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<\/a>Brock University student and entrepreneur Justin Mafie presents during Black History Month and African Heritage Month events. Mafie\u2019s digital creative agency, CREOVA, grew through the Enbridge Inc. Career Experience Bursary and Brock LINC\u2019s Navigate program.<\/p><\/div>\n
Through feedback from employers and the chance to build industry connections, students gain insight and confidence to navigate their future careers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are deeply grateful for Enbridge\u2019s generous bursary support, which makes it possible for students with financial need to pursue meaningful, career-relevant work experiences,\u201d said Julia Zhu, Director, Co-op, Career and Experiential Education. \u201cThis support not only reduces financial barriers but also empowers students to gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen fields.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bursary allowed Finn to pursue a suite of theatre-based initiatives this summer, including directing an adaptation of Miss Julie<\/em> for Brock\u2019s One Act Festival, acting and collaborating in four Summer Institute workshops, and contributing to the DART Performance Research Institute (DART PRI).<\/p>\n For Finn, who grew up in Toronto, these experiences represent more than professional growth.<\/p>\n \u201cThis summer\u2019s projects reflected a transformation,\u201d she said. \u201cI was once a young girl who would\u2019ve never imagined what she could accomplish, but through faith and perseverance, I\u2019ve learned never to take the gift of life for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n Through the One Act Festival, Finn explored themes of race, gender and class in Miss Julie, co-directing a reimagined production with third-year DART student Gianna Lupparelli that pushed boundaries and challenged norms. At DART PRI, Finn worked in an incubator focused on anti-supremacy in theatre and education, combining creativity with critical advocacy.<\/p>\n \u201cSilence doesn\u2019t create opportunity,\u201d Finn said. \u201cTo make a positive impact, you must advocate not just for others but for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Her work in the arts is part of a much broader mission. This past fall, Finn launched the Black Flourishing Advocacy Initiative, a community-wide effort promoting Black mental health, leadership and critical inclusivity at Brock.<\/p>\n \u201cThe goal is to create braver and safer spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued,\u201d she said. \u201cThis bursary gave me the time and resources to grow as an artist and advocate; to show up for others.\u201d<\/p>\n As Vice-President of the Black Student Association, she is spearheading the initiative alongside Brock University Students\u2019 Union (BUSU) clubs and community members.<\/p>\n \u201cI may not carry every lived experience,\u201d said Finn. \u201cBut I show up. Helping someone find their voice and purpose \u2014 that\u2019s power. I choose to speak loudly, fiercely, even when it\u2019s uncomfortable, because my story, my truth and my voice deserve to take up space.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Mafie used the funding to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n