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Vanessa Bart-Plange

University of Toronto , Ghana, Class of (2013)

Major(s)

Double majoring in International Relations and Political Science

Current Occupation

Student

Synopsis

Vanessa Grace Bart-Plange is a third year MasterCard Foundation scholar pursuing a double major in International Relations and Political Science, and a minor in African Studies at University of Toronto. As a passionate and determined student, Vanessa has maintained a position in the coveted Dean’s Honor List since first year and volunteered with several groups in Toronto. Although she is fluent in English and Fante, she is currently working on her French language proficiency as well.

Due to her interest in economic empowerment, education, and civic awareness and participation, she worked with a prominent Toronto city municipal councilor and a non-profit called Career Skills Incubator in summer 2015. After graduation, Vanessa wants to pursue graduate studies in Public Policy or Public Administration because she is curious about how African governments incorporate citizens’ interests and needs into the process of drafting and implementing socio-economic policies; she wants to know the implications of this practice for transitional democracies like Ghana. Also, she hopes to give back to her community by establishing a non-profit or partnering with organizations that will provide free vocational training and business set up for Ghanaian youth, especially women. Currently, she continues to seek out opportunities that will allow her to delve deeper into her interests and expand her professional skills and network.