Working in Social Innovation: Jessica Machado

In a special series, these spotlight interviews highlight the work being done by the team at the Office of Social Innovation (OSI). 

What does social innovation (SI) mean to you?

I think the term SI itself is dynamic, and my understanding of it has changed and become nuanced over the past few years. Simply put, I understand SI as a way to further social justice. An initiative is socially innovative when we can find a way to creatively work within and across our communities to challenge and resist dominant, exclusionary systems.

How did you start working with the Office of Social Innovation (OSI)? Can you tell us a bit more about your role as the Program & Events Coordinator?

Before OSI was established, I worked in the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI), which was where an early strategy for SI at Toronto Metropolitan was being developed. In August 2016, an Executive Lead of Social Innovation was appointed; along with another colleague from OVPRI, we transitioned to what became OSI. Since then, I’ve held the role of Program & Events Coordinator. Through my role, I co-create, develop, and coordinate our initiatives and support students and community members throughout their work with us. I also had the opportunity to write our Student Engagement Strategy, which was launched in January 2020. 

For your undergrad, you studied Biology at Toronto Metropolitan. Would you be able to tell us how your studies and experience as a student led you to work in SI?

When I was a science student, a close friend of mine connected me to the Biofilm Ecology Lab, which was the first opportunity that aligned with my academic interests at the time. I was then accepted into a small student committee at OVPRI to learn about changemaking initiatives on campus. It was the first time that I was working with students across campus who were also budding activists. It also happened that, due to a conflict of my only two remaining courses, I wasn't able to graduate when I had expected. In what was a very uncertain, challenging year, I remained closely involved with that student committee, became involved with the federal election, accepted a part-time job off-campus, and was elected as a student representative to the Senate and the Board of Governors. With support from OVPRI, I also presented for the first time at the Ashoka U Exchange. When I graduated, I took on a position in OVPRI as a Social Innovation Assistant, where I was able to build on the work of the student committee.

Over the last year, OSI has gone through some changes. In your opinion, how has the vision for SI changed at Toronto Metropolitan University?

In my time working in OSI, the vision has become much more refined, intentional, and reflective of the work that we do. It's rooted in social justice and emphasizes support for student activism.

You have been working at OSI since the start in 2016 - can you tell us about an initiative or program that you feel most proud of?

This is a difficult question for me because our programs are so different and there are unique elements to all of them that make me feel appreciative and proud. I will narrow it down to three initiatives:

• Map the System is one of our most important offerings to support students and community members in their research interests. It's a wonderful opportunity for me to work with participants who are entering the exciting, messy, and rewarding process of exploring the roots of our social systemic issues.
• Social Innovation for Social Justice (SI4SJ) is a program that Melanie Panitch, Kiaras Gharabaghi, and Asher Alkoby welcomed me into in September 2018 to assist with coordination. It has since supported nearly 30 students in connecting with frontline staff at social service agencies in New York City and has led me to many of my own reflections on activism, resistance, and community engagement.
• The Social Innovation and Activism Fund (SIAF) is our pilot funding program for student activists. SIAF recognizes that many students who are organizers are likely also at capacity with managing an academic course load, part-time work, and other commitments. SIAF provides funding to these students to continue their activism.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

When I needed to make a very difficult decision in my personal life, a close friend of mine shared this insightful advice. She described that it's a fearful position to be in when you feel that you must be absolutely safe to make a decision or to move forward. We need to find the support that helps us reach a place of feeling safe enough, safe enough to take the risk and accept that it may end in an unsatisfying way. That's part of our human experience. 

What advice would you give to students who want to get involved in SI at Toronto Metropolitan?

While I was a student, a friend had noticed that I was often doubtful of myself and I would avoid applying to opportunities. I would respond with, "I don't think I'm what they're looking for" or "I don't think this proposal would be accepted", and she drew attention to how I was already deciding on behalf of that committee by not applying. She suggested that I apply anyways, and leave the decision up to the committee, instead of reaching it for myself. I share this sentiment with all students who are hesitant to put themselves out there. We also meet students where they're at; if you don't know where to start, if you're interested in social change, or if you already are an activist, reach out to us to learn how we can support you. We understand the important role that staff hold in supporting students in their learning, and we value this work immensely.