In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Kakehashi Project Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for International Trade & Investment Kana Bak sit down with Stéphanie Valenzuela, City Councillor for the District of Darlington in Montréal, president of the Ensemble Montréal caucus, and proud Kakehashi Project alumni.
As one of Montréal’s youngest ever counsellors, and its first of Philippine descent, Stéphanie discusses her commitment to the local community and the critical work she is doing to address key issues facing her constituents. Her political career is informed by her background working for the Mexican NGO La Paz Comienza Con Los Niños (Peace Begins with Children) and her experiences in Japan through Kakehashi. She also touches on the importance of diversity and her Asian identity in local politics and the vital role municipal governments play in shaping the everyday lives of Canadians.
