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Stephanie Schoenhoff

Stephanie Schoenhoff was a Researcher at Cardus 2015-2016. She is a recent graduate of Western University with an Honours Specialization in Media and the Public Interest. Throughout her undergraduate career in the Faculty of Information Media Studies, Stephanie focused on research at the intersection of human rights, Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), and global political economy. Stephanie's passion for community engagement led her to serve on the Faculty of Information Media Studies Students' Council in various roles such as Vice President Academic and President.

Stephanie is a strong believer in the role of an open and vibrant free press for the protection of civil liberties and the democratic process. As a Communications Assistant at OpenMedia, she coauthored Canada's Privacy Plan: A Crowdsourced Agenda Tackling Canada's Privacy Deficit. During her time as a Research and Communications Assistant at Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, her publications focused on threats to freedom of expression both nationally and abroad.

Stephanie is a pie-baking, book-loving running enthusiast with an acute appetite for mid-century architecture and modern art. As a recovering homebody, Stephanie feeds her newfound love for adventure by crafting her master plan to run, cycle and canoe her way across all seven continents.

Bio last modified January 10th, 2022.


Thread of 1,000 Stories

Finding God in Evin Prison

On January 15th 1982, Marina Nemat was arrested at the age of sixteen by the Islamic government in Tehran. She spent over two years in the infamous Evin Prison. We talked to her about how she kept her faith in the midst of torture. 

Two Wings of One Bird

“Science and religion are two wings of the same bird,” says Dr. Mehran Anvari, a Baha’i Canadian and one of the world’s leading telerobotic surgeons. 

A Vocation of Peace

After a long career in labour law, Rabbi Shalom Schachter got his rabbinical ordination 11 years ago. In both careers, his vocation has always been that of a peacemaker. Read his story here. 

Communication for All

The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) is a global human rights organization based in Toronto. Read about their work at the UN implementing interfaith humanitarian and development aid. 

The Witness Blanket

On a recent visit to Winnipeg, I toured the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) with Dr. Clint Curle, Senior Advisor to the President of CMHR. As we visited, we discussed how religious freedom is explored by the museum’s curators. More specifically, we looked at the tensions that exist between competing rights and privileges in Canada and across the globe. 

Positive in Spirit

Stephanie Schoenhoff sat down with Andrea Nemtin, Executive Director of Inspirit Foundation to talk about religious pluralism in Canada. Read the interview here.

Walking Home

Himy Syed has been involved in Jane’s Walks since its beginning in 2007. This December he led a public walk on the history of Muslims in Toronto. 

Henri Nouwen's Journey to Toronto

Henri Nouwen's spiritual walk was travelled on the road to Richmond Hill after two decades teaching in the Ivy Leagues. Learn more about his life and works through the words of Karen Pascall, Executive Director of the Henri Nouwen Society in Toronto. 

Religion in Canada’s Public Square

For Dr. Sam Reimer, Professor of Sociology at Crandall University in New Brunswick, it isn’t hard to determine whether faith communities contribute to the flourishing of Canadian society.

Canada's First Mosque

Canada’s first Mosque, Al Rashid, is a not just a piece of history. Today, it’s a vibrant community in Edmonton that brings together thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims alike each year.

Understanding Islam: An interview with Habeeb Alli

Habeeb Alli incorporates his Muslim faith in every sphere of life. He sat down with us to talk about his passion: educating Canadians about Islam. 

And You Shall Love

Danny Richmond loves his job. He works at Ve'ahavta, a Jewish philanthropic organization in Toronto which promotes positive change in the lives of people marginalized by poverty. Read how his job inspires him daily to do acts of tikun olam.

A Rocha Cares for People and the Places They Live

A Rocha is an international Christian organization that engages in scientific research, environmental education, community-based conservation projects and sustainable agriculture.

Vanier's philanthropic faith

Canadian humanitarian Jean Vanier was recently honoured for his work leading L’Arche, a network of live-in communities for people with intellectual exceptionalities. Watch his acceptance speech here. 

We Need to Talk

We sat down with Azim Shamshiev, Executive Vice President of Intercultural Dialogue Institute GTA to talk about the long-term impact of interfaith conversation, and the Canadian opportunity for interfaith circles. 

The Art of Conversation

Koffler Centre of the Arts in Toronto fosters inter-cultural dialogue through contemporary art. Read how the Jewish cultural organization sparks public conversation on some of life's most important questions. 

Canadian Sikh Soldiers of World War I

Just a few years ago, historian and documentary filmmaker, David Gray, uncovered the Canadian Sikhs of WWI. Read about the "little story in a big war" here. 

Hope Amid Suffering

The Sick Kids' Chaplaincy program has come alongside families experiencing suffering for decades. Anglican Chaplain, Michael Marshall, talks to us about his role in the hospital, and having the grace to be silent. 

Gathering Canadian Women with Purpose

Through her organization, Gather, Cathie Ostapchuk’s mission is to tell the “uniquely Canadian story of Christian women.” 

Community With Your Coffee

541 Eatery and Exchange in Hamilton offers its neighbourhood delicious, affordable food along with a deeper sense of community. 

Propelling Social Change

From the exterior, passersby might not see why Switchback Cyclery on Queen East in Toronto is one of the City’s most meaningful bike shops.

Bringing Fresh Faith North

Carluci Dos Santos has been hugely encouraged by watching the Church of Latin America come North.