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Nos Leaders
Ces étudiant.es, immergé.es dans le programme interdisciplinaire de l'Observatoire, développent une expertise à l'intersection du leadership et des droits humains. Grâce à l'apprentissage expérientiel, ils et elles acquièrent des compétences pratiques et des connaissances théoriques, devenant ainsi des défenseur.es efficaces, prêt.es à naviguer dans les complexités des droits humains en pratique
Charles-Antoine Hallé
Charles-Antoine Hallé is entering his third year in the civil law program at the University of Ottawa. A socially engaged entrepreneur, Charles-Antoine draws on his background in innovation, civic engagement, and international outreach to develop projects that foster meaningful change. He has led four major initiatives: Apprends & Entreprends, a company specializing in entrepreneurial pedagogy; Défi48, a competition where participants have 48 hours and $1 to create a profitable business; Trump The World, a sociopolitical satire board game; and Legal Sensus, a legal operating system that uses artificial intelligence to make legal content more accessible and tailored to diverse learning profiles, with a particular focus on neurodivergent students.
Charles-Antoine has also participated in several international projects, including the Grande rencontre des jeunes entrepreneurs francophones (France), the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance 2023 (India), and the National Model United Nations (New York). A skilled communicator, Charles-Antoine has previously hosted a radio segment on Unique FM, currently hosts the podcast Sans maître, and regularly engages in public speaking to disseminate legal concepts and advocate for a more accessible legal system.
His interest in human rights stems from a desire to expand his horizons and explore diverse perspectives. He is driven by a commitment to understand the lived realities of individuals who face discrimination, and to examine how legal systems can be leverages as tools for justice, dignity, and healing.
At the Observatory, Charles-Antoine looks forward to deepening his knowledge and understanding of international human rights mechanisms and how they operate across jurisdictions. He is particularly excited to contribute to the sub-group on neurodiversity. As someone with ADHD himself, he is passionate about exploring how legal innovation can help make the legal field more inclusive and accessible to neurodivergent individuals.
Charles-Antoine’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Le Maillet Innovateur (2025) from the University of Ottawa’s Law Student Association, the Prix Excelor – Jeune entrepreneur de l’année (2023) and the Prix Excelor - Startup de l’année (2019) from the Chambre de commerce de Gatineau, the Prix Reconnaissance Jeunesse (2020) from the Secrétariat à la jeunesse du Québec, and the Bourse d’honneur (2018) from Québec’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Charles-Antoine speaks French and English fluently.
Charles-Antoine has also participated in several international projects, including the Grande rencontre des jeunes entrepreneurs francophones (France), the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance 2023 (India), and the National Model United Nations (New York). A skilled communicator, Charles-Antoine has previously hosted a radio segment on Unique FM, currently hosts the podcast Sans maître, and regularly engages in public speaking to disseminate legal concepts and advocate for a more accessible legal system.
His interest in human rights stems from a desire to expand his horizons and explore diverse perspectives. He is driven by a commitment to understand the lived realities of individuals who face discrimination, and to examine how legal systems can be leverages as tools for justice, dignity, and healing.
At the Observatory, Charles-Antoine looks forward to deepening his knowledge and understanding of international human rights mechanisms and how they operate across jurisdictions. He is particularly excited to contribute to the sub-group on neurodiversity. As someone with ADHD himself, he is passionate about exploring how legal innovation can help make the legal field more inclusive and accessible to neurodivergent individuals.
Charles-Antoine’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Le Maillet Innovateur (2025) from the University of Ottawa’s Law Student Association, the Prix Excelor – Jeune entrepreneur de l’année (2023) and the Prix Excelor - Startup de l’année (2019) from the Chambre de commerce de Gatineau, the Prix Reconnaissance Jeunesse (2020) from the Secrétariat à la jeunesse du Québec, and the Bourse d’honneur (2018) from Québec’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Charles-Antoine speaks French and English fluently.
Mélodie Villeneuve Ferreira
Originally from Gatineau, in the Outaouais region of Québec, Mélodie is entering her third year in the civil law program at the University of Ottawa. She currently serves as vice-president of communications for the « Association étudiante du droit de la famille de l’Université d’Ottawa ».
