Interactive SHIFT Centre event to explore journalism for social change
Concordia’s SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation will host a free, interactive skill-share on May 5, 2026, designed to strengthen media literacy and empower participants to use storytelling for social change.
“Pathways to Narrative-Building: Journalism, storytelling, and mobilizing media” joins journalists and media experts Rachel Gilmore (Bubble Pop Media), Danièle-Jocelyne Otou-Nguini, BA 13 (New Room Group) and Savannah Stewart, BA 21 (The Rover). The event is part of SHIFT’s Pathways Skill Share series, which invites speakers from across Montreal to explore how social transformation principles can be put into practice.
“I think there’s a lot of concern about the growing distance between the truth and the words we hear or read, as well as a lack of systemic analysis in mainstream reporting,” says Christian Favreau, learning and storytelling lead at SHIFT. “But many independent journalists, writers, and content creators are stepping up, and this event provides an opportunity to learn from them.”
The session will follow an interactive format: attendees will be divided into small groups, with speakers rotating between them. These more intimate discussions are designed to help prepare participants develop strategies to challenge dominant narratives and confront current power structures through storytelling.
Emerging leaders
Gilmore, Otou-Nguini and Stewart each bring experience shaping narratives that aim to guide public conversation rather than simply respond to it.
A steering committee member at SHIFT, Otou-Nguini draws on a background in social innovation, design thinking, and communications to develop sustainable, community-centered approaches to culture change. She is also chair of the Black Healing Centre board and co-founder of New Room Group, an organizational development consultancy grounded in equity, diversity and inclusion.
Award-winning journalist Gilmore has reported extensively on federal politics, human rights, disinformation and extremism. After transitioning from legacy media to independent journalism, she now publishes daily short-form news content and a weekly podcast for an audience of more than 500,000 followers.
Stewart, a graduate of Concordia’s Journalism and Creative Writing programs, is managing editor of The Rover. Previously a reporter with The Eastern Door and Cult MTL, she has since shifted her focus to documentary journalism as co-director of The Rover’s first documentary, Palestine on Campus.
“Too often, in the age of the 24-hour news cycle, our job is reduced to a simple parroting of talking points from those in authority. It’s important to remember that we can and should expect more from journalists and news media organizations,” Stewart says.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with aspiring changemakers to talk about how journalism and storytelling can continue to be a force for progress in an age of rising mis- and disinformation.”
“Pathways to Narrative-Building” will take place on May 5, 2026, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation, 1400 Maisonneuve Boulevard West (LB-145). Visit the event page to register for free.
Calling all writers: Share your own story by submitting to the SHIFT Journal’s next issue, Building Narratives. Submissions are open until April 24, 2026.
Explore the Department of Journalism at Concordia.