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Meet the 2025 Student Leadership Awards winners

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By Maryam Labani, Current Student Communications

Last night, the Student Leadership Awards honoured this year’s winners and nominees. The awards are presented to students, faculty and staff who have shown themselves to be leaders through their outstanding contributions to the College community. More than 160 attendees joined us to show their support. 

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2025 Student Leadership Awards!

Student Leader Award 

Margaret Waldron, Associate Degree in Arts – WINNER 

“Margaret is the rep for the DSU Pride Collective. She is the first trans woman leader at DSU Pride, and the first openly trans person in leadership during their DSU term. One of her initiatives last year was a gender-affirming clothing swap, which was part social event, part resource event. She secured clothing donations, promoted the event, recruited volunteers and hosted an onsite information session for trans-/gender-affirming health care, clothing and overall wellness. For this upcoming year, she is in the process of organizing a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) info panel with a local endocrinologist and a nurse that specializes in hormone readiness assessments. This type of trans health information can be difficult and even stigmatized to access.” – Amber Dawn Upfold, nominator

Taranjeet Parmar, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology – WINNER 

“I first met Taranjeet when she was working at a student event in her capacity as a volunteer Student Assistant Wellness Leader, which she has done from September 2022 to January 2024. Her energy, enthusiasm and attentiveness to student needs and questions were immediately obvious. I work most closely with Taranjeet in her current position as a peer tutor at the Douglas College Learning Centre. Taranjeet has become a “go-to” tutor in the Learning Centre: On several occasions, when we have had students with special needs, we have called on Taranjeet to work with those students. When students have other challenges to their academic success, such as neurodivergent differences, Taranjeet is able to work with the whole student; that is, she is able to consider their emotional needs as well as their academic skills needs.” – Nancy Johnson, nominator 

Tavleen Kaur, Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Services – WINNER 

“Tavleen is able to build instant connections and make people feel like they belong, no matter their background. She takes initiative inreaching out to people, building lasting relationships and including everyone. In the Learning Centre, she ensures her students feel comfortable and instills confidence in them. Tavleen is an excellent listener, consistently exhibiting active listing skills such as reflecting, clarifying and empathizing. Her openness enables her to see things from other perspectives and find common ground.  Tavleen consistently contributes to the growth of communities she is a part of, including the Learning Centre and Student Life. Her colleagues regularly reach out to her for guidance, which she sees as an opportunity to improve confidence and cultivate connections. As a leader, she tries to build confidence in others so they can become leaders themselves.” – Ryan O’Connor, nominator 

Thi Hoai Thuong (Kaylin) Le, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Advanced Supply Chain Management – WINNER 

“Kaylin goes above and beyond to help first-semester international students navigate their academic and social lives in Canada, ensuring their transition is as smooth and successful as possible. Kaylin has shown remarkable initiative and commitment in her role within the mentorship program. She has organized and hosted a variety of events that foster connection, networking and the development of lasting friendships among international students. These events have provided invaluable opportunities for students to integrate into the College community and form meaningful relationships with their peers. She addresses inquiries with patience, clarity and care, ensuring students feel supported every step of the way. Her efforts are truly commendable, and she is an indispensable asset to the Douglas College community.” – Mia Trieu, nominator 

Nominees for Student Leader Award 

Congratulations to all the students who were nominated for the Student Leader Award. 

Up and Coming Student Leader Award 

Hai Linh (Sophie) Hoang, Diploma in Management – WINNER 

“Since joining the DCI Ambassador Program in January 2024, Hai Linh Hoang (Sophie) has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the College and its student community. She embodies positivity and enthusiasm, always showing up with a smile and a can-do attitude. Her proactive involvement in student initiatives makes her a role model among her peers. She is approachable, dependable and inspires other students to engage in College activities. Sophie’s ability to balance academic excellence and extracurricular involvement speaks volumes about her strong work ethic and leadership potential.” – Napito Asahara, nominator 

Kash Anvari, Diploma in Financial Services – WINNER 

“Kash actively engages in finding unique solutions to tutoring challenges. He also works to create a welcoming environment in the Learning Centre. I frequently observe him greeting students who are new to the Learning Centre and helping them figure out their tutoring needs. He helps them find an appropriate tutor and guides them through the booking system. In tutor training activities, he frequently takes the lead with his small group.” – Nancy Johnson, nominator

Nominees for Up and Coming Student Leader Award 

Congratulations to all the students who were nominated for the Up and Coming Student Leader Award. 

Outstanding Contribution to Student Engagement from a Faculty or Staff Member Award 

Mike Cornford, Faculty, Marketing – WINNER 

“Mike has made an exceptional contribution to student engagement by actively supporting and mentoring students in leadership roles, both inside and outside the classroom. As my professor of Ecommerce Marketing (MARK 4240), he’s able to curate a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking and hands-on application of marketing strategies. His commitment to student leadership was particularly evident during the Germany Marketing Field School at DHBW in Karlsruhe, where he went above and beyond to ensure students not only gained valuable international business insights but also developed leadership and collaboration skills. His ability to inspire, mentor and support students in leadership positions makes him a truly deserving candidate for this award.” – Lauryn Su, nominator 

Nominees for Outstanding Contribution to Student Engagement from a Faculty or Staff Member Award 

Congratulations to all who were nominated for the Outstanding Contribution to Student Engagement from a Faculty or Staff Member Award. 

Global Citizenship Dean’s Award – WINNERS 

Selina Lydell
Shea Perry  
Maiya Schulz  
Tha Mee Thu  
Sevanna Cook  
Colton Dube  
Rebecca Alexander Barnett  
Ka Wing Yan  
Hannah Flynn  
Brandon Chou  
An Dao  
Nhu Hung Le 
Han Nu Ngoc Ton  
Trisha Bioncio  
Brianna Shanahan  
Danna Domasig  
Hershey Marasigan  
Ngoc Nha Khanh Nguyen  
Olivia Dixon-Lawless  
Lucas Jackson Franck  
Tianna Francis  

Learn more about the Student Leadership Awards on our website. Learn more about the Global Citizenship Dean’s Award winners.

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