University of Manitoba Emerging Leader Awards are given annually students who support the University’s educational mission by contributing to the social, cultural or economic well-being of communities on or off campus; encourage cross-cultural understanding, and demonstrate sustained leadership and initiative worthy of recognition. Law’s three recipients for 2022 more than meet these requirements.

Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, has worked with all three of these students in some capacity throughout their law school careers. “We are extremely proud that our students have received this prestigious recognition for their leadership,” he said. “Each of these three individuals has demonstrated their outstanding leadership skills and made major contributions to the law faculty, the legal community, and to the broader community.”

The Faculty of Law asked each student what drove them to study law, what they accomplished in law school and what lies ahead for them. We also discussed what leadership means to them and what it took for them to step forward and take on leadership roles.

Michael Badejo, Class of 2022, MLSA President, articling at Fillmore Riley LLP

Michael Badejo

Michael Badejo had thought of going to law school since high school. He just took a few detours to get there, including a short stint of pre-med at the University of Manitoba, and a joint degree/diploma from the University of Winnipeg and Red River College in Creative Communications.

He finally arrived at Robson Hall after a career in media relations and strategic, corporate communications with experience as both a self-employed contractor and full-time employee as a strategic advisor and communications specialist with numerous major local organizations like the Winnipeg Airports Authority, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Manitoba and Deer Lodge Centre Foundation.

“These roles deepened my understanding of our community, while also helping to shape my approach in law school – particularly in how the law manifests practically for everyday people,” he reflected. “It really made me try to approach every fact set, every scenario, every hypothetical legal conflict in a manner that puts both pragmatism as well as “how will this work in real life” front and centre.”

Badejo made an effort to tie his skill in leadership and getting parties on the same page with the brand-new skillset he was honing in law. It was a vital element of his approach to making law and successful partnerships more accessible both in his capacity as an individual learning a new profession, and as the head of an organization that, in the midst and initial aftermath of the pandemic, needed to renew its goals of ensuring the best possible experience for the students of Robson Hall.

“I’ve always had an interest in using critical thinking, strategic messaging, and good old fashioned common sense to help those around me,” Badejo said. “Coming from a career in strategic communications, this seemed like the natural evolution to accomplish that goal on a bigger scale and with the ability to make a positive impact in our shared community by giving back. Law school has provided me the opportunity to do that and more, so I’m glad to report that the multitude of experiences that compose law school lived up to those aspirations and then some.”

“Leadership to me is about recognizing where you came from – that you are who you are because of a shared community – and the notion that if you have the ability to make a positive impact, you have that responsibility.” – Michael Badejo, Class of 2022

Among major highlights this year for Badejo was leading the MLSA as they safely reinvented many of their traditional social and professional development events for the new normal, rebuilding the interpersonal connections that were somewhat blunted by the pandemic. He is most proud, however, of his executive team’s work with the Dean, signing an historic memorandum of understanding with the Faculty of Law to renovate student-facing spaces with Law Student Endowment Funds worth more than $700,000. This first-of-its-kind agreement also facilitates the immediate construction of a gender-inclusive washroom in the Faculty’s Common Room. “This agreement not only bolsters the entirety of the place that law students call home in Manitoba,” said Badejo, “but also reinforces the notion that dignity and acceptance of everyone is top of mind at Robson Hall.”

For all of the recognition and goals that he and his team were able to garner and accomplish this year, there was a consistent thread for Badejo from day one.  “We all have individual spheres of influence big and small,” he said, adding, “I believe that we should all do what we can to give back to our community, and work together in pushing the needle forward for those who come after us.”

Shawn Singh, Class of 2022, PSLP participant, articling at Manitoba Prosecution Service

Shawn Singh

Shawn Singh came to Robson Hall prepared with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Criminology. Having already spent his undergraduate years studying theories of anti-social behaviour and how to encourage people to work together as a community, he already had a strong foundation for his current articling position with the Manitoba Prosecution Service.

“I was first inspired to pursue law because of my parent’s journey to Canada,” he explained. “They came here from Guyana, where guerilla violence was rampant and citizens could not trust the government. From early days, they taught me that Canada is one of the safest places in the world because we have strong institutions and people who care about each other. Because of their experience, I wanted to be part of the justice system to continue our tradition of keeping people safe and protecting the values that we all share.”

Singh worked as a research assistant for several law professors and published research prolifically. He found many ways to apply what he learned in Criminology about structural discrimination, the disadvantages that marginalized groups face, and the role of EDI initiatives in terms of making a meaningful difference. He worked for Assistant Professor Brandon Trask during the summer of 2021 and throughout his third year of law, and was also a research assistant for Marc Kruse, Indigenous Legal Studies Coordinator. Singh helped Trask publish a suite of articles regarding access to justice during the pandemic and supported Kruse as he developed Robson Hall’s new Indigenous legal clinic and the school’s Indigenous legal literature database. Before working with Trask and Kruse, Singh worked with Dean Richard Jochelson and Associate Professor David Ireland as their student editor. Together, the team worked to produce a chapter in Canada’s first book on digital privacy law in the modern era. In total, he published five articles and three book chapters between his 2L and 3L years and intends to revise two term papers into three more publications with the Manitoba Law Journal.

A major highlight of Singh’s law school career was being selected to take part in the annual President’s Student Leadership Program. Outside of the PSLP, he took on many leadership roles at Robson Hall. He served as class representative for the MLSA during 2L, was a member of the Academic Committee in 3L, and was Thomson Reuters Representative in both 2L and 3L, where he worked with liaison librarian Matthew Renaud to organize training sessions, liaise with students, and improve student knowledge about Westlaw Edge and the brand more generally. 

Singh’s contributions to the Robson Hall community were recognized when he was selected as the law school’s Outstanding Student for 2022. He was chosen to participate in the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning’s Student Teacher Recognition Reception, where he recognized Assistant Professor Brandon Trask as his law school mentor, as well as his high school mentor, Mr. Adriano Magnifico.

Singh could be counted on as a willing and dedicated volunteer to represent Robson Hall. He was an ambassador at two UM Virtual Open Houses, and spoke with high school students in Winnipeg about pursuing a law degree at the Louis Riel School Division’s Arts and Technology Centre’s post-secondary career fair. While the pandemic was keeping students at home, Singh also joined Mr. Magnifico on his podcast, “Adventures in Careerland” for episode 28 of season 3 to share his story with LRSD students while they learned remotely

Aside from being an ambassador for Robson Hall, Singh engaged heavily in the Faculty’s student groups. He co-chaired the Robson Hall Chapter of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers (CARL)with Samantha Harvey in 3L, volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada at the Manitoba Law Reform Commission, volunteered with the Law Library Hub and with the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council’s Welcome Place, and invigilated with several law school competitions.

