Laura Elliott is a former Director of Education for the TVDSB, where she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student achievement and well-being, educator empowerment, and building stronger communities. After leaving TVDSB, Laura has continued her exceptional leadership in education innovation and reform. She remains a champion of equity, inclusion and diversity who has inspired a generation of women and girls to lead with purpose, compassion and courage.
Letters of Support: Laura Briscoe and Sue Bruyns
Kyla Johnston-Potter is a Grade 7 student at Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts, a leader in her school’s Safe Space Club and Social Justice Club, and a strong advocate for equity and diversity. Kyla is also the founder of Project Rainbow, a web-based initiative to collect inclusive books and resources for school libraries to help contribute to dismantling racism and discrimination in schools and the community.
Letters of Support: Brenda Williams and Jennifer Chesnut
Layla K is the founder of CoverGirls Auto Detailing and an inspiring leader, dedicated to empowering, mentoring and supporting women in a male-dominated field. Having built a thriving, woman-powered business, Layla uses this platform to uplift others and give back to the community, organizing food deliveries to people experiencing hunger and quietly helping women rebuild their lives and achieve success.
Letters of Support: Katrina McRobert and Eva Stock
Shahin Pardhan is a business professor at Huron University known for her empathy, encouragement and support. She is also a leader of the London Interfaith Peace Camp, which brings together Jewish, Christian and Muslim students to build bridges between faith communities through dialogue, compassion and action. In both these roles, Shahin has consistently mentored, inspired, and uplifted young women to challenge stereotypes and become peacebuilders themselves.
Letters of Support: Alice Corneil and Maija Wilson
Ava Petteplace is a Grade 12 student at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School, recognized as a natural-born leader committed to equality and diversity both inside and outside her school. From organizing STA’s first Tampon Tuesday event to her extensive volunteer work with Original Kids, local food banks, tree planting and more, Ava is an exceptional role model who demonstrates the true spirit of giving back.
Letters of Support: Cheryl Sywyk and Michelle Kulik Jackson
Colleen Quigley is a dedicated part-time member of the Canadian Armed Forces and a distinguished financial services professional, who has helped pave the way for women to pursue their passions in two male-dominated fields. In addition to her professional work, Colleen has demonstrated a passion for community service and volunteerism through her leadership with initiatives such as Toys for Tots, community clean-ups and charity runs.
Letters of Support: Sherri Moore and Shawna Lewkowitz
Janet Robinson has been a committed volunteer and guide leader for the Girl Guides of Canada for more than 40 years. Through her involvement in mentoring and training new guides, as well as her leadership with the London and Area Events Team, Janet has helped empower the next generation of girls to give back to the community, take action on global issues, and spread positivity wherever they go.
Letters of Support: Anne Flood and Barbara Robinson
Paula Schwartz is a dedicated language instructor and student success coordinator at the Western English Language Centre at Western University. From supporting international students who are adjusting to a new life in Canada to encouraging young women to believe in themselves and embrace their unique talents, Paula has shown outstanding care and compassion for every student who walks through her door, and empowered newcomers to reach for their dreams.
Letters of Support: Lissette Ochoa and Lillian Sekli
Yvonne Spicer is a passionate volunteer who tirelessly promotes diversity, inclusion, and acceptance in London and across Ontario. From her involvement with Community Living London’s New Vision Advocates to her leadership with People 4 People, Yvonne works to uplift and amplify the voices of people with disabilities, advocating on important public policy issues and educating others about their strengths and contributions as well as the hardships they face.
Letters of Support: Theresa Somerton and Bob Butella