Recipients

Congratulations to our past winners!

• 2022

  Congratulations to the 2022 Alumni Association Award winners! 

  Achievement Award 

  Arturo Fernandez
  Master of Science, Computer Science
  Class of 2012

  Arturo left Mexico in 2010 to pursue his education at Ontario Tech, completing his Masters in Computer Science in 2012. He began working in Toronto for multiple start-ups as a software engineer. In 2014 he moved to San Francisco, California and worked as a software engineer for Dictionary.com. Currently he works for SiriusXM and Pandora Music as a senior software engineer building features for the mobile applications. Arturo believes in and displays hard work, ethics and commitment towards the community he lives in.

  In the words of his nominator: Arturo shows that no matter your economic situation, the barriers of language, or culture, if we want something we can achieve it with passion and discipline. 
  

   

  ---

  Up and Coming Award 

  Rachel Radyk 
  Bachelor of Science, Nursing
  Class of 2021

  Rachel Radyk (WaabanoKwe) is an AnishinaabeKwe and proud member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island. As a Registered Nurse with a passion for Indigenous health and leadership, Rachel has delivered 40+ presentations and workshops for a wide range of
  organizations at provincial, national, and international levels, such as the International Council of Nurses Student Assembly, Indspire National Gathering for Indigenous Education, Nursing Students of Ontario, and Native Women’s Association of Canada. 

  A well-known advocate and award-winning healthcare leader, Rachel strives to bring awareness and positive change within nursing education and organizations. Key examples of Rachel’s impact include pioneering the COVID-19 vaccine rollout within the Indigenous space, serving as the head delegate for the Young Diplomats of Canada for the OECD delegation, and championing Indigenous patient navigation in the local hospitals in the Waterloo-Wellington area.

  ---

  Philanthropic Award

  Mariam Mendez
  Bachelor of Science, Nursing
  Class of 2014

  Mariam embraces philanthropy in every aspect of her life. As a mentor for new nurses in the emergency department, she recognizes the difficulty emergency poses new graduates. Mariam appreciates the fresh perspective of new nurses, and loves that she can instill confidence, along with mentoring the nurse even after they finished the new graduate program. In 2019, she established a Commemorative award in honour of her mother, who was also an Ontario Tech graduate who enrolled as a mature student. As a front-line worker during the recent health care crisis, Mariam continues with a very positive attitude, always putting patient care first and believes in the impact on lives through philanthropic initiatives. She is also completing her Master in Health Informatics, and is passionate about understanding and improving the health care system.

• 2021

  Achievement Award 

  Naudia Nelson
  Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice Studies
  Class of 2010

  Naudia graduated from Ontario Tech in 2010 with Honours in Bachelor of Arts degree focused on Criminology and Justice Studies. Her passion for Criminal Justice and determination to reach her goal while gaining valuable experience has helped her achieve her success today. 

  Naudia focused her electives on varying areas of Criminal Justice which would prove as the catalyst that propelled her to start her early career with the Department of Justice Canada, in the Aboriginal Law Section and within a short time successfully worked her way up the ranks eventually becoming the Legal Administrator for the Aboriginal and Public Law Department.

  She was instrumental in working on various high profile constitutional and Judicial Review cases (i.e: Supreme Court Marriage Reference, Judicial Review of Justice Paul Cosgrove, and Canada (Prime Minister) v. Khadr etc). Naudia spearheaded the Business Continuity Planning Committee for the Aboriginal and Public Law Divisions for the G8/G20 summit in 2010. Naudia was subsequently promoted in 2011 to Public Prosecution Service Canada as the Business Manager for the Ontario Regional Office, with direct report to the Chief Federal Prosecutor where she oversaw the fiscal budget and planning of the Department, as well as building and maintaining key stakeholder relationship with varying Federal Government departments and Agencies.

  From the words of her nominator - Nadia has faced many challenges in her life, however she remains grounded and focused with a tenacious drive that is admirable. Since her undergrad Nadia knew she would become a lawyer and never lost sight of that, and now anticipates her call to the Bar in fall 2021.

  ---

  Philanthropic Award

  Naheed Dosani
  Bachelor of Science in Biology
  Class of 2008

  Naheed Dosani graduated from Ontario Tech University in 2008, and went on to pursue his Doctor of Medicine at McMaster University. Naheed was an exceptional student, and received several scholarships. After graduation, he established the Dr. Naheed Dosani Entrance Scholarship, which is awarded annually to an Ontario Tech University student who demonstrates the impact of involvement and personal growth through humanitarian action.

  Palliative care physician, Dr. Naheed Dosani, is passionate about advancing equitable access to health care for people experiencing homelessness. After providing end-of-life care to a homeless man, Naheed developed Palliative Education And Care for the Homeless (PEACH), a program of the Inner City Health Associates. PEACH delivers community-based hospice palliative care to society’s most vulnerable individuals regardless of their housing status or factors such as poverty or substance use. The program brings housing, mental health and healthcare providers together to plan an individual’s care while recognizing, but not judging, that person’s circumstances. This care model has inspired similar programs in cities across the continent and the development of Journey Home Hospice, Toronto’s first hospice for people experiencing homelessness, which opened in May 2018.

  Dr. Dosani brings attention to the correlation between health and a wide range of social issues through social media, public speaking and national media. With COVID-19, Dr. Dosani’s leadership efforts include serving as Medical Director for the Region of Peel’s COVID-19 Isolation/Homeless Program. He is also co-founder of Doctors for Defunding Police, Doctors for Justice in Long-Term Care and holds faculty appointments at the University of Toronto and McMaster University. Dr. Dosani has received many prestigious honours for his trailblazing work, including the Meritorious Service Cross for Humanitarianism from Canada’s Governor General in 2018, a humanitarian award from the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians in May 2019 and the Early Career Leader award from the Canadian Medical Association in 2020.

  Naheed relentlessly advocates for health and human rights, whether through PEACH, or his persistence in raising awareness of the critical need to support access to care for people experiencing structural vulnerabilities. Along with his regular media appearances, Naheed uses social media channels like TikTok to highlight social issues, and pivoted during the pandemic to raise awareness about masks and social distancing.

• 2020
  No awards were presented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2019

  Achievement Award 

  Bahar (Karbalaei) Karimi 
  Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  Class of 2013

  Bahar has been an innovative leader throughout all of her academic and professional endeavours. She graduated from Ontario Tech with the highest distinction in 2013. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing under her belt, she went on to earn a Master of Nursing and Master of Health Sciences in Health Administration from the University of Toronto. She continues to pursue academic excellence and is currently enrolled in the PhD (Nursing) Program at Western University. Bahar has also completed a variety of professional development programs such as the Crisis Intervention Program (2014) and Administrator Leadership program (2016).

  Her strong background and performances in nursing saw her featured in the Registered Nurse Journal in 2017, and she was the Ontario Tech Nursing Program Salutatorian in 2013.  Most notably, Bahar was awarded the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario HUB Fellowship, which is a prestigious award recognizing her immense leadership potential.

  Bahar’s professional experiences boast of both direct nursing and leadership roles, with her greatest impact in healthcare. A prominent achievement of hers as a healthcare leader is currently her position as the Administrator of Castleview Wychwood Towers, which is the largest long-term care home operated by the City of Toronto. She has also been a Nursing Instructor at Seneca College and Associate Director of Care and Director of Resident Services at St. Peter’s Residence. She was also the Executive Director of the McCall Centre for Continuing Care. 

  ---

  Up and Coming Award 

  Marco De Ciantis 
  Master of Health Sciences 
  Class of 2017

  Since graduating with a Masters in Health Sciences from Ontario Tech in 2017, Marco has contributed vastly to healthcare. He and his identical twin brother currently co-operate a multi-disciplinary clinic in which they mentor peers and students that are interested in healthcare, as well as shadowing doctors and therapists. In addition to this, Marco goes to multiple hospitals and facilities to regularly co-manage patients with several Practitioners, Rheumatologists, and Personal Trainers. The objective of these efforts is to improve patient experience and care, and his desire to do that has resulted in better outcomes amongst patients. As a result, he was awarded Top Chiropractor in Toronto in 2017 and by Top Choice Awards in 2018. Due to Marco’s focus on a collaborative care environment within the facilities he works in, he was also awarded the Patient Care Award in 2018, from the Ontario Chiropractic Association.

  Marco has also volunteered as a medical staff at numerous events, most notably the Greek Canadian Games from 2017 to 2018. Marco then took his expertise beyond the border with the Bridge-to-Health, a humanitarian Toronto-based group, to practice collaborative care in rural Uganda. A notable task he accomplished in his time there was teaching the local clinical officers how to examine and treat musculoskeletal injuries. Marco’s nominators said he displayed tremendous leadership abilities throughout the whole trip with his calm and confident personality that was appreciated by his students and peers.

