Oluwadarasimi Abiola
Oluwadarasimi Abiola is an exceptionally caring and insightful grade four student. A leader among her classmates, she is known for her patient assistance and thoughtful inclusiveness, and the way she helps her peers feel more confident. With strong convictions regarding social and environmental justice, Dara uses her voice to make a difference in her school and larger community. She was recently selected to speak at an Ontario Legislature public hearing on Greenbelt protection, where she showed extraordinary knowledge, poise, and maturity.
Letters of Support: Fred Polci & Ronan Heffernan
Shinade Allder
Shinade Allder is breaking down barriers and inspiring more diverse participation in union leadership through her example as the first Black President of Unifor Local 6005 and both the first woman and first Black person to chair the Unifor Ontario Regional Council, as well as through her commitment to fair representation for all workers. Shinade also cofounded the Black Education Fund, a non-profit providing scholarships that help Black students access post-secondary school, because removing barriers to education is critical to overcoming anti-Black racism in Canada.
Letters of Support: David Bosveld, Wes Kinghorn, Naureen Rizvi & Andrea Seymore
Grace Carruthers
Grace Carruthers founded GPS Peace, a social enterprise that supports people in need through the sale of handmade items, at just 16 years old. Over four years and through countless hours of crafting, Grace has provided care packages to Londoners experiencing homelessness, toys to families struggling to afford constructive play during lockdown, hospital supplies to Syria, and life necessities for people around the world. Her business savvy, compassion, and belief that small acts of kindness can have a big impact make Grace an inspiring role model.
Letters of Support: Shelisa Bainbridge & Melanie Morris
Rosemary U.A. Ehiemua
Rosemary U.A. Ehiemua is the Founder of Black Community Employment and Empowerment Services, which takes an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to eradicating poverty and creating empowerment in London’s Black community. Her work helps people find employment, engages youth in volunteering, celebrates the talents of young people, showcases entrepreneurs, and helps newcomers integrate into the London community. Rosemary is also a caring coach and mentor to many young women, and she is renowned for her good heart.
Letters of Support: Folashade Olokesusi & Rali Omoruwa
Michaelanne Hathaway
Michaelanne Hathaway is the owner of Stache Fabric and Notions, where she exemplifies what it means to be a business owner who gives back. She holds monthly Charity Sew days, bringing quilters together to make and donate quilts for various causes including 24 baby quilts for Joan’s Place and 14 quilts for women supported by My Sister’s Place. She also serves on the board of Downtown London, made invaluable contributions to the London Health and Homelessness Summit, and gives her time to support other artisans in pursing their dreams.
Letters of Support: Barbara Maly & Karna Trentman
Morena Hernandez
Morena Hernandez is the President of the Urban League of London, and dedicated to supporting strong neighbourhoods and encouraging Londoners to be active in their community. She is a devoted champion for women and diverse candidates running for elected office and getting involved in politics, and has even been a municipal candidate herself. She volunteers with various community groups, and as someone who centres diversity, equity, inclusion and reconciliation in everything she does, is an inspiring role model for others.
Letters of Support: Skylar Franke & Shawna Lewkowitz
Maria Marques
Maria Marques is the President of the Catholic Women’s League at Holy Cross Church, and a leader in tackling humanitarian work. With Maria at the helm, the CWL has undertaken education initiatives on topics like human trafficking, environmental challenges, health care, and education. She led the League to support ANOVA, the London Abused Women’s Centre, Mission Services, and Habitat for Humanity. Maria’s dedication to social justice make her a valued mentor to members of the council, and an inspiration to the young women in her Parish.
Letters of Support: Dianne Kehoe & Sybila Lajaku-Williams
Paige McGowan
Paige McGowan is a dedicated teacher at Westminster SS and a constant champion of inclusivity in and out of the classroom. She makes her Health and PE classes safe spaces, and as a coach, promotes the participation of all students, having especially encouraged newcomers and Developmental Education students to join teams and clubs. She is the staff advisor for the Gender Spectrum Alliance and active in all of the Muslim Student Association’s events. Paige also supports many community organizations, and inspires her colleagues and students to get involved, too.
Letters of Support: Craig Dixon & Amanda Lang
Natalie McIntosh
Natalie McIntosh is the Founder of Nautical Waters, a non-profit she founded at 15 to reduce plastic pollution in our waters. Natalie works with partners to collect discarded fishing gear, repurpose it in creative ways, and sell the new items, donating the proceeds back to continue cleaning up our water. Nautical Waters has donated over $10,000, won awards, raised awareness of the pollution crisis in our oceans, and inspired many other young entrepreneurs. Natalie is also passionate about volleyball, and instills a love of sport in the youth she coaches.
Letters of Support: Chandran Chelladurai & Sergio Chuy
Pam Tobin
Pam Tobin is the CEO of Oneida Nation of the Thames, where she works tirelessly alongside Oneida leadership to tackle critical issues like housing, police and emergency services, and access to clean drinking water. She has been dedicated for many years to numerous projects that benefit Indigenous communities across Canada, and always works from a place of caring, respect and understanding. She fosters inclusion in everything she does, and has left an indelible mark on the lives of Indigenous women and girls.
Letters of Support: Lynn M. Davis, Mandi Fields & Mim O’Dowda
Goodness Angels
Goodness Anglels is a group of 11-13 year old girls who are members of the Turkish community in London, and who, upon seeing Londoners support Turkish citizens after an earthquake, wanted to do an act of kindness to give back. In an impressive feat of organization and dedication, they ran a food drive that brought over 2,000 pounds of food to the London Food Bank. They also supported the Spring Food Drive, inspiring others to get involved. Every one of these eight girls exemplifies compassion and leadership.
Letters of Support: Jane Roy & Glen Pearson