Sarah Ella Shijia Feng
Education
2022 – 2026Montréal, Canada
Bachelor of Arts, Honours International Development Studies, Minor in Philosophy, McGill University

J.W. McConnell Renewable Major Entrance Scholarship (2022)

Professional Experience
09/2023 – presentMontréal, Canada
Water Polo Coach, À Contre-Courant
  • •Coach two practices a week for À Contre-Courant, an aquatic club for the LGBTQ2IA+ community and allies in Montréal
    • 05/2024 – 08/2024
    Canadian Program Intern, Equitas International Centre for Human Rights Educatio
    06/2023 – 08/2023Surrey, Canada
    Settlement Worker, Options Community Services
  • •Assist immigrants and refugees in finding employment through resume and cover letter development and mock interviews
  • •Facilitate job matching based on clients' skills, qualifications, and career goals
  • •Conduct needs assessments and provide informed referrals to appropriate programs
  • •Maintain a comprehensive client database and analyze client data to identify trends, patterns, and emerging needs, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and program improvement
  • •Organize and promote events aimed at enhancing community engagement, cultural exchange, and integration opportunities
  • •Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure successful event execution, including logistical planning, marketing, and participant coordination
    • 10/2022 – presentMontréal, Canada
    Vice President Internal, McGill International Development Studies Student Association
  • •Elected as VP Internal April 2023-present
  • •Awarded "Best Departmental Association" by the McGill University Arts Undergraduate Society
  • •Represent 1000+ undergraduate International Development students
  • •Coordinate internal activities such as hiring and team development
  • •Supervise First-Year Council and plan events for first-year International Development Studies students
  • •First Year Representative October 2022-April 2023
  • •Represent first-year International Development students
  • •Lead First-Year Council in planning events to foster a sense of community among students
  • •Applied for and received $900 from the Students' Society of McGill University to fund events
  • •Attended Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops with international development agencies (World Bank Group, International Finance Corporation)
    • 04/2023 – presentMontréal, Canada
    Vice President External, McGill Students for the Open Door Montréal
  • •Connect student volunteers to The Open Door Montréal, an emergency shelter for underhoused and low-income individuals in downtown Montréal
  • •Promote the organization's mission through social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Website using WordPress)
    • 01/2024 – presentMontréal, Canada
    Piano Teacher, Montréal Heart of the City Piano Program
  • •Provide free weekly piano lessons to children who may otherwise be unable to participate due to financial barriers
    • 09/2022 – 05/2023Montréal, Canada
    NGO Delegate to the United Nations, International Relations Students’ Association of McGill Youth Advisory Council
  • •Write policy recommendations advocating for productive employment for all (focus on youth, migrants, climate change, global health, and inequality)
  • •Attend the United Nations 61st Session of the Commission for Social Development as a youth delegate of a non-profit with consultative status with the UN
  • •Present research and policy briefs to government officials and NGOs
    • Campus Involvement
    04/2023 – 05/2024Montreal, Canada
    McGill International Development Studies Students Association, Vice President Internal
    Languages
    English
    Mandarin Chinese
    French
    Certificates
    CPR-C/AED training
    National Coaching Certification Program

    Level 1

    Awards and Recognition
    2024
    McCall MacBain International Fellowship, McCall Macbain Foundation

    Award valued up to $30,000 affording students the opportunity to learn a language, study, and work in a foreign country for one year. I will be learning Spanish in Colombia.

    04/2022
    J.W. McConnell Major Undergraduate Scholarship, McGill University

    Major entrance scholarship awarded on the basis of academic achievement and outstanding leadership in school or community activities

    06/2022
    Senior Phoenix Award, Port Moody Secondary School

    Honour awarded to top overall grade 11/​12 student who has excelled in academics, athletics, and service

    06/2022
    Joe DeGobbi Memorial Award, School District 43

    Scholarship for postsecondary education awarded to students who "demonstrate school or team spirit and encourage others"

    07/2022
    Jason Parish Memorial Award, Simon Fraser Region/Jason Parish Memorial Scholarship Committee

    Awarded to BC summer swimmers on the basis of academic achievement and diverse community involvement

    12/2021
    Alternate for Youth Women's Water Polo National Team, Water Polo Canada

    Selected as alternate for Youth Women's Water Polo National Team

    10/2022
    BC Achievement Scholarship, British Columbia Ministry of Education and Childcare

    Provincial scholarship awarded for academic excellence