  ---

  Philanthropic Award

  Robina Brah 
  Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology and a Minor in Criminology
  Class of 2017

  Robina is a role model for others in her community. Robina feeds members of the homeless community, mentors at the Children’s Aid Society, and has written a children’s book, A Porcupine in a Pig’s Town, which aims to teach children about diversity and inclusion. Robina frequently works on project proposals in her own time regarding innovative solutions to community challenges, some of which have received media attention. Known as an ambitious activist and dedicated volunteer, Robina has a voice that affects many, which is why she has participated in speaking events such as a Leadership Panel on “Why Oshawa Matters” and Ontario Tech’s Alumni Day in 2019. 

  Robina obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology and a Minor in Criminology from Ontario Tech in 2017. She intends to pursue further education in leadership. 

• 2018

  Achievement Award

  Dr. Jessica Dee
  Bachelor of Health Sciences
  Class of 2011 
  
  Jessica grew up in the small town of Orono and has always been motivated by a sincere desire to help people in need. In 2007 Jessica began her undergraduate studies at Ontario Tech University. She knew she wanted to help people, but like most students, she was yet to completely decide what path would merge her altruistic predisposition with a meaningful career. She entered into the Health Sciences faculty and dove head first into student life, regularly attending school events and becoming a regular fixture at on-campus events and student-led activities.  

  Following her undergraduate studies, Jessica went on to pursue a Chiropractic degree at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Jessica’s determination and dedication to her chiropractic studies mirrored that of her time at Ontario Tech University. She worked tirelessly, and in 2016 graduated with her Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Since graduation, she has continued to strive for success as she builds her practice at Clarington Total Wellness and provides the highest quality care for her patients.  

  ---

  Up and Coming Award

  Chantelle Whidden
  Bachelor of Commerce, Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management
  Class of 2013

  Chantelle Whidden has accomplished much since graduating with the highest distinction from Ontario Tech University in 2013 with a BCom majoring in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management. Chantelle wrote and passed the NKE, designating her as a Certified HR Professional (CHRP). She then participated in the inaugural year of RBC's elite Career Launch Program with 100 participants across Canada being selected from a pool of 5000 applicants. After completing the program, in 2015 Chantelle was hired as an HR Administrator at Hannam Fertility Centre (HFC), one of the most innovative and leading fertility centres in Canada. She progressively was promoted through the organization first to HR Generalist, then HR Manager and most recently, in late 2017, to HR Business Partner. 

  Chantelle is always continuing her education as an HR and business professional through conferences, workshops and certificate programs. In May of 2018, she successfully obtained her Certified HR Leader (CHRL) designation and in 2017 she obtained a Coaching for Performance and Mentorship Certificate through MDC at Ontario Tech University. In 2017, Chantelle was accepted into the Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources Advanced Standing program at the University of Toronto. The program was projected to take four years part-time while continuing full-time employment; however, Chantelle obtained special permission to double her course load and is graduating in June 2019. 

• 2017

  Achievement Award

  Samantha Hazell
  Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Electrical Engineering
  Class of 2011

  Samantha Hazell has worked hard to establish her career since graduating from university in 2011.  As a student, Samantha was a part of the EcoCAR Electrical/Controls Team where she assisted in converting a two-mode hybrid vehicle into a full-function electric vehicle (FFEV). Her work on this team provided her with the technical knowledge needed to hit the ground running when she began her career at General Motors as a Hybrid Controls Strategist for the Chevrolet Volt thermal battery diagnostic system.

  Following her time at General Motors, and recovery from a severe accident, Samantha moved to Toyota Motors Manufacturing Canada where she is currently the youngest and first female engineer working as a Business Planning Specialist. She built her career quickly at Toyota, also holding positions as Production Control Project Manager, and Program Manager in Supplier Engineering and Development.

  In addition to maintaining a busy career, Samantha is also pursuing her MBA in Strategic Management with a research focus on operational analytics. In the future, she plans to pursue a master’s and Ph.D. in engineering, with a focus on sustainable vehicle technologies.

  ---

  Up and Coming Award

  Vahid Anwari
  Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) 
  Class of 2016

  Vahid Anwari has achieved a great deal since his graduation in 2016. After completing his four-year degree in only three years, he accepted a full-time position at the University Health Network. This position has provided him with the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research involving the detection of foreign bodies after surgery with the Joint Department of Medical Imaging.

  Vahid’s excellent work ethic and leadership helped his research team receive the University Health Network Collaborative Academic Practice Grant of $5,000, with additional matching funds of the same amount from Carestream Health, to help fund their research. Vahid has shared his team's research findings at the 2017 Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists Annual General Conference in Ottawa, ON.  He has also been invited to present his research findings at the Radiological Society of North America Annual Conference in Chicago, IL.

  ---

  Philanthropic Award

  Benjamin Earle
  Master of Arts, Criminology
  Class of 2016

  Benjamin Earle has set himself apart as a leader in the community services sector of the Durham Region. He is currently the Executive Director of Feed the Need in Durham and a Research Consultant for the Durham Workforce Authority.

  As Executive Director for Feed the Need Durham, Benjamin has increased the organization’s network of emergency food providers to 60 organizations that now serve 6,500 low-income individuals each month.  Before taking on this role, Benjamin worked at the Community Development Council Durham over a 10-year span, taking on a variety of different roles. He has also held Director and Executive Director positions with key community programs such as the Welcome Centre Immigrant Services Durham, Housing Help Durham, and the LGTBQ Community Help Line and Resource Centre. 

• 2016

  Achievement Award

  Ali Hoss
  PhD, Mechanical Engineering
  Class of 2013
  
  Ali Hoss has worked hard to establish his career since graduating from the university in 2013 with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on Energy Systems. He has contributed to a number of scientific publications and has presented at many international conferences. He has worked on a number of industrial projects throughout his career including providing energy management consultation to the Independent Energy Systems Operator, helped develop a renewable-based microgrid combined heat and power system for a community on the west side of London, Ontario in collaboration with London Hydro. Currently, Ali is working on the SaveONEnergy project, the largest energy conservation project in the province, with a government incentive of $30 million. He also works with the university to hire co-op students, helping them get hands-on experience in the energy efficiency industry.

  ---

  Up and Coming Award  

  Keegan Guidolin
  Bachelor of Science
  Class of 2013

  Keegan Guidolin has achieved a lot in the three years since he graduated. He currently attends the University of Western Ontario as a Senior Medical Student. He sat on the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry admissions committee for the past three years, acted as the Editor of Health Promotion for Western’s Ontario Medical Journal and worked as a peer reviewer for the Clinical Respirology Journal. His own research focuses on developing new methods of treating breast cancer and how breast cancer therapies are chosen for patients.

  ---

  Philanthropic Award

  Negin Vatandoost
  Master of Arts, Criminology
  Class of 2012

  Negin Vatandoost arrived in Canada in 2010 and was the only international student to receive her degree in 2012. She currently works for The Learning Partnership, a non-profit dedicated to advancing and promoting public education. Since graduating, she has worked with many non-profit organizations including the Community Development Council of Durham, the Women’s Multicultural Resource and Counseling Centre of Durham, Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children, and the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture. Recently Negin started a sponsorship group for a Syrian family of refugees and successfully raised more than the required funds to bring them to Canada. She has devoted her personal time and resources to promoting equity and social justice and is an advocate for all, including those who are vulnerable.

• 2015

  Up and Coming Award

  Lorenzo Escobal 
  Bachelor of Commerce
  Class of 2014

  Lorenzo is a successful serial entrepreneur. He was only a first-year student when he founded his first business, Inception Automotive Detailing in 2011. Today it's an award-winning business that provides mobile auto detailing services in the Greater Toronto Area. “My company is one of the top-ranked in Google search listings in the GTA,” said Lorenzo, “and has earned a respected online reputation with a high number of favourable reviews.”

  In 2014 Lorenzo co-founded and became Director of Marketing of Medpro 3D Inc., a medical rapid-prototyping company that works with medical professionals, transforming medical scans such as MRI and CT to create accurate, life-scale 3D tangible models.

  When Lorenzo started university he wasn't sure what he wanted to study. At the end of his second year, when he had to select a major, he chose marketing because he had the highest grades in that subject. By the end of the third year, "I loved every aspect of marketing and understood how very important it is for any business."

  An active networker, Lorenzo is a member of and volunteer with the Mississauga Board of Trade, serving on the Ambassador and NGen committees. He also seeks media appearances and has been interviewed on CBC Radio One, among other media. “I want to inspire high school, college and university students to start their own businesses," said Lorenzo. Consequently, he has addressed students at Ontario Tech University, the University of Toronto and several high schools.

  Here's some of the advice this entrepreneur offers students. "Having failures in life gives you the opportunity to learn from them and to develop yourself. Surround yourself with people who are more successful than you; you can learn a lot from them. Attend as many networking events you can and connect with people – your network becomes your net worth. Rather than following the money, let the money follow you. Always do your best in what you do.  Give back more than you receive – what goes around, comes around."

• 2014

  Up and Coming Award

  Halil (Sadi) Hamut 
  Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering 
  Class of 2013

  After receiving his Ph.D. from our university, Sadi returned to Turkey because he wants to positively impact both his community and the world. "With the technical background I have obtained from Ontario Tech University along with my thirst for innovation and a better tomorrow, I want to help create better standards of living for people today and a more sustainable future for the next generations."

