Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Premier's Awards!
BUSINESS
JP Gladu
SAULT COLLEGE
Founder and Principal, Mokwateh
Forest Technician, 1991
JP Gladu previously led the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and launched initiatives like the Aboriginal Business Report. He spearheaded the 'Procurement Champions' initiative, driving significant investments into Canada’s Indigenous economy. Gladu serves on multiple corporate boards and is a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. An advocate for Indigenous leadership, he received the Public Policy Award in 2024. His college education transformed his academic struggles into a successful forestry career, forming the basis for his significant contributions to the industry and Indigenous business.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Fiona Coughlin
CONESTOGA COLLEGE
CEO, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex
Business Administration – Management Studies, 2000
A passionate advocate of affordable housing and food security, Fiona Coughlin leverages her college education and lived experiences to open doors to prosperity and revitalize her community. She has led the construction of 52 affordable houses, including the first-ever 3D-printed residential home in Canada, and launched one of the most successful ReStores in Canada. Coughlin also reimagined the Windsor Furniture Bank, offering skilled training opportunities to 220 youth annually and championing the renewal of Windsor’s marginalized communities.
CREATIVE ARTS AND DESIGN
George Stroumboulopoulos
Humber Polytechnic
Host and Executive Producer, Apple Music
Broadcasting - Radio, 1993
A globally renowned Canadian media personality, broadcaster and devoted humanitarian, George Stroumboulopoulos is synonymous with creative arts and entertainment in all its forms. His experience includes helming the iconic MuchMusic, Hockey Night in Canada, hosting primetime award-winning Canadian radio, television and ‘Strombo’ on Apple Music Hits. Stroumboulopoulos was named to Billboard Music Canada's 2024 Power Players List as one of the most powerful and influential people in the music industry. In 2023, he was appointed to the Order of Canada for his leading contributions to Canadian media and journalism.
HEALTH SCIENCES
Lynne Innes
NORTHERN COLLEGE
President and CEO, Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA)
Nursing, 2002
Lynne Innes is a trailblazer, breaking barriers as the first female and youngest Indigenous leader of a multi-site health authority in Ontario. Throughout her career, she has worked to improve access to care, enhance healthcare services and ensure that First Nations people receive care close to home. Innes’ efforts have led to meaningful improvements in service delivery along the James and Hudson Bay coast. Balancing professional responsibilities with family life, she embodies matriarchal strength, navigating career demands while honouring her cultural roots.
RECENT GRADUATE
Andrés Coimbra Castedo
NIAGARA COLLEGE
Lighting Artist, Herne Hill Media
Game Development, 2019
Andrés Coimbra Castedo's passion for digital creativity culminated in an Academy Award. He co-created a globally published video game and developed a love for lighting characters, VFX and set pieces in movies and games. His lighting expertise contributed to Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio winning the 2023 Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Castedo now works for a Toronto VFX studio producing films for high-profile Hollywood clients. At 26, his remarkable journey highlights his significant impact on the industry at such a young age.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
ERIC KUKUCKA
GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE
Vice President, Clinical Removable and Design Technologies, Aspen Dental (The Aspen Group)
Denturism, 2010
Eric Kukucka discovered his passion for cutting-edge technology while studying to become a denturist in college. Today, he is a world-renowned expert on the integration of digital methodologies in removable dentures. An active researcher, educator and author, Kukucka helps develop protocols, processes and materials used by clinicians worldwide. His work has improved the lives of thousands of patients by providing better fitting dentures that can be easily replicated and produced within industry-leading timeframes.
SKILLED TRADES
Emily Chung
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Founder and Owner, AutoNiche Inc. Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship, 2013 Pre-Apprenticeship, 2006
Emily Chung is the founder and owner of AutoNiche Inc., a leading automotive repair company in Markham, Ontario. As one of the few sole female business owners in her field, she is committed to empowering women and men to achieve success as leaders in skilled trades. A passionate advocate for the sector, Chung appears in media, writes for trade publications and is a keynote speaker at industry and school events. She is also a faculty member at the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College.