An exceptional Dawson student will be in Toronto Feb. 21-23 for the final part of the selection process for the Loran Award, the country’s largest and most comprehensive four-year undergraduate award, valued at $100,000.

Leila Pozzi, a student in the Social Change and Solidarity profile of Social Science, is a winner already. All finalists who are not selected are eligible to receive a one-time $6,000 Loran Finalist Award tenable at any Canadian university. Leila was chosen based on criteria that goes beyond good grades. Finalists have “a guiding sense of purpose” and “demonstrate strength of character, a deep commitment to service, and exceptional leadership potential,” according to the Loran Foundation.

Those selected as Loran Scholars will benefit from a four-year leadership-enrichment program, financial support for undergraduate studies in the form of a tuition waiver and living stipend, diverse opportunities for experiential learning, one-on-one mentorship from a business or community leader, scholar gatherings, and a long-term community of peers, alumni, and supporters. The 2025 Loran Scholars announcement will be in March.

The Communications Office interviewed Leila. Here is the Q & A.

What is your reaction to being a Loran finalist?

Leila: I am incredibly honoured and proud to be selected as a Loran finalist out of such a talented pool of applicants. This recognition inspires me to continue striving for excellence and contributing to my community. I am deeply grateful for the support of those who have guided me along the way and excited about the opportunity to connect with other driven and passionate individuals through this process.

Could you share some of the things you said in your application about your suitability as a candidate?

Leila: The Loran Award is awarded to 36 students who demonstrate strength of character, a deep commitment to service, and sparks of exceptional leadership potential. In my application, I wrote about many initiatives and clubs I’ve been a part of. Notably, I mention the co-creation of Dawson Dance (Dawson’s competitive Dance team), my position as Vice-President of Sustainability and Equity for the Dawson Student Union and my work as president of the Forum Jeunesse de l’île de Montreal.

How are you preparing for the national interviews in Toronto?

Leila: Since the interviews and selection process are based on one’s leadership and prior engagement, there is not much to do to prepare. I have simply been taking care of myself and making sure I do not get sick.

Tell me about your studies at Dawson. What have you enjoyed about your program and profile? What have you gained at Dawson? What did you like best? How has Dawson shaped you?

Leila: Being part of the Social Change and Solidarity profile at Dawson has been an incredible journey. The program has been more than just an academic experience; it has been a space of growth, learning, and connection. The classes have offered deep insights into the complexities of global inequalities, and the teachers have been truly inspiring, sharing their expertise and passion for social justice.

What I’ve enjoyed most about the program is the sense of community. My fellow classmates have brought diverse perspectives and shared a collective drive to make a difference, which has been both motivating and empowering. Through our discussions and collaborations, I’ve gained not only knowledge but also a broader understanding of how to engage with the world meaningfully.

Dawson has shaped me into a more informed, empathetic, and proactive individual. The tools and perspectives I’ve gained here have equipped me to navigate and address issues of inequality with confidence and purpose. What I liked best was the way the program encouraged critical thinking while fostering a sense of solidarity and hope for change. It’s been a transformative experience that I’ll carry with me into the future.

Photo: Leila Pozzi

Tell me about your life at Dawson – what clubs, projects, teams, activities are you involved in? What about outside of school?

Leila: At Dawson, I am the Vice-President of Sustainability and Equity in the Dawson Student Union. I oversee many student led projects like the Swap, a book exchange service. Also at Dawson, I am the co-founder and executive of the Dawson Dance Team and we are currently getting ready for our competition. Additionally, I am the co-founder of the eco-expo, an environmental event to promote involvement at CEGEPs. I am also the co-founder of the Artz Showcase. Outside of Dawson, I am a competitive dancer at L’Académie de Danse de Montréal, where I also volunteer. I am also the social media coordinator for the Sustainable Youth Canada (Montréal branch) and I am the president of the Forum Jeunesse de l’île de Montreal.

What challenges have you had to overcome?

Leila: Throughout my journey, I’ve faced several challenges that have helped shape who I am today. One of the biggest has been confronting and unlearning preconceived notions about the world and my place in it. Being part of the Social Change and Solidarity profile pushed me to critically examine issues like privilege, systemic inequality, and global injustice, which wasn’t always easy but was profoundly necessary.

What is your vision for a brighter future and how do you see yourself contributing to that?

Leila: My vision for a brighter future is one where equity, justice, and compassion are at the heart of our societies. I imagine a world where systemic inequalities are dismantled, and every individual has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. This future would prioritize sustainability, collaboration, and respect for diversity, ensuring that no one is left behind.

I see myself contributing to this vision by using the tools and knowledge I’ve gained to advocate for meaningful change. Whether through community engagement, education, or policy work, I want to be an active participant in addressing global inequalities and fostering social justice. I believe in the power of collective action and hope to inspire and collaborate with others who share this vision. By continuing to learn, listen, and act, I aim to play a role in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.

What are your future plans? Which university do you plan to attend and what program?

Leila: The future is still very uncertain for me, but I hope to possibly attend McGill or the University of British Colombia in Law or in data analytics.

Anything else you would like to say?

Leila: I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and to even be able to call myself a finalist. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.