Esteban from Colombia

"The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) scholarship has been one of the most enriching personal and professional experiences of my life. Through this scholarship, I had the privilege of immersing myself in Canadian multicultural society for six months, during which I formed meaningful friendships and explored extraordinary landscapes. As a visiting researcher at McMaster University’s Digital Society Lab in Hamilton, Ontario, I had the privilege of contributing to a groundbreaking project alongside globally renowned experts. Our work focused on developing an artificial intelligence-driven system to identify and counteract large-scale disinformation campaigns across digital platforms.

Additionally, the ELAP scholarship enabled my participation in the 2024 Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program Study Tour in Ottawa. This immersive experience deepened my understanding of Canada’s cultural heritage, historical context, and economic policies and practices. It also allowed me to connect with a cohort of emerging global leaders—all fellow recipients of Canadian government scholarships—who share a commitment to driving positive change. These interactions profoundly expanded my international perspective and reaffirmed my dedication to advancing initiatives with meaningful societal impact, not only within my home country of Colombia but on a global scale."

Visiting researcher
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario