MA (Anthropology) student Kevin Chavez Laxamana. (Photo: Kenneth Laxamana)
FGSR digital and social media associate Kevin Chavez Laxamana, a master's student in anthropology, was one of three UAlberta graduate students who received a prestigious Top 30 Under 30 award from the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation on Tuesday.
Laxamana received the prize, which recognizes young people who are "making the world a more just, fair and sustainable place for all," for his master's research into the experiences of transgender women sex workers in Singapore and Bali.
His study, conducted in collaboration with community organizations in both regions, examines how transitioning, de-transitioning and other personal experiences affect the women's life cycle. By focusing on gender equality, a U.N. Sustainable Development Goal, it speaks directly to the mandate of the ACGC.
Laxamana was also honoured for his extensive volunteer contributions, particularly as a leader and community builder in the Filipino community of Edmonton.
"We're extremely proud of Kevin's work as an engaged, conscientious, community-based scholar, and as a valued member of our FGSR team," said Dr. Brooke Milne, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
Laxamana joins two other UAlberta graduate students as recipients of 2020 Top 30 Under 30 awards. They are:
• Joud Nour Eddin, School of Public Health
• Krisha Quiambao, School of Public Health
The recipients were presented with their awards at a ceremony at Calgary's Central Library on Tuesday evening.
"All of us in FGSR extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of our talented UAlberta recipients," said Dr. Milne.