The summer term at the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement has been filled with both continuity and change. Alongside ongoing programs and community connections, the Centre welcomed new initiatives, celebrated achievements, and marked several important transitions.
This semester, Mind and Educational Games (MEGA) rejoined the Peace Incubator, bringing colorful games and riddles to share. Enabled Talent joined as well, bringing their wealth of experience in supporting people with disabilities in their careers. The FindSuri team also expanded with Judi Aldalati joining the team and preparing to travel to Syria soon alongside founder Dima Aldera.
At the same time, the Centre community bid farewell to long-time colleagues and partners whose contributions have left a lasting mark. Cesar Jaramillo and Tasmin Jamal concluded their time with Project Ploughshares, and Wendy Stocker and Barbara Wagner retired after years of dedicated work. All four were with Project Ploughshares when the Centre opened in 2014! These changes reflect both the depth of experience within the Centre’s networks and the evolving nature of peace work.
Gabriel Jabile represented the University of Waterloo at the Map the System Global Finals in Oxford and will be back in the fall in a new leadership role as the Campus Lead for Map the System for the upcoming academic year, guiding students as they explore complex social and environmental challenges.
Pinar Gurgen, the Spring Program Assistant reflects, “During my time at the Centre for Peace Advancement, I had the chance to experience what it means to work in a community where collaboration and care are at the heart of everything. From preparing for gallery exhibits and supporting events to sharing conversations during coffee breaks, I learned that meaningful work is built through relationships. I valued the opportunity to connect with organizations in the incubator, see peace ideas take shape, and witness how small, everyday moments of encouragement can create an environment where people thrive. This term gave me not only professional skills but also a deeper appreciation for the role community plays in making peacebuilding possible. I am incredibly grateful for this co-op opportunity and the wonderful connections I made with the community.”
Looking ahead, the Centre is excited to welcome Rumaysa Syed, a third year Legal Studies student at the University of Waterloo, as the incoming Program Assistant for the fall term. With her arrival, the Centre continues its commitment to supporting student learning while advancing peace-focused research, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
Through all these changes, one thing remains constant; the Centre’s role as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and leadership in peacebuilding. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to hear about changes and news at the Centre.