Celebrating Social Work Month: Spotlight on Hanan Zeineldin

By SLC Communications 

In honour of Social Work Month, we’re proud to celebrate Hanan Zeineldin, a student in the Social Service Worker (SSW) fast-track program whose journey reflects resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to community. 

Born and raised in Egypt, Hanan earned a bachelor’s degree in mass media and communications while building a career as both a filmmaker and actor.  Her academic path took her to California, where she completed a master’s degree in educational multimedia at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Learn more about Hanan. 

 After arriving in Toronto, Hanan worked in administrative roles in an ESL school while pursuing her passion for film. She moved to Kingston and earned a second master’s degree in Cultural Studies at Queen’s University. During this time, she volunteered with KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services, blending her love of filmmaking with community support. This work led her to create a documentary—From the Tigris to the St. Lawrence River, featured at the 2025 Kingston Canadian Film Festival. 

Throughout her diverse experiences, two themes have remained constant: community involvement and storytelling. Encouraged by a friend and SLC graduate, Hanan enrolled in the SSW fast-track program to gain the hands‑on skills and placement experience needed for a career in social services.  

As Program Coordinator Jason Beaubiah explains, “The fast-track stream provides the opportunity for students with a degree to obtain a two-year diploma in one year, granting them eligibility for registration with our regulatory body the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.” This accelerated pathway aligned perfectly with Hanan’s goals, allowing her to build on her extensive academic background while focusing on practical learning. 

Now approaching her final placement, Hanan hopes to work with seniors or within a mental health organization. Long‑term, she aspires to combine her social service training with her filmmaking expertise to help individuals explore and overcome personal challenges. 

When asked what advice she would offer others considering the program Hanan highlights the value of learning to work collaboratively and the importance of drawing on one’s life and educational experiences. She believes the program provides the practical, employer‑ready skills that help students achieve their career goals and that college offers a clear, supportive path toward meaningful work.