2023 a year of remarkable alumni achievements

The 44th annual Business / Arts Awards (external link)  spotlight exceptional volunteers, leaders and organizations who have made a significant contribution to the arts in Canada.

The Edmund C. Bovey Award went to Pierre Lassonde: “In recognition of his transformative philanthropy, which has had profound and enduring impacts on the arts and education across Canada and the USA.”

Pierre Lassonde, Co-founder, Franco-Nevada, Honorary Doctor of Engineering ’06

The Arnold Edinborough Award goes to “a young leader who is driving change within their community … and who [has] made an outstanding contribution to the Canadian arts and culture sector.” Here is a video profile of the 2023 recipient, Owais Lightwala. (external link) 

Owais Lightwala, Creative Producer, Assistant Professor, The Creative School, Business Administration (MBA) ’22 (pictured above)

Edward Sonshine, Founder, RioCan, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’22

Established in 1979, the Canadian Business Hall of Fame (external link, opens in new window)  honours those who have made outstanding achievements that have helped to shape Canada.

The CNA annually recognizes Canada’s most accomplished nurses (external link, opens in new window)  for their sustained impact across nursing and health systems.

• Laurie Clune, Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, Nursing ’00

• Suzanne Fredericks, Health Researcher, Professor, Faculty of Community Services, Nursing ’99
• Terri Stuart-McEwan, Vice President, Clinical Programs and Chief Nurse Executive, Oak Valley Health, Nursing ’85
• Josephine Wong, Health Researcher, Professor, Faculty of Community Services, Nursing ’96 (pictured above)

Cathy Crowe, Street Nurse and Distinguished Visiting Practitioner, Faculty of Arts, Nursing ’85

The Bread & Roses Awards (external link, opens in new window)  are presented each year for outstanding contributions to health care policy and decision-making, and for raising public awareness of nursing issues and patient advocacy.

“Cathy is a powerful voice for the dispossessed in Canada and for the nursing profession. This award represents the thanks of Canada’s nurses for her tireless work to make our country a better place for everyone.” — Linda Silas, CFNU President 

TMU alumni working in the film, television and digital sectors were recognized with a total of 13 Canadian Screen Awards, in 2023, as noted in this roundup from The Creative School (opens in new window) , including:

Best History Documentary: Underground Railroad: The Secret History

• Margot Daley, Producer, Radio and Television Arts ’90

Best Drama Series: The Porter

• R.T. Thorne, Filmmaker, Radio and Television Arts ’00 (pictured above)

Best Sports Program or Series: 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games 

• Joel Darling, Executive Producer, Radio and Television Arts ’86
• Glen MacDonald, Executive Producer, Radio and Television Arts ’92
• Karen Sebesta, Executive Producer, Radio and Television Arts ’87

Best Direction of a Web Series: Token

• Winnifred Jong, Filmmaker, Image Arts ’92

Jael Joseph, Media Entrepreneur, Masters in Media Production ’23

Best Short Documentary (tied): Territory directed by Jael Joseph

Carley Fortune, Author, Journalism ’06

The third annual awards recognize individuals (external link, opens in new window)  who “have worked to make Canada a better place during unprecedented times.”

Alia Abbas, CEO and Founder, Alia Consulting, Local Economic Development ’20

Every two years, DCI awards 40 young leaders or entrepreneurs (external link)  who have demonstrated strong leadership, innovation and forward-thinking.

Emma McIntosh, Ontario Reporter, The Narwhal, Journalism ’18

“[McIntosh’s] reporting for The Narwhal has made politicians and policymakers sit up and take notice … Her reporting could serve as a model for how to do journalism that stands out in an age of information overload. And we can’t wait to see what she does next.” — DPA Jury

More than 15 TMU alumni working on stage or behind the scenes were honoured (opens in new window)  at the 43rd annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards,  produced and presented by the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts. The 2023 recipients include:

Dora Mavor Moore Award (General Theatre Division) for Outstanding New Play

• Kanika Ambrose, Playwright and Librettist, Performance ’11 (pictured above)

“There have been many fine new Canadian plays to premiere this season. But none has the clarity, emotional pull and power of Kanika Ambrose’s our place…It feels like a new Canadian classic.” — Glenn Sumi @nowtoronto

Dora Mavor Moore Award (Dance Division) for Outstanding Original Choreography

• Alyssa Martin, Artistic Director/Choreographer, Rock Bottom Movement, Performance ’13

Award: Dora Mavor Moore Award (Independent Theatre Division) for Outstanding Outstanding Scenic/Projection Design

• Echo Zhou, Set and Lighting Designer, Performance ’17

Emerging entrepreneurs are recognized annually by Forbes as rising talents in their industries. 