Mélodie’s passion for human rights began at a young age. In elementary school, a visit to the French Embassy in Ottawa and meeting with the French Ambassador to Canada sparked her interest in diplomacy and global affairs. By high school, this interest had evolved into a focused passion for international law, particularly the rights of women and children. Her commitment to human rights is rooted in the belief that fundamental rights should no longer be privileges for some, but a universal norm for all.
She is dedicated to making the world a slightly better place through her volunteer work and legal education, combining community involvement with a strong sense of justice.
For Mélodie, joining the Observatory is an opportunity to expland her knowledge on human rights and develop leadership skills in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. She looks forward to contributing to meaningful research and working alongside dedicated peers and mentors. Mélodie is fluent in both French and English, and one day hopes to also be fluent in Portuguese like her mother.
Mélodie’s passion for human rights began at a young age. In elementary school, a visit to the French Embassy in Ottawa and meeting with the French Ambassador to Canada sparked her interest in diplomacy and global affairs. By high school, this interest had evolved into a focused passion for international law, particularly the rights of women and children. Her commitment to human rights is rooted in the belief that fundamental rights should no longer be privileges for some, but a universal norm for all.
She is dedicated to making the world a slightly better place through her volunteer work and legal education, combining community involvement with a strong sense of justice.
For Mélodie, joining the Observatory is an opportunity to expland her knowledge on human rights and develop leadership skills in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. She looks forward to contributing to meaningful research and working alongside dedicated peers and mentors. Mélodie is fluent in both French and English, and one day hopes to also be fluent in Portuguese like her mother.
Thomas Joseph Di Re
Originally from Montreal, Thomas is entering his second year at the University of Ottawa, where he is pursuing his Licentiate in Law.
While studying law, Thomas developed a keen interest in international and humanitarian law, drawn to how these fields address pressing global challenges through legal frameworks. His interest was sparked during his Public International Law class, where he explored the legal structures governing international relations today, and further deepened in his International Trade class, where he wrote a paper about on fossil fuel subsidy reform from the WTO and its impact on developing countries.
Thomas is also deeply interest in the intersection of law and sports, shaped by a lifelong connection to athletics, particularly hockey. He currently serves as President of the University of Ottawa’s Sports and Entertainment Law Association, where he aims to foster discussion on legal dimensions of sports and entertainment.
As a neurodivergent student himself, Thomas is committed to creating greater awareness about the invisible challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. He strives to shift the narrative from one of deficiency to one that celebrates unique strengths, resilience, and diverse perspectives. His goal is to promote deeper understanding of neurodivergent experiences and help foster more inclusive academic and professional spaces.
Thomas is fluent in French and English.
While studying law, Thomas developed a keen interest in international and humanitarian law, drawn to how these fields address pressing global challenges through legal frameworks. His interest was sparked during his Public International Law class, where he explored the legal structures governing international relations today, and further deepened in his International Trade class, where he wrote a paper about on fossil fuel subsidy reform from the WTO and its impact on developing countries.
Thomas is also deeply interest in the intersection of law and sports, shaped by a lifelong connection to athletics, particularly hockey. He currently serves as President of the University of Ottawa’s Sports and Entertainment Law Association, where he aims to foster discussion on legal dimensions of sports and entertainment.
As a neurodivergent student himself, Thomas is committed to creating greater awareness about the invisible challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. He strives to shift the narrative from one of deficiency to one that celebrates unique strengths, resilience, and diverse perspectives. His goal is to promote deeper understanding of neurodivergent experiences and help foster more inclusive academic and professional spaces.
Thomas is fluent in French and English.
Maryam Abdelaal
Maryam Abdelaal is entering her their year of the dual Juris Doctor and Licentiate in Law program at the University of Ottawa. Before law school, she completed her bachelor's degree in Translational and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine. She also earned a certificate in Public International Law from Queen’s University, where she explored a wide range of topics including international humanitarian law, international refugee law, international criminal law, and the workings of international institutions.
Maryam’s interest in human rights grew during her undergraduate studies, where she realized that many health outcomes are shaped not only by biology but also by deeply rooted systemic inequities. She was particularly struck by how factors such as poverty, limited access to education, inadequate sanitation, food insecurity, and environmental degradation contribute to disparities in life expectancy and quality of life across populations. This awareness, along with her involvement in refugee student support initiatives on campus and community work with ethnocultural youth in Ottawa, led her to view human rights law as a powerful lens for understanding structural issues and a critical tool for addressing them.
