Jennifer joins a poetry night hosted by VIDEA, where she works as an Inclusion Coordinator.
Jennifer Dosanj is a champion for inclusion through her work in a Victoria-based non-profit. But her journey to this career had its challenges, with her high school teachers discouraging her from even applying to university. Despite the lack of encouragement she received at school, Jennifer’s parents ensured that she had the support she needed to reach her goal.
“I always wanted to go to university. I wanted to go because it was a place to discover myself and improve my self-esteem. I also wanted to be the first person in my family to go to university,” says Jennifer. “University helped me figure out what I was interested in and what my career path could be.”
Jennifer’s mom took the initiative to find opportunities for her. She found out about inclusive post-secondary education at the University of Victoria (UVic). They went to an information session together and learned about STEPS Forward. Jennifer enrolled in the program, which supported her education by helping her go to university, find jobs, make friends, do assignments and be part of campus life like any other student. Through the program, she found multiple jobs, leading to a paid internship with the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
“Going to university helped me figure out what I like and gave me four years of work experience that I’m proud of,” says Jennifer.
After she graduated from UVic, Jennifer’s family moved to Vancouver. She was confident she had the education and experience to find a job. However, Jennifer soon realized that there weren’t inclusive opportunities for her.
Jobs that were offered did not meet her level of experience or cater to her skills. She felt increasingly underestimated and misunderstood. She kept trying to find work in her areas of interest, but she was continually overlooked.
After nine years without employment, Jennifer’s family moved back to Victoria. She re-connected with people she met at UVic and they found a job posting at VIDEA, a youth-focused, global organization working to address key issues including social justice and human rights. The role aligned with Jennifer’s interests and experience. She shared her resume and skills with VIDEA and was contacted for an interview. She has now been working with VIDEA for two and a half years, first as a Facilitation Coordinator and now as an Inclusion Coordinator.
Kate Hawthorn, Program Manager and Inclusion Team Lead at VIDEA, has worked with Jennifer since she started and says she has seen “an immense amount of growth in Jennifer” during that time.
Kate shared that Jennifer is dedicated to continuous learning and self-improvement and is always willing to lend a hand and broaden her responsibilities, “Jennifer sees something that doesn’t work, then she solves that thing.”
At VIDEA, Jennifer found more than just a job; she found a supportive community that nurtured her growth and encouraged her to step into leadership roles. Through her role, she went from being a shy individual to a confident advocate, using her voice to ensure that everyone is heard and included, especially those with disabilities.
Through her perseverance and the support of inclusive organizations like VIDEA, Jennifer not only found employment but also found her voice and purpose in making the world a more inclusive place.
Learn more about STEPS Forward, the B.C. Initiative for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education, here.
