Calgary, AB
Julie Chen
Julie Chen is a Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Calgary dedicated to advancing accessible healthcare, disability advocacy, and inclusive communities. As President of the Cerebral Palsy UCalgary Network (CPUN), she brings together students, healthcare professionals, and community organizations through educational initiatives, meaningful partnerships, and advocacy. Beyond campus leadership, Julie volunteers at her local hospital and conducts neuroscience research investigating the basolateral amygdala, combining scientific inquiry with a passion for community impact. Through her leadership, she strives to bridge the gap between research and advocacy, believing that meaningful change begins by empowering others, fostering collaboration, and ensuring every individual has the opportunity to be heard, supported, and included.
Cerebral Palsy UCalgary Network
Cerebral Palsy UCalgary Network (CPUN) is a student-led initiative that raises awareness of cerebral palsy through education and community engagement. By hosting research panels, volunteer opportunities, and fundraisers, CPUN connects students with researchers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to promote disability advocacy and inclusion in the Calgary community. CPUN not only aims to serve as an educational organization, but also as a networking space that connects individuals who share a common goal of advocating for individuals living with cerebral palsy.
About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
From August to January, CPUN will recruit and train student leaders, organize educational panel discussions and campaigns, lead community fundraising events, and create several volunteering opportunities. Each milestone aims to strengthen student leadership, disability advocacy, community partnerships, and support for cerebral palsy initiatives through ongoing education, networking, and volunteer engagement.
Project Impact
CPUN primarily serves undergraduate students interested in health equity, disability advocacy, and inclusive community engagement. Our team believes that working with under-funded community programs and partners is of utmost importance. Hence, our guiding principle is to bridge campus and community by connecting students to real-world advocacy and support efforts that advance equity and accessibility for people with disabilities.
Project Mission
CPUN’s mission is to address the lack of awareness surrounding cerebral palsy within university communities. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood, yet many students have little exposure to the lived experiences and barriers individuals face in everyday activities. Our goal is to create meaningful and informative partnerships that join students, researchers, and families in our community.
Project Team
Our executive team are passionate student leaders dedicated to supporting individuals with cerebral palsy!
- Muhammad Saim | Jackson Qi | Julia Rozwel Quimio | Fortune Adekanye | Henry Stewart | Ifeoluwa Tawose | Akshay Senthilkumar | Kaify Randhawa | Sireejana Bhatti | Dakota Hofforth
Optional Photo Gallery
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