The (YET) brings together community-identified milestones from across the University鈥檚 history in an interactive resource designed to grow through participation.听

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and retirees can explore the timeline, engage with 91亚色鈥檚 equity journey and contribute perspectives that can help the timeline continue to grow. 

Built with contributions from 91亚色 community members, the timeline captures experiences and developments that have helped shape equity at 91亚色. Milestones range from incremental changes to bold initiatives and may relate to particular social issues, identity groups, academic or staff units, or have broader relevance across the University. 

The project builds on a community consultation launched in 2025 that invited submission of events, initiatives and experiences. 聽

The digital timeline allows visitors to navigate an interactive collection of key moments across 91亚色's history, search by topic and learn more about the events, initiatives and experiences included. 

Community members can provide instant feedback on milestones by selecting a reaction, sharing reflections and suggesting additions. 

Feedback is reviewed by the YET team and helps inform the timeline鈥檚 continued development of an engaging living resource that encourages storytelling, connection and dialogue across generations of the 91亚色 community. 

The project traces its roots back to 91亚色's founding vision. At his installation as the University's first president, Murray Ross described 91亚色 as a "new university" with a responsibility to foster social progress, critical thinking and human development. The timeline invites community members to consider how that vision has taken shape through decades of collective action. 

"This timeline, created by 91亚色 community members, charts the University's path toward equity, starting with its founding," says Laina Bay-Cheng, interim provost and vice-president academic, who led the project in her former role as vice-president equity, people and culture.  

"I hope it helps people reflect on how far we've come, celebrates moments where 91亚色 has led the way and reinforces the next steps toward equity.鈥� 

The project supports 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to advancing decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion across the institution. It recognizes the work reflected in 91亚色鈥檚 DEDI Strategy while highlighting the decades of contributions from the community who have helped shape a more equitable University.听聽聽

聽"The timeline is a creative way to bring together different perspectives on what equity means, how we can advance it and how we measure progress across the 91亚色 community," says Parissa Safai, interim vice-president, equity, people and culture.听聽

"I hope it helps build a shared sense of pride and belonging and encourages people to stay involved." 

For Bay-Cheng, one of the strengths of the project lies in its ability to place individual moments within a broader story of institutional change. 

"I know from my own research how meaningful life history calendar methodologies can be. Creating a timeline isn't just about identifying events, it's a chance to see past experiences in context: what came before, what was going on at the same time and what came after," she says.  

"The timeline allows us to understand the history of equity at 91亚色 and to consider what we want it to be in the future." 

The 91亚色 Equity Timeline is a living project that grows through community participation. While it captures many significant moments in 91亚色's history, community members are encouraged to continue contributing milestones, stories and perspectives that help tell a fuller story of the University's ongoing pursuit of equity. 

Explore the .

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The five-year , funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), brought together more than 61 Inuit youth researchers, Elders, cultural advisors, musicians, artists and voice actors to co-create a psycho-educational video game grounded in Inuit knowledge and culture.

Led by Professor Yvonne Bohr at 91亚色's , the initiative was developed in partnership with communities across Nunavut and was guided by Inuit youth for everything from the game's story and artwork to its music, voice acting and wellness content.

Inspired by Inuit Qaggiq, a traditional Inuit gathering space for learning and community renewal, the game combines Western therapeutic strategies (such as cognitive behavioural therapy) with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), a set values based on Inuit philosophy, Elder teachings and other tactics shared by Inuit youth.

During the game, players follow a young protagonist named Alaasua through seven quests exploring wellness topics identified as important to Inuit youth, including interpersonal conflict, substance use and relationship loss. 

Between October 2025 and July 2026, 276 Inuit youth from 37 communities across Canada tested the game and provided feedback through surveys, interviews and evaluation workshops. 

Bohr says the findings suggest the game is both safe and beneficial for participating youth. The research team found improvements in participants' confidence and ability to manage difficult emotions, challenge negative thoughts and use coping strategies such as seeking support from others. 

For many involved, the impact extended beyond gameplay. Inuit youth who co-created the game gained experience in research, leadership and mental health advocacy, while sharing Inuit culture and advancing traditional IQ principles.

"We have learned that young people in Nunavut have a great passion for supporting mental wellness in their communities," says Bohr. "While youth leaders and Elders are eager to evaluate Western mental health interventions for youth, Inuit knowledge about healing must be front and centre in those interventions. Ideally, any mental health intervention should be developed by youth themselves with the support of their communities."

