Rights Fighter: Jessica Mason

Mono’s Jessica Mason is a Queen’s University gender studies student who also works with at-risk youth in Kingston.

November 20, 2018 | Janice Quirt | 25 Under 25

Rights Fighter: Jessica Mason, 21, Mono. Photo by Pete Paterson.

If this bright and cheerful powerhouse doesn’t save the world, we don’t know who will. Jessica Mason exudes positivity in her passion for social justice. The Mono native hopes to pursue a career in which global development, federal politics and human rights intersect. As a young girl, Jessica strove to champion those in the minority, whether as a camp counsellor or by requesting donations to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in lieu of birthday gifts. During high school, she was elected premier of the inaugural provincial model parliament event in Toronto.

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Now as a Queen’s University gender studies student, Jessica is president of the gender studies department’s student council, working with students who feel marginalized. Jessica also assists the Kingston organization Kaleidoscope, which pairs university students with at-risk youth at six local schools to offer a support system through homework help and games.

In her “spare” time she studies for the LSATs – she’s got her eye on the University of Ottawa’s law school. She says their strong social justice program and proximity to Parliament Hill fit her dream of supporting others in their struggles for equality.