Maryam’s professional experience includes positions at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General and the Library of Parliament. From 2022 to 2024, she held leadership roles with the University of Ottawa Local Committee of the World University Service of Canada, where she supported to the sponsorship and integration of refugee students and helped promote access to education and student services on campus. In Summer 2025, Maryam will intern in intellectual property law at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, before clerking at the Federal Court in 2026.
Maryam has also taken on several student leadership roles with the University of Ottawa Muslim Law Students’ Association and the Student Association of the Canadian Law Program, and she is currently a member of the Youth Ethnocultural Advisory Committee of the Youth Services Bureau.
At the Observatory, Maryam looks forward to deepening her understanding of human rights through interdisciplinary and experiential learning. She is especially eager to apply her legal knowledge and skills in practice while collaborating with fellow students, practitioners, and community stakeholders. For Maryam, this is a unique opportunity to engage with real-world human rights issues and contribute meaningfully to collective efforts toward justice and equity in her legal career.
Maryam’s areas of interest lie at the intersection of human rights, environmental law, health law, refugee law, and the right to self-determination of peoples. Maryam is trilingual in English, French, and Arabic.
Maryam’s interest in human rights grew during her undergraduate studies, where she realized that many health outcomes are shaped not only by biology but also by deeply rooted systemic inequities. She was particularly struck by how factors such as poverty, limited access to education, inadequate sanitation, food insecurity, and environmental degradation contribute to disparities in life expectancy and quality of life across populations. This awareness, along with her involvement in refugee student support initiatives on campus and community work with ethnocultural youth in Ottawa, led her to view human rights law as a powerful lens for understanding structural issues and a critical tool for addressing them.
Maryam’s professional experience includes positions at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General and the Library of Parliament. From 2022 to 2024, she held leadership roles with the University of Ottawa Local Committee of the World University Service of Canada, where she supported to the sponsorship and integration of refugee students and helped promote access to education and student services on campus. In Summer 2025, Maryam will intern in intellectual property law at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, before clerking at the Federal Court in 2026.
Maryam has also taken on several student leadership roles with the University of Ottawa Muslim Law Students’ Association and the Student Association of the Canadian Law Program, and she is currently a member of the Youth Ethnocultural Advisory Committee of the Youth Services Bureau.
At the Observatory, Maryam looks forward to deepening her understanding of human rights through interdisciplinary and experiential learning. She is especially eager to apply her legal knowledge and skills in practice while collaborating with fellow students, practitioners, and community stakeholders. For Maryam, this is a unique opportunity to engage with real-world human rights issues and contribute meaningfully to collective efforts toward justice and equity in her legal career.
Maryam’s areas of interest lie at the intersection of human rights, environmental law, health law, refugee law, and the right to self-determination of peoples. Maryam is trilingual in English, French, and Arabic.
Harleen Kaur Jawanda
Originally from Amritsar, Punjab, Harleen is entering her third year of the dual Juris Doctor and Licentiate in Law program at the University of Ottawa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in political science and a minor in history from the Université de Saint-Boniface in Manitoba.
Harleen’s interest in human rights and international law is rooted in her loved experience of navigating multiple cultures, as well as from her rich work and research experience as a student.
Among other endeavors, Harleen has undertaken in-depth research on the involvement of the United Nations in environmental issues, the persecution of Sikhs in the 1980s by the Indian state, the regulation of artificial intelligence in Canada and the European Union from a comparative perspective, legislative measures to address foreign interference, and secularism in Québec. She also served as an ambassador for the Université de Saint-Boniface and worked as a tour guide at the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
Harleen is incredibly grateful to be a part of the Observatory, where she brings a personal lens to global conversations on justice and equality, as well as advancing human rights.
This summer, she is researching human rights violations faced by different religious communities in India and examining the role of international law, particularly how the United Nations responds to and helps prevent human rights violations in practice.
Harleen looks forward to engaging with human rights experts, peers and practitioners to develop innovative ideas and approaches that contribute meaningfully to human rights initiatives. Harleen is multilingual, fluent in English, French, Punjabi and Hindi.
Harleen’s interest in human rights and international law is rooted in her loved experience of navigating multiple cultures, as well as from her rich work and research experience as a student.
