Community Services Award
Ojibway and Oneida Cultural Educator and Healer
Social Service Worker diploma, 1989
Liz Akiwenzie/Nistangekwe (Understanding Woman) is an Ojibway and Oneida Cultural Educator and Healer who uses traditional medicines, ceremonies and teachings in her work with First Nations people.
Akiwenzie is proud to note that in 1989 she was the first person in her family to graduate from college, at a time when she had to overcome many challenges as a young First Nations mother.
Akiwenzie is now self-employed, delivering community workshops, raising cultural awareness, and educating workers in health care, early childhood education, and post-secondary institutions.
Creative Arts and Design Award
Founder/Director at George Seara Sound Inc.
Music Industry Arts - Recording Engineering, 1997
George Seara, a Juno Award-winning Recording Engineer and Mixer, has worked with a diverse array of world-renowned artists across music genres since 1997. He's been nominated for nine Juno and three Grammy Awards, winning the Recording Engineer of the Year Juno Award in 2012.
Seara has influenced the sound of many Canadian and international artists, helping several including Shawn Mendes, Rihanna and Drake to transcend boundaries and achieve success on the world stage. He has also lent his talents to raise funds and awareness about several important issues, globally, nationally and locally, including youth mental health and gun violence.
Health Sciences Award
Paramedic, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team at Middlesex-London Paramedic Services
Pre-Health Sciences, 2013
Primary Care Paramedic, 2015
Nasser Kaddoura has received two awards for saving lives, and OPSEU/SEFPO’s Young Worker of the Year award. Appointed to head the first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team at Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, he also chairs the Employee Relations Committee and was appointed Field Training Officer, assisting with education, new recruit orientation, and research, where he advocates to improve paramedics’ working conditions and effectiveness.
A child of Lebanese immigrants, Kaddoura recalls living in poverty, with constant relocation, and homelessness. Determined to forge a better future, Kaddoura became a Paramedic in 2015 and was elected Vice-President of his Local Union in 2022.
Recent Graduate Award
Founder, AL Media; Marketing and Communications Specialist, Evoco Ltd
Marketing Management, 2019
Alex Leonard is a creative entrepreneur who is bent on making the world a better place.
AL Media, his content creation and video production company, specializes in helping environmental organizations and social enterprises build their marketing presence for greater impact.
Through public speaking and media engagement, Leonard has raised awareness and advocated for people to care about climate change and animal welfare.
He filmed and edited an award-winning documentary Humans and Elephants, co-founded a Pollinator Pathways initiative to encourage pollinator-friendly gardening, and created an art exhibit fundraiser for relief efforts in Ukraine, donating 100% of proceeds to humanitarian efforts.
Science, Engineering and Technology Award
President and CEO, Ontario Energy Network
Electrical Engineering Technician, 1980
John Loucks has worked in the energy sector for more than 40 years, from large public utilities to industry associations. He headed award-winning environmental and energy conservation projects, led an industry delegation overseas to learn more about Denmark’s renewable energy infrastructure, and provided advice to the provincial Ministry of Energy during Ontario's initial implementation of Smart Metering.
An active volunteer in the energy sector for close to 30 years, Loucks promoted greater opportunities and visibility for women in the industry. At Ontario Energy Network he's substantially increased fundraising to over $150,000 annually, directed to post-secondary scholarships and health care organizations.
Skilled Trades Award
Retired first female licensed plumber in Ontario
Plumbing Apprentice, 1977
As the first red-seal certified female plumber in Ontario, Deborah Davies Johnston has inspired countless young women to consider a career in the skilled trades.
Johnston was one of the women highlighted in the Ministry of Colleges and University's earliest promotion of Women and the Skilled Trades in the 1970s, and she worked in the plumbing industry for more than 45 years.
In 1991 Johnston created the annual Deborah Johnston Award to encourage female students at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute to consider pursuing a non-traditional career. To date she has personally funded the cash award for 34 years.
Office Administrator, Special Events & Volunteer Coordinator, London Abused Women's Centre
Developmental Services Worker Apprentice Certificate, 2020
Sarah Lehman is passionate about helping people living with disabilities or other challenges to lead their best lives. In paid positions — at Alice Saddy Association, London Abused Women's Centre, and as a Passport Support Worker for Family Services Thames Valley — and as a volunteer, Lehman does small things daily that collectively have a big impact. She volunteers with Extra Life London Guild, fundraising to support Children's Health Foundation. During her three years as President, ELLG raised more than $100,000 annually, leading to her nomination for a prestigious Pillar Leadership Award in 2021.
President, Canada & Chief Commercial Officer, Americas — Hays PLC
Business Marketing, 2005
Travis O'Rourke is President, Hays Canada, as well as Chief Commercial Officer and lead for all marketing and sales for Hays Americas. During his first year as President, Hays Canada set records for best month, quarter and year, increasing gross profits by 61% and net profits by 321%. O'Rourke sits on the boards of two industry organizations representing professional staffing firms on Canadian public policy issues and has directly or indirectly helped more than 50,000 people find jobs.