“I am excited to see where things go from here, but am grateful that I have the chance to work in Manitoba’s largest law firm to learn about the practice of law and where my skills fit best in the mix.” – Shawn Singh, Class of 2022

Currently articling with Manitoba Prosecution Service, Singh intends to continue along a career path of criminal law. “Many of my publications were focused on the Charter implications of the pandemic and the technologies that our systems now depend on.  I hope to make my research a key part of my work, regardless of where I end up,” he said. “In addition to these rights and implications, I also hope to support the shift towards Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, which has been a key part of my work so far. Either way, I am excited to start the next part of my journey here in Manitoba – and am sure that I will be back at Robson Hall to give back to new law students and help them find their path.”

Adam Kowal, Class of 2023, outgoing Co-President, Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association

Adam Kowal

It is easy to assume Adam Kowal was part of this year’s graduating class, although he still has one more year to go. Serving as co-president of the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association in his second year of Law, Kowal has already achieved a lot, and as such, is ready to pass the torch to incoming 2L students as he takes on other challenges in his third and final year – not the least of which is completing his Juris Doctor degree.

Kowal arrived at Robson Hall by way of a route more scenic than most. Out of high school, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy at UM, studied medicine for three years, started a Masters in philosophy, but left that shortly before completion. With student loans mounting, he worked full time in hospitality, then air traffic control recruitment training until the pandemic hit. By then, the small-town-raised he had got accepted into law school, and started his first year at a virtual Robson Hall.

“I got interested in law school while I was in medicine,” Kowal explained. “While I was in medicine, I noticed that we were successful at pulling a lot of people out of the river, but we weren’t really successful at going further upstream to figure out why they were falling in or to help prevent that.”

Upon discovering that it wasn’t front-facing members of the medical community who were making important policy decisions, Kowal wanted to know more about who these decision-makers of public health policy were. A lot of them, he learned, had “these things called JDs.”

Fast-forward a few years, and Kowal found himself working on major leadership projects with his award-winning colleagues while in the midst of working towards obtaining his own JD. “It’s really nice to see that Shawn and Michael were both edified by winning the [Emerging Leadership] award as well,” he said. “And it’s very fitting because Michael and Shawn and I all work sort of in triangle fashion on a variety of projects together. So it’s unsurprising and well deserved.”

Together with fellow MILSA co-president Dustin Seguin, Kowal and Singh worked together on helping the Associate Dean’s office develop the Indigenous Externship clinic that will be available for 3L students to take, starting in the fall of 2022. As the front-facing member of MILSA, Kowal worked with Badejo, the MLSA President, on various projects throughout the past year.

Kowal served on the Indigenous scholar hiring committee and the committee that hired Marc Kruse for the Indigenous Legal Studies Coordinator along with Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law, and other faculty members. He served on the Indigenous law student admissions panel with some Indigenous practicing professionals, and worked with University of Manitoba’s Donor Relations staff in Major Gifts and the Faculty of Law Class of 1980 to help develop a bursary for incoming Indigenous students. On top of all this, he also somehow got through his second year of law school.

A key words Kowal used to describe the extra-curricular work he took on was ‘service.’ “I think that leadership is, at the end of the day, a service role,” he said. “It’s an answer to stand in the gap on behalf of others, or when others can’t for themselves. And I think a large part of that is being graciously accountable to either the team that you take a leadership role with or the project you take a leadership role with.”

“You have to be accountable for the group or the project you inherit at whatever state you inherited it in – that is now yours. You don’t blame anyone else. You don’t look at anyone else to explain why things are aren’t a certain way – that’s yours. And then you’re accountable for what you pass on and leave for others as well.” – Adam Kowal, Class of 2023

“I think the best leaders make themselves redundant at the end of the day, whether that’s team growth, or project growth or project completion,” Kowal reflected. “I think at the end of the day, all the best leaders invariably have to move on because their job is finished or they’re no longer required in that role.”

Upon learning of his and his fellow law students’ selections as Emerging Leader award recipients, Kowal realized that all three of them, Badejo, Singh and himself, all served their communities where there was a need, taking on things that were not necessarily their problems, and leaving things better when they left them. “That’s inspiring to see in students, right, like, it’s tough to be a student, full stop. And then it’s tough to be a student leader on top of that, and prioritize your time and manage things,” Kowal said. “I am so very impressed with both those gentlemen.”

Kowal decided not to stay in a leadership role with MILSA for his third year, thinking that it would be a good chance for other law students starting their second years to have the same opportunities he had. Rather, he will remain in an advisory capacity, and is willing to help out as needed. “I think it would be selfish for me to stay on because I was able to make wonderful relationships with faculty and staff and be involved in wonderful projects that are worth more than just putting on the CV,” he said. “I think it’d be selfish to hold on to that, because others can greatly benefit from that. And not just for their CVs – they can grow as people surprisingly quickly during their last year of law school tenure ship.”

In the 2020/21 academic year, 64 Emerging Leaders were recognized for their impact on the UM community. One of the recipients, Madison Reed, expressed to us what being a recipient of the Emerging Leader Award meant to her. “Even though I wasn’t getting involved on campus for the purpose of recognition, it was still really nice to see the things that I had been doing were noticed and acknowledged by the university.”  

Students are encouraged to apply for the Emerging Leader Award and get recognized for their own outstanding contributions, while faculty and staff are also welcome to nominate an outstanding student.

Applications for the 2021/22 Emerging Leader Award are now being accepted. The application deadline is April 8^th, 2022 at 4:30pm.  

The University of Manitoba’s Emerging Leader Award recognizes students who are committed to the social, cultural or economic well-being of our community. Students who foster cross-cultural understanding, or demonstrate sustained leadership and initiative are encouraged to apply.

For more information on the Emerging Leader Award, please visit the website for selection criteria, letters of support, the selection process and the application questions.

Any additional questions about the Emerging Leaders Award can be directed to emerging.leaders@umanitoba.ca

Here are some of the recipients of the 2021 Emerging Leader Award:

Ewurafua Opoku-Agyeman

As a Faculty of Arts undergraduate student in their second year, recipient Ewurafua Opoku-Agyeman began their leadership experience in service of Faculty of Arts students as the arts lounge director on the Arts Student Body Council (ASBC). Opoku-Agyeman managed their role exceptionally by recognizing issues in the Arts Lounge and taking initiative to resolve them. Following this role, they were elected as the vice-president of ASBC, where they prioritized and exceeded expectations in establishing greater engagements among departmental groups. As ASBC president in 2020-2021 during the height of the pandemic, Opoku-Agyeman worked diligently with council members to provide the student body with options to stay digitally engaged through various initiatives, most notably the Arts Relief Program, which offered support to students struggling during the pandemic.

