Join us as we catch up with Steven A. Davis Scholarship recipients post-graduation to hear what they’ve been up to, what’s next and how the scholarship has impacted their education and career journey.
Meet Lindsey – a passionate member of the Ottawa community and a recipient of the AEO Steven A. Davis Scholarship for Social Justice. Lindsey is a Canadian-born Haitian who studied Global and International Studies Student at Carleton University. She is interested in humanitarianism and social justice initiatives, dedicating her studies and post-graduate career to global law and diplomacy efforts.
The Road to Global Studies
Lindsey’s initial interest was in the health sector, specializing in the field during high school through a pediatric palliative care program where she volunteered for five years.
“I was fortunate to do a pediatric palliative care hospice placement,” Lindsey notes. “It was a really vulnerable place to be in, but also very beautiful because at the end of the day, despite their sickness, they’re children above all.”
While she loved working with kids, she eventually realized healthcare wasn’t the right path for her. The experience did, however, help strengthen her passion for people and working with youth. When expanding her educational experience Lindsey often thought – “How can I be the change I seek in the world and what can I do as a global citizen?”
Ultimately, it was Lindsey’s international service work in the Sugar Mill community of the Dominican Republic that solidified her decision to pursue diplomacy and introduced her to Carleton University.
Located in Ottawa, Carleton was her ideal university choice due to the presence of embassies in the nation’s capital. She jumped into the Global Studies program, which she was recommended for and enjoyed, particularly for its focus on international affairs and policy. Of the 18+ specializations, she chose global law and social justice.
As part of her degree, she completed the International Experience Requirement (IER) through the United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC), where she learned about foreign affairs.
“My experience at the United Nations Association of Canada (UNAC) not only led me to learning about foreign issues or foreign affairs, but actually applying them. I think that was a really great aspect of my degree.”
This was a formative experience during her undergraduate education. She is fluent in French, Haitian Creole, English and has traveled to Haiti twice, gaining a deeper understanding of her family’s roots.
Life After Graduation
“I’m very fortunate to work for the federal government of Canada – the goal is to advance my career in government, specifically foreign service.”
Lindsey started a new role in July 2024 as an Administrative Officer on the Strategic Operations Team within the Public Affairs and Culture Sector of Correctional Services in Canada. This is a highly competitive position and gives her the opportunity to network in the government sector. Her work includes community projects on anti-racism programs and restorative justice. She is also considering a master’s degree to further her career in diplomacy.
“I feel very fortunate that I can focus on career development thanks to AEO and the Steven A. Davis Scholarship for Social Justice.”
Maintaining Mental Health and Finding Fun
Mental health through her busy work schedule and tough course load was always a priority for Lindsey. To build resilience, she learned that the path isn’t always linear, and it’s important to be kind to yourself.
“It’s okay to take time, especially when it comes to education. It doesn’t have to be linear: it doesn’t have to be in a 4-year or 3-year timeline.”
Lindsey credits leaning on family and friends and taking walks to help decompress, clear her mind and strengthen her mental health resilience. She loves board games, movies, traveling and spending time with her two nephews and one niece.
AEO Experience
Lindsey’s journey with American Eagle began two years ago when she stopped by her local store (shoutout store 928!) to buy a belt. Impressed by the friendly experience she always had as a guest, she told one of the ambassadors working how great of a job they were doing – and soon after was approached by the Store Team Leader asking if she’d like to apply. The rest, Lindsey notes, is history.
Receiving the scholarship from AEO, she says, was life-changing. Not only did it provide her with needed financial support, but reading about other associate recipients also inspired her to continue giving back to her community.
“The scholarship changed my life for the better. I feel like for one, it financially boosted me in the sense that I didn’t have to worry about debt. Two, networking – I got the chance to see other scholars and read their bios – just seeing other AEO associates doing wonderful work was very inspirational. And three, if I can give back, it’s really important. When people see that I got a scholarship from AEO, I’m always proud to share, ‘Don’t be afraid, put your name out there,’ so it gave me the opportunity to be a mentor in a way.”