The game鈥檚 success is attracting attention. Earlier this month, Virtual Qaggiq was featured by CBC News for its innovative approach to supporting Inuit youth mental health through culturally relevant digital spaces. 

"What excites me most about the Virtual Qaggiq project is the promise the game has shown as a culturally grounded mental health resource for Inuit youth," says project coordinator and 91亚色 research assistant Yogita Singh. "Seeing Inuit youth on the team grow from project council members into research assistants and emerging leaders in mental health and research has been incredibly inspiring." 

The research team is working with the Nunavut Department of Education to explore making Virtual Qaggiq available to youth through schools and afterschool programs across the territory. The team is also considering future initiatives that build on the project's community-led model to address other priorities identified by Inuit youth. 

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Shital Desai, an associate professor at the , has been appointed to the Standards Council of Canada's mirror committee for the International Electrotechnical Commission Systems Committee on Active Assisted Living (IEC/SyC AAL).

Through the appointment, Desai will contribute community-engaged research insights and subject matter expertise to Canada鈥檚 participation in the development of international standards for accessible assistive technologies.

The committee supports the development of standards for technologies, products and services that promote independent living, accessibility and quality of life for people of all ages and abilities, including older adults, people with disabilities and people living with dementia.

As a member, Desai will review standards documents, provide subject-matter expertise and help develop consensus based Canadian positions on international standards initiatives.

"This appointment is an opportunity for me to bring 91亚色's expertise and commitment to inclusive innovation into international standards development," says Desai.

"I look forward to collaborating with experts from Canada and around the world to help shape technologies and systems that are accessible, responsible and responsive to people's needs."

The appointment reflects Desai's longstanding research in accessible interaction design, inclusive and assistive technologies, aging and dementia, as well as participatory approaches that engage older adults and people with disabilities in the design process. Her participation on the committee will also create opportunities to bring emerging international standards into both her research and teaching.

She plans to incorporate insights from the committee's work into course content and experiential learning opportunities, giving students exposure to the standards and requirements that shape technologies from design through implementation. Desai says students will also be encouraged to explore how accessibility-focused innovations can be translated into socially responsible and commercially viable solutions that address community needs.   

"This role will allow me to introduce students to standards-informed design and show them how international standards influence the development, evaluation and adoption of accessible and assistive technologies," says Desai.

Beyond student learning, Desai sees the appointment as an opportunity to extend the global reach of her community-engaged research by helping to ensure accessibility and lived experience remain central considerations in standards development.

"Older adults, people with disabilities and people living with dementia often encounter usability and adoption barriers when technologies do not reflect their needs, abilities and everyday contexts," she says.

"When their perspectives and lived experiences inform standards, and standards subsequently guide the design and development process, technologies and services are more likely to be accessible, useful, interoperable and adopted in practice."

Desai hopes to help ensure that diverse perspectives are reflected in global standards development while demonstrating 91亚色's leadership in inclusive innovation.

"Ultimately, I hope this work contributes to technologies and services that support independence, participation and quality of life in Canada and around the world."

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The project 鈥淒eveloping LGBTQI+ Health Surveillance Capacity in Canada: Longitudinal Linked-Data Analyses of Primary Care, Prevention, Chronic Disease, Disability, and Unmet Need鈥� aims to generate evidence that can help reduce health inequities and improve health care services, programs and policies for sexually and gender-diverse communities. 

The study is led by Antony Chum, associate professor in 91亚色's , with co-principal applicant Yihong Bai (University of Manitoba) and co-principal knowledge user Jennifer Rayner (Alliance for Healthier Communities). The team also includes co-investigators from 91亚色 and partner institutions, including 91亚色 graduate鈥嬧�� Alex Abramovich and 91亚色 postdoctoral research fellow Peiya Cao, as well as Brittany A. Jakubiec, Caley B. Shukalek, David Brennan, Devan Nambiar and June Lam. 

Previous research on 2SLGBTQIA+ care has largely focused on mental health and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, including HIV. As a result broader health needs remain understudied. Addressing this gap is important because stigma, discrimination and barriers to inclusive care can delay screening and treatment, contributing to poorer outcomes, says Chum. 

