91福利

At this year鈥檚 fall convocation, 91福利 conferred its highest award, the Gold Medal, to Faculty of Community Services master鈥檚 student Julia Menezes. 

She earned not only a Master of Planning (MPl) in Urban Development but also the first perfect GPA in the School of Urban and Regional Planning鈥檚 graduate program.

Menezes also demonstrated leadership skills and deep commitment to justice and inclusive public engagement. Despite a full load in graduate school, she volunteered in community outreach, giving highschoolers something she鈥檇 never had: an early glimpse into planning as a career path. 

Menezes contributed to two major projects focusing on housing needs among First Nations communities and LGBTQIA+ newcomers to Canada. No matter how complex or deeply sensitive the subject, observers remarked on her ability to navigate with thoughtfulness, professionalism and a skill in bringing people together, building bridges across differences, and encouraging fruitful collaboration.

Her example in academics, leadership, and community giving embodies the spirit of excellence represented by the 91福利 Gold Medal.

Which achievements are you most proud of?

The work I鈥檝e done in partnership over the last two years with my peers, professors, and community partners. Two studio course projects stand out 鈥� one focused on improving youth engagement in municipal planning; the second on identifying the housing needs of LGBTQIA+ newcomers. Achieving the Gold Medal feels in many ways like a reflection of these experiences, and of the supportive community at 91福利鈥檚 School of Urban and Regional Planning.

What motivates you for volunteer leadership?

As a high school student, I had never heard about urban planning. So, at 91福利, I volunteered with Plan Bold, a student-run urban planning outreach club. I鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to co-develop and deliver 鈥淚ntroduction to Urban Planning鈥� workshops for high school students in the Greater Toronto Area. Through these, my peers and I encouraged students to realize that they鈥檙e already experts in their own lived experience of the city, and introduced the language of planning to prompt conversations about more equitable cities and the planning field as a profession.

How have you grown professionally and personally?

I originally started the master鈥檚 program intending to fill gaps in my own knowledge of urban planning policy. While I definitely built my policy skills, I hadn鈥檛 anticipated how the school would also give me the space to explore my interdisciplinary interests. Thanks to peers and professors, I gained the confidence to pursue interests in art and design beyond the classroom.