President & CEO, Youthdale Treatment Centres
Law and Security Administration, 1997
Mamta Chail is a results-driven mental health advocate focused on children and youth. CEO/President of Youthdale Treatment Service, she sits on the Board of Directors for Children's Mental Health Ontario and the mental health and addictions subcommittee of the London Police Services Board. Throughout her career, Chail has influenced policy and system-level standards to support better mental health outcomes and worked to ensure equitable access and supports for all families.
Artist and Entrepreneur
Music Industry Arts, 2013
Award-winning vocalist, songwriter and hip hop/rap artist Haviah Mighty has recorded many firsts in the Canadian music industry: first hip hop artist and first Black woman to win the Polaris Music Prize; first female artist to win a Juno Award within the Rap Album/EP of the Year category; and the only Canadian nominated for the BET Hip Hop Award for Best International Flow in 2022. In 2022, Mighty gave her $10,000 Prism Grand Prize winnings and one-on-one time to support 10 different Black business owners.
President, Victoria Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre
Nursing, 1996
Throughout a 25-year nursing career, Deborah Wiseman has used a patient-centred, system transformation approach to implement innovations through integrated care. She has shifted the mental health front line, improved access for vulnerable populations, increased critical capacity in response to surge pressures, and initiated a transformation plan for rural emergency departments. Currently President of Victoria Hospital, her multi-sectoral, regional partnered approach has proven successful and valuable to the community.
Senior Vice President, Major Projects, Civil West, Aecon Group Inc.
Construction Engineering Technology (Management), 1991
During more than four decades in heavy civil construction, Brandon was involved in the design, development and delivery of public and private infrastructure projects, including reconstruction of the iconic Park Bridge in Kicking Horse Canyon, BC. After joining Aecon in 2015, revenue under his leadership grew from $80M to $508M annually. Aecon noted that his generosity as a leader and mentor investing in young workers "will have far-reaching impact in our industry for generations to come."
Owner, VS Design Studio
Architectural Technology, 2018
A military veteran who completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan before attending college, Lloyd Vermeer received the Architectural Technology Achievement Award and launched VS Design Studio in his graduating year. Within five years, the company completed close to 500 architectural design projects, generated $500,000 in annual sales, and hired three additional full-time design staff. Vermeer maintains a leading edge in the industry by investing in Autodesk Revit software and 3D scanning technology.
President, Doug Tarry Limited
Cook II Apprentice Certificate, 1987
Doug is President of the award-winning home building company Doug Tarry Homes and a passionate advocate for building responsible homes that reduce our carbon footprint. Doug Tarry Homes has built more Net Zero/Net Zero Ready homes than any other builder in Canada. Doug has led rebuilding missions to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria and spearheaded a community collaboration to build tiny homes to address housing affordability in his home community.
Co-Founder & CEO, Taxably
Honours Bachelor of Accounting, 2019; Business Accounting Diploma, 2017
Swaraj is CEO and Co-Founder of Taxably, and a Managing Partner with Eastern Agro-Vet. In 2020, he was named one of London's 'Twenty in their 20s.' He established Taxably, an award-winning tech-based tax-filing and accounting firm, primarily to provide an affordable and easily usable platform for newcomers to Canada and international students. The environmentally friendly paperless company has planted more than 500 trees — one for every client served.
Multicultural Outreach Program Coordinator, LUSO Community Services
Recreation Leadership Diploma, 1992
For 30 years as a speaker, workshop facilitator and community educator, Leroy has helped people understand how to identify racism, interrupt it, and take action to create a more inclusive community. He was a founding member of the Pledge to End Bullying media campaign and a keynote speaker at a Black Lives Matter event that drew 10,000 people. His impact has been recognized with various awards and he has been named to Honour Rolls by London's Mayor and Member of Parliament.
Multimedia Personality & Speaker
Multimedia Design Production Diploma, 2011
Erika was the first Canadian citizen to win the television show Survivor. As a Filipino-Canadian woman whose parents immigrated to Canada when she was very young, she sees her win as a victory for all under-celebrated people including women, people of colour, and newcomers to Canada. After winning Survivor 41, she appeared on Entertainment Tonight Canada as a special commentator for Survivor 42 and is a professional speaker who encourages individuals to believe in themselves and act courageously.