The project aims to develop public health surveillance capacity for 2SLGBTQIA+ populations in Canada using census, survey and health administrative data, the team will track the outcomes of millions of Canadians over periods of up to 20 years. The findings will provide a comprehensive picture of their health and examining primary care access, cancer screening and incidence, vaccination, chronic disease, disability, and preventable emergency department visits and hospitalizations. 

The findings will identify when and where gaps in care emerge and who is most affected. Working with community and health system partners, the team will use this evidence to inform improvements in primary care, preventive services and chronic disease management for 2SLGBTQIA+ people across Canada. 

The funding was awarded through CIHR鈥檚 Advancing 2S/LGBTQI+ Health Through Research program. 

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His commitment to equitable and culturally responsive teaching and learning 鈥� a defining focus of his work as course director and instructor at the Faculty of Education 鈥� has earned him national honour as a recipient of the 2026 PHE Canada Impact Award.听

"It's deeply humbling," says Khan, who is pursuing a PhD at the . "I see this award as a recognition of the students, families, teacher candidates and communities who have shaped my thinking, and as an affirmation that equity and diversity belong at the centre of physical and health education, not at its margins."

The national award follows Khan鈥檚 receipt of 91亚色鈥檚 2026 President's University-Wide Teaching Award, underscoring the impact of his teaching, curriculum development and advocacy both at 91亚色 and beyond. 

At 91亚色, Khan works to advance inclusive and culturally responsive practice in education. His approach is informed by years of experience as an elementary and secondary educator and, more recently, as a course director preparing the next generation of teachers. 

"I saw how often students from racialized, marginalized and newcomer communities felt that physical education wasn't designed with them in mind," says Khan.  

"Whether it was dress, fasting, language or simply not seeing themselves reflected, many were opting out of something that should belong to everyone." 

His experience shapes the foundation of Khan's teaching, research and advocacy work, leading him to explore how educators can create environments where every student feels welcomed, represented and empowered to participate. 

Among the initiatives Khan is most proud of is 鈥淟earning from the Land,鈥� which invites teacher-candidates to walk the Huron-Wendat Trail at 91亚色's Keele Campus and engage with Indigenous histories, relationships to place and the diverse populations that make up the 91亚色 community. 

"These walks remind future teachers that land, place and community are powerful teachers in their own right, and that culturally responsive practice begins with understanding where we stand," says Khan. 

Khan also partners with OPHEA (Ontario Physical Activity Standards in Education) to deliver workshops on gender-based violence prevention, preparing future educators with the knowledge and confidence to address complex issues in health and physical education settings. 

Khan says the award affirms the importance of culturally responsive practice across classrooms, curricula and community partnerships. 

"It reinforces a conviction that runs through everything I do: teaching, research and advocacy are inseparable," he says.听聽

"Whether I'm preparing teacher candidates, developing curriculum, conducting research, or working alongside community partners, the goal is the same, to ensure that culturally responsive practice isn't an add-on, but a foundation." 

As he continues his work at 91亚色 and beyond, Khan hopes other educators will be encouraged to embrace inclusive approaches and help ensure health and physical education reflects diverse identities. 

"I hope this recognition encourages more racialized and marginalized educators to take up space in health and physical education environments and affirm diverse identities in their classrooms."

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Presented by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), the awards honour individuals whose work has made a significant impact in communities across Ontario. This year鈥檚 awards are presented to Distinguished Research Professor Carl E. James, student Tonny Muzira and alum Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani. 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Carl E. James, Distinguished Research Professor and Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at 91亚色 

Awarded to an individual for significant contributions over their lifetime to advance human rights. 

One of Canada's leading scholars on race, racialization and education, James has has spent decades examining the experiences of marginalized communities and the barriers they face in education and society. 

His research has shaped public policy and education practices across Canada. Notably, his report Towards Race Equity in Education: The Schooling of Black Students in the Greater Toronto Area helped spotlight inequities in Ontario's education system and informed discussions about academic streaming and student success. 

James holds the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at 91亚色's Faculty of Education and has served as equity advisor to the dean. Through community partnerships and the national Securing Black Futures initiative, he works to improve educational experiences and expand pathways to post-secondary education for Black students.

鈥淚t is always a privilege to be recognized for contributions to community 鈥� particularly when the contribution helps to advance human rights and social justice," James says. "I am pleased to receive this recognition knowing that others have worked with me to make this possible.鈥� 

The Lifetime Achievement Award adds to numerous honours recognizing James' impact as a scholar, educator and community leader. His influence extends beyond research and is reflected in the generations of students, educators and community members he has inspired. 

