• Home
• meetourstarts
• Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Emily Valitutti

Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Emily Valitutti

By Diana Corredor
In our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, we proudly highlight students whose journeys reflect the power of discovering passions and embracing opportunities at Western. This edition features Emily Valitutti, a fourth-year student in Political Science.

Valitutti’s path to Political Science was anything but conventional. Originally accepted into Western’s BMOS program with the intention of pursuing a business career, her academic direction changed after taking Introduction to Political Science as an elective. “Though I had always been passionate about politics and advocacy, this course confirmed that I had found my true calling,” she shares. From that moment, her studies shifted toward a career rooted in political, legal, and advocacy work.

Key courses such as The Politics of Economics with Professor Adam Harmes, Political Theory with Professor Elizabeth Finneron-Burns, and American Nightmare/American Dreams with Professor Laurel Clark Shire have been pivotal in shaping Valitutti’s perspective. These classes deepened her knowledge while expanding her understanding of how political, historical, economic, and contemporary forces shape the world we live in.

Her academic growth is also reflected in her publication with The Social Contract, Western’s Political Science journal. Valitutti’s essay, Freedom of Speech or Threat to Democracy? Analyzing the Capitol Hill Storming and Its Implications, was accepted for the 2025–2026 issue. “This experience underscored the importance of young people contributing their perspectives on pressing political issues,” she explains. It also gave her the opportunity to collaborate with peers and see the value of student voices within academic institutions.

Mentorship has played an important role in Valitutti’s journey. From guidance by TAs who understood her challenges, to the opportunity to work with a political party during an election, these experiences have been transformative. She also credits Professor Nandita Biswas Mellamphy for inviting her to an Election Interference and Security retreat, where she engaged with experts from across Western on urgent global issues.

Beyond the classroom, Valitutti has fully embraced Western’s vibrant community. Since her first year, she has been an active member of UWO Dance Force, progressing from member to choreographer, to VP Communications, and now President. Through Dance Force, she has combined her passion for performance with leadership and philanthropy, fundraising annually for local charities. She has also participated in initiatives such as the SPUR Fashion Show, USC campaigns, and the Breaking Barriers conference, where she connected with local MPs to explore challenges facing women and nonbinary individuals in political and advocacy careers.

One of her most impactful leadership roles has been serving on the Faculty of Social Science Soph Team. Rising from new member to Head Soph Team as the Student Wellness and Support PA, Valitutti has helped guide both incoming students and her peers with compassion and authenticity. “To be a soph is to lead with kindness, grace, and passion for the well-being of others,” she reflects.

Valitutti’s proudest achievements include leading Dance Force as President, serving on the Head Soph Team, and publishing her academic work. But above all, she values the personal growth these experiences have brought. “Beyond my accomplishments, my greatest achievement has been discovering myself, uncovering my passions, and what truly motivates me to reach my fullest potential.”

Celebrate Emily Valitutti’s inspiring journey with us and discover how the Political Science program at Western empowers students to lead, create, and make their voices heard. Stay tuned for more success stories in our series, and follow our social media channels for updates on how our students are making their mark in the world.

If you want to share your own story or know someone who should be featured, please reach out to us!