Students whose academic achievements were matched by their involvement in the community and drive to create a better future for themselves and others were honoured at the annual George Brown College (GBC) Student Leadership Awards.
The GBC community gathered on April 25 at the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences at Waterfront Campus to celebrate 48 award winners in eight categories. The students were nominated by faculty, employees, alumni and fellow students.
"There are many ways to demonstrate leadership. But what our award recipients have in common is that they are outward-looking, generous, empathetic, and willing to take initiative," George Brown College Provost Dr. Cory Ross said.
"We all benefit from this type of leadership. It has a lasting impact, is essential to thriving as a society and is formative to our award recipients' career aspirations."
This is what some Student Leadership Award winners had to say about the honour and their experience at George Brown College (see the full list of winners below):
For my leadership, it is to be the person that I would like to follow and with whom to work. Someone empathetic, open to challenges and who shows you by example that nothing is too big to not give it a try. Someone whose smiles generate peace and motivation.
-Arantxa Marian Barazarte, Michael Cooke and International Student awards
Giving back and supporting my community has always been and continues to be a very important value in my life, so I always make sure to find time to support my community and take advantage of the opportunities that are given to me. I love the Indigenous community that I have found here at GBC. They have and continue to support me in my academics as well as supporting me in my own personal journey of self-discovery and understanding.
– Brianna Ainsworth, Indigenous Student Leader Award
Being part of our college's volunteer squad is more than giving back — it's about making memories, building relationships, and creating a positive impact. Every moment has been fulfilling, and I'm so proud of the difference we're making. So let's cherish the experience, take pride in our work, and embrace the honour of being part of such an inspiring team.
-Froila Fernandes, International Student Award
Being Black is broader than what I thought before moving to Canada. I'm looking forward to sharing and learning from Black people from all around the world.
– Oluwafeyikemi Olusoga, Black Student Success Award
2023 Student Leadership Award winners
Find a description of each award category on the Student Leadership Awards page. Here is the full list of award winners, listed in alphabetical order (by first name) per category:
Activism and Advocacy Award
- Angeline Nijmeh, Denturism
- Kim Seungmin, Business Administration - International Business
- Nouran Hussein, Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counselor and Advocate
Black Student Success Award
- Chigozie Angel Maduewesi, Acting for Media
- Nyasha Kamb, Business Administration
- Oluwafeyikemi Olusoga, Video Design and Production
- Wangechi Mwaura, Digital Media Marketing
Indigenous Student Leader Award
• Brianna Ainsworth, Honours Bachelor of Behaviour Analysis
Innovative Leadership Award
- Hazel Anne Ycasiano, Fashion Management
- Annie Shojaie, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- Dave Fraser, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- John Hopkinson, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- Joy Stewart, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- Justin Muise, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- Kasyndra Noseworthy, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- Matthew Pivato, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- Maxie Feldman-Taub, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- Renae Powell, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- Ronna Manalo, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- Samantha Sugiyama, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
- Shenice King, Honours Bachelor of Food Studies
International Student Award
- Alex Reyes, Building Information Modelling Management
- Arantxa Barazarte, Business – Human Resources
- Froila Fernandes, Entrepreneurship Management
- Karina Elizabeth Hernandez, Project Management
- Kirti Gandhi, International Business Management
- Litian Wang, Video Design and Production
- Liz Witt Canestraro De Paula, Fashion Management
- Oluwafeyikemi Olusoga, Video Design and Production
- Patrick Pintor, Human Resources Management
- Tamas Toth, Digital Media Marketing
Humanitarian Award
- Kirti Gandhi, International Business Management
- Miral Aboubakr, Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor and Advocate
- Nidhi Jagda, Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services)
Learner Award
- Beyza Hilal Gocer, General Arts and Science
- Chantal Gregory, Fashion Management
- Charlotta Sathish Reddy, Health Informatics
- Gul Izci, Early Childhood Education
- Kathryn Nicole Acaso, Child and Youth Care
- Kirti Gandhi, International Business Management
- Nina Naikayen, Fashion Management
- Pantea Koupayeh, Bachelor of Brand Design
- Sivakirusan Sivasubramanian, Hearing Instrument Specialist
- Tirath Lakhlani, Cyber Security
Michael Cooke Leadership Award
- Arantxa Barazarte, Business – Human Resources
- Jonah Macdonald, Fashion Management
- Litian Wang, Video Design and Production
- Nidhi Jagda, Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services)
