Doreen Ouchoro Kajumba

Doreen's Experience at Humber

Please tell us about your time at Humber College. What was the best part of it?

My time at Humber College in the Bachelor of Community Development Program was deeply transformative. What stood out the most was the way learning was grounded in real community engagement and social justice. I especially appreciated the opportunity to work alongside faculty and peers who were equally passionate about creating positive change. The highlight of my journey was our capstone project, where I conducted community-based research on emergency preparedness and resilience in underserved Toronto neighbourhoods, and when I co-moderated at an event celebrating Black brilliance. The support I received from my professors , especially the course coordinator, when I requested for support as we prepared for our third annual summit on Ending Gender based violence, came along way in making the event successfully compared to the two we had previously organized in creating awareness of dealing with this invisible pandemic of violence against women and girls during the 16 Days of Activism on ending violence against women and girls. Humber gave me tools and safe space to turn my pain into purpose as a survivor of gender-based violence. I also made lasting friendships, developed leadership skills, and felt truly seen.

Please tell us about your experience since graduating.

Since graduating, I’ve continued to lead The Centre for Social Justice Initiatives, a charity I founded to support survivors of gender-based violence. We are currently organizing our 4th Annual Summit on Ending gender-based violence with a continued view that bringing together community leaders, service providers, and survivors will help advocate for lasting change. I have worked with City departments, non-profit partners, and grassroots groups to strengthen emergency response systems and amplify the voices of survivors of GBV. This journey with the support of the program coordinator has led me to further my academic growth, I will be joining the University of Toronto in Fall 2025 to pursue a Master’s in Education- Adult Education and Community Development. Humber gave me the confidence to grow as a leader, educator, and advocate for justice.

What do you find most satisfying about your career choice?

What I find most satisfying about my career is turning my lived experience into a source of hope, leadership, and systems change. Supporting survivors of gender based violence is deeply meaningful, especially as someone who has lived through it myself. I use a peer support model that affirms survivors’ strength and resilience. Every workshop, emergency response, or summit I lead reminds me of why I chose this path. I’m not just supporting people; I’m walking alongside them. I also find joy in mentoring young advocates, creating space for community voices, and building coalitions for policy change. My work bridges trauma and transformation, and it aligns with my passion for adult education, healing, justice, and community empowerment. It’s not just a job, it’s a calling.