by Gianluca Berardis
“It was really nice to be recognized for the leadership work that I had been doing in the community when I was in high school.” Ten years after earning a Future Aces Scholarship, Stephanie Bertolo reflects on its impact in her life. “I’m sure it really helped me get other opportunities moving forward.”
Bertolo graduated from Westmount Secondary School in Hamilton. Like many high school students, making the transition to a big university, caused her to have doubts.
“The scholarship did help,” says Bertolo, whose high school experience included several leadership roles as the president of her school’s health action team and co-chair of the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council. “It was a good reminder that I have done great work and belong in spaces I’m in.”
An active community member, Bertolo was moved when her efforts as a volunteer and service pursuits were noticed by Future Aces.
She attended McMaster University, studying Arts and Sciences, with a keen interest in science stemming from high school.
An active community member, Bertolo was moved when her efforts as a volunteer and service pursuits were noticed by Future Aces.
She attended McMaster University, studying Arts and Sciences, with a keen interest in science stemming from high school.
Bertolo now works in public policy — an area of study during her undergraduate years. She says that passion goes back to her involvement in the community.
“I pivoted and realized that I really had a lot of passion for politics and influencing change through public policy instead.”
Bertolo satiates that passion every day as an associate at Springboard Policy, a public policy research and advisory firm in Toronto. Their mission is to, “improve public policy by bringing more voices and ideas to the table.”
Now based in Toronto, Bertolo continues to seek out new ways to help her community. She is hopeful her career can make that direct link.
“I think my job reinforces my passion for the community because we work a lot with organizations, mostly nonprofits, or Indigenous organizations, who are making a strong impact on the public policy landscape, the betterment of the people they serve.”
Bertolo also loves municipal politics. She worked for a city councillor in Hamilton, and says she continues sharing her opinion on how Toronto can grow.
“I’m trying to get more involved in housing advocacy, making sure that this is an affordable place for everyone to live.”
A decade later after earning a Future Aces scholarship, Bertolo’s leadership qualities continue to be a guiding light.