Changemakers

Health economist, Director of the University of Miami Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas and professor at the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine

Through research, advocacy, and public policy work at the highest levels, Dr. Felicia Marie Knaul has improved the health and well-being of at-risk populations in low and middle-income countries, especially in Latin America. Her work, from aiding street children in Colombia to advocating against gender-based violence globally, has significantly impacted communities. Her additional contributions include implementing a program to guarantee the right to education for children with serious health conditions in Mexico, founding a nonprofit to promote early detection of breast cancer, and advocating for worldwide access to palliative care and pain management.

President - Board of Directors, Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum

In 2023, Ian spearheaded the Lafontaine-Baldwin Youth Leadership Conference, engaging 100 York Region students in discussions on leadership, Truth and Reconciliation, and democratic thought. The Sharon Temple Museum Society orchestrated a collaborative artwork with Georgina Island First Nation and artist Donald Chretien, which is now prominently displayed at Sharon Temple and symbolizes the Temple’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Ian coordinates significant activities at the Temple, uniting the community and highlighting the historical significance of the Children of Peace in regional community building.

The Small Project, Kenya

When Pauline met the founders of The Small Project in 2008, she saw a way that she could give back and help others as she herself had once been helped. The goal of  The Small Project is to break the cycle of poverty and to that end, Pauline diplomatically steers sponsored students into courses that will best lead to gainful employment after graduation. As The Small Project’s representative in Kenya, Pauline helps the students navigate issues, collects their reports, pays their school fees and provides regular fiscal updates.Pauline’s intention has always been to motivate the students in her care to be all that they can be and then, in turn, to give back to others. Pauline is an exemplary role model who continues to change the lives of the young people in her care for the better, and help them break free from the cycle of poverty. 

For over 90 years, volunteers of the local chapter of the International Lions Club organization have spearheaded numerous initiatives to serve the community. With a motto of “We Serve” the time committed through the Lions Club has a remarkable immediate impact on individuals as well as programming to address more systemic issues. 

• Assisting low-income families and individuals
• Care and support for many in our community 
• Support for those experiencing food insecurity 
• Support for those with disabilities, physical or mental illness 
• Healthcare support 
• The environment 
• Programs for children and youth

STEM Youth Association

The Robotics Rocks STEM Youth Association collaborated with organizations such as CICS Immigrant Youth Centre and the Aurora Public Library to provide free STEM workshops to teenagers. These young people have organized and hosted over 40 events, attracting over 400 individuals to engage in their activities. Their enthusiasm for STEM and making these fun and educational activities broadly accessible to those in the local community is impressive!

Manager of Corporate Partnerships for the National Football League

Avish currently serves as Manager of Corporate Partnerships for the National Football League, overseeing branded digital integrations and managing client partners like PepsiCo, P&G, Visa, and more. Beyond his career, he co-founded TSwiftDanceParty Canada, Sponsorship Space, and co-founded the University of Toronto Sports Industry Conference, raising over $200,000 for charities including UNICEF and Canadian Cancer Society. He’s a proud Pickering College and University of Toronto graduate with a postgraduate certificate in sports marketing from George Brown College.

Obstetrical and Gynecology resident physician, The Ottawa Hospital

Dr. Charlotte “Charly” Coleman has a bachelor’s in medical science from Western University and a Global and Intercultural Engagement Honour. She is a recipient of the Lusthaus Prize from the University of New South Wales for her work on sexual-based violence prevention on campus. She earned her MD at Queen’s University with two academic enrichment distinctions in surgical skills as well as health and humanities. Her research accomplishments include four first author publications and several poster and oral presentations at conferences, both national and international. Dr. Coleman has held various leadership positions and was recently elected as the Site Lead for the University of Ottawa for the Professional Association of Residents of Ontario.

Chief Executive Officer, Recircle Waste Management Solutions

Adam’s journey has shaped him into a compassionate individual who values connections and learning from others, particularly through volunteerism. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University and St. Mary’s University with degrees in marketing, philosophy, and a master’s in technology entrepreneurship and innovation. With a diverse background spanning nine industries, Adam now leads Recircle Waste Management Solutions Inc., a company that remanufactures plastic waste into consumer products and provides manufacturers with more affordable local raw materials. His grassroots approach embodies Wendell Berry’s ethos: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

Lolade created a digital collection of reliable, concise and verified information to guide international students through the process of enrolling in international study in the US and Canada.

With 186 website visits from 11 countries including New Zealand, Poland and Malaysia, and a mailing list of over 50 contacts, this project was able to provide vital information to people around the world.

Thomas Bianco, the creator of Inspector AI, has developed an internet browser extension app tailored to scan webpages for text and detect bias utilizing AI technology.

The primary goal is to provide users with supplementary information about the text they come across, aiding in the fight against the spread of fake news and misinformation. Thomas has commenced his beta trial and eagerly awaits the official launch of his app on the App Store.

Emma’s project “BecomingONE” aims to build connections between Indigenous communities and Pickering College by fostering a sense of belonging and respect for identity diversity.

This project included a radio show and outreach efforts, resource sharing, and school visits between Sutton District High School and Pickering College, with future plans to increase visits and develop scholarship opportunities.

Phoebe’s project addresses the gender gap in STEM and encourages more girls to get involved in STEM. She started a girl’s STEM club for Grade 8 students and created a space for them to freely explore a variety of STEM activities, discover their talent and enhance their skills. 

She used the MakerSpace, created daily math challenges, hosted a MicroBit tournament, and other opportunities for girls to continue their exploration in STEM.

Wyman and Fiona’s project aims to promote sex and menstrual education in developing countries. They created a multi-language website, a song and posters. 

They designed lectures and delivered them to over 500 young people, in both the Pickering College community and a community in southern China, as well as brought menstrual pad kits to Chinese girls in need.