Meet student leader Samantha DeFranco

Nipissing students consistently impress as leaders, in the classroom, on campus and in the community. Recently the university celebrated 25 student leaders at the annual Dave Marshall Leadership Awards. Over the coming months, NU News will introduce each student leader to the wider community with a short article discussing their accomplishments and activities. Today, we are pleased to profile Samantha DeFranco, who is working toward a Bachelor of Arts degree, with Honours in English Studies and Gender Equality and Social Justice.

DeFranco has combined her academics and her passion for volunteerism and social justice by lending her skills and abilities to the Amelia Rising Centre as a Crisis Line and Centre Volunteer. For over two and a half years, she has provided support to those reaching out in times of distress and crisis in our local community through her work with the 24-hour Crisis Line. She has also participated in, and contributed to, public engagement and education for various events, namely Sexual Assault the Roadshow.

DeFranco has worked on campus as the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Outreach Student Assistant, and as an Events Coordinator volunteer for the Equity Center. These positions have seen DeFranco creating a safer campus, with inclusive washroom signage and better policies, and bridge the gap between Nipissing University and the North Bay community by providing collaborative opportunities to create public awareness around the supports available for survivors of sexual violence.

DeFranco is a reliable, compassionate, open, and dedicated individual, who speaks publicly of her support for Bill-148, and hopes to continue her social justice and community work by furthering her studies through a Masters of Social Work.

The university community is proud to recognize Samantha DeFranco with a Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Community Category.