About
Stephanie Mackenzie-Smith is a Lecturer at York University’s School of Public Policy & Administration, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. She holds a PhD in Communications and Culture (Politics and Policy stream, in progress) from York University, alongside advanced degrees including a Master’s in Public Administration (specializing in local government) and a Bachelor of Journalism. Her professional background includes over a decade in municipal government and policing communications roles, most recently as Manager of Corporate Communications at the Town of Aurora and leadership positions at York Regional Police.
Education:
- Bachelor of Journalism, Toronto Metropolitan University
- Master of Public Administration (Local Government), Western University
- PhD Candidate in Communications and Culture (York University)
- Micro-credentials: Inclusive Teaching Practices, Indigenous Values & Identity Awareness
Research Interests: Stephanie’s work focuses on agenda-setting mechanisms in public policy, digital activism’s impact on human rights advocacy, and media’s role in shaping policy debates. Her PhD research examines how crises like pandemics influence local governments' prioritization of civil rights through policy frameworks. She has presented widely on communications strategies in public sector organizations.
Articles & Impact: Her 2022 co-authored articles in Legal Policy & Pandemics highlight the need for pandemic-era codes of conduct balancing public safety and civil liberties. Her master’s thesis applied Multiple Streams Analysis to Toronto’s police carding policy reforms, emphasizing media’s agenda-setting power.
Awards: Nominated for the 2022 LA&PS Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Professional Engagement: President of Western University’s Local Government Alumni Society; member of their conference organizing committee. Active in training public sector professionals on crisis communications and digital strategy.
