Prime Minister Robert Abela, in consultation with the Minister for Inclusion and Quality of Life Julia Farrugia Portelli, has appointed Samantha Pace Gasan as the second Commissioner for People with Disabilities after Oliver Scicluna was appointed a Member of Parliament.
Samantha Pace Gasan, 27, graduated with a Bachelor of Honors in Social Policy in 2016 and recently a Masters in Creativity and Innovation. In the latter, Samantha focused her studies on social innovation in small and medium enterprises in our country.
Throughout her career, Samantha has worked in various entities, including MEUSAC where she has assisted various organizations in accessing European funds and the Faculty for the Strengthening of Society within the University of Malta, where she worked as a researcher and coordinator of various projects between the Faculty and various social entities. During this year, together with other colleagues, she worked on research on the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities.
Samantha Pace Gasan began her walk in activism at a young age. She was a member of the Malta Girl Guides and other non-governmental organizations. In the Malta Girl Guides she has been part of various committees, including the one focusing on diversity and promoting minority rights. Eventually she was also part of the National Board where she represented young people.
Samantha was also part of the National Youth Council where among other initiatives she worked on proposals on youth sexual health; the student union Social Welfare Students; and was a founder of the Network of Young Women Leaders, whose primary purpose was to see girls with different experiences grow into leaders.
