An Interview with SNJM Sister Cynthia Canning

In this video, Managing Editor Emara Sáez sat down to interview Sister Cynthia Canning, an SNJM sister who is based in California. Canning explains the experience that made her want to be a nun, how her journey with social justice began, and what it was like setting up Next Step Learning Center in Oakland, California, to address educational inequality in the area. She also reflects on the importance of Next Step in her life and the greater significance of education as a tool for equity. Since its founding in 1994 by Sister Rosemary, Sister Margaret Kennedy, and Canning, Next Step has served over 8,000 low income students, helped more than 850 students earn their GED or High School Diploma, and started a college program. Canning shares this and more details about her life in this interview.