Every year, Edify magazine shares its Top 40 Under 40 – a group of Edmontonians who are making an impact on our city. This year, seven MacEwan alumni made the cut, including Laurie Wang, who graduated from MacEwan’s Journalism program in 2007. She currently oversees the people, culture and communications teams at Legal Aid Alberta and is a member of the Forbes Communications Council.
We caught up with her to discuss access within the justice system, saying yes to new opportunities and her (controversial) Stanley Cup predictions.
How did your MacEwan experience help get you to where you are now?
My experience at MacEwan actually opened me up to more experiences! My instructors always encouraged me to seek new opportunities and get involved. During my time at MacEwan, I was involved in Journalists for Human Rights, the CJSR radio station and even a three-week stint with the Canadian Armed Forces doing media training for the Canadian troops prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. I was also selected for International Notebook, where I joined journalism students from across Canada in Ottawa and the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC. I visited the House of Commons, Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, and while in DC, even joined a live studio recording at CNN.
What lesson did you learn at MacEwan that you still carry with you today?
Everyone has a story. Each person’s story is unique and important. On a pragmatic note, I learned about the nut graph (a paragraph that explains the context of the story) in storytelling and to this day, I still encourage writers that when in doubt, nut graph it!
Why are you passionate about what you do?
Sounds cliché, but I’m passionate about people and being able to use my skills to make an impact. Legal Aid Alberta provides access to justice for all Albertans. Justice isn’t just for the wealthy or privileged – it’s essential for a democratic society. I’m not a lawyer myself, but it is a blessing to be part of the mission and support those who are serving disadvantaged Albertans on the frontlines of the justice system.
What has been your proudest moment or greatest achievement so far?
Paying off my student loans! My mom used to clean homes and my dad worked long hours at a furniture store, so they didn’t have the means to pay for school for me. It meant a lot for me to be able to put myself through university and be the first in my family to graduate.
Was there anyone at MacEwan who made a difference in your life/studies while you were a student?
The late Perry Mah. He taught photojournalism, and every class was not only an important lesson in lighting and shutter speed, but also a great laugh. He didn’t think of us as “just students.” He treated us as equals – his future colleagues. To this day, I’m still thinking about the rule of thirds, even when I take random pictures of my kids on my phone.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
When the Calgary Flames win the Stanley Cup. That’s right – I said it.
What advice would you give to current MacEwan students?
Always give grace – to yourself and to others. And say yes to opportunities and new experiences: get involved, start something new, climb a tree!