Among other endeavors, Harleen has undertaken in-depth research on the involvement of the United Nations in environmental issues, the persecution of Sikhs in the 1980s by the Indian state, the regulation of artificial intelligence in Canada and the European Union from a comparative perspective, legislative measures to address foreign interference, and secularism in Québec. She also served as an ambassador for the Université de Saint-Boniface and worked as a tour guide at the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
Harleen is incredibly grateful to be a part of the Observatory, where she brings a personal lens to global conversations on justice and equality, as well as advancing human rights.
This summer, she is researching human rights violations faced by different religious communities in India and examining the role of international law, particularly how the United Nations responds to and helps prevent human rights violations in practice.
Harleen looks forward to engaging with human rights experts, peers and practitioners to develop innovative ideas and approaches that contribute meaningfully to human rights initiatives. Harleen is multilingual, fluent in English, French, Punjabi and Hindi.
Noël Kabeya
Noël Kabeya is a human rights researcher and activist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, currently in his second year of a PhD in Law at the University of Ottawa. He holds an LL.M. in human rights from the Université Grenoble Alpes (France) and a university diploma in international humanitarian law from the Université Côte d’Azur (France), and a law degree from the University of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Noël’s doctoral research focuses on access to justice for victims of international crimes in post-conflict contexts, with case studies on the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. From an interdisciplinary perspective, he is particularly interested in national models for combating impunity for international crimes and the role of international actors in facilitating access to justice for victims.
Professionally, Noël has taught full-time at the Faculty of Law of the Free University of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), where he also represented the faculty and coached the winning team of the 16th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition held in Dakar, Senegal, organized by the Centre for Human Rights of the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria (South Africa) in collaboration with the Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis (Senegal).
Noël practiced as a lawyer at the Kinshasa/Gombe Bar for several years and is currently an assistant at the Faculty of Law of the University of Kinshasa.
Alongside his teaching and legal practice, Noël has over 15 years of experience working with various development cooperation organizations, managing projects focused on human rights protection, civil society support, and capacity building for police and judicial institutions in the DRC.
As a dedicated human rights researcher and activist, Nöel sees his collaboration with the UN Observatory on Human Rights as an opportunity to deepen his knowledge of the UN human rights system, share his experiences, and expand his professional network. His particular interests lie in the protection of vulnerable populations in armed conflicts, especially women and children.
Among his distinctions, Noël has received several notable award and scholarships throughout his academic career, including the PhD Special Merit Scholarship from the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, a Master's Scholarship from the University Grenoble Alpes Foundation, a scholarship from the International Centre for University Human Rights Teaching (CIEDHU) in Strasbourg, and the Rotary Club of Kinshasa Prize for Best Student of the Faculty of Law at the Université de Kinshasa.
Noël is fluent in French and has a professional proficiency of English.
Noël’s doctoral research focuses on access to justice for victims of international crimes in post-conflict contexts, with case studies on the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. From an interdisciplinary perspective, he is particularly interested in national models for combating impunity for international crimes and the role of international actors in facilitating access to justice for victims.
Professionally, Noël has taught full-time at the Faculty of Law of the Free University of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), where he also represented the faculty and coached the winning team of the 16th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition held in Dakar, Senegal, organized by the Centre for Human Rights of the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria (South Africa) in collaboration with the Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis (Senegal).
Noël practiced as a lawyer at the Kinshasa/Gombe Bar for several years and is currently an assistant at the Faculty of Law of the University of Kinshasa.
Alongside his teaching and legal practice, Noël has over 15 years of experience working with various development cooperation organizations, managing projects focused on human rights protection, civil society support, and capacity building for police and judicial institutions in the DRC.
As a dedicated human rights researcher and activist, Nöel sees his collaboration with the UN Observatory on Human Rights as an opportunity to deepen his knowledge of the UN human rights system, share his experiences, and expand his professional network. His particular interests lie in the protection of vulnerable populations in armed conflicts, especially women and children.
Among his distinctions, Noël has received several notable award and scholarships throughout his academic career, including the PhD Special Merit Scholarship from the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, a Master's Scholarship from the University Grenoble Alpes Foundation, a scholarship from the International Centre for University Human Rights Teaching (CIEDHU) in Strasbourg, and the Rotary Club of Kinshasa Prize for Best Student of the Faculty of Law at the Université de Kinshasa.
Noël is fluent in French and has a professional proficiency of English.
Justine Pucar
Justine is entering her third year in civil law at the University of Ottawa.
