REECE VAN BREDA (he/him)

What brought you to Humber and your program of study?

The Bachelor of International Development program initially interested me because of the co-op that was mandatory in between years three and four, which I knew what going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to put my knowledge to work.

I did a campus tour of the Lakeshore campus and having the lake and park so close reminded me of being Northwestern Ontario, which helped me to destress and relax during busy midterm and exam seasons!

What was your favourite Humber memory or experience?

One of my favourite experiences at Humber was the opportunity to engage in hands-on, real-world learning that extended beyond the classroom. The Bachelor of International Development program gave me a solid foundation in global issues, but what truly stood out was the field placement component. I had the chance to work with an organization aligned with my values, which allowed me to apply what I had learned in a meaningful and impactful way.

Another highlight was the sense of community among students and faculty. The professors brought a wealth of practical experience from the field, and their guidance helped shape my career direction. I also appreciated the many thought-provoking discussions we had in class, being surrounded by like-minded peers who were passionate about making a difference globally was incredibly inspiring.

What was Humber's greatest impact on your personal and professional life?

Humber didn’t just prepare me academically—it gave me the confidence, network, and perspective to take on challenges in international development with both heart and skill.

Humber has helped shape my career path by equipping me with a strong foundation in global systems, policy analysis, community development, and critical thinking. Through my internship in Ukraine, I developed a deep understanding of how social, economic, and political factors impact communities - insights that are high transferable to the municipal level. It also helped to hone my skills in stakeholder engagement, cross-cultural communication, and sustainable planning - all essential for representing diverse persons and addressing local challenges. Humber has taught me to "grab the bull by the horns" - be the change that you want to see. I wanted to help do my part to develop my hometown and my community. Humber gave me the tools and the insight to do this.

What are you up to now?

I am an Engagement + Partnerships Coordinator at the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, alongside being an elected Municipal Councillor in Sioux Lookout.

In this role, I am focused on building strong relationships by listening to what First Nation communities want throughout Kiiwetinoong. I work with Tribal Councils and First Nations to verify and understand their health service needs. My team and I regularly talk with communities, listen to their health needs, and make sure the right SLFNHA teams and partners are informed. This helps us deliver what the communities are asking for. By verifying and sharing what each community wants, we aim to create better health systems.

Nation building happens in our own backyard, we must all work together for stronger and vibrant communities, for our country, and for a better world.

What else do you want to share (e.g. Memorable trip; If you had a superpower; Favourite food or coffee shop; Personal and professional interests; Awards and recognition; Other milestones)?

The most memorable parts of my journey was the time that I spent in Kyiv, Ukraine, as part of my internship for Humber in the summer of 2017. It was my first time abroad for a longer term, and I was interning for a gay rights NGO. It helped shape my future life path by immersing myself in advocacy work that demanded both resilience and empathy. Working within a context of LGBTQ+ rights that were - and still are - contested, I gained firsthand experience navigating the intersection of human rights, policy, and grassroots organizing. I developed practical skills in engagement, communications, and crisis response, all deepening my understanding of global struggles for equality. I am proud that 2017 was the first Pride march that went successfully without violence. This experience helped to shape my understanding of community development and what grassroots development can do for a larger cause. We are all pieces of a puzzle.

During my time at Humber, I was also involved in the Humber College Public Interest Research Group, where I worked alongside the Humber Sustainability Club to make Humber the first Fairtrade-designated college campus in Ontario back in 2018.