When asked what Opoku-Agyeman has learned through their leadership involvement at the University of Manitoba, they stated “Through my leadership involvement here at the university, I have learned the importance of advocacy. I have gotten the opportunity to see first-hand the power that advocating for change holds. I also learned the power of teamwork. Serving in a leadership role does not necessarily mean that you always have to do everything by yourself; it teaches you to delegate tasks and work efficiently with your team. Afterall, teamwork makes the dream work. I believe this to be the backbone of leadership and being a leader.” 

Jamie Pfau

Jamie Pfau

Jamie Pfau is a University of Manitoba graduate student who is currently completing a master of social work in the leadership, management, and policy stream. Pfau has excelled throughout their life as a natural leader in formal and informal settings, supporting and uplifting those surrounding her with each opportunity that presents itself. Pfau’s strong awareness of social issues is carried forth in their actions, as they have been a treatment foster parent for 10 years on top of being a full-time student and lead researcher. Alongside this, Pfau’s family works diligently to successfully provide housing options for domestic violence survivors and their children, as well as youth aging out of foster care.

Upon asking Pfau what inspires them to continue as a leader, they responded “Passing it on to the next generation has inspired me to continue. Everything I do, I know our children are watching. Our children see how fulfilling it is to help others and genuine happiness is created from this – not collecting possessions. I also want my fellow humans and our community to know that they are worthy of love, support, empathy and a true sense of belonging. It is a true gift to help others feel this way.”

Bryden Bukich

Bryden Bukich

Bryden Bukich is planning to continue to bring his passion for leadership forward with him as he enters into the master of science degree in Indigenous Health in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management at UM next year. Bukich is a proud coach of the 14U North American Indigenous Games male basketball team and has managed to continue to provide players a way to safely stay connected and have access to training over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bukich is also a member of the Indigenous Engagement Circle, Academic and Student Working Groups in Kinesiology, and was a PERKS student council senator, Neechiwaken Mentor, and student representative for the Kinesiology BIPOC Hiring Committee during the 2020-21 academic year. Outside of volunteering, Bukich is a research coordinator for the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, where they are researching ways of educating Canadian nurses in anti-racist health care practices for Indigenous Peoples.

When asked how UM has supported Bukich’s leadership journey, he stated “I have had the great fortune within my faculty to learn from and be supported by some incredible mentors who motivate, inspire, and challenge me daily. As well, the University of Manitoba has time and time again allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, giving me various platforms to advocate for and support underserved and underrepresented populations. Working along so many like-minded people has made UM feel like home, and has been lifechanging as I pursue a career in medicine and Indigenous health research.”

Selection Committee Members for the 2021 Emerging Leader Award

We want to acknowledge that this year’s awards would not have been possible without our amazing selection committee. Thank you for all your contributions!

Angela Soulsby (Undergraduate Student, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)

Judy Piasta (Communications Coordinator, Graduate Studies)

Justin Rasmussen (Student Advisor, Indigenous Student Centre)

Kevin Boreskie (Graduate Student, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management and Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Applied Health Sciences)

Leah Deane (Director, Student Services Bannatyne, Student Support)

Lisa Tinley (Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation, Active Living Centre)

Matt Semchyshyn (Marketing and Communications Officer, St. Paul’s College)

Sherry Peters (Registrar/Confidential Assistant, St. John’s College)

Teri Stevens (Communications Officer, Marketing Communications Office)

Zach Unrau (Student Life Coordinator, Student Life Office)

2021 Emerging Leader Award Recipients

Undergraduate recipients:

Ahmad Majeed, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Health Studies

Aleena Shah, Asper School of Business

Allison O’Brien, Faculty of Arts

Aminollah Montazeri Pour Agha, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Angela Griffith, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Health Studies

Anh Sang Tran, Faculty of Science

Anika Khan, Faculty of Arts

Anna Stacey, Faculty of Science

Ashley Dawn Wolfe, Faculty of Arts

Atlin Reichardt, Asper School of Business

Audrey Garcia, Faculty of Science

Breanna Duncan, Faculty of Arts

Bryden Bukich, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Carmen Huang, Faculty of Architecture

Chiamaka Nwadike, Price Faculty of Engineering

Chloe Dreilich-Girard, Faculty of Arts

Claire Risbey, Faculty of Science

Clare Brigham, Faculty of Science

Cole Austin Coughlin, Faculty of Science

Danial Ismael Peirson, Faculty of Arts

Diana Prince, Faculty of Science

Divleen Mangat, Faculty of Science

Evan Chan, Desautels Faculty of Music

Ewurafua Opoku-Agyeman, Faculty of Arts

Fiona Vickers, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Guneet Uppal, Faculty of Science

Harman Kaur Vats, Faculty of Science

Jayelle Friesen-Enns, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Jessica Ritchie, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Justin Langan, Faculty of Arts

Kyle Briscoe, Desautels Faculty of Music

Laura Stoyko, Price Faculty of Engineering

Lauren Gray, Faculty of Science

Madison Reed, Faculty of Science

Mahyar Mirrashed, Price Faculty of Engineering

Natalie Kathler, Faculty of Arts

Nicole Singcay, Extended Education, (Awarded Bachelor of Science)

Rebeka Gauthier, Faculty of Arts

Reem Elmahi, Faculty of Science

Sem Perez, Faculty of Science

Shelly Lam, Faculty of Science

Skylar-Ann Christina Dyck, Faculty of Arts

Snimar Bali, College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Stephanie Kalo, Asper School of Business

Tahbit Dewan, Asper School of Business

Tanmay Bhatia, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Health Sciences

Taylor Antonchuk, Robson Hall Faculty of Law

Tolani Olanrewaju, Faculty of Science

Yashas Ravi Samtani, Faculty of Arts       

Zoe Quill, Faculty of Science

Graduate Recipients:

Aaron Klymasz-Swartz, Faculty of Science: Biological Sciences (Master’s student)

Akshi Malik, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Physiology and Pathophysiology (PhD student)

Bradley Feltham, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences: Human Nutritional Sciences (PhD student)

Corrine Margaret Jane Clyne, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (Master’s student)

Daniel Schwade Araujo, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management: Applied Health Sciences (Master’s student)

Erin White, Faculty of Arts: Psychology (Master’s student)

Farinaz Jonidi Shariatzadeh, Price Faculty of Engineering: Biomedical Engineering (PhD student)

Jamie Pfau, Faculty of Social Work: Community of Health Sciences (Master’s student)

Jocelyn Elias, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (Master’s student)

Joshua Okyere, Faculty of Arts: Peace and Conflicts Studies (PhD student)

Katherine Chimney, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Genetic Counselling (Master’s student)

Kimia Shadkami, Faculty of Science: Computer Science (Master’s student)

Muhammad Aldhshan, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Physiology & Pathophysiology (Master’s student)

Toby Le, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PhD student)

“Know that you deserve to be proud of what you have already done and celebrate that.”

