Community Services

Jordan Belisle’s groundbreaking impact in behavioural analysis spans research in autism, human language and cognition, pushing the boundaries of psychology. His innovation in co-developing a specialized training system, and his acclaimed theory of language learning called the “relational density theory” have garnered international attention. Belisle’s role as a professor, researcher and mentor at Missouri State University and his recent transition to clinical director at a Michigan autism service provider underscore his continued leadership in his field.

Dave Brown is a trailblazer in community impact, marked by his 40-year journey at United Way Sarnia-Lambton. Bringing this organization from a deficit to a surplus, he has pioneered various innovative programs and initiatives that have significantly impacted his community. As executive director, he has led substantial fundraising efforts for the community. A graduate of radio, television and journalism arts, Brown’s storytelling prowess and media relations skills amplified United Way's outreach. As he enters retirement, his legacy as Canada's youngest and longest-serving United Way director endures.

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.

Although Ferg Devins built his career with Molson Coors, community service is his raison d’être. As chair of Bladder Cancer Canada, he raised awareness and funds to new heights. His company, ‘The Devins Network,’ coordinated the successful “Heroes of Play” campaign for Hockey Canada. Devins also co-founded the Coney Island (Maybe Annual) Music Festival and won the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his role on the True Patriot Love committee. Today, Devins is special advisor to the Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, and the Minister of Northern Development.

Zein Dhanidina’s journey from immigrant to founder of Refugee Women's Network (RWN) underscores the power of education. Inspired by her own family’s experience, she established RWN in 2016 to empower refugee and immigrant women in Toronto and beyond. Through online programs and donated resources, RWN has flourished, reaching women across the world and offering vital services in multiple languages. Dhanidina’s success is rooted in her dedication to learning, which equipped her with skills crucial for RWN's establishment and success. Her philanthropic contributions extend beyond RWN, exemplifying her commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

Heather George is an influential leader in the Canadian museum sector. She advocates for Indigenous perspectives and creates opportunities for Indigenous artists and curators. As president of the Canadian Museum Association, George advances the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #67, urging museums to engage in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. In 2021, she led a national review of museum policies in relation to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which involved Indigenous communities and museum professionals, and culminated in recommendations to change sector standards and develop repatriation laws.

Chaouki Hamka has been the local spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)  Windsor-Essex for 20 years. He works full-time as a corrections officer at the Southwest Detention Centre and serves on MADD's national board. Hamka began his involvement with MADD during college, leading him to a two-decade commitment to raising awareness about impaired driving. He visits schools and community groups, speaking about MADD's campaigns, and applies his communication skills and knowledge of behavioural and social sciences in his full-time role as a correctional officer at the detention centre.

Stacey Hill is a veteran police constable, the first Indigenous liaison officer for Hamilton Police Service and a long-time advocate for and within her Indigenous community. The goals of the position are to foster trust and build bridges between the police and Indigenous people and to help recruit more Indigenous people into the police service. Hill’s ground-breaking appointment attracted significant media attention and has led to other police agencies locally and nationally considering creating such a role. Her mission is to create a team of Indigenous officers and allies connecting with the community.

Kenneth Hykawy worked in a commendable 40+ year career in policing and frontline service in Alberta, receiving the Long Service Medal and Exemplary Service Medal for with a uniform bar for 30 years of service and the Alberta Emergency Services Medal with bars for 22 and 32 years of service. He is among one-tenth of a per cent of police officers in Canada bestowed annually with the Order of Merit of the police forces, recognizing the highest qualities of citizenship and service to Canada, the police community and humanity. After a volunteer mission in war-torn Kosovo, Hykawy earned a United Nations Peacekeeping Medal.

Building on their college education and military services, Toronto police officers Aaron Dale and Jeremy Burns co-founded the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP) to support veterans in crisis. Endorsed by Veterans Affairs Canada, National Defence’s Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group and the Royal Canadian Legion, MVWP is now part of mandatory training for Toronto police officers. Both veterans, Dale served in the Canadian Special Operations Regiment and Burns in the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Afghanistan.

