Karla Boluk

I use a critical lens in my research to examine the social impact commitments of tourism businesses. Additionally, I challenge the dominant discourse in higher education. Specifically, my research explores ways to sustainably engage and empower communities in poverty eradication, positioning tourism as a mechanism for the creation of positive change. My current research projects in these areas include exploring mechanisms Fairmont Mara Safari Club in Maasi Mara, Kenya have activated to determine desirable outcomes for their communities; an examination of the social impact of a local volunteer tourism organization called New World Community and CLOUD projects, a cross-country case study comparison of social entrepreneurs (in South Africa, U.S., Ireland), and an examination of how critical pedagogy following Freirean philosophy can be implemented into Tourism curriculum. Demonstrating the intersection between my two passions for social responsibility and critical pedagogy I have co-created two brands at the University of Waterloo including the Big Ideas Challenge and Hack4Health.