-Taylor Tutkaluke

Have you left a positive mark on your community on or off campus? There may be a global pandemic going on, but we still want to recognize the outstanding contributions students like you have made! The University of Manitoba’s Emerging Leader Award recognizes students who are committed to the social, cultural or economic well-being of our community.  While your efforts may have looked different this year, students who foster cross-cultural understanding, or demonstrate sustained leadership and initiative are encouraged to apply. Past recipients have been involved in a range of activities like being a peer mentor, creating and organizing events, and participating on student council.

Apply today: Applications for the 2021 Emerging Leader Award are now being accepted. The application deadline is April 16, 2021 at 4:30pm.

Meet one of last year’s emerging leaders

We chatted with one of last year’s winners, Taylor Tutkaluke, a fourth year student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management who is also the Executive Coordinator for the Métis University Students Association (MUSA) and the Indigenous Representative for Physical Education Recreation Kinesiology Student Council (PERKS). 

As an Emerging Leader Award recipient, what does the award mean to you?

Receiving this award encourages me that the work I do for the community is valued. Active participation is necessary to make our campus and community a better place  and I am happy to be involved in that work without compensation or recognition. With that said, there is no better feeling than an external source validating the various projects I am involved in. This award reiterates that I am slowly growing into the woman I aspire to be.

What motivates you to contribute to the social, cultural or economic well-being of communities on and off campus?

My greatest motivation with respect to social wellbeing is knowing that as opportunities continue to be inclusive and accessible, people who are interested will eventually find those spaces. During my first few years of university, I had a hard time finding and participating in events that would have made my university experience better. I want to contribute to reducing barriers standing in the way of connection for UM students, staff, and faculty. Culturally, there is always work to be done to promote community wellbeing, specifically at a colonial institution, such as the University of Manitoba. My motivation is fueled by wanting to create an environment inclusive to all racialized people. As a white-passing Indigenous person, I have had the privilege of never feeling like I did not belong at school. Cultural community has been such a huge piece of my support system growing up and throughout university, and I firmly believe everyone deserves the same opportunity.

What would you say to encourage someone to submit an application for an Emerging Leader Award?

I would urge students to consider applying for this and any award, even if you think you are undeserving. It never hurts to put your name in the hat! The work you do may be valued more highly by others than you think it is yourself. It is important that the community knows what your efforts have entailed and the goals you have already achieved or plan to achieve in the future. Know that you deserve to be proud of what you have already done and celebrate that rather than wondering if it is enough to qualify you to be thanked for your work.

Student leaders from all areas are welcome to apply for the Emerging Leader Award (ELA).

Staff & Faculty: If you know a great student leader, please encourage them to submit their name for consideration.

Among the 2020 Emerging Leaders recipients is Jennifer Simone, an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Science. Simone recognized the need for a free on-campus cooking class, and worked with the Campus Food Strategy Group to help provide University of Manitoba students this opportunity. Simone as a Student Ambassador for Science Co-op worked diligently to encourage networking between potential employers and students, as well as prepared students for these employment opportunities by aiding them in their professional development. The commitment and enthusiasm Simone showed in this Student Ambassador role allowed her to be selected for the UM Co-op Student Champion Award.  

When asked how has the University of Manitoba supported her leadership journey Simone said “The U of M has facilitated this journey of self-discovery for myself and many others by offering ample sub-communities for students to learn from and give back to, in addition to opportunities to recognize and celebrate students’ achievements in areas beyond academics, such as this award.”

Laura Lucas from the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources leadership experiences began with a 2018 trip to Ecuador where she was able to facilitate workshops through Community Service-Learning (CSL), and in the Welcome Program as a Mentor to new international students. Lucas has volunteered at the Australian Progress Conference, and a climate change festival called ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE while on exchange in Australia. On campus, Lucas has hosted drop-in informational sessions at the International Centre, promoted her CSL experience on Instagram and in-class presentations. Lucas has even received an undergraduate research award for her project on the Rainbow Community Garden, where she showed how the garden helps Winnipeg’s refugee and immigrant population transition into the community, and the sort of challenges they experience. Lucas has also pursued another project for the Southern Chief’s Organization Youth Council related to language revitalization among Indigenous youth. 

When asked what inspires Lucas to continue she said “I’m inspired to continue being an advocate for cross-cultural exchange because, as an environmental studies graduate, I know that a lot of the problems facing the world require global cooperation. The more we can understand what is going on in different parts of the world, the more empowered we will be to work together to find solutions.”

Sari Glow has served as the head programming coordinator for Science Rendezvous for two years, leading a team of ten individuals over the course of 8 months, collaborating with other faculties and community members. As a liaison between the public and volunteers within this role, Glow has shown excellent interpersonal and problem solving skills.

When Glow was asked about a quote or philosophy to live by Glow said “A quote that inspires me is: “If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else” – Toni Morrison. My personal philosophy is to lead by example with patience, kindness and open-mindedness, and to support and empower others as they develop into leaders. Collaboration and mentorship are key components of leadership. Leadership, as I have experienced as the Head Programming Coordinator for Science Rendezvous, involves seeding an idea in a group of people and giving others space to help grow that idea. It has been imperative that as a leader I am able to direct but also listen to direction and adapt my approach based on suggestions or constructive criticism from others.”

Nathan Wilson a Price Faculty of Engineering student joined the University of Manitoba Engineering Society (UMES) in 2017 as a Frosh Integration team member in the interest of practicing his values relating to student engagement and inclusion. Later, Wilson invested himself further into UMES as Head Director of the Publications team, and was elected as Vice Stick Communications (VSC) in 2019. In the VSC role, Wilson led a sponsorship package overhaul and website update, while implementing strategies that saw a 37% increase in UMES social media engagement. This led to Wilson accepting a position as the Media & Marketing Director for the student-led 2020 Canadian Engineering Competition, where he experienced many facets of leadership. Currently, as the newly appointed Vice Stick Corporate Relations, Wilson has plans of improving UMES visibility within the community, and bringing the Conference on Diversity and Engineering (CDE) to Manitoba with help of the recently established CDE Development Committee.  

Wilson was asked what he learned through leadership involvement at the University of Manitoba, and he stated “Through my experience in the University of Manitoba community, I have found that the rewards of involvement are only limited by the contributions you are willing to make. Many of the most valuable experiences in my academic career have come from attending and organizing national and regional student conferences, which foster collaboration and willingness to embrace new perspectives. I believe the exposure to the duties and challenges of participation in student organizations result in a more well-balanced engineer and person.”

Lastly, we also want to acknowledge that this year’s awards would not have been possible without our amazing selection committee. Thank you for all your contributions!

