The summer has barely begun, but at Capacity Canada Amy Cooper and Shayla McGuire are already knee deep in a variety of new and exciting projects.
The University of Waterloo students, both of whom just completed their second year of studies in Global Business and Digital Arts, are putting their skills in digital and graphic design to the test for the next few months to bring some new initiatives to fruition.
Among these is our Capacity by Design program, which aims to bring design thinking to the forefront for non-profit groups nationwide. The interns are involved in several key aspects of bringing the program to life, including the creation of a new website.
“We just had a presentation on that (Capacity by Design) and it was super inspiring,” says Shayla. “It will be exciting to see how everything plays out over the next few months.”
Amy agrees and says working at Capacity Canada is providing her with new insights.
“I’ve never really had a lot of experience working with non-profits. But in these past few weeks I’ve already learned so much about that sector,” says the Sarnia native. “It’s been really cool to see how much is really offered for the not-for-profits.”
Shayla, who hails from Waterloo and has worked in the local non-profit sector previously, was already familiar with Capacity Canada after volunteering her skills at our CreateAthon 2017. The event last October, run in partnership with Alchemy Systems in Guelph, Manulife and Conestoga College, resulted in thousands of dollars worth of free design and marketing work being provided to 18 non-profits from across Canada.
But Shayla hopes that working for Capacity Canada this summer will provide her with even more opportunities.
“I’m definitely inspired by what I can provide with my background in design and digital media and how that can translate into social good initiatives,” she says.
Capacity Canada CEO Cathy Brothers says having the interns, who were hired thanks to the federally-funded Canada Summer Jobs program, is a boost for the non-profit organization.
“We’re thrilled to be able to provide them with an opportunity to not only use their talents but provide our organization with the chance to increase our social impact.”
Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger said the Canadian government is committed to offering students valuable summer work opportunities and to support communities in taking action on local priorities.
“These summer work experiences represent important pathways facilitating future transitions from school to the world of work,” she said.
