Meet the 2026 Student Leadership Awards winners

“I have had the chance to get to know Afreen through class and by volunteering with the Psychiatric Nursing Community Outreach Project, where she serves as president. From my personal experience, I have seen her lead with dedication and care. Afreen has built upon the strong foundation created by past psychiatric nursing students who previously ran the club before graduating, and she has continued to grow the organization in meaningful ways.” – Navreet Grewal, nominator 

“I recalled when I first knew Brandon, he shared that he attended lectures and went straight home every day in his first year at Douglas with almost no campus engagement. That changed when he started volunteering and found the gratification and reward that being involved in college brings. I am honoured witnessing him becoming a dedicated, accountable and impactful student leader in less than two years. I see so much growth and potential from Brandon, and I am confident that he will continue to excel and bring impacts to our community.” – Suki Chan, nominator 

“Kia is distinguished by her exceptional level of involvement, resilience, and commitment to service. She has volunteered with nearly every major department at Douglas College, including the Career Centre, Student Life, Global Engagement, academic research projects, and the DSU, while also helping lead a student club.” – Mitchie Nguyen, nominator 

“Mai has the ability to make people feel welcome and helps our students feel a sense of belonging. I  am often witness to this when I work with her in our Mentorship program where she is often speaking to new international students. In these events, she is able to take lead and instruct and direct students while ensuring everyone is having fun.” – Michelle McMorris, nominator 

“I witnessed Kimia’s work firsthand from the beginning of her semester as a student assistant, starting with her involvement in the New International Student Orientation. Her positivity, enthusiasm, and welcoming attitude helped new students feel comfortable, supported, and engaged. She stepped up quickly and took on key responsibilities for the event, and we received positive feedback from both student assistants and staff members regarding her performance and teamwork.” – Mia Trieu, nominator 

“From her first semester, Vijayta actively sought opportunities to contribute meaningfully rather than passively participate. She volunteered with Global Engagement as a GE Buddy, completing over 32 volunteer hours early on, supporting exchange and international students with academic navigation, campus orientation, and cultural adjustment. Her involvement extended to Friday Hangouts, language workshops, community-building activities, Study Abroad fairs, and frequent tabling in the concourse for Global Engagement and the Career Centre.” –Tavleen Kaur, nominator 

“Dr. Reid has made exceptional contributions to student learning and development through her mentorship and hands-on, community-based research leadership. She is deeply supportive and passionate about student success, taking time to advise students on graduate school pathways, research opportunities, and career development.” –Afreen Gill, nominator