2026 Diversity Scholarship Award Winners

Brishnah Ahmad

Brishnah is a third year Health Studies student who values kindness, perseverance, and the importance of giving back to the community. Those principles have shaped both her academic and personal goals. Outside of school, she finds opportunities to connect with others through sports and the arts, experiences she reports have made her more understanding, responsible, and supportive of those around her. Brishnah wants to build a future where she makes a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of others, whether big or small.

Brishnah is a resident of Margaret Laurence Housing Co-operative.

Wafiya Hoque

Wafiya is a first-year English Literature student with a passion for education, community involvement, and creative expression. She’s been a volunteer teacher and supervisor of children, has supported newcomer communities, and has also helped organize awareness initiatives focused on equity and inclusion. Outside of academics, Wafiya enjoys Arabic calligraphy, arts and crafts, making handmade jewelry, and practising taekwondo and archery.

Wafiya is a resident of Riverdale Co-operative Houses.

Ian Jims

Ian graduated from Northern Secondary School in June and looks forward to beginning a communications program in September 2026. Ian has a passion for baseball, currently playing on a travel team, and his school team where he’s a pitcher who sometimes plays outfield and second base. Outside of baseball, he listens to music, engages in photography, and enjoys hockey. Ian is looking forward to pursuing post-secondary education to learn and grow as a person.

Ian is a resident of Oak Street Housing Co-operative Inc.

Ro Mather

Ro works in nonprofit operations and legal advocacy supporting 2STNBGN communities, focusing on accessibility, governance, community care, and public policy. Ro holds a post-graduate certificate in Climate Change Policy and Practice and will begin a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law program shortly. As a first-generation university student, they are passionate about building more equitable and supportive communities both within and beyond the co-op movement.

Ro is a resident of Spruce Court Co-operative.

Khushi Derai

Khushi is a 3rd year Business Administration student. She found an early love for finding creative solutions to challenges like solving Rubik’s Cubes, Sudoku puzzles, or anything else that pushed her to think differently. That love for problem-solving has translated into everything she does today, from representing her school as part of the International Case Competition Team to supporting small and medium-sized businesses across Toronto by leading a pro-bono consulting organization. Outside of school and work, she watches Formula 1, with Mercedes as her favourite team.

Khushi is a resident of Neill-Wycik Co-operative College.

Gabrielle Gareau

Gabrielle recently received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Family Supports and Community Practice. Now she’s pursuing a Master of Nursing while continuing to grow her passion for community health, patient advocacy, and leadership. As a student-athlete who plays hockey, Gabrielle has developed strong teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills both on and off the ice. Through academics, athletics, and community involvement, she has a passion for creating supportive environments and making meaningful contributions to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Gabrielle is a resident of Neill-Wycik Co-operative College.

Rebecca Li

Rebecca is a first-generation Chinese Canadian student, studying Health Policy and Mental Health Studies with a strong interest in child and youth mental health and community-based support. She is passionate about promoting accessibility and well-being through health policy research and community engagement. Rebecca volunteers at a clothing and food bank, reflecting her interest in supporting underserved populations in community-based care. She hopes one day to work as a psychologist with children in educational or clinical settings, or in public health to help alleviate barriers to healthcare for communities that need it the most.

Rebecca is a resident of Atkinson Housing Co-operative Inc.

Clint Matteer

Clint is a multidisciplinary designer and Environmental Design. With a background in landscape design, architecture, fashion production, and community-led creative initiatives, his work explores the intersection of spatial design, sustainability, and cultural storytelling. Growing up in Toronto, his experiences have shaped a design perspective rooted in resilience, representation, and social impact. His practice bridges art, design, and systems thinking to reimagine spaces that foster belonging, equity, and environmental responsibility, with a focus on creating meaningful experiences for diverse communities through thoughtful and human-centered design.

Clint is a resident of Windward Co-operative Homes Inc.

