Flourishing through diplomacy and creativity

Waterloo PhD candidate, Aaron Francis, soars to new heights with Vintage Black Canada project By Valerie Vaz University Relations With an interest in academia and activism, Aaron Francis, a PhD candidate in the Global Governance program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, stands out as an example of flourishing in every chapter of his life. The inspiration behind Francis's academic journey can be traced back to a pivotal moment when he seized the opportunity to teach English in Taiwan - a decision that shaped his research interests. Keen on expanding his knowledge, he pursued Mandarin studies at East China Normal University in Shanghai, weaving a narrative that intertwines personal experiences with academic passion. Today, Francis's research seeks to understand the factors guiding the diplomatic decisions of nations in Latin America and the Caribbean regarding the recognition of Taiwanese sovereignty over that of the People's Republic of China. Before stepping into his PhD research, Francis nurtured his interests and developed his leadership abilities through a career in political relations at the University of Waterloo. He also served as the s takeholder r elations m'anager for the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association and c'hair of the City of Kitchener's Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. However, it's his Vintage Black Canada initiative - that uses photos to document the transnational modern history of the African diaspora in Canada - that stands out.