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" I'm interested in a lot of things, but at the core, I want to do my part in making life better for all of our communities. After working frontline in my social work career, I wanted to pursue the Master of Public Policy program so I could help change the very policies that are keeping people down. "
Madison Pretty
Public Policy master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field
Since I was young, my mom has always encouraged me to question how the world works. I'm interested in a lot of things, but at the core, I want to do my part in making life better for all of our communities. After working frontline in my social work career, I wanted to pursue the Master of Public Policy program so I could help change the very policies that are keeping people down.
Why did you choose to come to SFU?
I chose the MPP program specifically for its commitment to social justice and incredible faculty.
How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?
Informed by my experience working alongside folks experiencing sexual exploitation, my research looks at what supports and programs are offered to youth as they are aging out of foster care/the child welfare system, and how the supports can help protect young people from experiencing sexual exploitation.
What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?
youth sexual exploitation, foster care, child welfare
How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?
The relationships I've built are central in my work inside and outside of academia. You have to find your co-conspirators to help build new worlds.
Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research
Yes! I received the British Columbia Graduate Scholarship, which I plan to use as I pursue my research this coming year. It will help me financially afford the program, as well as travel to complete my research.
If you could dedicate your research to anyone (past, present and/or future), who would that be and why?
Always dedicated to my family, my partner Alex, my community, the folks I've worked alongside, and all of those fighting to make the world a better place.
Contact Madison:mkp9@sfu.ca