Her growing interest in human rights and international law was solidified through her participation in a course on Comparative Human Rights at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, a pivotal moment in her academic journey.
Justine brings a rich and varied background to the Observatory. Among other initiatives, she co-organized and spoke on a panel with three colleagues in collaboration with the Centre d’étude et de coopération internationale, an international organization dedicated to sustainable and inclusive development.
Within the Faculty of Law, she is actively involved in student life, serving as President of the Health Law Association, and as Vice-President of Fashion for this year’s Fauteux Fashion Show. A dedicated athlete, she currently plays soccer with the Inter Montréal club.
Through her participation in the Observatory, Justine hopes to deepen her understanding of human rights in a stimulating environment that challenges her to step outside of her comfort zone. She is eager to learn from the inspiring and diverse experiences of the Observatory’s leadership team and peers, in order to develop a more grounded and engaged approach to fundamental rights issues.
Justine’s areas of interest in human rights include health law, international humanitarian law, and the rights of women and children. Justine is fluent in French and English.
Her growing interest in human rights and international law was solidified through her participation in a course on Comparative Human Rights at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, a pivotal moment in her academic journey.
Justine brings a rich and varied background to the Observatory. Among other initiatives, she co-organized and spoke on a panel with three colleagues in collaboration with the Centre d’étude et de coopération internationale, an international organization dedicated to sustainable and inclusive development.
Within the Faculty of Law, she is actively involved in student life, serving as President of the Health Law Association, and as Vice-President of Fashion for this year’s Fauteux Fashion Show. A dedicated athlete, she currently plays soccer with the Inter Montréal club.
Through her participation in the Observatory, Justine hopes to deepen her understanding of human rights in a stimulating environment that challenges her to step outside of her comfort zone. She is eager to learn from the inspiring and diverse experiences of the Observatory’s leadership team and peers, in order to develop a more grounded and engaged approach to fundamental rights issues.
Justine’s areas of interest in human rights include health law, international humanitarian law, and the rights of women and children. Justine is fluent in French and English.
Mateo Alejandro Porras Gil
Born in Colombia and having arrived in Canada as a refugee claimant in 2010, Mateo Porras Gil is deeply passionate about law, democracy, and student engagement. He is currently pursuing a Licentiate of Law at the University of Ottawa.
Mateo’s interest in human rights and international law, particularly international humanitarian law, is shaped by his lived experiences and a longstanding commitment to promote social justice, diversity, and intercultural cooperation.
Mateo previously worked as a Page, Parliamentary Guide, and Parliamentary Assistant at the House of Commons. In these roles, he gained firsthand experience in the legislative process, legal research, and parliamentary procedure.
On campus, Mateo is Vice-President of Partnerships for the Association of Latin American Law Students (ADELED), where he builds bridges between students, law firms, and businesses to strengthen Latin American representation in the legal field. He has also served as Interim Director on the Board of Directors of the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU), where he advocated for inclusive and transparent governance. Even before university, Mateo was active in student leadership, spearheading his high school’s student council and representing over 1,200 students and initiating educational policies promoting active learning.
A trained musician, Mateo has been a spokesperson and volunteer for OrKidstra, performing at the National Arts Centre during the centenary of the end of World War I. He is also certified as a lifeguard and as a water safety instructor with the Canadian Red Cross.
Mateo is eager to join the UN Observatory on Human Rights to deepen his understanding of international human rights law and to further develop valuable skills in research, analysis, and public speaking. He sees this experience as an opportunity to enhance his academic path, strengthen his professional capabilities, and reinforce his ongoing commitment to human rights advocacy.
Mateo is trilingual in French, English and Spanish and is currently learning Portuguese. In recognition of his ongoing community involvement, he was recently named a finalist for the Youth Leader in Volunteering award by Volunteer Ottawa, an organization which celebrates and recognizes the contributions of young leaders across the region.
Mateo’s interest in human rights and international law, particularly international humanitarian law, is shaped by his lived experiences and a longstanding commitment to promote social justice, diversity, and intercultural cooperation.
Mateo previously worked as a Page, Parliamentary Guide, and Parliamentary Assistant at the House of Commons. In these roles, he gained firsthand experience in the legislative process, legal research, and parliamentary procedure.
