Rochelle-Prasad

Rochelle Prasad

Biography:

Rochelle Prasad has a Masters in Education, specializing in Social Justice Education, from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor's in Political Science from Simon Fraser University, where she double-minored in curriculum and instruction, and social justice education.

Rochelle is currently a Sessional Faculty member at University Canada West teaching Political Science and Social Justice.

Rochelle is an accomplished educator with a passion for empowering the next generation through learning. Her teaching philosophy is centered on creating a welcoming and supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued, respected, and included. She believes that all students have the potential to succeed and is committed to providing a space that encourages their personal and academic growth. Additionally, she aims to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that empowers her students to make positive contributions to their communities. By connecting classroom learning with hands-on experiences, Rochelle helps her students see the impact of their education and become motivated to continue learning and making a difference outside of the classroom.

Expertise and Experience

Rochelle Prasad has extensive experience in the education and teaching space. In her current role as a Project Officer/Manager for the United Nations Association Canada's Digital Equity Programme, she created and implemented a programme that impacted more than 1,500 youth across Canada, working in partnership with grantee Government of Canada.

Previously, she worked as a Global Communications Intern at the United Nations where she created and published curriculum and lesson plans for educators worldwide, and led several projects to increase tourism, support the creation of higher quality journalism, and improve the quality and quantity of the UN's social media content.

Rochelle has also served as an Urban Researcher and Educator at Pivot Canada, Simon Fraser University, where she planned and executed data collection efforts to provide the federal government with data on the impacts of COVID-19 on youth and communities across the country. Additionally, she worked as a Seasonal Professor at the International Language Academy of Canada, where she designed curriculum and delivered instruction for business and food safety classes for a short period of time.

Prior to that, Rochelle served as the City Wide Events and Youth Engagement Coordinator Lead for the City of Surrey, for five years, where she created, mentored and facilitated the Youth Events Squad, ages 12-18. She is also the founder SPARK Foundation, Canada's first internationally recognized youth-led organization, where she has led team development and growth, curriculum planning, event planning, data and strategic management, sponsorship, and curriculum delivery and facilitation. SPARK Foundation has impacted 1.6 million lives across Canada. In addition to her professional experience, Rochelle has also volunteered with various organizations, including the World Vision International Youth Council, Surrey Connect, Government of British Columbia's Provincial Board on Diversity and Inclusion in Policing, and City of Surrey's Community Services Committee.

Publications and Scholarly Activity

In 2019, Rochelle Prasad published "Because We Can", a book that highlights the power of individual action in creating positive change in the world. The book emphasizes the importance of drawing inspiration and positivity from within oneself and those around us in order to create a more positive community and world. Through personal anecdotes and inspiring stories, Prasad encourages readers to embark on a journey of self-reflection and action towards creating a better world. "Because We Can" serves as a reminder that no matter how small our actions may seem, they can have a significant impact on those around us and the world as a whole. Prasad's publication is a testament to the idea that change starts with one person, one idea and one action. "Because We Can" inspires readers to tap into their passion and positivity to become catalysts for positive change in their communities and beyond.

Awards

The listed awards and recognitions highlight the leadership and community engagement of Rochelle Prasad.

In December 2022, she received the Canada's Volunteer Award - Emerging Leader for her significant contributions to the community. She was also recognized as an Emerging Leader by the Surrey Board of Trade in May 2022.

Rochelle was featured in the Globe and Mail's Top 50 Canadian Change Makers report in 2021. She received the prestigious Diana Award in 2020 and was interviewed by BBC International on International Youth Day. The same year, Global BC interviewed her on youth and community engagement.

She received the Canadian Governor General Sovereignty medal for service in 2019 and has also been recognized with other awards such as the Top 25 Under 25 Surrey Board of Trade Award (2018), the Canadian Federation of Fiji Volunteer Award (2018), the National Women's Soroptimist Award (2017), and the Canada 150 Community Service Leadership Award (2017). These accolades are a testament to Rochelle's commitment to community service and her leadership skills.

Rochelle’s appointments include a board of directors position for Options Community Services, a non-profit charity that provides social services in Surrey and neighbouring areas; a global youth ambassador role for Theirworld, a charity dedicated to ending the global education crisis; a position on the BC Provincial Committee on Diversity and Policing, advising on initiatives to increase diversity within police agencies and promoting mutual respect between police and diverse communities; a two-year term on the Community Service Committee advising on strategic issues related to the City of Surrey’s community services; and an external relations lead position for the World Vision Canada Youth Council, which focuses on engaging and empowering youth in advocacy efforts for global development and humanitarian issues.

Contact her through LinkedIn.