Sameer Zuberi, BA 04 (centre left) and Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré (centre right) | Photo: Denis Bernier
The award's namesake, the recently retired Westmoreland-Traoré, was Quebec’s first black judge and the first black female dean at a Canadian law school. A social justice advocate, she also served on the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
The scholarship is given to a student devoted to community engagement and advocacy causes.
Now 35, Zuberi describes his younger self as a “normal math student who was transformed into a social advocate” while at Concordia.
He focused more heavily on activism after getting involved with the Concordia Student Union in 2002, first as VP Services and then as VP Finance.
“That experience was a school in itself.”
Zuberi says his time spent at Concordia helped him to recognize what was important to him and how he could pursue his passions long term. He became involved with refugee issues in Montreal and dedicated his time to several important campaigns.
“Concordia without a doubt created a trajectory I’m still on today,” he says. “If an individual is committed to doing good, they can create real change by working with others.”
He feels that pursuing law will ultimately provide him with more tools and opportunities to get involved in fighting for social justice causes.
“I have a firm intent to always remain involved with human rights work,” he says.
“Everyone has a purpose. When you find a way to combine your purpose and your career, that’s when you are really successful.”