Working in Social Innovation: Jocelyn Courneya

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?

From my experience, the definition for SI is open to interpretation, depending on the person, the organization, or the project. For me, I think that the purpose of SI is to collaboratively create innovative solutions to challenge complex social issues. 

What sparked your interest in social innovation and social justice work?

Like many grade 12 students, I had no idea what I “wanted to be when I grew up.” I decided to take a year off after high school and started working with a non-profit organization called StepStones for Youth, where I was involved with an after-school and summer camp program for youth who were struggling with their self-esteem, had a history of abuse, or were in foster care. Through working with the youth and various team members that make up StepStones, I was able to understand the importance of strong communications and advocacy for non-profit organizations, which led me to study communications. 

Can you tell us a bit more about your role as the Marketing Communications Coordinator?

As the Marketing Communications Coordinator, my role is to manage and coordinate the day-to-day digital marketing and communications initiatives of the office. My role also means getting to tell the stories of SI initiatives happening at Toronto Metropolitan and working closely with students, staff, and community members to share their projects and their work.

For your undergrad, you studied communications - would you be able to tell us how your studies and experience as a student led you to work in SI?

During university, I worked at the University of Ottawa’s Entrepreneurship Hub (eHub), an on-campus space for social entrepreneurs. My role was to work with students and help them develop marketing and communications plans for their ventures. This experience helped me to further understand the value of using communications and marketing skills to promote projects and tell stories of great work happening on-campus that may otherwise “fly under the radar”.

OSI recently underwent a big rebranding and relaunch, can you tell us about your role in that process?

I was lucky to join OSI when Melanie Panitch had become the new Executive Director.  Melanie had a new vision for the future of OSI at Toronto Metropolitan, which led to a restrategizing process for the office. We worked closely with Nadia Bello from the Faculty of Community Services to guide us through the initial stages of strategic planning, as well as with the Marketing & Creative Services team at University Relations to help develop our new visual identity. My role was leading the implementation of the rebranding process. We then finalized our written mission and values and visually displayed this through a total overhaul of our identifying colours, website design, and social media channels (external link) .

You’ve been working at OSI for just over a year now, what is something new you have learned about SI?

I think I learn something new about this space every day, but what has become clearer to me is the collaborative nature of this work. Collaboration is a defining characteristic in all of our programming at OSI and in our vision and values. That is why the majority of our programs are open to all students at Toronto Metropolitan. There is space for everyone in SI.

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

Since working at OSI, something Melanie has always made clear to our team is that there is room for everyone at the table. That means, no matter your working experience or academic background, everyone has something of value to contribute. I think that is made clear in the makeup of our team, as we all have different personal experiences and expertise. 

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

Take risks and go outside of your comfort zone. If you see an opportunity to get involved in a project and are unsure if you fit in that space or have anything valuable to contribute, stop doubting yourself, and take the opportunity. If you are interested in getting involved in SI and you don't know where to start, reach out to OSI. If there is a particular program or event that interests you - sign up, inquire, or just send us an email!