Carolina Meneses Zamora grew up in Costa Rica and moved to Winnipeg 7 years ago to obtain her Masters degree in Anthropology. For her academic thesis, she used participatory research methods to explore young men’s understanding of their masculinity and identity as fathers, in the context of Costa Rica’s tourist-dependent economy. Carolina’s use of photography to invite young men to share their experiences and life stories was a noteworthy aspect of her research.

 

Carolina currently works as a Newcomer Youth Outreach and Drop-in Coordinator at a neighbourhood resource centre in Winnipeg’s inner city.  Her work reflects her commitment to supporting immigrant and refugee youth as they overcome their challenges and discover their talents and passions.

 

This past year Carolina partnered with Community Works as the lead organizer of an inter-generational digital storytelling project for immigrant and refugee storytellers. Sharing rich and tender stories of her own immigrant experience motivated the project participants to dig deep into their own stories.

 

Along with her community and academic involvements, Carolina enjoys nature, swimming, food, and talking to different people.