Keynote Speakers

Time: 1:15 – 1:45 PM

Format: Talk

Dr. Natasha Blanchet-Cohen,Concordia University

1:15 - 1:30 PM

Dr. Natasha Blanchet-Cohen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at Concordia University and Graduate director of the Youth Work diploma. She is co-director of the Quebec Youth Research Network Chair. Her research focuses on community youth development, child rights and participation, ecocitizenship, and developmental evaluation. As an interdisciplinary scholar, she explores the opportunities and limitations for youth in being change agents of change in their schools, homes, and communities. She holds a particular in indigenous and immigrant youth’s voices, the provision of rights-based and culturally-safe services and programs.

Maddy Lawler, Y4Y Quebec

1:30 - 1:45 PM

A civil law student at Université de Montréal, Madeleine holds a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management from Carleton University and has worked for various parts of the federal civil service, including the Library of Parliament and Parks Canada. Although she was raised in Montreal, she has roots in the historic English-speaking community of Megantic County. Of the issues facing English-speaking youth, she is particularly interested in their representation and participation in Quebec’s public service and civil society. Madeleine otherwise enjoys being outdoors, listening to podcasts, or indulging in a good cup of tea.