Ottawa University student Joelle Soriano has undertaken several leadership roles as a member of the Chabad Student Network Executive, culminating in her role as co-president of the Jewish Medical Student Association (JMSA). She is also a founding member of the Faculty of Medicine Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Task Force.

 

As the medical Chabad Executive, Joelle has played an instrumental role in creating events, engaging Ottawa students in Jewish activities, and planning initiatives with the other executives. As JMSA co-president, Joelle spent two years planning weekly lunch meetings for all Jewish science students to attend. Last year, Joelle liaised with the CEO of the CHEO and the Ottawa Hospital to plan two unforgettable Shabbat dinners. These events attracted undergraduate students, medical students, and residents, and helped a wide range of students strengthen connections. As a founding member of the uOttawa EDI Task Force, she advocates for Jewish medical students and patients and promotes inclusivity and understanding amongst students from different backgrounds.

 

Outside of school, Joelle also dedicates herself to Jewish philanthropic initiatives, such as volunteering with a COVID-19 phone-tree to make regular phone calls to seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce isolation and loneliness.