Inspiring the next generation of Georgian changemakers

March 22, 2018

Meet Nicole Norris – a community impact projects liaison at Georgian’s Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation.

Norris oversees teams of students in the Community Impact Lab in Orillia who work with community partners on complex issues and gaps in service to effect positive social change. She sees her role as helping to incubate changemakers.

“Students have to see and believe they can make positive change,” says Norris. “These projects are designed to unearth their confidence and inspire them to self-identify as changemakers.”

Over the winter semester, Norris’ Social Service Worker students tackled food insecurity. In teams, they examined the issue from the lens of a community partner’s clients. One worked with a health care clinic that supports clients with diabetes. They explored how to address food insecurity from the perspective of an individual with special health conditions and employment barriers.

Another team worked with a daycare to examine the role pre-school has in the daily nutrition of children. For some kids, the meals they get at daycare could be the only nutritious ones they have if their families are food insecure.

“The students really had a lot of great ideas to share and a fresh perspective to offer our community partners,” says Norris. “Changemaking isn’t always instant or grand; it encompasses the small acts or steps we take on the road to something better. Georgian students want to make a difference and these projects can be the perfect opportunity for them to start.”

Prior to joining Georgian, Norris spent 20 years working as a designer. She owned a niche creative agency, working with start-up ventures looking to move their brand into digital spaces like ecommerce or mobile apps. Other adventures in her career included spending two years in the world of motorsports and NASCAR.

Norris is an avid volunteer in the community.