Targeted Scholarship Recipient in 2025 - Lakehead University
The MROO Targeted scholarship program, first announced in 2023, focuses on supporting graduate students in Ontario who are doing research or pursuing a career that will positively impact the lives of seniors.
This is the second year of MROO’s partnership with Lakehead University. In 2024, the first recipient from Lakehead University, was May Remenda, who lives in Thunder Bay (from Nipigon, Ontario) and completed a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Gerontology.
This year, MROO is excited to announce this year's Targeted Scholarship at Lakehead University goes to Kay-Lynn (KC) Woilford.
KC, who was born and raised in Thunder Bay, is in her final year of a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Gerontology. Her graduate research focuses on understanding disenfranchised grief in long-term care and supporting personal support workers who provide exceptional person-centred care.
In 2022, she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts with Specialization in Gerontology from Laurentian University, and she completed an Honours Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University in 2024. As a Registered Social Worker, KC values and supports anti-oppressive and anti-racist approach in her research and work. She explains, “I am dedicated to building strong foundational relationships in the spirit of reconciliation, to continue to learn to be a strong ally and partner with Indigenous communities and 2LGBTQ+ people by always focusing on inclusivity, respect, and collaboration.”
KC volunteers in Thunder Bay – she is a committee member at Dementia Gardens and at Compassionate Communities Thunder Bay. After graduation, she plans to continue her work in long-term care with a palliative care approach. She hopes to increase the understanding of dementia studies and the benefits of person-centred care.
Bill Latham, long-time Director of Zone 8 (Thunder Bay, Kenora and Rainy River Area) and in his final term, explains the importance of these Targeted MROO Scholarships. “MROO’s Scholarship with Lakehead University allows us to support the next generation of students who are working hard to improve the lives of all older Canadians through their important research.
"He adds, “KC is certainly doing that. We hope this MROO scholarship helps KC to reach her academic goals and alleviates some of her financial stress. Congratulations, KC, and best of luck in your future endeavours, we applaud and support your important research!”