UdeM sociology student named McCall MacBain scholar

University of Montreal sociology student Sandrine Desforges is one of 20 McCall MacBain scholars selected from nearly 700 applicants across Canada after a rigorous seven-month process. Recipients are chosen on the basis of character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.

As a McCall MacBain scholar, Desforges will take a fully funded master’s degree program in public policy at McGill University, where she will be supported by mentors and participate in an intensive leadership development program. The funding covers tuition and provides a living allowance of $2,000 per month.

Desforges served three terms as an officer with the UdeM federation of student associations, including two as secretary general. She coordinated the work of the executive committee and staffers, engaged in strategic thinking on the issues, developed action plans and monitored their implementation. The issues she worked on included students’ mental health, freedom of expression at the university, and equity, diversity and inclusion.

She was also involved in developing the National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being of Post-Secondary Students, organizing a youth debate during the municipal elections, and building sexual violence prevention tools.

“Our societies are facing enormous challenges, including mental health and well-being, inclusion and climate change,” Desforges told us. “To overcome these challenges, everyone must be a change agent. I am privileged to be able to devote time to civic and social engagement, and I want to put that time to good use.”