Selection Committee for the 2020 Emerging Leader Award:

• Leah Deane (Director, Student Services Bannatyne, Student Support)
• Jasmine Frost (Grad Student, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Medical Microbiology)
• Kayla Lariviere (Undergrad Student, Robson Hall Faculty of Law)
• Jaclyn Obie (Communication Officer, Marketing Communication Office)
• Sherry Peters (Registrar/Confidential Assistant, St. John’s College).
• Judy Piasta (Communications Coordinator, Graduate Studies)
• Justin Rasmussen (Student Advisor, Indigenous Student Centre)
• Sarah Saunders (Lead Coordinator, Student Life)
• Matt Semchyshyn (Marketing and Communications Officer, St. Paul’s College)
• Lisa Tinley (Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation, Active Living Centre)

Learn more about the Emerging Leader Awards here.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RECIPIENTS:

• Chinenye Akaluka, Faculty of Science
• Aderonke Mariam Akinloye, Asper School of Business
• Arij Al Khafagi, Faculty of Arts
• Ameen Alnaser, Faculty of Science
• Bilal Ansari, Asper School of Business
• Charisma Castel, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Health Sciences
• Kyra Cebula, Faculty of Science
• Tabitha Clavecillas, Faculty of Arts
• Nick de Hoop, Faculty of Science
• Danielle Desjarlais, Faculty of Architecture
• Ishaanee Didwania, Faculty of Arts
• Kirsten Fleury, Faculty of Science
• Taylor Galvin, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
• Jhannine Geronimo, Faculty of Science
• Ava Rose Glesby, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
• Sari Glow, Faculty of Science
• Avery Hallberg, Faculty of Arts
• Haya Izhar, Faculty of Science
• Sarah Jensen, Science, Faculty of
• Antonina Kandiurin, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Health Sciences
• Carlie Kane, Faculty of Arts
• Megha Kaushal, College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Ahmed Kidwai, Faculty of Science
• Abby Koch, Price Faculty of Engineering
• Laura Lucas, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
• Elbereth Luo, Faculty of Arts
• Bruna Maciel, Faculty of Science
• Stephanie Molloy, Faculty of Arts
• Nick Noonan, Robson Hall Faculty of Law
• Oghogho Okoro, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Taylor Orchard, Faculty of Science
• Dhanvi Prajapati, Faculty of Science
• Tony Quach, Asper School of Business
• Bradley Reichardt, Asper School of Business
• Jennifer Simone, Faculty of Science
• Kaylee Smith, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Angela Soulsby, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Iqra Tariq, Faculty of Science
• Taylor Tutkaluke, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
• Shayla Welechenko, School of Dental Hygiene, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Nathan Wilson, Price Faculty of Engineering
• Samuel Jeffrey Woode-Amissah, Faculty of Arts
• Brandon Wozniak, Faculty of Science

GRADUATE STUDENT RECIPIENTS:

• Kevin Boreskie, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management and Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Applied Health Sciences (PhD candidate)
• Kenneth Brezinski, Price Faculty of Engineering: Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD candidate)
• Jacqueline L. Hay, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management: Applied Health Sciences (PhD candidate)
• Kavisha Mehta, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (Master’s candidate)
• Anna Mikhailitchenko, Faculty of Science: Biological Sciences (Master’s candidate)
• Shirin Moossavi, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Medical Microbiology (PhD candidate)
• Daniel Plourde, Price Faculty of Engineering: Civil Engineering (Master’s candidate)
• Sakib Rahman, Faculty of Science: Physics and Astronomy (PhD candidate)

Charisma Castel a Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is an undergraduate student who leads as a Faculty Council Representative, and as a member of the Grad Committee in the Community Health Students’ Association. Castel has also been a Peer Mentor with the Neechiwaken program, and a Communications Coordinator for the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students’ Association.  

When asked what inspires her to continue Castel said, “Not only as Indigenous student, but as an Indigenous mother of two, I’ve had to overcome a variety of tough barriers to be here pursuing my educational endeavors 800+ kilometers away from family and friends. Growing up, I did not really have anyone I could look up to and reference when questioning my capabilities (besides my mother), therefore I have realized the need for positive role models in the Indigenous community is high. Knowing I could be even the slightest bit of inspiration for anyone who may doubt themselves definitely plays a big factor in my need to succeed. On top of that, my greatest inspiration truly comes from my children. I want them to know that if mom was capable, they’re more than capable too.”

Danielle Desjarlais from the Faculty of Architecture during the 2019-2020 school year has been collaborating with CAFÉ Prairie in the Faculty of Architecture to organize an event called Nation-to-Nation: A Conversation on Indigenous Principles, Perspectives, and Practices in Shaping Canada’s Architecture event. The purpose of this event was to provide Indigenous voices space of Architecture policy. As a member of the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE), Desjarlais has also learned how to harness her voice as a Cree woman and Architecture student through the opportunity to attend Speechcraft sessions with Toastmasters. Desjarlais has served as representative for the Indigenous Design and Planning Students Association (IDPSA), and the Indigenous Student Representative for both the University of Manitoba Association of Architecture Students (UMAAS), as well as the Student Architectural Society (SAS). 

When asked about what she has learned through your leadership involvement at the University of Manitoba Desjarlais stated, “When the pandemic was announced, I was unexpectedly given time and space to reflect on what kind of leader I want to be and what my role is in moving our society forward. I began to develop an understanding to what leadership means for me; I believe the fundamentals of leadership should come from moving through life with a good heart and continuing to walk through life with grace, patience, and understanding, while simultaneously being proud of your own identity and culture. I would also like to mention how our women are strong, humble, and silent leaders, especially within our Indigenous environments; these are the qualities I see to be a powerful foundation for good leadership.”

Angela Soulsby of the College of Nursing has volunteered her time at the Traditional Graduation Powwow and was the Elder assistant at the first Land Based Gathering in 2019. Soulsby is Cree-Metis womxn and Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) member. She is active in the MMF Bison Local, Métis University Students Association (MUSA) and a member of the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students Association, and recent alumni to the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE) 2019-2020. As Bison Local delegate, Soulsby attended the 51st Annual General Assembly of the Manitoba Metis Federation, as well as the Infinity Women Secretariat. In the spring of 2019, Soulsby participated in the Indigenous Summer Internship Program (ISSIP), and through her position at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, she was also asked to join the Manitoba Primary Network for Member Integrated Healthcare Innovation Network (MPN).

