Student Bursary
Advocacy in action: Alaya is building an inclusive healthcare future.
Feb 11, 2026
We often see that the most passionate changemakers are those whose drive is born from personal experience. Alaya, a student at the University of Victoria and a TELUS Student Bursary recipient, is a shining example of this. Her journey from witnessing the gaps in our healthcare system to becoming a valued contributor on the TELUS Vancouver Island Community Board is a story of turning empathy into advocacy.
A Spark of purpose
Growing up, Alaya watched her mother navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. It was a journey marked by the challenges of invisible disabilities and the critical need for those who could bridge the gap between patients and providers.
“Watching my mother navigate the healthcare system and seeing how much her advocates supported her, made me realize how much I want to do that for others,” Alaya shares.
This realization led her to UVic, where she studies health education with the goal of making healthcare more inclusive, accessible, and compassionate for all, especially those with invisible disabilities like chronic illness and mental health conditions.
Investing in leadership
Pursuing a degree while launching social impact initiatives is a heavy lift for any student. For Alaya, the TELUS Student Bursary provided the financial stability needed to keep her focus where it mattered most: on her community.
As a three-time bursary recipient, Alaya didn’t just use the support to excel in her classes; she used it as a platform to amplify her voice. Her dedication to health advocacy caught the attention of many, proving that when we provide students with the resources they need, they don’t just graduate, they lead.
The story comes full circle
Today, Alaya’s journey with TELUS has reached a powerful milestone. She has moved from being a recipient of the TELUS Student Bursary to a decision-maker as a member of the TELUS Vancouver Island Community Board. In this role, she helps direct funding to grassroots organizations that are tackling the very same healthcare and social challenges she witnessed growing up.
From a daughter watching her mother’s advocates to a student leader and now a Community Board member, Alaya’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of the Foundation’s investment. By supporting her potential early on, we are now benefiting from her expertise and lived experience as she helps us choose the next generation of projects to fund.
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