in her first public appearance since 2023! In this episode, Ms. Gordon details her journey to becoming a pathfinder and barrier-breaker in Canadian politics as Manitoba’s first Black Cabinet Minister. Tune in to hear Ms. Gordon share her story, marked by resilience and a strong conviction to serve her community. In this episode, you will also hear Ms. Gordon share profound advice that all Black youth and young adults need to hear in order to lead purposeful lives.Host: Iyanu Soyege------ Connect with the 1834 Foundation and its initiatives below:Instagram (1834 Fellowship): instagram.com/1834fellowship Twitter (1834 Fellowship): twitter.com/1834Fellowship LinkedIn (1834 Fellowship): linkedin.com/1834-foundation Instagram (1834 Global): instagram.com/1834global Twitter (1834 Global): twitter.com/1834global

This episode features 1834 Fellowship mentor Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, the first Vice President of People, Equity, and Inclusion at Simon Fraser University and a prominent leader and scholar in the field of organizational development. In this episode, Dr. Gilpin-Jackson draws on her professional and academic background to highlight the concepts of mentorship, role modelling, and sponsorship. She also discusses how young Black adults can position themselves for success in these areas. If you are a Black young adult who is nervous about seeking mentorship or you do not know where to start in this area, then this episode is for you!Host: Iyanu Soyege------Connect with the 1834 Foundation and its initiatives below:Instagram (1834 Fellowship): instagram.com/1834fellowshipTwitter (1834 Fellowship): twitter.com/1834FellowshipLinkedIn (1834 Fellowship): linkedin.com/1834-foundationInstagram (1834 Global): instagram.com/1834globalTwitter (1834 Global): twitter.com/1834global

In this episode, Hermon Afowork discusses her experience attending the 2024 United Nations ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) Youth Forum at the UN Headquarters in New York City. As a delegate through the Major Group for Children and Youth, Hermon was part of the North America constituency, joining over 200 youth from around the world. She shares insights from her engagement with other young leaders on contributing to solutions for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also touches on how the 1834 Fellowship prepared her to advocate at the UN forum. Tune in to hear Hermon's reflections on being part of a gathering of global change-makers!Host: Iyanu Soyege------Connect with the 1834 Foundation and its initiatives below:Instagram (1834 Fellowship): instagram.com/1834fellowshipTwitter (1834 Fellowship): twitter.com/1834FellowshipLinkedIn (1834 Fellowship): linkedin.com/1834-foundationInstagram (1834 Global): instagram.com/1834globalTwitter (1834 Global): twitter.com/1834global

This episode is being released in honour of Sickle Cell Awareness Month. It features a conversation with Ufuoma, an alumna of the 1834 Fellowship and founder of the Sickle Cell support organization, NotJustYou. Ufuoma discusses the impactful work her organization does and how her involvement with the 1834 Fellowship opened doors for her to advocate for the sickle cell community. This advocacy includes a meeting with Canada's Prime Minister and participation at the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland. Ufuoma also shares advice for Black young adults interested in exploring policy and social change by engaging with non-profits.Host: Iyanu Soyege------Connect with the 1834 Foundation and its initiatives below:Instagram (1834 Fellowship): instagram.com/1834fellowship Twitter (1834 Fellowship): twitter.com/1834Fellowship LinkedIn (1834 Fellowship): linkedin.com/1834-foundation Instagram (1834 Global): instagram.com/1834global Twitter (1834 Global): twitter.com/1834global

In this episode, Ambassador Nadia Theodore, Canada’s Ambassador to the World Trade Organization and Head of Canada’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, shares her inspiring journey as the first Black person and woman to hold these roles. She offers valuable advice to Black youth and young adults aspiring to impact global affairs and trade positively. Tune in to hear Ambassador Theodore’s insights on breaking barriers and shaping the future of diplomacy and international relations.Host: Iyanu Soyege------ Connect with the 1834 Foundation and its initiatives below:Instagram (1834 Fellowship): instagram.com/1834fellowshipTwitter (1834 Fellowship): twitter.com/1834FellowshipLinkedIn (1834 Fellowship): linkedin.com/1834-foundationInstagram (1834 Global): instagram.com/1834globalTwitter (1834 Global): twitter.com/1834global

1834 Talks is a podcast produced by Operation Black Vote Canada (OBVC) and the 1834 Foundation. Named after the year the Slavery Abolition Act was enacted in Canada, the 1834 Foundation, with the support of OBVC, is committed to empowering Canadian Black youth through programs such as the 1834 Fellowship, 1834 Global, and 1834 Debates. These programs are aimed at educating and nurturing Black youth development in civic leadership and public policy.Tune in to our podcast for authentic conversations featuring 1834 alumni engaging with prominent figures from Canadian politics and public policy, along with fellow alumni, providing valuable insights and perspectives on their career journeys.

If you want to learn from someone who has a fully funded master's degree as a Rhodes Scholar from Oxford, is now a PhD student at Oxford, and is returning to the University of Toronto to complete her medical degree after Oxford, then this is the episode for you!This episode explores the journey of Nicole M'Carthy, an 1834 Fellowship alumna and Rhodes Scholar pursuing her PhD in Translational Health Sciences at the University of Oxford. With a background as a medical student from the University of Toronto and as a Junior Fellow at Massey College, Nicole brings a wealth of experience and insight. She graduated as valedictorian from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) and holds a Master of Science in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation. In this episode, Nicole shares details about successfully applying to be a Rhodes Scholar and highlights from her time at Oxford!Host: Iyanu Soyege------  Connect with the 1834 Foundation and its initiatives below:Instagram (1834 Fellowship): instagram.com/1834fellowshipTwitter (1834 Fellowship): twitter.com/1834FellowshipLinkedIn (1834 Fellowship): linkedin.com/1834-foundationInstagram (1834 Global): instagram.com/1834globalTwitter (1834 Global): twitter.com/1834global

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Yvan Kammelu, a Cohort 5 1834 Fellowship Fellow and McCall McBain scholar pursuing a Master of Management Analytics at McGill University's Desautels Business School. The McCall McBain scholarship, a highly selective award, covers full tuition and accommodation costs for graduate studies at McGill. In this episode, Yvan shares his unique insights and motivation for navigating the scholarship application process. Tune in for an engaging and uplifting discussion!Host: Iyanu Soyege------  Connect with the 1834 Foundation and its initiatives below:Instagram (1834 Fellowship): instagram.com/1834fellowship Twitter (1834 Fellowship): twitter.com/1834Fellowship LinkedIn (1834 Fellowship): linkedin.com/1834-foundation Instagram (1834 Global): instagram.com/1834global Twitter (1834 Global): twitter.com/1834global