When we asked how the University of Manitoba has supported her leadership journey Soulsby stated, “University of Manitoba supports my leadership journey by making programs such as the Aboriginal Nursing Cohort Initiative (ANCI), the Indigenous Summer Student Internship Program (ISSIP), and the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE) student leadership development program available to Indigenous students like me. In ANCI, I benefit from smaller class sizes, extra tutoring hours, and weekly tutorials. As part of ISSIP, I took a position at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MHCP) and successfully stayed on as a Research Assistant. In ICE, we focused on leadership skills such as energy management, decision-making, and public speaking. We also met with and held meaningful conversations with Indigenous leaders from various sectors such as healthcare, governance, education, leadership, energy, news, media, and security and, learned teachings from and participated in ceremony with Elders. These programs are vital for our success as Indigenous Peoples. These programs gave me the strength I needed to focus, work hard, and get the grades needed for Nursing.”

Learn more about the Emerging Leader Awards here.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RECIPIENTS:

• Chinenye Akaluka, Faculty of Science
• Aderonke Mariam Akinloye, Asper School of Business
• Arij Al Khafagi, Faculty of Arts
• Ameen Alnaser, Faculty of Science
• Bilal Ansari, Asper School of Business
• Charisma Castel, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Health Sciences
• Kyra Cebula, Faculty of Science
• Tabitha Clavecillas, Faculty of Arts
• Nick de Hoop, Faculty of Science
• Danielle Desjarlais, Faculty of Architecture
• Ishaanee Didwania, Faculty of Arts
• Kirsten Fleury, Faculty of Science
• Taylor Galvin, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
• Jhannine Geronimo, Faculty of Science
• Ava Rose Glesby, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
• Sari Glow, Faculty of Science
• Avery Hallberg, Faculty of Arts
• Haya Izhar, Faculty of Science
• Sarah Jensen, Science, Faculty of
• Antonina Kandiurin, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Health Sciences
• Carlie Kane, Faculty of Arts
• Megha Kaushal, College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Ahmed Kidwai, Faculty of Science
• Abby Koch, Price Faculty of Engineering
• Laura Lucas, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
• Elbereth Luo, Faculty of Arts
• Bruna Maciel, Faculty of Science
• Stephanie Molloy, Faculty of Arts
• Nick Noonan, Robson Hall Faculty of Law
• Oghogho Okoro, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Taylor Orchard, Faculty of Science
• Dhanvi Prajapati, Faculty of Science
• Tony Quach, Asper School of Business
• Bradley Reichardt, Asper School of Business
• Jennifer Simone, Faculty of Science
• Kaylee Smith, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Angela Soulsby, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Iqra Tariq, Faculty of Science
• Taylor Tutkaluke, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
• Shayla Welechenko, School of Dental Hygiene, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Nathan Wilson, Price Faculty of Engineering
• Samuel Jeffrey Woode-Amissah, Faculty of Arts
• Brandon Wozniak, Faculty of Science

GRADUATE STUDENT RECIPIENTS:

• Kevin Boreskie, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management and Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Applied Health Sciences (PhD candidate)
• Kenneth Brezinski, Price Faculty of Engineering: Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD candidate)
• Jacqueline L. Hay, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management: Applied Health Sciences (PhD candidate)
• Kavisha Mehta, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (Master’s candidate)
• Anna Mikhailitchenko, Faculty of Science: Biological Sciences (Master’s candidate)
• Shirin Moossavi, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Medical Microbiology (PhD candidate)
• Daniel Plourde, Price Faculty of Engineering: Civil Engineering (Master’s candidate)
• Sakib Rahman, Faculty of Science: Physics and Astronomy (PhD candidate)

Here are some of the recipients of the 2020 Emerging Leader Award.

Jacqueline Hay is a PhD Candidate and Clinical Exercise Physiologist, who is passionate about advocating for individuals facing health challenges and barriers to health. Hay’s presentations at the 2019 Manitoba Undergraduate Health Care Symposium and 61st Annual Scientific Assembly emphasized how health care providers can support patients in leading physically active lifestyles to alleviate health challenges. Hay is involved with Clinical Exercise Physiologist in the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), and mentors kinesiology students interested in pursuing certifications through CSEP. This recipient has also been involved in developing the education and evaluation of prospective exercise professionals nationally, has contributed to over twenty published papers, and has been cited in the United States Physical Activity Guidelines and International Society for Hypertension Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines. 

When asked how the University of Manitoba has supported her leadership journey Hay said, “I have had the freedom to find my own path while supported by initiatives such as the President’s Student Leadership Program, and, most importantly, people. The mentorship and support of colleagues, supervisors, and researchers across campus along the way has been invaluable.”

Kirsten Fleury from the Faculty of Science joined the Prairie Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Network (PIKE-Net) in 2018, through their Indigenous summer internship award that focuses on health and wellness research experience. Through her position as a Research Assistant, Fleury learned how to support leaders in the Metis communities she worked with. This experience led to a leadership role on the Project Manager team for the Bannock and Backpack initiative run by the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE) in partnership with Althea Guiboche. As a Project Manager, Fleury helped obtain 115 backpacks filled with essential items for Winnipeg’s houseless population. In 2019, Fleury was elected as the Female Co-President of the Metis University Students’ Association (MUSA), and in this role coordinated Michif Language events, a holiday toy drive for a North End elementary school, and the Metis of the Month Campaign. 

When asked what inspires her to continue Fleury stated “What inspires me most is the strength and support of the Indigenous community, both on and off campus. By getting involved in the Indigenous community on campus, I have been able to grow as a student and a leader. But most importantly to me, I have been able to reconnect with my Metis culture, Indigenous spirituality, and make strong connections with my relations that have in turn increased my personal strength and resiliency. I continue to do the work I do to give back to the people that have given me so much in order to hopefully give to my community some of what they have given to me.”

Nick Noonan is a student at Robson Hall Faculty of Law. Noonan was recently elected Student Body President of the Law School, and has previously served as the Academic Affairs Committee Student Representative, President of the Robson Hall Debate Society, and Vice President of the Law Symposium. In these roles, Noonan attended the Oxford Program and supported the implementation of the pass-fail grading system for students during COVID-19. Outside of these roles, Noonan is also heavily involved with the University of Manitoba’s dodgeball league, curling league, and Movember team. 

When asked about was he has learned through his leadership involvement Noonan said “Being a leader is a multifaceted, challenging role, but one that is incredibly rewarding. Leading is far less about simply having great ideas, and far more about recognizing that you are in a position of service to those around you; in that sense, leading is about being understanding and personal – knowing what is in the best interest of those you lead, and advocating strongly for those interests.”

Oghogho Okoro is a College of Nursing student whose first leadership experience was on the Dean’s Advisory Board in the College of Nursing, where Okoro ensured the needs of students were communicated with the board at every meeting and helped organize Orange Shirt Day 2019. Following this, Okoro was appointed and elected as the Charitable and Health Promotions Chair (CHP) to the Nursing Students’ Association, where her role comprised of planning and executing charitable events such as the feminine hygiene drive. Again in this role, Okoro ensured that the opinions and needs of the students within the Nursing Students’ Association were heard, while also having office hours, and recruiting volunteers. 

