Sometimes, it only takes a spark to change the course of a life. In the case of Red Cross volunteer Emily Zinck, a workshop on landmines during a high school global history class has lead to a blossoming career researching the impact of violence on children.
“I grew up knowing about aid missions through my church, but I never realized what opportunities were out there in terms of my career until that point.”
After high school, Emily chose to major in International Development Studies at Dalhousie University and went on to complete a Masters in International Health at Queen Margaret University in Scotland. She focused her research around child health in post-conflict zones and travelled to Kenya in 2010 to study a peace club project, where children and youth participated in the development of the program.
Emily Zinck during her visit in Kenya to study a peace club project.
Emily now volunteers with the Red Cross in Halifax as a member of the Even Wars Have Limits group. The group promotes awareness of issues such as the impact of war and conflict on women and children, in schools and in the community, much like the workshop that so impacted Emily while she was still in high school.
In her professional life, Emily is also working closely with the Red Cross. As a research assistant for the Children and Youth in Challenging Contexts (CYCC) Network, she works with Judi Fairholm, who created the Canadian Red Cross’ violence and abuse prevention program, RespectED, more than 25 years ago and continues to lead the way in violence prevention work for the Red Cross around the world.
Emily is delving into some fascinating topics, such as how technology like mobile apps can be used to prevent violence as part of her research. We'll be sure to follow up and share updates from this project.
“Sometimes it takes some creativity but I’ve discovered that you have to throw yourself into every opportunity you get.”