North American — Manufacturing and Industry (external link, opens in new window) 

Bolis Ibrahim, Co-founder and CEO, Argentum Electronics, Electrical Engineering ’19 (pictured above)

Local Toronto (external link, opens in new window) 

Lauren Watkins, President, Puravida Foods, Psychology ’17

The multimedia platform, GLORY Professional, promotes diversity, inclusion and excellence across business and cultural sectors.

GLORY’s 2023 Champions of Change (external link, opens in new window) 

• Noura Sakkijha, Founder and CEO, Mejuri, Business Administration (MBA) ’16

• Taylor Lindsay-Noel, Founder, Cup of Té, RTA School of Media ’17 (pictured above)
• Joe Fida, Partner, Blade Air, Chemical Engineering (MSc) ’22

Anuja Varghese, Writer, Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Management ’19

For her debut short story collection, Chrysalis, Anuja Varghese received the Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction. 

“A passionate, sophisticated collection of stories that highlights Anuja Varghese’s impressive range…” — Peer Assessment Committee

Karen Harnisch, Co-president, Film Forge, Assistant Professor, The Creative School, Image Arts ’10

The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural list (external link, opens in new window)  honours “...intercontinental innovators are bringing stories to a global stage and nurturing new voices despite a disrupted film market.”

Canada’s leading media brand of interior decorating and design annually lists its A-list. These designers made House and Home’s “Canadian Design Pros to Watch in 2023” (external link, opens in new window) :

• Evan Jerry, Founder, Studio ANANSI, Interior Design ’16 (pictured above)
  
• Caffery VanHorne, Stylist, Co-host “Styled”, HGTV Canada, Photographic Studies ’16

Mehrnaz Abdoos, Multimedia Artist and Designer, RTA School of Media ’23

For more than 20 years the InterAccess Media Arts Prize (external link, opens in new window)  has been granted annually to a graduating student whose work exhibits excellence and innovation in new media practice.

Recognizing environmental excellence within Canada’s hospitality industry, KML awarded Gusto 54 Restaurant Group with a Green Leadership Award (external link, opens in new window)  in the restaurant category “...for its commitment to reducing its environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices across all its locations.”

Juanita Dickson, President, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Hospitality and Tourism Management ’97 (pictured above)

KML also annually lists the top young professionals in the food service and hospitality industry, and three TMU alumni were recognized in 2023 (opens in new window) :

• Christina Antonio, Lake Club Manager, Friday Harbour Resort, Hospitality and Tourism Management ’16
• Kimberly Crabtree, Director of Events, Oretta Hospitality, Hospitality and Tourism Management ’19
• Ellis (Yanyi) Luo, University Relations and Recruiting Manager, Marriott International, Hospitality and Tourism Management ’17

Ena Chadha, Human Rights Lawyer, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (2020-21), Journalism ’89

The annual awards ceremony recognizes the outstanding career achievements of the province’s legal professionals (external link, opens in new window) . 

“Through her legal activism and extensive scholarship, Ms. Chadha has been a strong advocate for social justice reform and addressing systemic inequities to improve the lives of all Ontarians.” — Law Society of Ontario

Canada’s news magazine ranks the top 100 Canadians (external link, opens in new window)  who are shaping the country. Among them were two TMU honorary doctorate recipients, who appeared under the category of Sport Stars.

• Masai Ujiri, Vice Chairman and Team President, Toronto Raptors, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’17 (pictured above)
• Hayley Wickenheiser, Physician, Assistant General Manager, Toronto Maple Leafs, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’14

Rachel Pulfer, Executive Director, Journalists for Human Rights, Journalism 99

The world’s most prestigious fellowship for journalists, The Nieman Fellowships (external link, opens in new window)  were first established for American journalists in 1938. The Canadian award was established in 1982 and is given only once every two years to a Canadian.

Reza Eslami, Co-Founder, Sensofine, Chemical Engineering (PhD) ’23

Reza Eslami received the Mitacs Award for Outstanding Innovation (external link)  for his work to create a first-of-its-kind smart garment that measures blood sugar levels from sweat.

“Today, we recognize individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to our society. A group of individuals who, through dedication and ajuinnata — perseverance — make our communities and our country better every day.” — Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

Five TMU community members were named Members of the Order of Canada (external link, opens in new window)  in 2023. The newly named Members are:

• Shelley Ambrose, Media Executive, Journalism ’87
• Ted Barris, Author/Journalist, Radio and Television Arts ’76
• Rola Dagher, Global Channel Chief, Dell Technologies, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’23 (pictured above)
• Heather McGregor, CEO, YWCA Toronto, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’17
• Masai Ujiri, Vice Chairman and Team President, Toronto Raptors, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’17

Current Members of the Order of Canada who were promoted to Officers are: 

• Pierre Lassonde, Co-founder, Franco-Nevada, Honorary Doctor of Engineering ’06
• Brian Stewart, Journalist, Journalism ’64, Honorary Doctor of Journalism ’14

The Order of Ontario recognizes exceptional leaders from all walks of life and diverse fields of endeavour, whose impact and lasting legacy have played an important role in building a stronger province, country and world.

• Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor, Toronto Metropolitan University (pictured above)
• John P. Smol, Distinguished Professor, Queen’s University, Honorary Doctor of Science ’16

Tasha Riley, Founder, Black Execs, Social Work (MSW) ’19

Presented by SHIFTER Magazine, the award “showcases inspirational women who have either served their communities, built businesses, spoken out against injustice, or broken down barriers.”

Cailey Heaps, President and CEO, Heaps Estrin Real Estate, Business Management ’99

For more than three decades, the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards (external link, opens in new window)  have recognized and celebrated the strides of Canada’s most accomplished, influential, and impactful women.

“Cailey Heaps sits at the helm of one of the most successful real estate brokerages in the country … Thanks to her steady leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to her clients, the Heaps Estrin Team lands in North America’s top 1% of realtors yearly.” — RBC Awards Citation

Jasmin Mozaffari, Filmmaker, Image Arts ’13

Set around the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, Mozaffari’s film Motherland received the TIFF Award for Best Canadian Film in the Short Cuts program.

“Our annual ranking of the people whose courage, smarts and clout are changing the world as we know it.” — Toronto Life (external link, opens in new window) 

• Salah Bachir, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’15 (pictured above)
• Carley Fortune, Author, Journalism ’06
• Siamak Hariri, Partner, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Honorary Doctor of Architecture ’16
• Kinga Surma, Minister of Provincial Parliament — Etobicoke Centre, Public Relations ’16

Toronto Life also launched its inaugural list of Rising Stars. Included in its naming of 25 up-and-comers are:

• Jeanine Brito, Painter, Fashion ’15
• Chloe Brown, Policy Analyst, Future Skills Centre, Public Administration and Governance ’22

Katie Heggtveit, Founder, Bootcamps for Change, Nutrition and Food ’20

The City of Toronto held its sixth annual Toronto Sport Hall of Honour induction ceremony in June 2023, recognizing individuals for their achievements and contributions to sport excellence. A TMU alumna was recognized with a Spirit of Sport: Diversity and Inclusion Award (opens in new window)  for her work with youth experiencing homelessness.

Shireen Ahmed, Sports Journalist, Lecturer, The Creative School, Media Production (MA) ’21

Through her writing on issues in sports and her work with organizations that recognize and celebrate the athleticism of Muslim girls and women, Ahmed routinely shines a light on misogyny and racism in sports. — Toronto Star citation (external link, opens in new window) 

The largest women’s empowerment award in North America (external link, opens in new window)  celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of women who make an impact locally, nationally and globally.

• Christine Faulhaber, Founder and CEO, Faulhaber BA, Business Management ’96 (pictured above)
• Sara Kardooni, Founder, Sara Kardooni Portraits, Photographic Studies ’13
• Farhana Mahbub, Chief Administrative Officer, Regulatory Compliance, RBC, Business Administration (MBA) ’19

Powerhouse Asian Canadians were noted in The VIBE’s second annual Power 60 list, (external link, opens in new window)  including these individuals from the TMU community:

• Madelyn Chung, Founder, RepresentASIAN Project, Journalism ’11
• Avvy Yao-Yao Go, Federal Court Judge, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’22
• Sangita Patel, Television Personality, Electrical Engineering ’02
• Vivienne Poy, Former Senator, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’22
• David Suzuki, Science Broadcaster and Environmental Activist, Honorary Doctor of Science ’07

The VIBE also noted Rising Asian Canadians to Watch For in 2023, including:

• Abby Albino, Co-Founder, Makeway, Human Resources Management ’06 (pictured above)
• Candice Chan, Co-Founder, Candice & Alison Events Group, Fashion ’05

Margot Daley, Producer, Radio and Television Arts ’90

“WXN and our partners are proud to recognize … outstanding women across Canada who make a transformational difference in their fields and actively shape a more inclusive future...” WXN’s 2023 Top 100 (external link, opens in new window) 

• Rochelle Atizado, Senior Advisor, Partnerships & Special Initiatives, United Nations Foundation, Global Management ’11
• Siu Mee Cheng, Executive Director, Street Haven at the Crossroads, Policy Studies (PhD) ’22 (pictured above)
• Victoria Granova, Founder, CyberToronto, Psychology ’21
• Afsheen Jiwani, Senior Development Officer, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation​​, Fundraising ’15
  

Daphne Taras, Former Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management

Each year, YWCA Toronto celebrates extraordinary women (external link, opens in new window)  who advance gender equity in a range of areas such as business, education, social justice, advocacy, health, arts, philanthropy and more.