Francesca Margaret Q
Francesca Q is a 23-year-old student in Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Aberdeen, where she received the Bain Medal in Mental Philosophy. A passionate storyteller, she creates narratives that help young people explore emotional wellness and self-understanding. Her work blends creativity and empathy, aiming to inspire resilience and connection in communities. Beyond writing, she is a blues-inspired singer-songwriter, infusing her projects with emotional depth. Since high school, she has co-founded social initiatives that bring people together through dialogue, performance, and shared stories. She continues to develop projects that merge art, education, and mental health advocacy, believing that stories can spark healing, empathy, and a sense of belonging in the next generation.
PoofWanda Animated Shorts
PoofWanda Animated Shorts is a narrative-driven digital resource designed for children aged 4–8 to help them understand and express their emotions in a safe and supported way. Developed in close collaboration with Canadian children’s organizations, each story is rooted in real insights and experiences to ensure it reflects and serves the needs of Canadian children. Through accessible, engaging storytelling, PoofWanda explores key emotional and mental wellness topics, empowering children to trust their instincts, stay connected to who they are, and navigate life in a way that feels true to them.
About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
From June 2025 to January 2026, we will collaborate with Canadian children’s organizations to research, write, animate, and publish two YouTube shorts with companion interactive resources, distributing them widely to reach children and caregivers across Canada.
Project Impact
PoofWanda Animated Shorts will help Canadian children aged 5–10 build emotional literacy, resilience, and self-trust. By offering engaging stories and practical tools, we aim to reduce emotional isolation, spark meaningful conversations at home, and equip children with lifelong skills for navigating feelings and relationships.
Project Mission
Our mission is to nurture Canadian children’s emotional, mental, and relational well-being through inclusive, age-appropriate animated stories. We aim to collaborate with organizations, educators, and families to address issues like anxiety, grief, and belonging, fostering resilience, self-expression, and connection.
Project Team
Three co-founders blending storytelling, community engagement, and strategic development expertise.
- Heather Skoll
- Rose A. Weinberg
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