For this feature of our career interview series, I spoke with Cheyenne Schmidt-Harlick, a Work/Study student completing her BA at York. Cheyenne brought a thoughtful and grounded perspective on how lived experiences and cultural identity can guide career exploration in a meaningful way.
Introducing Cheyenne
Cheyenne is just finishing her degree with a double major in Psychology and Indigenous Studies. She intentionally chose her program to reflect both Western psychological frameworks and Indigenous knowledge systems.
Cheyenne identifies as Afro-Indigenous, an intersectional identity that informs both her studies and career goals. She is engaged in community-based work and advocacy and focuses on supporting Indigenous women, youth and families.
Cheyenne’s professional journey
Cheyenne describes her professional journey as a “roller coaster,” shaped by many roles that eventually led her to frontline community work. She began her career in customer service at McDonald’s, where she learned transferable skills like communication, patience and conflict management.
I didn’t just jump from my first job to my current role. There were many jobs in between, but they all built skills leading up to the job I’m in.”
She currently works as a housing services support worker at Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. In this role, Cheyenne supports Indigenous women living in transitional housing, many of whom are navigating trauma, substance use or systemic barriers. Her responsibilities include providing daily support, resource navigation and offering culturally grounded care.
How her academic programs shape her work
Cheyenne shared that her decision to pursue a double major in Psychology and Indigenous Studies provides her a dual lens to understand mental health frameworks, while also recognizing Indigenous community realities and systemic contexts.
Her identity as Afro‑Indigenous makes this academic combination personal and meaningful. She applies knowledge from both disciplines daily in her frontline work.
Leadership roles on campus
Cheyenne has held leadership roles in the Indigenous Students Association at York (ISAY), first serving as treasurer and later as president.
She helped with event planning for the Indigenous Spring Market and the 21st All Nations PowWow at York.
One of Cheyenne's most meaningful initiatives was hosting Afro‑Indigenous programming during Black History Month, which created space to recognize intersectional identities.
Accessibility as experience and advocacy
Accessibility has played a significant role in Cheyenne’s academic and professional life. As a student registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS), she utilizes accommodations such as extended test time, quiet exam rooms and flexible deadlines. These supports allow her to participate as both a full‑time student and a full‑time worker.
In the workplace, she believes accessibility means flexibility, clarity and inclusive design. This can look like virtual meeting options, clear written communication, booking physically accessible rooms and recognizing invisible disabilities.
The point of accommodations is to remove barriers. Sometimes people don’t realize the extra steps until they don’t experience them.”
Advice for students with disabilities
Cheyenne encourages students with disabilities to advocate for themselves and make use of available resources. Some strategies she recommends are:
- advocate early and clearly for your needs;
- use SAS supports;
- stay informed through campus newsletters and events (like This Week @ York); and
- seek out community‑based networks and mentors.
She emphasizes that many opportunities exist on campus, but students often need to take the first step. Plus, spending time on campus beyond lectures can contribute to a richer university experience!
Looking ahead
Looking to the future, Cheyenne is excited to begin her next chapter. She has been accepted into a Bachelor of Education program and aspires to become a high school teacher. She is interested in supporting students with diverse learning needs by specializing in special education in the future!
It was so inspiring to see Cheyenne's passion for being a frontline worker and being guided by community care and advocacy!
Part one of our career interview series is live! Read about the career journey of Ellie Rebarbar, a fourth‑year Bachelor of Business Administration student.