1
CHELSEY SMITH Humanitarian... advocate... communicator C helsey Smith is a passionate advocate for social change, both locally and globally. She worked to support the rights of children in Ghana in 2008, and to combat gender-based violence in Swaziland in 2013 where, according to a UNICEF Report, “approximately 1 in 3 females experienced some form of sexual violence as a child.” Chelsey is committed to creating awaremess and fundraising for The SOS Children’s Villages, The Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse, Light for Children, Red Cross, The MS Society of Canada, Greenpeace, The Indo Canadian Women’s Society, CEASE, and YWCA Edmonton. She hosted a film screening for International Women’s Day 2014 and drew hundreds of people together to celebrate the courage of girls and women, and the need for equality and education. Her campaign “Girl Rising” addressed serious issues that girls face to become educated. For International Day of the Girl Child 2014, Chelsey hosted a community gathering to celebrate women and focus on barriers in our local and global communities. In September, Chelsey worked in partnership with MEN Edmonton and the YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign to engage Edmontonians in discussing and learning about healthy and harmful masculinities, and positive male role models. “I am dedicated to my work and leadership in the city and abroad, and delighted to join the ranks of other inspiring leaders and entrepreneurs in Edmonton,” says Chelsey about being named as a Sizzler . The 27-year old recently completed her MA in Intercultural and International Communication at Royal Roads University. “My thesis research explored the role of digital communication in new social movements, and used #BringBackOurGirls, the movement against the abduction of the Chibok girls, as a case study.” Chelsey’s achievements include being listed as one of Canada’s emerging leaders with the Gen Y Talent Network, and receiving the Dr. Nicholas Rubidge Award for contributions to student life as president of the Royal Roads University Student Association. Over and above hosting educational and charitable events, her volunteer involvements range from speaking to youth about goal-setting and self-esteem to teaching yoga with BGCBigs to organizing rallies against hate crimes and homophobia. “I am the marketing and communications director for Benefit Strategies, and have enjoyed working casually as a reporter and production assistant for Alberta Primetime on CTV Two . My freelance media and communications work includes grant writing, and resource mobilization for non-profits, and digital and social strategy for small business. “While academia and activism have been my focus, I have entrepreneurial energy and aspirations: I think big! I am excited to carve out a career in communications and culture. “My advocacy work is never-ending, but I am optimistic. I will push boundaries, break ground, and work towards a world that is more peaceful, equitable and just.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman Photo by Burce Clarke IN ACTIVISM Putting the Active
