Shailene Panylo, NDP, MP, Oshawa

Hi, I'm Shailene, a community organizer, activist, and advocate based in the Durham Region. I'm a University of Toronto Alumni with an HBSc. in Molecular Biology, Immunology & Disease, and Women & Gender Studies and a TEFL instructor certified by the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE). I currently work as the Research & Government Relations Coordinator for the Canadian Federation of Students National office and proudly serve as a Director and Coordinator for the Durham Black Students' Network. My life's passions have allowed me to travel throughout the Greater Toronto Area to speak to a variety of ages organizations, and ethnic groups about a variety of topics including: embracing diversity, anti-bullying, recognizing and addressing racism, and empowering youth to find their voices. I offer keynote addresses, spoken word poetry, interactive and educational presentations, and youth mentorship. I also work as a natural hair educator bringing local businesses, youth, and families together to learn about their roots and how to care for them. By sharing my story and experiences growing up as a Black woman in the Durham Region I hope to shed light on how far we have come as a diverse society, and how far we have yet to go. I have a passion for empowering youth to utilize their voices to make positive change in ur community; one voice is all it takes, and it's never too early to start making a difference. I believe that mental health awareness and general well-being are crucial to supporting the next generation. I often share my own battles with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and suicide in the hopes that the signs, symptoms, and supports are normalized and more widely understood. "Aim to be the role model you could have used when you were younger".

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