What Summer Students Say About North York Women’s Centre

Every May, we’re delighted to welcome summer interns to NYWC. It’s a win-win scenario in which students gain meaningful learning and practicum experience while offering invaluable help to our organization and the women who participate in our programs. Read on to hear what some past students have to say about their time at North York Women’s Centre. And if you’re looking to gain skills in a women-led, women-focused non-profit in Toronto in 2023, visit our student placements page.

“My experience at NYWC has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

“I have been able to work with some of the most kind and hard-working women I have ever come across, who truly inspire me every day. I worked on a pilot program and watched it unfold into one of the greatest learning experiences alongside my wonderful team. The creative control I was given to create content for our social media platforms also allowed me to tap into new skills. One of the greatest benefits of working at NYWC has been the constant genuine support and encouragement I have received. North York Women’s Centre has made me feel safe and incredibly proud of the work that we have done for the women in our community.” Shazma Nafis (She/Her)

“At NYWC, we genuinely care about the women we serve.”

“Sometimes the things we encounter in our work pulls at our heartstrings. It’s all worth it, because the work I get to do with the team of incredible and dedicated NYWC women is meaningful and makes a difference. In turn, the women I’ve had the honour to serve on the phone or in NYWC virtual spaces have inspired me with their resilience and compassion for one another. For example, I was moved to see the women in the Virtual Women’s Lounge connect with one another through their personal challenges and welcome and support one another. ‘We’re a family,’ one woman shared. NYWC is truly a special community of women. When joining the organization, I knew that contributing to women’s safety and personal development would be important and hard work, but I now know that it’s a lot of fun, too.” Shadi Laghai (She/Her)

“My experience over the past three months with NYWC has been extremely valuable.”

“Through the Virtual Women’s Lounge and the Women’s Empowerment Series, I had the opportunity to meet amazing women from all walks of life with many fascinating thoughts and opinions! Working at NYWC came at the perfect time to help me determine the next steps on my path in school and in life. I felt like a respected member of the team, which made both work and learning so much easier. Thank you to the incredible staff who made me feel so welcomed and valued, and who encouraged me to be enthusiastic and involved. The NYWC and its staff are truly special, and I am glad to have been a part of it!” Nicole Winchester (She/Her)

“If I could describe NYWC in one word, it would be ‘community.’”

“During the summer of 2021, I had the absolute pleasure of working as a Peer Support Worker at the North York Women’s Centre. In my role, I was able to facilitate discussion in the Virtual Women’s Lounge and plan NYWC Week, the Centre’s end-of-summer celebration. Topics included intersectionality, self-care and building connections. The NYWC team consists of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in their local communities. Our clients are inspirational, warm-hearted individuals who provide guidance to each other and have the courage to reach out for help when they need it themselves. Our mission is, and has always been, to dismantle the social structures that place many of us at a disadvantage. NYWC has built a support system and safe space that ensures no one gets left behind, which is one of the reasons why I am so proud to have been a part of such an amazing organization. Working at NYWC has often made me feel like I received much more than I gave. I am eternally grateful for the second family I have found and look forward to seeing what the Centre continues to accomplish in the future.” Riya Bhatla (She/her)

Interested in finding out more about North York Women’s Centre? Read about our organization, guiding principles and team members, bookmark our jobs page and connect with us!