Distinguished Service Award: Tonny Muzira, Bachelor of Public Administration

Awarded for outstanding contribution to advancing human rights.  

Muzira is an organizational policy and development specialist whose work focuses on housing, public health equity and community empowerment, particularly for Black immigrant and refugee communities in Ontario. 

During the 2023 Toronto refugee housing crisis, Muzira helped coordinate advocacy efforts that secured a federal commitment for emergency housing relief for hundreds of refugee claimants sleeping outdoors. He has since contributed policy recommendations to the City of Toronto on chronic homelessness. 

As co-founder of the Centre for Black Development Options Canada (CBDOC), Muzira has championed issues affecting Black immigrants and refugees, including organizing Toronto's first International Conference on Black Immigrants and Refugees in 2024. His work also supports HIV prevention and equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services for Black newcomers. 

"Receiving the Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award is a profound honour," says Muzira, a student at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.听"Daniel Hill showed that human rights are built through steady work in our communities, and I accept this award on behalf of the refugees, newcomers, youth and colleagues at the Centre for Black Development Options Canada who do that work every day. Housing, health and belonging are not charity. They are rights, and we will keep fighting until every person in Ontario can claim them."聽

Young Leader Award: Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani (BA 鈥�20, MPPAL 鈥�22), 91亚色 Senate representative, 91亚色 Alumni Board member 

Awarded to a person under age 30 for their outstanding contribution to advancing human rights.  

Nasrazadani is a disability rights advocate and policy advisor whose work focuses on accessibility, human rights and education. 

Drawing from her lived experience and professional expertise, she works to advance the rights of people with disabilities and address systemic barriers to equity and inclusion. Through her advocacy and policy development work, she has led initiatives and informed policies that strengthen accessibility, challenge ableism and foster inclusion in education and public policy.  

Recognized for her contributions to disability rights and accessibility, Nasrazadani was named one of 91亚色's inaugural Top 30 Alumni Under 30 in 2021. An active member of 91亚色's alumni community and a Senate representative, she has contributed to several University accessibility initiatives, including advising on the accessible design of the 91亚色 Markham Campus. 

"I am deeply honoured to receive this award," says Nasrazadani. "To be recognized alongside such inspiring leaders and changemakers is truly humbling. This recognition is deeply personal to me, reflecting both the progress made in advancing accessibility, inclusion and disability rights, and the work that continues ahead." 

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The ESR is a comprehensive review of 91亚色鈥檚 policies, practices and workplace culture. It aims to examine how systems across the employee lifecycle 鈥� from recruitment and hiring to career advancement and retention 鈥� guide equity outcomes. 

鈥淭he goal is to better understand where 91亚色 does well and where there remains room for improvements in our continuous efforts to foster an inclusive working environment,鈥� says Parissa Safai, interim vice-president equity, people and culture. 鈥淚nput from 91亚色鈥檚 faculty and staff is essential to advancing equity across the University.鈥� 

The survey provides an opportunity for employees to share experiences, observations and perspectives on how systems are working in practice, and insights will be used to inform recommendations related to employment equity. 

91亚色 staff and faculty members are invited to complete this survey regardless of whether they identify as a member of an equity-deserving group.  However, those who self-identify as part of five equity-deserving groups 鈥� women, racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community 鈥� will have the opportunity to express interest in follow-up engagement opportunities, such as focus groups or one-on-one conversations.  

鈥淭he Employment Systems Review reflects 91亚色鈥檚 ongoing commitment to employment equity, human rights and continuous improvement, aligned with the University鈥檚 DEDI Strategy, the Action Plan on Black Inclusion and the Indigenous Framework,鈥� says Safai. 

The survey opens Oct. 5 and closes Nov. 5 and is available online.听

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Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day to honour Survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home and the families and communities forever changed by this system.

The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, to deepen our understanding of their intergenerational effects and to renew our shared commitment to truth, healing and meaningful reconciliation. 

For non-Indigenous members of our community, this is a day for learning, accountability and reflection: to listen to Indigenous voices, engage with the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and consider our individual and collective responsibilities. For Indigenous members of our community, it may be a day for rest, remembrance, reflection and care. We ask everyone at 91亚色 to approach Sept. 30 with compassion and humility, recognizing that reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility that requires sustained commitment and action. 

