The Interns

Evan Akriotis is originally from Toronto, but has spent the last four years in Montreal, completing a Joint Honours degree in Political Science and Canadian Studies. His research interests include the nature of representation, the interaction between media (particularly entertainment media) and politics, and the politics of the north. In 2010, Evan explored his latter interest in greater depth by attending summer school in Pangnirtung, Nunavut with the University of Manitoba. Outside of politics, Evan enjoys squash, skiing, running, and having his heart broken by Toronto sports teams. Evan is thrilled to be spending this year at Queen's Park with his nine fellow interns.

Patrick DeRochie grew up in the small southern Ontarian town of Fonthill. In 2008, he completed a BA with a double major in history and political science at the University of Guelph. As an undergraduate Patrick was active in student government and university clubs. While pursuing an MA in International Affairs at Carleton University's Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Patrick interned at the Rideau Institute, and monitored parliamentary committees for the Alpheus Group. Since June 2010, he has worked as an Evaluation Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa. Patrick enjoys hockey, soccer, cycling, traveling, movies, music and relaxing at the cottage.

Belinda Ellsworth is originally from Stratford, Prince Edward Island. She graduated with distinction from Mount Allison University with a B.A. (Hon.) in Political Science in 2009 and in 2011 completed an M.A. in Political Studies at Queen's University. Her research interests include issue ownership in Canadian politics, intergovernmental relations, and gender politics. Aside from politics, Belinda enjoys travelling, classic movies, and watching hockey. Belinda is grateful to be part of the program and is excited to get an inside look at Queen's Park.

Lauren Hanna is from Aurora, Ontario and recently completed her BA (Honours) in Political Science at Acadia University. There, Lauren studied Canadian and comparative politics including political theory. In 2010, Lauren was one of three Canadian delegates attending the annual Carleton University Students' Association conference on American foreign policy at the United States Military Academy at West Point. She has worked in a law office and also volunteered in fundraising for social service agencies. Lauren is eager to immerse herself in the rhythms of provincial politics to better understand how this impacts the daily lives of Ontarians. Through the internship, Lauren is seeking direction and inspiration for future graduate studies.

Humera Jabir is a recent graduate of McGill University where she completed a BA (Joint Honours) in Political Science and International Development Studies. Originally from Brampton, Ontario, Humera moved to Victoria, British Columbia in 2006 after receiving a full scholarship to attend Lester B. Pearson United World College. The close friendships she made with students from around the world inspired her to work and travel abroad. Humera is an avid beginner of everything - photographer, guitarist, trekker, and cook. As an OLIP intern, Humera is excited to be back in Ontario and learning about the issues that matter to Ontarians.

Sylvia Kim was born in Sydney, Australia but grew up in Busan, South Korea before moving to Toronto when she was ten years old. Her fascination with South Korea's rapid economic and political transformation since the 1950s, led Sylvia to study at McGill University where she graduated with a BA (Honours) in International Development. Through the OLIP program, Sylvia is eager to see how leaders and institutions at the provincial level translate their visions into reality. Outside of politics, Sylvia is obsessed with innovative start-ups, salsa dancing, and cooking fusion dishes.

Diego Ortiz was born in Bogota, Colombia and raised in London, Ontario. He completed his BA at the University of Western Ontario and expects to graduate from the Political Science Honour Specialization program. Concurrently, Diego earned a minor in Global Development from the Centre for Global Studies at Huron University College. He has a particular interest in business and government relations and policy implementation. Diego is very much looking forward to sharing new experiences with his 2011/12 OLIP colleagues and is seeking a career in government relations upon completion of the internship.

Sylvia Pena was born in Regina, Saskatchewan but was raised in Hamilton, Ontario. She has just completed her BA (Honours) in Political Science with a minor in French from McMaster University. Before commencing her studies, Sylvia volunteered abroad in Ukraine with Canada World Youth and in Costa Rica. During the second summer of her undergraduate studies, Sylvia worked as a guide for the Parliamentary Guide program. This experience merged her love for languages with her interest in Canadian politics. Her outside interests include sewing, learning languages, traveling, and dining with friends. Sylvia is excited to be part of the OLIP team for 2011-2012.

Craig Ruttan was born in Kitchener, Ontario and raised in nearby Punkeydoodles Corners. He completed his BA (Honours) at the University of Toronto, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies. As an undergraduate student, Craig was active in student government and college governance, and worked as a research assistant in mathematics education. This past year, Craig completed his MA in International Peace and Security at King's College London in the UK. His academic interests include peacebuilding, justice issues, education policy, and the politics of identity. He also enjoys typography, theatre, travelling, ultimate frisbee, and figure skating. Craig is thrilled to be part of OLIP's Class of 2011-12 at Queen's Park.

Monika Wyrzykowska moved to Toronto from Berlin, Germany at age 11 and pursued her interest in public policy, albeit with a focus on Europe, during her studies. Monika holds a BA in Economics and European Studies from the University of Toronto and has recently completed her MA in European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs. After participating in a French-language immersion program in Trois-Rivieres and working at the Ministere du Developpement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs in Quebec City, Monika developed a deeper interest in Canadian federalism and public policy. Monika is also passionate about issues of multiculturalism and national identity, mostly stemming from her strong involvement in the Polish-Canadian community.