Our Team
MARL works with a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers. Find out more about the people behind our organization.
Hannah Simonson
Education Coordinator
Hannah Simonson completed her Bachelor of Arts in human rights, with a minor in political science, from the University of Winnipeg in 2023, and is currently pursuing a master’s in human rights at the University of Manitoba. Her academic and advocacy interests include reproductive rights, the rights of individuals living in poverty, and immigrant and refugee rights.
Somto Obi
Finance Coordinator
Somto is a graduate with a BSc in Accounting degree. She brings her adeptness with numbers and her commitment to accurate representation to her role here at MARL. With a passion for equity, ethics, transparency and accountability, Somto ensures that MARL remains aligned with its future vision and builds a strong connection with its valued communities and their members. Community outreach, administration, accounting and finance are a few of her core responsibilities at MARL and she hopes to add value to the organization through the work that she does.
Tsering Schmidt
Intern
My name is Tsering. I use he/him pronouns and I’m a 10th grade student at the Exchange Met School. I am a Tibetan-European settler here in Canada and I am interested in politics, refugee rights, and supports and services for the unhoused.
I first became interested in human rights at a young age when I spent periods of time in Nepal in Tibetan communities and my mother started to teach me about my father and my Tibetan heritage. As I learned more about Tibetan refugees and why I couldn’t visit Tibet without a Chinese visa, I began to think about how unfair it was. It made me question why other countries have remained largely silent while the Chinese government began its illegal occupation in my ancestors’ country 75 years ago, a situation that continues today. Around the same time I began volunteering with my best friend at Winnipeg Harvest. Being exposed to injustices like the displacement and ongoing cultural genocide of the Tibetan people, exploring truth and reconciliation in the Canadian context, and learning about the growing epidemic of houselessness in Winnipeg opened my eyes to issues of privilege and injustice. These insights have influenced what I want to study and the contributions I want to make to society.
I believe that human rights are required to support all people in living freely and expressing themselves in ways that honour their identities and beliefs (as long as that doesn’t involve harming others). Being able to do so is to have a happy and fulfilled life. Because I am passionate about politics and geopolitics, and because of the significant role of human rights in these areas, I think that it’s important for me to immerse myself in human rights programs and resources. I’ve started to do so through the Exchange Met School. I have volunteered at places like Siloam Mission and Main Street Project and I want to continue to advocate alongside people whose human rights are denied.
My goals for my Internship at MARL include learning more about how and why people’s human rights are often neglected or under-represented in politics, how human rights affect political decision-making and policy creation, and how governments become corrupt and unserving of their own people and the timeframe in which this happens. These issues affect everyone and by educating myself I will become more capable of upholding human rights and ensure I am not a mere bystander but an upstander. I also want to become more confident in myself and further develop my facilitation and presentation skills.
Clair Hall
Intern
Hello! My name is Claire Hall. I am an Indigenous person whose family comes from the Key First Nation on Treaty 4 territory. I am currently a 12th-grade student at the Seven Oaks Met School, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve been surrounded by conversations about human rights and social justice. In many ways, my first experience with activism happened before I could even speak. I grew up in a family that valued awareness, empathy, and courage, people who believed that if you see something wrong, you have a responsibility to speak up. Today, I focus mainly on Indigenous issues and freedom of expression, but over the years I’ve taken part in many projects on various human rights topics.
The moment that truly sparked my personal interest in advocacy beyond my family was the climate crisis. When I was 11, I attended the “Walk for Water” rally, and it was the first time global issues felt real and urgently connected to my own life. From that point on, speaking up about the issues that mattered to me became second nature. While I’m not as publicly active in climate awareness as I once was, mostly because so many other important topics are also close to my heart, I continue to stay informed and committed to understanding what is happening across the world.
Now at 17, much of my passion goes into using creativity as a tool for activism, finding ways to engage people who might not otherwise pay attention. My most recent project was a documentary on Indigenous Feminism in Winnipeg, a topic that continues to guide and inspire my work.
Going forward, I want to keep doing what feels right, speaking up, getting involved, and using my creativity to help others pay attention. I’m excited for whatever comes next.
Abbie Stark
Intern
📧community@marl.mb.ca
Hi, my name is Abbie Stark. I’m currently enrolled at the University of Ontario for creative writing. I was a student in the Level Up program at RAY and am now starting at MARL. I am excited to start my new position as a valuable team member in my newfound field of work. I am interested in researching and networking with different organizations and communities to help locate the resources needed within my capabilities and to spread awareness and find viable solutions regarding work placements and food insecurities in Winnipeg and province wide.
Practicum
Students
MARL offers under-graduate and graduate students practicum placements to experience working in a non-profit sector while pursuing their degree.
Belinda Ansong
Hello, I am Belinda Gyamfua Ansong, currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict studies at the
University of Manitoba.
As a young African woman, I have personally experienced how labels and societal perceptions fuel conflict—both at
individual levels, and within the broader community. My experiences have strongly shaped my passion for raising
awareness, and educating vulnerable groups, especially women and young people, on issues related to sexual health
and reproductive rights. While many often associate a peaceful society with the absence of socio-political conflicts
and war, personal experience demonstrates to me that entrenched injustice is indicative of lack of peace, and this is
why human rights play a crucial role.
Human rights are a fundamental part of human life and society, deeply woven into people’s daily experiences. They
represent the non-negotiable essence of humanity, offering protection to the vulnerable, upholding law and order, and
promoting social justice. Vulnerable populations—such as children, women, and young people—often face worsening
conditions due to conflict and poverty, which expose them to emotional manipulation, physical and sexual abuse, and
domestic violence. My academic and volunteer background has inspired me to pursue lasting solutions through
advocacy, education, and ongoing awareness efforts aimed at influencing policy and enhancing the lives of those
affected by social injustice.
MARL prioritizes education and advocacy for human rights and civil liberties toward greater social justice in
Manitoba and beyond. In a world of diversity, it is crucial that the values, liberties, and rights of people are upheld
and respected. I chose this practicum site owing to their vision of creating a peaceful and sustainable world through
human rights education and advocacy, which aligns with my personal interests and career goals. MARL has done
extensive work on advocacy, education and empowerment for young people over the years, and I look forward to
gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience during my practicum semester.