Janis Kahentóktha Monture is a dedicated leader in the museum and cultural heritage sector. Her work in developing policies for sacred ceremonial belongings and her efforts in repatriating Indigenous artifacts have significantly contributed to cultural preservation. Kahentóktha Monture's education in museum studies provided the foundation for her successful career, equipping her with practical skills and knowledge. Her commitment to her community and her leadership in advocating for Indigenous representation in museums have earned her widespread respect and recognition.

Stephanie Leheta is an award-winning leader in strategy, organizational design, and project change management, inspiring teams and managing substantial portfolios. She helps charitable organizations create stronger business plans and effective strategies, impacting change both locally and nationally. Leheta has significantly contributed to Big Brothers Big Sisters embracing equity, diversity and inclusion across Canada, and has volunteered at Distress Centre Niagara, Tanguay Place and United Way South Niagara. She lends her expertise and life experience to strengthen organizations that serve underrepresented and in-need communities. Leheta is an active mentor and sponsor for the next generation of women in business.

Denise Booth McLeod was raised in a non-Indigenous family and is the daughter of parents apprehended in the 60’s Scoop. She dedicates her career to preserving Indigenous cultures and advocating for those who have endured violence, racism and oppression. McLeod was the TTC’s first Indigenous Consultant, where she supported racial equity and is developed a reconciliation strategy to build a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples. McLeod is a proud two-spirited Anishnaabe artist, facilitator and educator.

After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, Josephine Muhaya wanted to provide Black students a “second home” where they could feel safe and heard on campus. The Ugandan immigrant founded the Early Childhood Educators Black Student Association (SEEBSA) and invited Black students in early childhood education (ECE) to become members. SEEBSA’s primary goal is to develop initiatives that help Black students succeed, including involvement in a curriculum review of the ECE program led by Muhaya in 2022. This association connects a student community, supports their unique needs and influences the college’s curriculum to be more inclusive.

A former youth in care who experienced homelessness, suicidality and addiction, Cheyanne Ratnam is now a leading advocate for young people growing up in care and a leader who transforms the landscape of child welfare in Canada. As co-founder and CEO of Ontario Children’s Advancement Coalition and a research assistant at the KOJO Institute, she advances the rights and well-being of young people transitioning out of care. Ratnam is also an active community leader who volunteers with numerous non-profits to create change in the child welfare sector.

Randi Ray's passion for education and personal growth is deeply rooted in her commitment to finding solutions that bridge the past and future for Canada's Indigenous people. As a lifelong learner, she embraces discomfort, growth and change, recognizing that true progress often requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Ray’s dedication to learning is fueled by a strong desire to honour the rich heritage of Indigenous communities while working towards a more equitable and prosperous future. Ray’s companies are Indigenous-owned, designed and led, keeping Indigenous people at the centre of everything they do.

Mandy Richard is an Indigenous graduate who has made profound contributions to child welfare and Indigenous advocacy. Drawing from her lived experience as a youth in care, she co-authored the influential My Real Life Book report, leading to policy reform for child welfare in Ontario. As president of the Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre and communications manager for her community's First Nation administration, Richard advocates for addictions recovery and Indigenous youth. Her storytelling approach uses lived experiences to drive policy reforms, enhancing understanding and support for vulnerable populations.

When a neurological disorder robbed Mike Shoreman of his mobility and independence, it marked the end of his paddleboarding business. The mental toll very nearly ended his life. Fighting back, Shoreman uses the tools from his public relations education to take on the client of a lifetime: Canadians struggling with mental health. He became the first disabled person to cross the great lakes via paddleboard, filmed a multi-award-winning documentary of his journey, wrote two books and countless articles and is an educator focused on how the general public can help Canadians navigate their mental health.

When Mark Wafer co-owned Tim Hortons franchises, he became a champion for hiring individuals living with disabilities. Retiring from entrepreneurship, he became a full-time advocate, serving as chair and then interim CEO of Abilities Centre Whitby. Wafer was a member of the federal panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities and the OMEDEI Partnership Council. He is chair of Canadian Hearing Services, co-founder of Canadian Business SenseAbility and a member of the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. In 2015, Wafer helped end “sheltered workshops” in Ontario, where people with intellectual disabilities were employed separately under poor conditions and paid pennies a day.