On campus, Mateo is Vice-President of Partnerships for the Association of Latin American Law Students (ADELED), where he builds bridges between students, law firms, and businesses to strengthen Latin American representation in the legal field. He has also served as Interim Director on the Board of Directors of the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU), where he advocated for inclusive and transparent governance. Even before university, Mateo was active in student leadership, spearheading his high school’s student council and representing over 1,200 students and initiating educational policies promoting active learning.
A trained musician, Mateo has been a spokesperson and volunteer for OrKidstra, performing at the National Arts Centre during the centenary of the end of World War I. He is also certified as a lifeguard and as a water safety instructor with the Canadian Red Cross.
Mateo is eager to join the UN Observatory on Human Rights to deepen his understanding of international human rights law and to further develop valuable skills in research, analysis, and public speaking. He sees this experience as an opportunity to enhance his academic path, strengthen his professional capabilities, and reinforce his ongoing commitment to human rights advocacy.
Mateo is trilingual in French, English and Spanish and is currently learning Portuguese. In recognition of his ongoing community involvement, he was recently named a finalist for the Youth Leader in Volunteering award by Volunteer Ottawa, an organization which celebrates and recognizes the contributions of young leaders across the region.
Camille Bourque
Camille is entering her third year in the civil law program at the University of Ottawa. Throughout her academic journey, Camille has been actively involved in student life. She served as President of the Fauteux Fashion Show, which was awarded Event of the Year, and held leadership positions as Vice-President of Internal Affairs for the Mental Health, Wellness, and Academic Affairs Committee, as well as Vice-President of Communications for the Health Law Association.
This year, Camille will continue her engagement as an Advisor to the President of the Civil Law Students’ Association, while also representing the University of Ottawa in the prestigious Laskin Moot Court Competition.
Camille’s interest in human rights developed during her studies in Law, particularly through courses that addressed reproductive autonomy, gender-based violence, and systemic inequality. These experiences sparked a deep commitment to women’s rights and exploring the role of law in addressing social injustices.
At the Observatory, Camille is contributing to a storytelling project highlighting the experiences of Indigenous women. She is particularly committed to deepening her understanding of the lived realities surrounding the protection and recognition of human rights.
Following her degree, Camille will complete her articling at Norton Rose Fulbright in Québec.
This year, Camille will continue her engagement as an Advisor to the President of the Civil Law Students’ Association, while also representing the University of Ottawa in the prestigious Laskin Moot Court Competition.
Camille’s interest in human rights developed during her studies in Law, particularly through courses that addressed reproductive autonomy, gender-based violence, and systemic inequality. These experiences sparked a deep commitment to women’s rights and exploring the role of law in addressing social injustices.
At the Observatory, Camille is contributing to a storytelling project highlighting the experiences of Indigenous women. She is particularly committed to deepening her understanding of the lived realities surrounding the protection and recognition of human rights.
Following her degree, Camille will complete her articling at Norton Rose Fulbright in Québec.
Béatrice Dufresne
Béatrice Dufresne is entering her third year of the civil law program (LL.L.) at the University of Ottawa, where she currently serves as President of the Civil Law Students’ Association.
Originally from Ottawa, she is deeply passionate about constitutional law and its role in safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms. This passion took root early and led her to write a thesis on the relationship between feminism and Canadian democracy as part of the International Baccalaureate program at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, prior to joining the University of Ottawa.
Béatrice is equally enthusiastic about public speaking and debate. She has worked as a Parliamentary Guide and represented her faculty with distinction in the Laskin Moot Court Competition. As Chair of the Faculty’s Debate Committee, she played a key role in fostering vibrant intellectual discourse within the student body. This summer, Béatrice is working at McCarthy Tétrault, where she will complete her articling following graduation.
Béatrice is eager to join the Observatory, viewing this opportunity as a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in the field of human rights under the guidance of inspiring leaders. Driven by a passion for both feminism and constitutional law, she looks forward to deepening her understanding of the lived realities of Indigenous women. Béatrice is enthusiastic about leveraging her creativity and strong communication skills to contribute meaningfully to the Observatory’s mission.
Since the beginning of her law studies, she has consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List. She has received two awards for achieving the highest grades in Constitutional Law and in Obligations I & II as well as a distinction from the Civil Law Student Association in recognition of her involvement as a first-year student. Béatrice is fluent in both English and French.
Originally from Ottawa, she is deeply passionate about constitutional law and its role in safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms. This passion took root early and led her to write a thesis on the relationship between feminism and Canadian democracy as part of the International Baccalaureate program at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, prior to joining the University of Ottawa.