Fizza Naqvi

Fizza will be pursuing a a degree in life sciences. In high school, she embraced leadership opportunities on the Student Activity Council and the Muslim Student Association, where she helped organize events and support her school community. She was also part of the yearbook committee where she explored her love for photography. Fizza enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends. She’s aiming for a career in dentistry and is committed to making a positive impact with her dedication and compassion.

Fizza is a resident of Tapscott Village Co-operative Inc.

Teauzah Pessoa

Teauzah will be studying public policy and administration. During high school, she was actively involved in the community, striving to create environments where youth of colour felt appreciated, supported, and empowered. These experiences strengthened her passion for advocacy, equity, and social change. Teauzah hopes to continue this work in university by developing the knowledge and skills needed to shape policies that promote inclusion and create meaningful opportunities for underserved communities.

Teauzah is a resident of Ramer’s Wood Co-operative Homes Inc.

Denis Romero

Denis is a marketing student passionate about bridging neurodiversity and mental health awareness. With a strong background in visual communications, he works on projects that unite the ADHD community, organizes neurodiverse-friendly events, and shares valuable insights about how our brains function. His goal is to foster inclusivity and understanding while advocating for mental health support. Outside of his advocacy work, Denis experiments with photography and illustration techniques to express creativity and raise awareness. He aims to create meaningful connections and promote a more inclusive society.

Denis is a resident of Neill-Wycik Co-operative College.

Alice Zenguele

Growing up in the diverse northwest Toronto community of Weston as a first-generation African Canadian shaped Alice’s commitment to advocacy, empathy, and community support. These experiences inspired her to help individuals build independence, improve their well-being, and get the resources necessary to succeed.

Alice strives to create connections and make a positive impact within her community, particularly in the areas of mental health and addictions. She hopes to bridge the gap in representation within the social work field and shift the narrative surrounding individuals from low-income communities. Alice remains determined to rise above any barriers she’s experienced and uses her experience, compassion, and dedication to empower others. Alice is completing a Master’s in Social Work.

Alice is a resident of Humberview Housing Co-operative Inc.

Angela Alampur

With more than 30 years of experience in business management and administration, Angela has built a career grounded in leadership, dedication, and service. She is passionate about animal care and nature conservation, valuing compassion and stewardship in all areas of life. Angela is beginning a new chapter by pursuing a career in social services focusing on gerontology, and supporting and enriching the lives of others, reflecting her compassion for people and the environment.

Angela is a resident of Bridletowne Circle Co-operative Homes.

Elizabeth Cunningham

Elizabeth is pursuing a Horticulture Diploma, a career that eight-year-old Elizabeth dreamed of while standing in her uncle’s vegetable garden many years ago. Once far out of reach as a working single mother, this scholarship is making her a reality.

Living between high-rises has inspired Elizabeth’s passion for therapeutic horticulture and urban farming. Her goal is to transform underutilized urban spaces into community farms that support healing, food security, and community well-being.

Elizabeth is a resident of Oak Street Housing Co-operative Inc.

Karyn Moore

Karyn is an MBA candidate and a dedicated community advocate. Karyn is a past President of the CHFT board. She also currently serves on several CHFT land trust boards, supporting the development of multiple housing projects. Additionally, Karyn has led community engagement and fundraising initiatives through her workplace Pride network. As an avid reader passionate about inclusive community development, she focuses on creating spaces where people feel supported.

Karyn is a resident of Oak Street Housing Co-operative Inc.

Ishita Shreshtha

Ishita is a PhD candidate working on research to detect cancer earlier. Working as a community assistant has taught her that paying attention to people is its own kind of work. Ishita is glad to be part of her community and hopes to keep showing up for it.

Ishita is a resident of Neill-Wycik Co-operative College.

Elyas Hannoufa

Elyas is entering his fourth year pursuing a degree in Materials Engineering. He’s studying material pollution and waste recycling to help support more practical and sustainable living. Beyond his studies, Elyas volunteers and works for his coop, does student outreach within his university, and enjoys painting and watching movies! Elyas hopes to stay involved with the local co-ops and continue to work on finding practical sustainable solutions for everyday folks.

