Info design alumna is MRU’s first-ever McCall MacBain finalist

A passion for inclusive design has shaped Krysten Loiselle's academic path, professional work and community involvement. Now, it’s taking her to Montreal.

The recent Bachelor of Communication — Information Design graduate has been named a national finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarships. From more than 700 applicants, she is one of 53 Canadians headed to Montreal for the final round of interviews, alongside 38 candidates from other countries. Applicants are assessed on evidence of character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.

“Honestly, I’m excited to just be there and experience Montreal’s energy firsthand,” Loiselle says. “I want to walk around, find a good coffee spot, grab an actual Montreal bagel and imagine what my life could look like if I’m lucky enough to call it home.”

MRU milestone

Established with a landmark $200-million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. Up to 30 scholars will be selected, each receiving substantial funding to pursue an eligible degree at McGill University, including a $2,300 monthly living stipend during academic terms and summer funding options. Canadian finalists not selected for the cohort remain eligible for $10,000 toward their McGill studies.

Loiselle’s selection marks Mount Royal’s first connection to reach the finalist stage of the national scholarship.

“Being named a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarship is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of Krysten’s leadership and curiosity, rooted in a commitment to her community and beyond,” says Cyndi Cave, assistant registrar, Awards, at MRU. “Krysten embodies the spirit of opening minds and changing lives, and we are immensely proud to see one of Mount Royal’s best recognized on the national stage.”

Inclusive design in action

Loiselle currently works full time as a product user experience and support specialist for a software company and is applying to master’s programs in information studies at McGill. Her long-term goal is to co-design accessible-by-default services and advocate for inclusion standards that teams can adopt.

Her focus on inclusive design has guided both her studies and her community involvement. Loiselle volunteered as a website and event designer with Heart Beats Children’s Society, using design to raise awareness, support families and strengthen community care for children. She also volunteered with IncluCity Calgary, analyzing user research to help improve inclusion in Rainforest Alberta’s social contract and promote equity in the tech sector.

While at MRU, Loiselle participated in the Tech LiftOff program through the Slate Innovation Lab as a UX researcher and product designer, supporting local businesses as they worked to become more resilient and better serve their communities.

“Krysten’s work reflects the very best of what we hope students take with them from the Information Design program: curiosity, care and a commitment to designing with people in mind,” says Dr. Milena Radzikowska, PhD, chair of the School of Communication Studies and information design professor. “We’re incredibly proud of the thoughtfulness she brings to her work and excited to see where her passion for accessibility and inclusion takes her next.”

Gratitude and growth

For Loiselle, the recognition is both humbling and motivating.

“It’s overwhelming in the best way, and I’m forever grateful for everyone who believed in me,” she says. “Being recognized alongside such passionate, driven people reminds me that meaningful change is possible when we come together. I’m excited for the opportunity to grow, be challenged and contribute in any way I can.

“University taught me to ask better questions and look beyond surface-level solutions to see who gets left behind,” she adds. “My professors pushed me to stay curious and humble, to really listen to people’s experiences and to check my assumptions constantly. That shift in perspective changed everything about how I approach problem-solving.”

Applications for the next round of McCall MacBain Scholarships open in June 2026. More information is available at mccallmacbainscholars.org.