Béatrice is equally enthusiastic about public speaking and debate. She has worked as a Parliamentary Guide and represented her faculty with distinction in the Laskin Moot Court Competition. As Chair of the Faculty’s Debate Committee, she played a key role in fostering vibrant intellectual discourse within the student body. This summer, Béatrice is working at McCarthy Tétrault, where she will complete her articling following graduation.
Béatrice is eager to join the Observatory, viewing this opportunity as a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in the field of human rights under the guidance of inspiring leaders. Driven by a passion for both feminism and constitutional law, she looks forward to deepening her understanding of the lived realities of Indigenous women. Béatrice is enthusiastic about leveraging her creativity and strong communication skills to contribute meaningfully to the Observatory’s mission.
Since the beginning of her law studies, she has consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List. She has received two awards for achieving the highest grades in Constitutional Law and in Obligations I & II as well as a distinction from the Civil Law Student Association in recognition of her involvement as a first-year student. Béatrice is fluent in both English and French.
Haylee Reid
Haylee Reid is entering her third year in civil law at the University of Ottawa, where she is completing her Licentiate in law.
Over the past year, she served as Co-President of the Fauteux Fashion Show, a charitable event that celebrates creativity, inclusion, and collective engagement within the Faculty of Law. She also held the position of Communications Officer for the Constitutional Law Student Association, where she helped organize and promote events featuring distinguished guest speakers.
This year, Haylee will serve as Vice-President of Social Affairs for the Civil Law Student Association, working to bring students together and enhance their university experience through inclusive and engaging initiatives.
Haylee is driven by a strong commitment to human rights, particularly women’s rights and gender equality. She is passionate about using her skills to support projects that promote equity and social justice, both within and beyond the legal field.
Over the past year, she served as Co-President of the Fauteux Fashion Show, a charitable event that celebrates creativity, inclusion, and collective engagement within the Faculty of Law. She also held the position of Communications Officer for the Constitutional Law Student Association, where she helped organize and promote events featuring distinguished guest speakers.
This year, Haylee will serve as Vice-President of Social Affairs for the Civil Law Student Association, working to bring students together and enhance their university experience through inclusive and engaging initiatives.
Haylee is driven by a strong commitment to human rights, particularly women’s rights and gender equality. She is passionate about using her skills to support projects that promote equity and social justice, both within and beyond the legal field.
Océane Chabanol
In her first year of law school, Océane had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 88th session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva. Upon her return, she made it a priority to democratize the knowledge she had gained by sharing it widely within her academic and social circles.
Océane has since acquired valuable practical experience before various federal and provincial tribunals and courts. While working at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, she developed strong skills in legal research and writing, an experience that deepened her desire to pursue a career in the field of human rights. She is currently furthering her legal expertise as a research assistant at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Océane’s career path reflets a constant commitment to supporting legal work through research and drafting. Joining the Observatory represents a unique opportunity for her to actively engage in meaningful dialogue on human rights, with a particular focus on the rights of Indigenous women. Her involvement reflects a dedication to transforming legal knowledge into action that amplifies marginalized voices.
She demonstrates a strong and enduring commitment to the advancement of human rights, with a particular emphasis on women's rights and gender equality. Passionate about applying her expertise to initiatives that promote the knowledge dissemination, Océane is eager to contribute to the Observatory’s mission of raising awareness and fostering understanding around critical societal issues.
Océane is fluent in both French and English.
Océane has since acquired valuable practical experience before various federal and provincial tribunals and courts. While working at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, she developed strong skills in legal research and writing, an experience that deepened her desire to pursue a career in the field of human rights. She is currently furthering her legal expertise as a research assistant at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Océane’s career path reflets a constant commitment to supporting legal work through research and drafting. Joining the Observatory represents a unique opportunity for her to actively engage in meaningful dialogue on human rights, with a particular focus on the rights of Indigenous women. Her involvement reflects a dedication to transforming legal knowledge into action that amplifies marginalized voices.
She demonstrates a strong and enduring commitment to the advancement of human rights, with a particular emphasis on women's rights and gender equality. Passionate about applying her expertise to initiatives that promote the knowledge dissemination, Océane is eager to contribute to the Observatory’s mission of raising awareness and fostering understanding around critical societal issues.
Océane is fluent in both French and English.
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