Memory Matimati, a University of Regina Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy student, has been awarded the 2024 JSGS Alumni Association Award.
The award was established in 2021 to assist students pursuing a master’s degree program at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. One award of $1,000 is presented annually to a JSGS University of Regina or University of Saskatchewan graduate student.
Matimati was initially drawn to the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) for the unique opportunity of the Executive Internship program, where she would be able to translate classroom learning into real-world experiences.
I always aspired to develop international work experience and engage with diverse cultures. — Memory Matimati, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy student
Being a part of the JSGS internship program, Matimati not only got a firsthand glimpse into the professional environment of a policy analyst, but also forged deep career connections with mentors who guided her journey.
“I always aspired to develop international work experience and engage with diverse cultures,” she says. Leveraging her dynamic mentorship experience, she went on to share her knowledge and insights by mentoring five international students from Europe and Asia through the Mitacs program. Mitacs is a national organization that connects academia, government, and industry to solve organizationial challenges and expand Canada’s innovation capacity.
This was just the beginning for her. While it wasn’t directly related to her award, Matimati’s attendance at an Ottawa simulation of a meeting of the European Council allowed her to examine European Arctic policy.
“The chance to participate at the pan-Canadian Model European Union simulation in Ottawa gave me an exciting space to discuss Arctic policy issues and learn EU policy-making processes,” she says.
A passion for the public sector
Matimati’s passion for the public sector grew after years of work in child protection advocacy in Zimbabwe. Her background in rural development and urban planning served as a solid foundation, deepening her commitment for driving meaningful impact within society.
Later, she found herself stepping on to a global stage with the JSGS Master in Public Administration (MPA) program.
Matimati is currently working as an executive intern with the Saskatchewan government’s Ministry of Advanced Education, she is set to graduate at the University of Regina’s Spring Convocation 2024.
Explore the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
With graduation on the horizon, Matimati aspires to apply her policy skills to positively contribute to society. A strategic thinker, she seeks diverse opportunities to contribute to the greater good of communities.
As a recipient of the JSGS Alumni Association Award, Matimati expresses her gratitude to the Association, noting that it helped take the pressure off of paying tuition.
Banner photo credit: Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.
About the University of Regina
2024 marks our 50th anniversary as an independent University (although our roots as Regina College date back more than a century!). As we celebrate our past, we work towards a future that is as limitless as the prairie horizon. We support the health and well-being of our 16,700 students and provide them with hands-on learning opportunities to develop career-ready graduates. Our research enterprise has grown to include 21 research centres and 12 Canada Research Chairs and brings in more than $51.2 million in funding annually. Our campuses are on Treaties 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future.
Let’s go far, together.