Sabrina, who’s already done a lot of community work, will have an even greater impact across Ottawa this year as part of the 2024–2025 cohort of the Pathy Foundation Fellowship program, a prestigious community development initiative.
The Pathy fellowship gives young leaders a chance to test and develop their skills in their fields with support from a network of peers, mentors and professionals. Fellows propose their own projects in any field, sector and community.
Fellows receive a generous stipend of up to $40,000, enabling them to dedicate a year of their early career to a cause and community they’re passionate about. They also receive practical, hands-on learning support, giving them a competitive edge in their future careers.
Sabrina’s initiative with Sober Sports Ottawa aims to provide safe recreational spaces and activities for individuals who struggle with problematic substance use.
“I’m driven by a deep-seated commitment to social justice and community service. I saw a gap in services for marginalized populations, particularly among substance users, and felt compelled to act.”
Sabrina Bouwmans
“The opportunity to collaborate with exceptional individuals who have vast experience and leadership skills is invaluable to me. I can grow personally and professionally as a leader dedicated to social equity and inclusion," says Sabrina.
Sober Sports Ottawa organizes activities that help people in recovery enjoy the benefits of sport, recreation and physical activity.
Sabrina will begin the fellowship in July with four weeks of training covering topics such as participatory community engagement and leadership principles, project planning and management, power and positionality, and fund development.
After training, fellows develop and implement their initiatives over a 10-month community phase while benefiting from dedicated program support.