SSHRC Doctoral Scholarship recipient: Emilia Gonzalez
Emilia Gonzalez’s doctoral research focuses on understanding how to foster meaningful and effective dialogue across generations to drive positive social change. Gonzalez is exploring how strengthening intergenerational relationships in youth-serving organizations in Latin America can influence young people’s participation in society, advocacy and research.
Gonzalez reflects on receiving the distinction to Honour Nelson Mandela and her TMU graduate experience, and offers advice to graduate students.
"Receiving the distinction to Honour Nelson Mandela with my Canada Graduate Scholarships is an incredibly moving recognition that comes with great responsibility. The honor to carry Nelson Mandela’s legacy through my doctoral research means continuing to build meaningful relationships and social networks, uplifting the voices of all people, especially young people, who are fighting for justice and liberation, and who are bravely defending their communities in the face of harmful systems and structures of oppression. We are living in a time marked by global challenges and complex social dynamics. Following Nelson Mandela’s steps, I deeply believe that engaging in different forms of intergenerational dialogue can create opportunities to better understand one another, and to continue fighting for peace, justice, and freedom."
What inspires your research?
My research is inspired by brave young people all over the world who are defending their communities, questioning the status quo and fighting for their rights. In addition, I often look to natural ecosystems we are part of as a source of inspiration. These interconnected and resilient systems remind me that every action has a ripple effect, that every actor (big and small) plays an important role and that individual members can only thrive if the whole ecosystem is healthy.
Why did you choose TMU for graduate studies?
Enrolling in a PhD in Policy Studies at TMU has been a very enriching opportunity, personally and professionally. I was first drawn to the program because of its commitment to diversity and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Since the beginning, the Policy Studies program has encouraged me to refine the knowledge, skills and networks needed to continue creating and advocating for environments where young people are embedded, listened to and considered in meaningful ways. A special thanks to my doctoral colleagues, the graduate program director and graduate program administrator.
How has your relationship been with your supervisor Dr. Mónica Ruiz-Casares?
I am incredibly grateful for the ongoing encouragement and support from my doctoral supervisor, Dr. Mónica Ruiz-Casares. As a mentor (to myself and many others), Mónica models what it means to work and live with integrity, curiosity, generosity and hope. Her talent for meaningfully connecting with people, regardless of their age or background, and making them feel seen and heard, is truly inspiring. Mónica has been a source of motivation during the ups and downs of my academic career. After eight years of working together, I continue to learn from her critical perspectives and unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable world for children and young people.
I’d also like to recognize the support and encouragement from my comprehensive exam committee members, Dr. Tara Collins and Dr. Patrizia Albanese. Their insightful questions, encouraging words and valuable feedback during my comprehensive exam has greatly contributed to my PhD experience and research.
My PhD journey has also been supported and inspired by the International and Canadian Children’s Rights Partnership (ICCRP), Recrear International (external link) , the Critical Children's Rights Research Network (external link) and Child Rights Academic Network (CRAN) (external link) .
What advice do you have for graduate students?
Don’t be afraid to bring your full self into what you do. If there is a topic or question that feels important to you, follow it and integrate it into your studies or research. This will be a key source of motivation when overcoming challenging times (which will come!). It will also bring you closer to people who care about this topic.
Surround yourself with people who believe in you and truly support you. Academia can be very competitive — find colleagues and friends who value collaboration and co-creation over competition.
Lead with curiosity and an open mind — the best part about studying and research is when you learn something new that changes the way you think about the world.
