The Department of Sociology of McMaster University has selected Natalie Young as the first recipient of the Daniel G. Hill Scholarship.
The scholarship, named in honour of prolific Black Canadian sociologist, Daniel G. Hill, was first announced earlier this year. Going forward, each year, the department’s graduate committee, in consultation with the equity committee will award the scholarship to an outstanding Black graduate student pursuing graduate studies in Sociology.
Young has an undergraduate degree from McMaster in Labour Studies and Sociology. She will begin her M.A. in Sociology this fall, aiming to pursue a career in human resources management.
“I initially planned to take a year off my studies but as my undergrad was winding down, one of my professors convinced me to apply to grad school,” Young says. “I was extremely excited when I found out that I received the scholarship. It really made me feel as though I had something to show for all of my hard work.”
Notably, Young was one of the founding members of the first university chapter of Empowerment Squared at McMaster University. Her future research interests include timely issues such as inequality, racism, and people in the workforce.
“I did my major Labour Studies paper on workplace sexual harassment among racialized women. Much of the existing research does not touch on the intersections that racialized women face in the workplace, just labeling it as harassment. However, my paper concluded that they experience more than one type of harassment,” she says. “I’d also like to continue research on that as well as more examinations into mental health on university campuses among racialized students.”
Graduate Chair, Melanie Heath enthusiastically recommended Natalie Young for this scholarship, which was confirmed by the Admissions Committee- Admissions Chair, Paul Glavin, Associate Professor, Lisa Kaida, and Professor, Cyril Levitt.
“The Sociology department is excited to award this scholarship to such an accomplished student. As a first-generation Black university student, Natalie Young has demonstrated her commitment and leadership skills by excelling in her studies and furthering EDI objectives in the university and in her community,” says Heath. “She has a strong background in community-engaged work and activities and has been a senior mentor for Empowerment Squared in Hamilton, working with a team to ensure a safe, diverse, and inclusive learning environment for over 60 marginalized youth.”