From left: Dramatic Arts students Sandra Nampiima, Makayla Finn and Karai Flowers celebrate The Masks We Wear, the One Acts Play Festival that featured a performance co-created by Finn and her fellow upper-year Brock Dramatic Arts students, which is part of the theatre-based projects she pursued through the Enbridge Inc. Career Experience Bursary.
This story was originally published in the Brock News on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Additional information has been included.
The stage is more than a performance space for Brock University student Makayla Finn; it’s a platform for belonging and empowerment.
This summer, it became a launchpad for deeper impact, made possible by support from Enbridge Inc.
Finn, a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Physical Education program with a minor in Dramatic Arts, received the 2025 Enbridge Inc. Career Experience Bursary alongside Justin Mafie, a Bachelor of Science student in Mathematics.
The award supports undergraduate students involved in Brock’s Work Experience Program offered by Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE), with preference given to non-co-op students who demonstrate financial need. Funded by a $10,000 gift from Enbridge Inc., the bursary provides $5,000 to each recipient to pursue meaningful, career-aligned opportunities.
Recognized on their academic transcript, the program allows students to set intentional learning goals, develop Brock’s core competencies and reflect on their growth with guidance from a member of the Co-op Education and Workplace Partnership team.
Brock University student and entrepreneur Justin Mafie presents during Black History Month and African Heritage Month events. Mafie’s digital creative agency, CREOVA, grew through the Enbridge Inc. Career Experience Bursary and Brock LINC’s Navigate program.
Through feedback from employers and the chance to build industry connections, students gain insight and confidence to navigate their future careers.
“We are deeply grateful for Enbridge’s generous bursary support, which makes it possible for students with financial need to pursue meaningful, career-relevant work experiences,” said Julia Zhu, Director, Co-op, Career and Experiential Education. “This support not only reduces financial barriers but also empowers students to gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen fields.”
The bursary allowed Finn to pursue a suite of theatre-based initiatives this summer, including directing an adaptation of Miss Julie for Brock’s One Act Festival, acting and collaborating in four Summer Institute workshops, and contributing to the DART Performance Research Institute (DART PRI).
For Finn, who grew up in Toronto, these experiences represent more than professional growth.
“This summer’s projects reflected a transformation,” she said. “I was once a young girl who would’ve never imagined what she could accomplish, but through faith and perseverance, I’ve learned never to take the gift of life for granted.”
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. The production featured the performers Landon Drexler as John, Megan Mastantuono as Julie, and Sandra Nampiima as Christine. Toronto-based DART instructor Michael Reinhart was the Artistic Director of the festival.
At DART PRI, Finn worked in an incubator focused on anti-supremacy in theatre and education, combining creativity with critical advocacy. Her projects included Wife of Bath by Independent Auntie Productions, led by renown Canadian artists Anna Chatterton and Evalyn Parry, Minosis Gathers Hope by Carousel Players, led by Monica Dufault and Christine Sokaymoh Frederick, The Square, led by the Dora Nominated Nigerian Actor, Writer, Performer and Mother, Dienye Waboso Amajor, and The Source The Work The Story by In my own head theatre, led by Dienye Waboso Amajor, Marcel Stewart (DART alumnus), and Shabnam Sukhdev.
“Silence doesn’t create opportunity,” Finn said. “To make a positive impact, you must advocate not just for others but for yourself.”
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.
“The goal is to create braver and safer spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued,” she said. “This bursary gave me the time and resources to grow as an artist and advocate; to show up for others.”
As Vice-President of the Black Student Association, she is spearheading the initiative alongside Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) clubs and community members.
“I may not carry every lived experience,” said Finn. “But I show up. Helping someone find their voice and purpose — that’s power. I choose to speak loudly, fiercely, even when it’s uncomfortable, because my story, my truth and my voice deserve to take up space.”
Meanwhile, Mafie used the funding to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship.
Through Brock LINC’s Navigate program, he is developing his startup, CREOVA, which is short for “creative innovation.” The digital agency offers videography, photography, social media management and branding services.
“With a background in computer science, math and business, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of data and creativity,” said Mafie. “CREOVA helps individuals and organizations tell their stories in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.”
Through Navigate, Mafie has engaged with dozens of potential clients and gathered feedback to refine his services. The hands-on, 11-week program supports early-stage ventures by teaching lean startup methodology, connecting participants with mentors and encouraging customer discovery.
“Receiving the bursary made a huge difference,” he said. “It allowed me to dedicate real time to developing the business and building a foundation for long-term growth.”
Mafie said the support not only made the logistics of entrepreneurship easier but also affirmed that his work matters.
“That kind of encouragement goes a long way,” he said. “The Enbridge bursary helped me turn an idea into something with real impact.”