Apprenticeship Award
Electrical Apprentice, 2002
Business Award
Business Administration - Accounting, 1995
Community Services Award
Early Childhood Education (2007), Autism Behavioral Sciences (2008)
Creative Arts and Design Award
Journalism Broadcast (Collaborative), 2006
Health Sciences Award
Nursing, 1984
Technology Award
Manufacturing Engineering Technician (2016), Manufacturing Engineering Technology (2016), Fashion Design (1984)
Recent Graduate Award
Business Administration - Marketing (2016), Business Marketing (2015)
Plumbing Apprentice, 1986
Premier's Award recipient
Business Accounting (1988), Business Administration (1989)
Business Accounting (1995), Legal Assistant (1999), Court and Administration Tribunal Agent (2001), Human Resources Management (2002)
Radio Broadcasting, 1976
Nursing, 1991
Journalism - Broadcast, 2017
Computer Programmer, 1994
Broadcast Journalism, 1981
Fine Art, 1986
Radiography, 1981
Interior Decorating, 2014
Architectural Technology, 1979
Honorary Alumnus
Recreation Leadership, 1979
Landscape Design, 2003
Nursing, 1980
Environmental Planning, 1971
Auto Body & Collision Damage Repairer Apprentice, 2012
Business Marketing, 1996
Hotel and Restaurant Management, 1981
Construction Engineering Technology (Management), 1992
Broadcast Journalism, 1996
Recreation Leadership (1985), General Business (1994)
Culinary Skills Chef Training (2011), Culinary Management (2012)
Retired Coordinator/Faculty, Music Industry Arts Program
Pre Health Sciences (2001), Respiratory Therapy (2003)
Digital Imaging and Animation (2002), Web Page Design (2002)
Developmental Services Worker, 1991
Marketing Management, 2010
Music Industry Arts, 1999
Motor Vehicle Mechanic, 1987
Nursing (1984), Occupational Health Nursing (2005)
Recreation Leadership, 1979
Broadcast Journalism (collaborative program), 2012
Hotel Management, 1982
Music Industry Arts, 1995
Construction Technician, 1972
Developmental Service Worker, 1983
Ambulance and Emergency Care, 1979
Nursing, 1979
Broadcasting Television, 1979
Electrical Engineering Technician, 1975
Business Foundations, 2010
Fashion Design, 1993
Law and Security, 1995
Physical Fitness Instructor, 1986
Construction Engineering Technology, 1982
Human Resource Management, 1994
Music Industry Arts, 1983
Police Foundations, 2008
Child and Youth Worker, 1991
Civil Engineering Technology, 1987
Design (Industrial), 1982
Respiratory Therapy, 1992
Hotel and Restaurant Management, 1982
Municipal Management, 1989
Human Resources Management, 1991
Premier's Award recipient
Law and Security Administration, 1982
Design (Landscape), 1994
Broadcasting Television, 2005
Architectural Technology, 1979
Recreation Leadership, 1979
Premier's Award recipient
Music Industry Arts, 1979
Primary Care Paramedic, 2008
Nursing, 1977
Business Information Systems, 1993
Tool Making Technician, 1968
Child and Youth Worker, 2006
Broadcast Radio, 1988
Nursing, 1980
Child Care Worker, 1974
Tourism and Travel Counsellor, 1980
Motive Power Diesel Technician, 1980
Fine Art, 1976
Industrial Design, 1984
Law and Security Administration, 1985
Hotel Management, 2002
Hotel and Restaurant Management, 1972
Nursing, 1977
Child and Youth Worker, 1975
Legal Office Administration, 1979
Respiratory Technology, 1972
Paramedic, 2002
Industrial Millwright Mechanic, 1996
Music Industry Arts, 1976
Social Service Worker, 1997
Music Industry Arts, 1981
Nursing, 1978
Industrial Design, 1986
Early Childhood Education, 2003
Ambulance and Emergency Care, 1988
Fashion Design, 1981
Behavioral Science, 1974
Culinary Management, 2001
Computer Programmer, 1985
Broadcasting - Radio, 1981
Nursing, 1974
Business Administration Accounting, 1999
Recreation Leadership, 1972
Architectural Technician (1984), Architectural Technologist (1986)
Recreation Leadership, 1973
Cinematography, 1972
Ambulance and Emergency Care, 1995
Business Marketing, 1987
Premier's Award recipient
Recreation Leadership (1972), Child Care Worker (1982)
Business Administration - Accounting, 1982
Ambulance and Emergency Care (1977), Respiratory Therapy (1983)
Broadcast Journalism, 1975
Broadcast Journalism, 1986
Mechanical Technician - Drafting, 1968
Social Service Worker, 1988
Business - Marketing, 1981
Social Service Worker, 1988
Recreation Leadership, 1973
Recreation Leadership, 1973
Electrical (1979), Control Engineering Technology - Systems (1991)
Hotel and Restaurant Management, 1982
Behavioral Science (1970), Recreation Leadership (1972)
Child Care Worker (1969), Personnel Management (1983), Business (1984)
Music Industry Arts, 1978
Premier's Award recipient
Legal Secretary, 1973
Radio and Television Arts, 1973
Recreation Leadership, 1975
Civil Engineering Technology, 1976