When we asked about her leadership philosophy Okoro stated, “My motto or philosophy is the common adage ‘Give a man fish and you feed him for a day but teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ I lead by these words because I believe a good leader should aim to develop the potential and talents of the group members. This will be more beneficial to them in the end as opposed to telling them what to do. Good leaders are interested in the personal growth of those they lead.”

Learn more about the Emerging Leader Awards here.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RECIPIENTS:

• Chinenye Akaluka, Faculty of Science
• Aderonke Mariam Akinloye, Asper School of Business
• Arij Al Khafagi, Faculty of Arts
• Ameen Alnaser, Faculty of Science
• Bilal Ansari, Asper School of Business
• Charisma Castel, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Health Sciences
• Kyra Cebula, Faculty of Science
• Tabitha Clavecillas, Faculty of Arts
• Nick de Hoop, Faculty of Science
• Danielle Desjarlais, Faculty of Architecture
• Ishaanee Didwania, Faculty of Arts
• Kirsten Fleury, Faculty of Science
• Taylor Galvin, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
• Jhannine Geronimo, Faculty of Science
• Ava Rose Glesby, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
• Sari Glow, Faculty of Science
• Avery Hallberg, Faculty of Arts
• Haya Izhar, Faculty of Science
• Sarah Jensen, Science, Faculty of
• Antonina Kandiurin, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Health Sciences
• Carlie Kane, Faculty of Arts
• Megha Kaushal, College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Ahmed Kidwai, Faculty of Science
• Abby Koch, Price Faculty of Engineering
• Laura Lucas, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
• Elbereth Luo, Faculty of Arts
• Bruna Maciel, Faculty of Science
• Stephanie Molloy, Faculty of Arts
• Nick Noonan, Robson Hall Faculty of Law
• Oghogho Okoro, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Taylor Orchard, Faculty of Science
• Dhanvi Prajapati, Faculty of Science
• Tony Quach, Asper School of Business
• Bradley Reichardt, Asper School of Business
• Jennifer Simone, Faculty of Science
• Kaylee Smith, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Angela Soulsby, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Iqra Tariq, Faculty of Science
• Taylor Tutkaluke, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
• Shayla Welechenko, School of Dental Hygiene, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Nathan Wilson, Price Faculty of Engineering
• Samuel Jeffrey Woode-Amissah, Faculty of Arts
• Brandon Wozniak, Faculty of Science

GRADUATE STUDENT RECIPIENTS:

• Kevin Boreskie, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management and Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Applied Health Sciences (PhD candidate)
• Kenneth Brezinski, Price Faculty of Engineering: Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD candidate)
• Jacqueline L. Hay, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management: Applied Health Sciences (PhD candidate)
• Kavisha Mehta, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (Master’s candidate)
• Anna Mikhailitchenko, Faculty of Science: Biological Sciences (Master’s candidate)
• Shirin Moossavi, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Medical Microbiology (PhD candidate)
• Daniel Plourde, Price Faculty of Engineering: Civil Engineering (Master’s candidate)
• Sakib Rahman, Faculty of Science: Physics and Astronomy (PhD candidate)

Students are encouraged to apply for the Emerging Leader Award and get recognized for their own outstanding contributions, while faculty and staff are also welcomed to nominate an outstanding student. 

Applications for the 2020 Emerging Leader Award are now being accepted. The application deadline is April 30, 2020 at 4:30pm.

To apply, see: umanitoba.ca/student/leadership/ela.

Meet one of last year’s emerging leaders

We chatted with one of last year’s winners, Kayla Lariviere, a student in her final year in the Faculty of Arts, who will be attending the Faculty of Law in the Fall.

As an Emerging Leader Award recipient, what does the award mean to you?

Receiving an Emerging Leader Award was an honour. Within UM I have been an active member in the Indigenous community. In my second year of university, I was the chair of governance for the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students’ Association where I played a vital role in implementing the ReconciliACTION campaign, which focuses on Call to Action #16 calling upon post-secondary institutions to create degree and diploma programs in Aboriginal languages. I have participated as a mentor in the Neechiwaken Indigenous peer mentorship program over the past three years supporting women from First Nations communities transition to UM. The last two years I have been a member of the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment on campus where I have taken part in the Bannock and Backpacks campaign, putting supplies together to give to people experiencing poverty in Winnipeg’s inner city. Accepting this award was humbling and rewarding, knowing the work I am doing has not gone unnoticed. 

What motivates you to contribute to the social, cultural or economic well-being of communities on and off campus?

As a female who is both Indigenous and a visible minority, I believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to be included, but also provided the resources needed to ensure their success. I have a very good understanding of my intersectionality of how it both benefit and hinders me. I feel as though I can relate to a large population who face the same oppressions as me such as racism and sexism. Equity, inclusion and respect are important traits for any leader. I have a vision of the world I want to live in and what I would like society to look like for my future children. I am a strong activist who fights for what I believe is right, challenging the current social systems in place today. I love what I have contributed to at UM, specifically reconciliation efforts on campus. I remain committed to the values that I have instilled in projects I have worked on inside and outside of the university.

What would you say to encourage someone to submit an application for an Emerging Leader Award?

It can be challenging for community leaders to view themselves as such. It is important to be humble and I know many leaders who are. Leaders do the work because we want to, as it is what’s right, not because we are looking for recognition. As leaders I believe it is important to take a step back sometimes and celebrate your accomplished achievements.

Student leaders from all areas are encouraged to apply. If you know a great student leader, please encourage them to submit their name for consideration. For more information on the Emerging Leader Award (ELA), click here.

Two fall convocation grads taught us that Sometimes, conflict can lead to love. Ellen Sikorski had an assignment to finish from a course she was taking through the Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice at St. Paul’s College, University of Manitoba. She knew that one of her classmates, Nicholas McKenzie, had already completed the assignment, so she talked with him about some ideas she had about it. Discussing the assignment eventually led to “a few beers” at Confusion Corner in downtown Winnipeg. They fell in love at UM and married this year.

A record six University of Manitoba graduate students are recipients of 2019 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. These awards, considered the Canadian equivalent of the United Kingdom’s Rhodes Scholarships, help recruit and keep in Canada top doctoral students from across the country and around the world. Each recipient receives $150,000 over three years towards his or her research and this is the largest contingent of Vanier scholars ever announced by the UM.

Five exceptional students graduated with Governor General’s medals. Recipients were Ifeanyi Nwachukwu who received a Doctor of Philosophy in human nutritional sciences from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Abin Chandrakumar who graduated with a master’s degree in pharmacology and therapeutics from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Derek Ammeter who received a Bachelor of Science, Nada A. K. El Tobgy who received a Bachelor of Science, and Michelle Pottinger who got a two-year diploma in agriculture.