This year marks 11 years since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada鈥檚 final report and 94 Calls to Action. The Calls to Action urge governments, institutions and all Canadians to confront the legacy of residential schools and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. This anniversary invites us to reflect honestly on the progress made, acknowledge where challenges remain and consider where we must continue to do better. 

At 91亚色, we remain committed to advancing reconciliation, guided by the Indigenous Framework (2017), the Indigenous Framework Review (2024) and the Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028. These commitments remind us that reconciliation must be embedded across the University, including in teaching and learning, research, policies and practices, and in our relationships. 

We recognize that, as an institution, we are still on a long journey. We are grateful to the individuals and communities who offer guidance, share knowledge and help us understand what meaningful reconciliation requires. We remain committed to building respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities and to continuing to listen, learn and act. 

We invite all members of the 91亚色 community to reflect on how reconciliation informs your studies, research, practice, teaching and service at the University. We encourage everyone to explore the resources available on 91亚色鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website and to participate in events that create collective space for reflection, remembrance, learning and healing. 

Reconciliation is a responsibility we all share. As a community, may we approach this day with compassion, humility and care, and come together in a spirit of healing, recognizing that meaningful reconciliation begins with listening, is sustained through action and requires all of us to remain committed to the journey. 

Lisa Philipps
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor 

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This year, the 91亚色 community is invited to participate in a special Heart Garden that asks them to reflect on how reconciliation informs their learning, teaching, research, professional practice, daily work or personal lives.

Community members can share their reflections by writing them down on a paper heart at select in-person events and tabling locations at 91亚色鈥檚 three campuses on Sept. 28.

A digital submission option is also available through 91亚色鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website. These reflections will become part of a Heart Garden installation at Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig on Sept. 30.

Community members are also encouraged to centre the experiences of residential school survivors and engage in reconciliation by:

• wearing an orange shirt, a symbol that raises awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and affirms that Every Child Matters;
• exploring reports, films, podcasts and other resources available through the University鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website; and
• attending one of the events being offered throughout the month, including the University鈥檚 Sept. 30 commemorative gathering.

Film screenings

From Sept. 21 to 24, the University will host screenings of The Knowing by award-winning journalist Tanya Talaga. The four-part documentary series follows Talaga's search for answers about her family history while exploring the enduring effects of residential schools and colonial policies on Indigenous families and communities. Viewers should be aware that the series includes content that may be distressing for survivors and their families.

One of four episodes will screen daily at 2:30 p.m. in 91亚色 Lanes, Room 301A, in the following order: The Knowing; Stolen Children; Lost, Found and Lost Again; and The End is the Beginning.

is required, as space is limited.

Heart Garden community reflections

On Sept. 28, community members can visit Heart Garden reflection tables from noon to 3 p.m. at Vari Hall (Keele Campus), the Welcome Desk (Glendon Campus) and the West Atrium (Markham Campus).

Participants will be invited to respond to the reflection question and add their thoughts to the Heart Garden. Reflections will be incorporated into the Sept. 30 installation at Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig.

Indigenous community gathering

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Indigenous community members are invited to gather on a drop-in basis, at Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The gathering will provide an opportunity to connect through informal conversation and shared time together. Medicines, beading materials and refreshments will be provided. This event is open to those who self-identify as Indigenous.

Commemorative event

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, 91亚色 community members are invited to attend the University鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemorative event in person or online. Advance and bringing YUCards is encouraged.

Beginning at 10 a.m.in the Helliwell Centre at the Keele Campus, the event will be livestreamed, with in-person viewing locations available at MK2050 on the Markham Campus and the Theatre at the Glendon Campus. A panel discussion will respond to this year鈥檚 Heart Garden reflection question and reflect on themes from The Knowing, highlighting reconciliation in action within the 91亚色 community.

Following the event, in-person participants will be invited to Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig for light refreshments and an opportunity to engage with the Heart Garden installation.

For additional information and resources, visit the鈥�National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website.

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Since its launch in 2003, the Canada鈥檚 Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards have recognized women whose accomplishments have left a lasting mark on their professions and communities. This year's 91亚色-affiliated honourees include leaders in AI, transportation, construction law, governance and health care.

Below are this year鈥檚 recipients and the categories for which they were recognized.

AI and Technology

This category recognizes women whose work moves technology beyond theory, influencing real-world outcomes through product development, platform strategy, data systems, automation and enterprise technology adoption.

