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Betselot is originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, but has moved to Canada to study her Master’s in Public Policy at 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ. With a background in economics and nearly two years of professional experience at the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, Betselot is passionate about strengthening the financial sector through effective policy. She is particularly interested in contributing to the development of robust financial markets and institutional capacity. Ultimately, Betselot aspires to become an influential economist and policy maker where she can lead efforts in designing and implementing policies that promote financial stability and sustainable economic growth.

Mackenzi Berner is originally from Westchester, NY, and relocated to Canada for graduate studies in order to pursue her commitment to human rights and international development—values that became increasingly difficult to reconcile with the political and social climate in The United States. A graduate of Lafayette College, Mackenzi earned an interdisciplinary BA in History, Government/Law, and Spanish, with a focus on Latin American politics. Her research has ranged from the role of yerba mate in shaping political discourse in Uruguay and Argentina to Mexico’s reception of Jewish refugees during the 1930s and ’40s. Mackenzi also has hands-on experience in refugee resettlement, having co-founded a nonprofit at Lafayette to support displaced communities. She is eager to explore Canadian public service and learn more about the dynamics of Parliament as she continues her academic and professional journey.

Opira Bosco Okot is originally from South Sudan and spent most of his life in Uganda before moving to Canada to further his dreams. He has worked with UNHCR and is a dedicated advocate for human rights, climate action, and equity in policies and development programs. His advocacy has taken him to global platforms, including COP29 in Baku, the International Conference on Climate Change and Human Rights in South Korea, and the Education and Climate Conference in Denmark. Passionate about advancing inclusive, evidence-based policies, Opira aims to support the Sustainable Development Goals and drive meaningful change for marginalized communities worldwide.

Calvin Campbell is originally from Vancouver, BC, but moved to Montreal to study with the Max Bell School of Public Policy at 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ. Calvin has a background in program evaluation with an emphasis on educational policy analysis - he is interested in contributing to public understanding of how policy interacts with and ultimately drives educational outcomes. Calvin is thrilled to have the opportunity to learn how to implement policy in educational settings to diminish child poverty and improve educational outcomes.

Anna Cipolla is a proud third-generation Italian-Canadian, born and raised in Montreal. The first in her family to attend university, Anna graduated from Concordia University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts (with Great Distinction), majoring in Political Science (Honours) and minoring in Law and Society. During her studies, she discovered a passion for public policy and its potential to drive meaningful social change.

Anna is a dedicated public servant with over four years of experience in the Government of Canada. Most recently, she worked as a Junior Social Policy Analyst at Indigenous Services Canada, supporting the development of inclusive policies, programs, and services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

Anna is excited to join Max Bell alongside her peers and looks forward to developing the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to tackle emerging challenges as a future policy leader—particularly in areas such as Canada–U.S. relations, economics, and artificial intelligence—through an intersectional, equity-based lens.

Charlie is a lawyer from Melbourne, Australia. He has experience advising public authorities on administrative law, governance and regulatory matters. He has also worked in Indigenous cultural heritage policy. Charlie is interested in the intersection between social, environmental and urban policy. He now hopes to inform his legal and governance background by gaining skills in the analysis, design and implementation of public policy.

Olivier Couttolenc was born in Mexico and raised in Toronto. He attended 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ to earn a BA in Political Science, where he also became interested in technology policy. He has most recently worked to help develop new internet regulations in the UK aimed at improving user safety and reducing online harms. With a background in regulatory policy and open-source research, Olivier is interested in contributing to the development of policy and research that addresses pressing issues affecting Canadians — particularly related to emerging technologies and the internet.

Timothée de Lestrange was born in Luxembourg but spent thirteen years in France. While pursuing his bachelor in Political Science at Paris Nanterre University, Timothée spent twelve months in Tokyo, studying at Sophia University (Jochi Daigaku). After graduation, Timothée worked as a trainee at the Parliament of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg within the International and European Relations Department. While in Luxembourg, Timothée co-founded Lingua Franca with friends he met in Japan, a nonprofit that gives a voice to scholars and activists from groups rarely represented outside regular academic circles, raising awareness to current issues and fostering tolerance of the other. Deeply concerned about the environmental crises, Timothée came to Canada on a sailing cargo-ship. He is committed to work for a just social and environmental transition to preserve our world.

Mohamed Alioune Diop is a professional esports athlete and Finance graduate from Rutgers University, originally from Senegal. Having represented the U.S. Soccer Federation and DC United in international FIFA competitions, he brings a unique perspective to public policy shaped by global experience and leadership in competitive gaming. Mohamed is passionate about development finance, energy policy, and international cooperation. As he begins his Master of Public Policy at 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ, he hopes to explore how innovative financing and inclusive policymaking can address inequality and support sustainable development in emerging economies.

Rebecca Duncan is excited to deepen her expertise in international policy following five years of work in cultural diplomacy and international development in Washington, D.C. Most recently, she served as the Training and Electoral Operations Officer at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, where she provided strategic guidance on electoral training, technical assistance programs, capacity building, and program management. A fluent French speaker, Rebecca also held the position of Deputy Attaché for Education at the Embassy of France in the United States, where she spent three years strengthening bilateral education initiatives. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she has also worked with nonprofit organizations across the Pacific Northwest, championing intercultural understanding and fostering meaningful cultural exchange in the region. Rebecca has chosen to obtain her master’s degree in Public Policy in hopes of gaining the expertise to address the most pressing development challenges, particularly in the context of rising illiberal regimes.

Victoria Gibbs is originally from Prince Edward Island, Canada. In 2023, she received her B.A. in Political Science and International Development from Dalhousie University. During this time she also served as Financial Vice-President and subsequently, President for the University of King’s College Students’ Union. Victoria’s work background includes a variety of leadership and managerial roles in customer service, childcare and nature education. This is in addition to her experience working on youth policy with the Public Health Agency of Canada. Victoria wants to learn how she can apply her educational and work background to tackle youth policy issues. She is particularly interested in the intersection between youth and immigration policy.

Ubah Mohamed Jama is an incoming Mastercard Foundation Scholar at 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ, where she will pursue a Master of Public Policy. She has over eight years of experience, especially in social work with vulnerable girls and youth. Ubah worked at the Puntland Legal Aid Center, supporting access to justice and legal protection for women and marginalized communities. For the past three years, she has led youth innovation and protection initiatives through the WAAPO/UNICEF UPSHIFT program in Somaliland. Her work includes organizing social innovation boot camps, advocating against child marriage and FGM/C, and managing programs that empower adolescent girls through life skills, business training, and community-led advocacy. Ubah is passionate about designing inclusive policies that protect girls’ rights and promote social development. Through her studies at 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ, she hopes to gain the tools and knowledge needed to influence public policy and improve gender equality and social protection across underserved communities.