Brock Psychology grad Lulu Antonucci’s (BA ’24) journey from a co-op student to full-time employment counsellor has been driven by her passion to help others rewrite their futures.

Antonucci says she discovered “her calling” to work with people affected by the justice system through her co-op and volunteer experiences with the John Howard Society of Niagara, a non-profit organization focused on reducing the social, economic and personal costs of crime through justice, prevention, employment and education initiatives.

“This organization doesn’t just offer support, it offers a chance to change lives,” said Antonucci, who now runs the organization’s Workpath program, helping marginalized individuals overcome barriers, secure meaningful employment and regain their sense of purpose.

“I’ve always wanted to help marginalized individuals, and working with the John Howard Society gave me the opportunity to not only witness but also facilitate change in people’s lives,” she said. “Through my role, I’ve been able to guide justice-involved individuals through the often-challenging process of re-entering the workforce. It’s fulfilling to know that I’m helping them build a new future.”

Antonucci completed three works terms as a Student Bail Court Worker before officially joining the team in September. She credits those Brock Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) opportunities with helping her gain relevant work experience.

“This opportunity to help justice-involved individuals find employment is incredibly rewarding. The experience I gained through Brock’s co-op program was pivotal in shaping my career path, and I’m grateful for the guidance and connections that allowed me to turn my passion into a professional opportunity,” she says.

Antonucci’s cites skills such as problem-solving, adaptability and confidence as key takeaways from her co-op experiences.

Brock’s CCEE unit, which matches students with relevant work placements, provides a variety of resources to support career development.

Alesia Dane, Associate Director, Co-op and Workplace Partnerships, emphasizes how important these opportunities are in shaping student success.

“Co-op is more than just about gaining work experience — it’s about discovering passions, building confidence and shaping the future,” Dane says. “Students like Lulu leverage the skills they develop while working with our team and the connections they build — such as within the John Howard Society — to secure meaningful full-time employment. Co-op opportunities help students explore career options, gain valuable experience and graduate ready to make an impact.”