Rebekah Sears

Rebekah is a native of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and so brings an East Coast perspective to CPJ’s office. She was raised in a home where political participation was strongly encouraged (if not required!), and where the role of faith in such actions was emphasized. From a young age, this foundation transpired into a passion for social justice and human rights which has shaped many of her activities and interests.

Throughout university, Rebekah pursued these interests by focusing her studies on conflict, crimes against humanity, and human rights, both at the undergraduate and the graduate levels. In 2006 she completed a BA in history from the University of New Brunswick focusing on the Holocaust and genocide studies. This past spring, she graduated from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa with an MA in International Affairs, focusing on transitional societies and the challenges for picking up the pieces in the aftermath of war or poor governance.

In between these two programs, Rebekah spent a year in Rwanda working as an intern with the faith-based NGO African Enterprise. She worked on a variety of projects, including ethnic reconciliation, community development, and education. She found the experience was invaluable in shaping her life and interests to what they are today.

Rebekah currently attends St. George’s Anglican Church in Ottawa. In her spare time she enjoys biking and walking by the Rideau Canal, reading, and relaxing with friends.