Forty-four undergraduate and graduate students were awarded the UM’s Emerging Leader Award. The ELA is a way the UM recognizes the outstanding contributions that students make to the enhancement of the institution and our community. The recipients were ambitious students from across the university who exhibited high achievement in academics, and a commitment to making their community a better place.

University of Manitoba’s BMO Financial Group Leaders of Tomorrow and BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship recipients were awarded to incoming high school students who showed a commitment to community involvement, academic giftedness and outstanding leadership potential. 2019’s recipients BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship recipients were Lydia Gork, Dwayne Williams, Madison Winter and Donna Yellowback and the BMO Financial Group Leaders of Tomorrow recipients were Amy Spearman, Alborz Khakbazan, Ethan Burnell, Guneet Uppal, Nathan Mathews and Mia Gray.

Congratulations to these and all of our hard-working students, and best of luck in 2020.

The Emerging Leader Award is a way the University of Manitoba recognizes the outstanding contributions that students make to the enhancement of the institution and our community. It was introduced in 2006 to recognize students who are committed to furthering our educational mission by contributing to the social, cultural or economic well-being of communities on and/or off campus, while encouraging cross cultural understanding and demonstrating sustained leadership and initiative that is worthy of recognition.

A University of Manitoba Emerging Leader is any current full-time or part-time University of Manitoba undergraduate or graduate student with a minimum 2.5 GPA, in any faculty, school or program that supports the University’s educational mission by contributing to the social, cultural or economic well-being of communities on campus (and/or additionally off campus); encourages cross-cultural understanding; demonstrates sustained leadership and initiative that is worthy of recognition, and has completed at least one year of study at the University of Manitoba.

Emily Hyde, who is doing her Master’s in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, is one of the recipients. She has volunteered since 2017 as the Professional Education chair for the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses. For 2018-2019, she co-chairs the Graduate Student Nursing Association. Hyde has also done community presentations for the ICD Support Group of Manitoba and the Heart Failure Support Group Care Giver day. She says her time at the U of M has elevated her practise as a nurse.

“I believe that you are only as successful as the people around you, and I am lucky to have an incredible group of people around me at the U of M,” said Hyde. “I am better able to communicate my thoughts and am better able to reach out to the resources that exist and utilize them to improve patient care. The support I have received at U of M from the faculty members at the College of Nursing has provided me more inspiration of the person and the nurse that I want to be.”

Recipient Thomas Roberts from the Faculty of Science has volunteered with Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Children’s Hospital for almost three years, which he says is a fulfilling activity which reinforced his goal of working as a physician in the pediatric setting.

“Hearing the experiences of families, especially from remote communities, has given me a unique perspective on the struggles faced by Indigenous people in this province and the health disparities many face in travelling far away from their home communities to receive treatment,” said Roberts. “In addition to volunteering, involvement in university-related extracurricular activities led me in 2017 to my current position as Métis Inclusion Project Assistant at the Indigenous Student Centre and more recently as Executive Coordinator of the Métis University Students Association, member of both the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment and MMF Bison Local, and mentor for the Neechiwaken peer mentorship program. Involvement in these groups has taught me to utilize my leadership skills, empower others in my Indigenous community on campus to become involved, and have a hand in creating positive change alongside a cohort of strong, resilient Indigenous student leaders.”

Harley Bray, a 2019 Emerging Leader, and Faculty of Science student, has volunteered at a variety of areas. On campus, these include Science Rendezvous, U of M Volunteer Program, Let’s Talk Science, and off campus at Riverview Health Centre, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Agricultural Museum. Bray says when it comes to volunteering, she is most passionate about the philosophies of science and working with diverse groups of people.

“Being co-chair of the Science Rendezvous Team incorporates both of these,” says Bray. “Helping to promote enthusiasm in learning through this national project has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my academic career at the University of Manitoba. I work to engage and transform the general public from passive supporters of science and engineering to active, passionate champions with an understanding of the important role that science plays in our rapidly changing world.”

Recipient Carmine Slipski, PhD candidate in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, has been involved with several events promoting Science and health research to middle and high school students from across Winnipeg and Manitoba. He’s helped with Take Your Kids to Work Day and Discovery Days among several others. Slipski says he has learned many skills during his time at the U of M, but stepping outside of his comfort zone has really helped him develop his interpersonal and time management skills.

“This experience has also exposed me to some of the inner workings/decision making at our institution and has taught me that even though it can feel like a student’s voice is too small for large issues, that there are effective avenues to have your concerns heard and that there are always ways to improve policy and affect positive changes,” said Slipski.

Learn more about the Emerging Leader Awards here.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RECIPIENTS:

Oluwabunmi Afolabi, Faculty of Arts
Antoine Allard, Asper School of Business
Henry Amogu, Faculty of Architecture
Vibhuti Arya, Faculty of Science
Rashawna Blair, Faculty of Science
Harley Bray, Faculty of Science
Michael Campbell, Faculty of Arts
Jelynn Dela Cruz, Faculty of Arts
Stephen Gatphoh, Faculty of Arts
Kinza Hayat, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Bailey Hendry, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Michelle La, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
Kayla Lariviere, Faculty of Arts
Justin Lin, Faculty of Science
Kristine Ivy Macalinao, Faculty of Science
Carly McFall, Faculty of Arts
Gillian Mcivor, Faculty of Science
Bobby McNair, Division of Extended Education
Reanna Merasty, Faculty of Architecture
Francis Nahurski, Faculty of Arts
Victoria Nwabuisi, Faculty of Arts
Oreofe Okunnu, College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Krystal Pelepiuk, School of Agriculture
Bhanu Pilli, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
Thomas Roberts, Faculty of Science
Alexander Rozbacher, Faculty of Science
Sidhant Sharma, Asper School of Business
Mathieu Simard, School of Agriculture
Kaeley Simpson, Faculty of Arts
Julia Strecker, School of Agriculture
Rachel Veitch, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Brendan Wood, Faculty of Arts

GRADUATE STUDENT RECIPIENTS:

Allison Balasko, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Medical Microbiology (PhD candidate)
Ahmed Bediwy, Faculty of Engineering: Civil Engineering (PhD candidate)
Jasmine Frost, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Medical Microbiology (PhD candidate)
Tara Horrill, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (PhD candidate)
Michelle Lam, Faculty of Education (PhD candidate)
Chidi Nwaiwu, Faculty of Engineering: Mechanical Engineering (PhD candidate)
Carmine Slipski, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Medical Microbiology (PhD candidate)
Matthew Granger, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences: Human Nutritional Sciences (Master’s candidate)
Emily Hyde, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (Master’s candidate)
Stephanie Lelond, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (Master’s candidate)
Jordyn Lerner, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (Master’s candidate)
Anita Murdock, Faculty of Science: Microbiology (Master’s candidate)