Professional Communication Award Winners 2024

Emily Cox is from Markham, Ontario, and is currently in her third year at TMU. She is driven by a passion for connecting with others, trying new foods, and spending time with her family. While studying communications, minoring in real estate management, working part-time, and owning a small business, Emily developed a love for sales. She aspires to be one of the most successful women in commercial real estate and will use her communication skills to help the industry grow.

Michala Todd is in her fourth year of Professional Communication at TMU, working toward a minor in psychology. Before attending TMU, she earned a diploma in Acting for Film, TV, and Theatre from Toronto Film School, driven by her passion for music and performance. She currently interns with FHCP (Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada), serves as a communications assistant for The Chrysalis at TMU, and is a content creator for New Collar Collective, a Toronto-based animal rescue.

Roger Castelo is a final year student in the Professional Communication Program, minoring in Theatre/Dancing and French. Roger is a previous recipient of the Salad King International Student Award for Personal Development and the 519 Sasha Hashi Bursary, which helped make their university journey possible. Coming from Brazil and as an artist, Roger’s passion lies in finding creative ways to communicate, collaborate, and connect with others. Roger proudly carries their communities alongside them with love and strives to create a space where people can be and express who they are.

With interests and experience in sports, theatre, science, research, and communication, Sarah brings a broad, knowledgeable perspective to her work. The combination of her science communication and research undergrad from McMaster University, her current Professional Communication Master, and her current role working for the Toronto Blue Jays will help set Sarah apart as she aims to enter the professional marketing and communications workforce next year. When outside the classroom, Sarah can be found reading, engaging with the Toronto theatre community, or spending time with her family, friends, and dog!

Maggie Scott is a determined lifelong learner pursuing her Master’s in the Professional Communication program at Toronto Metropolitan University, where her thesis focus explores the impact of media consumption on identity fragmentation. Her research delves into how technology and media narratives shape relationships, public perception, and the self in today’s digital world. Passionate about advocating for individual autonomy and understanding the complexities of modern identities, Maggie combines her love for creative writing, strategic storytelling, and fostering meaningful connections along the way to reveal the complexities of identity and celebrate the uniqueness of individual expression.

Lily Vienneau is a Master of Professional Communication student at Toronto Metropolitan University. In 2024, she graduated with High Distinction from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, receiving numerous awards, including the Mary (Boake) Robinson Scholarship and the Professor William Kingston and Dr. John Kingston Scholarship. A certified Classical Pilates instructor and Canada’s National Ballet School graduate, Lily sees communication as a powerful form of expression and connection, much like the language of movement in dance. Known for her empathy and diligence, she has supported others in academic and creative spaces as a peer mentor in the APSS Mentorship Program and as an executive leader of the UofT Dance Club, among other initiatives. Lily now seeks to apply her unique blend of academic rigour, artistic training, and leadership to craft impactful and inclusive narratives in the communications industry.

Chloe Cornacchia is a dedicated professional with a bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Work from Toronto Metropolitan University. Her academic background has equipped her with a deep understanding of youth development and a strong commitment to supporting and empowering young people. Known for her effective and collaborative communication style, Chloe excels in building relationships and fostering inclusive environments. She chose to pursue a Master of Professional Communication to enhance her ability to craft impactful messages and drive positive change within her community. In her spare time, Chloe enjoys cooking, running, and playing soccer.

Chiara Marcello graduated from the Professional Communication BA program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) with a double minor in Public Relations and Events and Live Entertainment Management. Chiara recently completed the Master of Professional Communication (MPC) program at TMU and received the 2023 Ontario Graduate Fellowship Award. Throughout her undergraduate career, Chiara developed an interest in media relations and health communications. In strengthening her passion for health communications throughout her MPC degree, Chiara’s research focused on women’s health and understanding the communication disequilibrium between doctors and female patients. Chiara is always seeking exciting opportunities in her personal and professional life.