  He's now the youngest Chief Researcher in the country's Scientific and Technological Research Council. Working in the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technologies Excellence Center, Sadi is undertaking a project to develop Turkey's first national electric vehicles to reduce the country’s fossil fuel dependency, energy costs and environmental impact. He's also the country delegate for Turkey on the IA-HEV (Implementing Agreement for co-operation on Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technologies and Programmes) executive committee.  Sadi works with the world's experts to "push the envelope" with state-of-the-art electric vehicles.

  As well, he is teaching part-time at Yeditepe University in Istanbul where he is educating Turkey's young generation about renewable energy sources and alternative transportation options. Sadi also helps to organize international conferences and authors' various publications in books and journals on these subjects to make more people become aware of the benefits of sustainable energy options.

  How did an engineer from Turkey come to study at Ontario Tech University? After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and then a Master of Science in Industrial Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan, Sadi was drawn to Ontario Tech University because of the level of scientific research being conducted and the quality of the professors leading these studies. "I really enjoyed working with two world-renowned professors in my field as my supervisors." He also found the modest size of the campus made it easier to get to know people from other disciplines and made the university experience more interactive. "I had the chance to work with people from different cultures and diverse backgrounds, take part in the teaching process, attend and organize various conferences/events. This made my transition to being a researcher easier."

  Today, Sadi is searching for solutions to important global issues. He intends to play a more active role in academia by supervising students and managing international research collaborations. With the support of technology, he wants to create new possibilities that benefit the environment, individuals and society.

  ---

  Humanitarian Award

  (now known as the Philanthropic Award)

  Mallory Ryan 
  Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours)
  Class of 2009

  Mallory likes firsts.

  This proud alumna, occupational therapist, dance teacher and founder of DanceAbility, a program for children with varying abilities came to the Ontario Tech University in 2005 because she wanted to "be part of many firsts."

  Mallory viewed our new university "as a window of opportunities." She met the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at a university fair and was inspired by her energy and enthusiasm. "The fact that a Dean was listening to my goals and understanding the direction I wanted to take meant a lot to me."  

  When she arrived on campus Mallory immediately immersed herself in clubs and events. She became a Tour Guide and a Summer Assistant for her faculty. She also launched the university's first dance team. She also co-founded and organized the university/college dance competition BAM (Bust-A-Move). More than a dozen teams from across Canada participated in the annual competitions. After completing her degree at Ontario Tech University, the athletic department hired Mallory to be the first coach for the new Varsity Ridgeback Dance Team.

  Following graduation, Mallory attended the University of Toronto (UofT) where she received a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree. Today she works as an occupational therapist, primarily with children, in the community.  She's also a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science at UofT.

  On weekends, Mallory instructs classes at Dance Elite, the studio where she started dancing at the age of three. There she and her sister, Jade, launched DanceAbility. This program provides students of all abilities with a safe place to express their creativity and also enables other students and volunteers to enhance their understanding of diversity, equity and inclusivity.

  "Ontario Tech University fostered my development as a leader," Mallory says. "The supportive community was what I needed to build confidence in my ability to create. And my success in creating start-up initiatives at Ontario Tech University gave me the skills and confidence to start my own occupational therapy initiatives."

  The Ontario Tech Alumni Association has recognized Mallory's achievements with its 2014 Humanitarian Award. She will also be sharing her inspiring story during Homecoming as a speaker at Alumni Adventures: Tales from the Other Side. Looking ahead, Mallory hopes to establish more unique occupational therapy initiatives and potentially become more involved in educating future occupational therapists. Looks like her future will include many more firsts.

• 2013

  Up and Coming Award

  Veronica Cole 
  Bachelor of Information Technology - Game Development and Entrepreneurship Program
  Class of 2012

  Veronica is the CEO and key business developer of Squabble Studios Ltd. Veronica co-founded the startup soon after graduation with four fellow Ontario Tech alumni. Squabble is a game development studio that creates educational and entertaining video games, simulations and training applications.

  ---

  Humanitarian Award

  (now known as the Philanthropic Award)

  Jaclyn T. San Antonio
  Master of Arts, Class of 2011
  Bachelor of Arts, Class of 2007

  Jaclyn received this award in recognition of her commitment to empowering youth. Youthtopia, an event Jaclyn held in the wake of a 2012 Scarborough shooting, brought together youth in that community to believe in their talents, build their confidence and dispel any limiting beliefs about their future. The event was a huge success.

  ---