ELECT
Suzanne Kearns
for Kitchener WCDSB Trustee
"Elevating Students to engage a changing World"
for Kitchener WCDSB Trustee
"Elevating Students to engage a changing World"
Suzanne's Commitment to the WCDSB:
Building Connections and Chasing Dreams
Since 2019, I have co-lead a collaboration between Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School's Global Leadership Program and the Waterloo Region International Airport.
Through this program, students have explored real-world challenges in sustainability and innovation while researching and creating a plan to improve the Sustainability of the Region of Waterloo Airport.
Students have met with a variety of community and national stakeholders, including Airport management and the Canadian delegation to ICAO, the UN agency that leads our Global aviation sustainability efforts.
In their final presentation, the students present their plans to the Region of Waterloo International Airport Management team members as well as myself for feedback.
This program reflects my belief that students learn best through real-world problem solving.
I developed a program where university aviation students were offered bonus marks to build and deliver presentations about aviation to elementary schools in the Waterloo Region.
This initiative inspired interest in STEM and future careers, built leadership and teaching skills in university students and encouraged curiosity and confidence in younger learners.
All told, Waterloo's aviation students connected with over 200 WCDSB junior grade students through this program.
Early exposure to learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom can shape a child’s future.
I have volunteered to be an expert panelist for a series of WCDSB events ran in conjunction with Martin Luther Univeresity College.
These events have brought students from across the WCDSB together to take on interactive simulations that challenge their ability to deal with the big picture issues of our world. Students then present their plans to real world experts for feedback.
Topics I have been involved with include the challenges of dealing with climate change and regional sustainability.
I have been the keynote speaker for the WCDSB Secondary Student Activity Council Senate meeting in 2025. Through this volunteer opportunity I was able to help provide guidance and direction for young leaders ready to engage their world.
I have volunteered my time in numerous classroom settings with the WCDSB. These opportunities have allowed me to provide guidance and perspective on a variety of issues, including the outlook for women in the world today, and professional online and social engagement for those entering adulthood.
I am proud to say that my family has supported the Catholic School Foundation financially, creating a series of Global Leadership Scholarships and other financial supports for WCDSB students.
Since 2022, WCDSB students and graduates have received close to $30,000 to pursue their academic endeavors, helping to ensure that as many students as possible from the WCDSB can engage their futures and help build a better world.