Lisa Marie Chen (MBA 鈥�11) leads the product team behind IBM watsonx BI, shaping how generative AI is changing the way organizations understand and work with data. A graduate of the , Chen has built a career in product development, design, entrepreneurship and higher education. In addition to her role at IBM, she teaches strategy at Schulich and previously founded Canada鈥檚 first Asian Canadian lifestyle magazine. Her work brings together technology, design and human-centred problem solving. 聽

A technology executive and board director, Irene Zaguskin (BA 鈥�09) serves as PwC Americas鈥� co-chief information officer as well as PwC Canada鈥檚 chief information and transformation officer, chief data and analytics officer, and partner. The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) alum has led digital transformation, technology innovation and business reinvention across the professional services, retail, telecommunications and energy sectors.

Amex Emerging Leaders

This category recognizes women between the ages of 30 and 40 who have been identified for successive leadership positions and demonstrate a passion for learning and innovation.

Saloni Shah (BAS 鈥�07) is an infrastructure advisory lead and principal consultant at the design and engineering firm HDR, where she helps clients plan and deliver complex infrastructure and transportation projects. A graduate of LA&PS and a chartered professional accountant, Shah has held roles in transportation strategy, infrastructure planning and market analysis. She also supports community-based non-profit organizations through pro bono consulting, serves on HDR鈥檚 Inclusion and Diversity Committee and is treasurer of WTS Toronto, an organization that advances women working in transportation.

Board of Directors

This category recognizes women who bring transformative vision and leadership to the highest levels of governance.

With more than two decades of board experience, Corinne Boone (MES 鈥�94) has developed expertise in governance strategy, climate finance, as well as energy and mining. The Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change alum serves as board Chair of Canada Growth Fund, independent director and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) committee Chair at mineral company Los Andes Copper, and is a director of the energy non-profit EfficiencyOne. Boone also contributes to governance education as a lead ESG lecturer with Corporate Directors International and has mentored aspiring directors through Women Get on Boards.

Entrepreneurs

This category recognizes women who own and operate thriving businesses.

Trained as an anthropologist, Johanna Faigelman (MA 鈥�00) founded HumanBranding in 2006 and has since expanded the behavioural insights consultancy to Toronto and New Jersey. The LA&PS alum developed a methodology that helps pharmaceutical, biotechnology and consumer companies better understand the cultural and emotional factors influencing behaviour. Faigelman was named a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Ontario program and was part of the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women North America class of 2025.

CN Executive Leaders

This category recognizes women who exemplify strong leadership while building confidence and championing others.

As executive vice-president and chief legal and governance officer at TELUS, Andrea Wood (LLB 鈥�85) oversees the company鈥檚 legal, regulatory and privacy functions and serves as corporate secretary to its board of directors. The alum also serves on the board of the Museum of Contemporary Art, is vice-Chair of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation鈥檚 GTA Community Board and is a member of the Canadian Lawyer Editorial Board. Wood has been recognized by Chambers Canada as a General Counsel Influencer and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Law Awards.

Erica Zarkovich (LLM 鈥�15) leads LifeLabs鈥� commercial and strategic partnerships across Canada鈥檚 health care sector as the company鈥檚 chief market and partnerships officer. A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, she works to improve growth, innovation and improved access to health care through collaborations that connect patients, providers and partners across the system. Zarkovich is particularly committed to advancing health equity in remote, rural and Indigenous communities.

Professionals

This category recognizes women who are professionals in practice and play a leadership role within their organizations.

At Metrolinx, Lena Azzou (BA 鈥�05) oversees enterprise strategy and transformation, operational excellence, enterprise project management and enterprise risk management. The LA&PS graduate is a certified change management and strategy implementation practitioner who has held senior leadership positions including chief of staff and Chair of the Metrolinx Women鈥檚 Network. She has also served as vice-Chair of the Women鈥檚 Centre of 91亚色 Region and contributes to her community as a mentor, volunteer and advocate for women and families.

Andrea Lee, who teaches at Osgoode Hall Law School, is managing partner of Glaholt Bowles LLP and a certified specialist in construction law. Trained in both architecture and law, she advises owners, contractors, design professionals and insurers on complex infrastructure and construction matters. Lee is a fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers and has co-authored leading construction law texts. Her work has earned recognition from Lexpert, Chambers, Benchmark Litigation and Best Lawyers.

For the full list of this year鈥檚 winners, visit the .

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