Elyas is a resident of Campus Co-operative Residence Inc.

Hana Hashi

Hana Hashi is a psychology student and hopes to pursue Occupational Therapy. As the valedictorian of her graduating class, she is passionate about leadership, mental health advocacy, and supporting individuals to them thrive in their everyday lives. Outside of school, Hana is actively involved in community initiatives focused on youth empowerment, equity, and giving back to underserved communities. She is also a dedicated student athlete who plays both basketball and volleyball. Sports have strengthened her resilience, teamwork, and discipline. Hana hopes for a career that creates supportive and empowering spaces where people feel understood, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Hana is a resident of Robert Cooke Co-operative Homes Inc.

Kumba Kabbah

Kumba is a dedicated community leader. At her co-op, she has served as secretary and vice president and has been active in community initiatives including seasonal cleanups, children’s holiday events, BBQs, and resident engagement activities. She is passionate about education, diversity, and supporting families within the community. She is pursuing post-secondary studies in a helping profession to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Kumba is a resident of Bowmanville Valley Co-operative Homes.

Carey Katumba

Carey was the Vice President of his high school student council and is a dedicated school leader. Carey has channeled his passion for service into over 2000 hours of volunteer work, alongside managing his own business, Carey’s Crochets. He’s balanced his English and French studies with diverse experiences, including heading his school’s audiovisual team and exploring the culinary arts. Carey plans to channel his passion for science and serving his community into a career as a medical radiation imaging technologist.

Carey is a resident of Clintwood Non-profit Housing Co-operative.

Nyal Umar

In high school Nyal was active on Student Council as the Minister of Clubs and Committees. He also was a leader-in-training with Stagecoach, where he worked with children on musical theatre performance. Nyal will start a Bachelor of Computer Science program in September.

Nyal is a resident of Hazelburn Co-operative Homes.

Helia Ehsan Nezhad

Helia moved to Canada in 2025 to begin studies in Biomedical Sciences. Living in a co-op has given her a sense of belonging during her first year in Canada and taught her the value of community, collaboration, and mutual support. While maintaining a 4.26 CGPA, Helia serves as a Peer Support Facilitator supporting students through one-on-one and group sessions. Outside of academics, she loves basketball, dancing, staying active, and anything that brings people together. Helia is grateful for the friendships, opportunities, and supportive communities that have shaped her experience in Canada.

Helia is a resident of Neill-Wycik Co-operative College.

Mariam Jikineh

Mariam is entering year two of a Health Sciences bachelor’s program, with an interest in Public Health. Involvement with her school’s Black Student Alliance has helped her reflect on the distrustful relationship that many Black and immigrant families have with the healthcare system and hope for both more effortful and reliable care. Mariam looks forward to learning more about the field throughout her studies and figuring out how she can push for growth.

Mariam is a resident of Willmar Eight Housing Co-operative.

Mahamed Mohamoud

Mahamed is in his third year of a finance program. He credits who he is with always trying to grow through different experiences and challenges. Mahamed cares a lot about community, representation, and making people feel included and understood, especially in spaces where that’s not always common. He values genuine connections, open-minded conversations, and learning from different perspectives. Whether it’s through school, work, or everyday interactions, Mahamed tries to stay grounded, approachable, and motivated to create a positive impact.

Mahamed is a resident of Broadview Housing Co-operative Inc.

Foday Saidykhan

Foday has contributed to his co-op by taking a leadership role in helping members understand diversity, equity and inclusion, and sharing cultural information about Africa. This year he organized a Black History Month event called “A Taste of Gambia”, where he shared food, music and various cultural videos. Many co-op members attended and appreciated the opportunity to learn. Foday is passionate about basketball and will start an undergraduate degree in kinesiology in September 2026. He plans to continue educating Canadians about the amazing cultures in Africa using his lived experience and passion for his homeland.

Foday is a resident of Stanley Knowles Housing Co-operative.