Kristen Shannon Scott remembers a certain childhood incident as clear as a bell. She was eight years old, riding her bike with her dad and struggling up a steep hill when a man, who appeared unhoused, emerged from a nearby bush and approached her.
"At first, I was scared," says Scott, "but my dad, who at the time worked at a shelter for men, knew the individual and explained, no he's a friend, he's just trying to help you with your bike.'"
Scott watched as her dad spoke to the man with such respect, understanding and kindness. "He spoke like I could trust him. That opened my eyes."
From that day on, Scott knew she wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and provide a voice for the underserved.
Today, Scott is living her dream - as a graduate of Humber's Faculty of Social and Community Services, she earned an Honours degree in Social Science with a major in Criminal Justice and now serves as a residential supervisor at a community-based residential facility with Correctional Services Canada.
"My father worked in the same facility back in 2001," says Scott. "He always emphasized that if you show people respect, they'll respect you in return."
During the 2024 Spring Convocation, Scott was nominated as the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Jean Augustine Leadership Award. Augustine, a trailblazer in Canadian politics and social justice, made history as the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons. She is widely celebrated for her role in designating February as Black History Month in Canada.
In 2023, during the official installation ceremony of Humber Polytechnic President and CEO Ann Marie Vaughan, Humber not only conferred an honorary degree upon Augustine but also announced the establishment of the Dr. Jean Augustine Leadership Award. The award is presented annually to a graduating student from a program at the Lakeshore Campus who demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence and inclusive leadership at Humber or in the community.
"Receiving the award has pushed me towards believing that I can go on and do better in the community," says Scott.
Scott plans to pursue a master's degree in Criminology and Social Justice, specializing in trauma and how it affects repeat offenders. "I want to look into how they fit into the criminal justice system and break the cycle."
Beyond her academic achievements, Scott, like her father, has always been committed to community service. She has volunteered with StreetWorks, advocating for individuals struggling with substance use and ensuring the safe disposal of needles in urban areas. She has also dedicated time to Feed Niagara and regularly volunteered at soup kitchens.
At her job, Scott believes in encouraging every individual she works with. She recalled one individual who had a criminal record and, although he completed his rehabilitation, had trouble integrating back into the community.
"I just kept building him up every day. I said, Never give up, no matter how low you feel.'" The individual returned to visit Scott a few months later with a grin on his face and full-time job. "He said, You are one of the reasons why I'm successful today - you reminded me that I was not a lost cause.' That meant a lot," says Scott.
Augustine's legacy continues to empower graduates like Scott, proving that leadership, perseverance, and advocacy can pave the way for a more inclusive society. In addition to the Dr. Jean Augustine Leadership Award, Humber also offers the Jean Augustine Legacy Scholarship established by Friends of Jean Augustine.
