Roli Adetula is a 20-year-old political science student at the University of Calgary, born and raised in the city to Nigerian parents. A passionate advocate for social justice, Roli joined CIWA’s Change Leaders program to challenge herself, grow her confidence, and step into leadership. 

“I wanted this year to be different,” she says. “I wanted to lead something I truly believed in.” 

Through the program, Roli created “Policy in Progress”—a roundtable and documentary-style video series focused on exposing the gaps in Canada’s gender-based violence policies. She interviewed individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities, many of whom shared personal and painful stories. Roli approached the work with care, compassion, and determination. 

“I had moments where I wanted to give up. But I learned that I’m more resilient than I thought. And I learned how powerful empathy and open-mindedness are in leadership.” 

Her work even caught the attention of the mayor’s office. After a conversation with the mayor at a Women’s Day event, Roli was invited to share her final video with her team. 

Roli’s project and personal growth represent the heart of what the Change Leaders program makes possible. “Programs like this matter so much,” she says. “They give young women like me the chance to lead, to be heard, and to know that we belong.”