Jada McIntyre’s passion for inclusion and advocacy emerged in the early days of her Bachelor of Social Work studies at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).  Surrounded by the community of her Social Work cohort, Jada’s experiences at UFV were marked by a focus on supporting her peers, fostering inclusive environments, and leading by example.

Jada’s leadership journey began in October 2021 when she joined UFV’s Wellness Centre as a volunteer. Her involvement quickly expanded; in 2022, she became a Student Assistant and later advanced to Peer Case Manager Assistant. In this role, Jada helped develop UFV’s peer case management program, shaping training models now shared with universities across Canada and the U.S. She supervised peers and mentored them in inclusive leadership, ensuring that students facing personal and academic challenges felt supported and empowered.

During her time at UFV, Jada’s dedication to community service was evident in her volunteer work. Through UFV’s “In This Together” program, Jada led workshops on preventing sexualized violence, facilitating vital conversations about consent and trauma-informed care. Her ability to engage students with patience and empathy made her a key figure in fostering a safer, more inclusive campus environment.

During her practicum at Fraser Health’s Mental Health and Substance Use Centre, Jada supported adults experiencing mental health challenges, applying her academic knowledge to real-world scenarios.  She further demonstrated her leadership by organizing a food drive for the UFV-SUS Food Bank, ensuring that students in need received essential support.

“My time at UFV gave me the foundational knowledge to succeed not just professionally, but also as a human being,” Jada reflected. Her academic excellence earned her a place on the Dean’s List, but it was her leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to advocacy that left a lasting impact on UFV’s campus.

Balancing her academics, volunteer work, and role as a Peer Case Manager Assistant demanded resilience and determination. Her ability to navigate these demands with grace and compassion inspired those around her. She was known for creating spaces where all students felt valued, heard, and supported—a testament to her leadership style rooted in empathy and inclusivity.

Jada’s leadership didn’t just impact her peers—it shaped the future of UFV’s student community. Her contributions to the Peer Assist Program, her dedication to mental health advocacy, and her tireless efforts to support students facing challenges set a high standard for future student leaders.

Having completed her degree in June 2024, Jada has embarked on her social work career. Her legacy at UFV continues to inspire; her commitment to fostering inclusive communities and advocating for those in need made a lasting impact, proving that true leadership is about lifting others up and creating positive change.