Holly Williams, Co-op Student of the Year, Bachelor of Arts: My name is Holly Williams. I’m a third-year student in the Criminal Justice and Public Policy Co-op program with a minor in Psychology. For my last co-op term, I completed an eight-month placement at Stepping Stone as the fundraising and events coordinator.

Stephanie Burchat-Samson, Nominator, Stepping Stone: I nominated Holly because she truly went above and beyond what we expected from a co-op student. She brought fresh ideas, she had a great perspective, and she was always eager to learn. She made a true, lasting impact during her time here with us.

Holly: In my position, I oversaw all of the public-facing communications for the organization. That included the newsletter, the website, and social media, as well as creating presentations, proposals, and grant writing.

Action: Holly and Stephanie work together in an office.

I got to experience a lot, ranging from doing events in the shelter and spending time with shelter guests, to administrative work and getting to know the government stakeholders involved in homelessness and housing.

Action: Images of Holly assisting with food service and tabling at events.

The work I’m most proud of from my co-op at Stepping Stone was collaborating on a proposal to the City of Guelph that awarded Stepping Stone funding to open and operate a new daytime space in the community. This space allows people to access food, showers, and supports.

Stephanie: One example I would use is an event she was tasked with coordinating very early on in her co-op: a puppy yoga fundraiser. She coordinated the entire event, managed all of the logistics, and raised double the amount she was originally hoping for.

Action: Participants in a fundraiser pose for yoga surrounded by puppies.

Holly: Going forward in my co-op career, I’m inspired to continue finding work that I’m passionate about—work that makes a tangible impact in communities and helps improve the lives of Canadians.