‘A pivotal moment in my academic trajectory’: Our U of T student leadership award winners for 2024
OISE’s recipients of the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award for 2024 – Jasmine Biloki, Yvonne Grace Chan, Shelly Khushal, Aakriti Mahajan, Harrison McNaughtan, and Krystina Raymond – all exemplify outstanding leadership. They also all share a special bond with the Institute.
The University of Toronto Student Leadership Award (UTSLA) continues U of T’s long-standing tradition of recognizing outstanding student leadership, volunteer service, and commitment to the university. This tradition began with the Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award, which ran from 1994 to 2019 and was named after the former Vice-President, Development and University Relations. Recipients of this year’s UTSLA join the distinguished community of past Cressy Award recipients, recognized for their exemplary leadership and volunteer contributions to U of T.
Throughout its 30-year history, the award has celebrated the exemplary contributions of thousands of students whose commitment and volunteerism have had a lasting impact on their peers and the university.
“To Jasmine, Yvonne, Shezadi, Aakriti, Harrison, and Krystina, your leadership and selfless resolve are gifts to our OISE community,” said Professor Erica N. Walker, Dean of OISE. “You enrich our community and help make this Institute a great place to study, learn and do research. Congratulations on being named to the U of T Student Leadership Award class for this academic year.”
We spoke with each of the awardees and asked the following questions:
- What does this award mean to you?
- How did you show leadership during your time at OISE?
- What’s next for you as an educator and a leader?
Jasmine Biloki
Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education
Biloki, who is completing a Master of Education in Student Development and Student Services in Higher Education, is a dedicated volunteer. As Vice-President of Communications for the LHAE Departmental Student Association, she strengthened communications and collaborations within the LHAE community.
Through revitalizing the DSA’s online platforms, she encouraged active participation and involvement of students, fostering a vibrant and interconnected academic environment. As the Vice-President Internal of the re-established OISE Graduate Student Association, she championed the needs and concerns of students and influenced student governance structures that will improve support and resources for years to come.
What does this award mean to you?
Receiving the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award (UTSLA) is an immense honor and a testament to the dedication and passion I've poured into OISE. This recognition reaffirms the impact of my efforts in fostering a supportive environment within OISE and it serves as validation of the meaningful connections I've forged with my peers. More than just a personal achievement, this award represents the collective success of our collaborative endeavors towards enhancing the student experience. It inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to remain committed to making a change.
How did you show leadership during your time at OISE?
At OISE, I've demonstrated leadership through various avenues, including my roles within student associations and my professional responsibilities. As Vice President Internal of the OISE Graduate Students' Association, I spearheaded initiatives to improve communication structures, increase engagement, and foster an inclusive environment. Additionally, as Vice President of Communications for the LHAE Departmental Student Association, I coordinated various communication channels to promote initiatives aimed at building community within the department.
What’s next for you, as an educator and a leader?
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue my journey as an educator and leader, leveraging my OISE experience to further support student success. As I complete my Master of Education in Higher Education, I am eager to continue to explore opportunities to contribute to the advancement of higher education policies and practices.
Professionally, I aspire to pursue roles that allow me to merge my passion for education with my expertise in student services, career development, and leadership. Whether it be in academic advising, program coordination, or policy advocacy, I am dedicated to making an impact in the lives of students and contributing to the advancement of higher education.
And, of course, party and celebrate with this community!
Yvonne Grace Chan
Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education
Chan, who is completing her doctoral journey after earning OISE degrees in 1998 and 2008, played a crucial role in the growth of the Centre for Leadership and Diversity (CLD). As a coordinator, she brought much-needed awareness and dialogue around racism, systemic barriers, and oppression experienced by many in the Black, Indigenous, marginalized, and racialized communities. For instance, she played a pivotal role in organizing the annual CLD conference, which has attracted international scholars and practitioners, enriching the knowledge and research on these issues.
Chan’s determined and thoughtful work on the East Asia Special Interest Group planning committee contributed to their efforts in providing a sense of connection for Asians within OISE and beyond.
What does this award mean to you?
I began my doctoral journey as a part-time student. As an elementary school principal, I was busy juggling work and course work, a story that will be very familiar to many graduate students. For me, that meant that I had to find creative ways to be a part of OISE’s vibrant community. I never imagined that I would receive any award because of these circumstances. Having this honour is extremely humbling and encouraging. I hope to continue my leadership as a mentor for others, just as I had been mentored by so many.
How did you show leadership during your time at OISE?
I will always be grateful to the many friends that I connected with who included me, encouraged me to participate where I could fit in the time, and stood alongside me in my journey. I am especially thankful for the mentorship of Dr. Ann Lopez who continues to be my guide and friend. Dr. Lopez gave me the opportunity to be the coordinator at the Centre for Leadership and Diversity (CLD). Being a part of the center has changed the way I think of my own identity, built my capacity as a leader, and connected me to so many graduate students within OISE.
I had the opportunity to organize speaker series and international conferences and collaborate with the Graduate Assistants for the CLD to work on the many projects at the center. I have also had the opportunity to be a part of the East Asian Special Interest Group, which is a group under the Comparative International Developmental Education. We are organizing our annual Symposium in May to coincide with the Asian Heritage Month. Highlighting the allyship amongst Asian communities is so important and I feel privileged to be a part of this group.
What’s next for you, as an educator and a leader?
I am a Faculty Fellow at Niagara University Ontario and hope to continue my leadership as a professor in the education faculty there. I am excited to draw on my years of experience as a principal and a Student Achievement Officer in the Student Achievement Division at the Ministry of Education to mentor and guide new teachers. I would love to continue serving the OISE community as a member of the CLD and the East Asian Special Interest Group planning teams. OISE will always have a place in my heart wherever my journey takes me.
Shelly Khushal
Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education
Khushal, winner of the 2024 Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize, has tirelessly worked to foster bias-aware, equitable, and inclusive environments wherever she engages with the community. As the former Chair of the Race and Ethnicity Caucus and Vice-President of Academic Affairs for LHAE's departmental student association, she encouraged student voice and advocacy, demonstrating leadership through empathy and compassion.
Khushal also guest lectured for a CTL course, organized the 2024 Nina Bascia Educational Policy Symposium, and conceptualized and delivered the first-ever Human Rights & Equity Symposium for faculty and students at U of T.
What does this award mean to you?
Being recognized as a leader in the University of Toronto community is an honour. I lead with integrity, professionalism and dedication, and this award means a recognition of this. It means an alignment between organizational values and that of my own, and it means a continued commitment towards leading and serving others.
How did you show leadership during your time at OISE?
At OISE, I spearheaded various initiatives (i.e., human rights and Equity Panels, an educational policy symposium, an anti-hate campaign, Indigenous awareness, a Black history sharing circle, a social justice paint night and more). I focused on coaching and mentoring volunteers and ensured they had the tools and resources to take ownership of their projects. My approach has always been to lead by example, lead with compassion, encourage open communication, and ensure everyone's ideas are heard and valued.
What’s next for you as an educator and a leader?
I hope to continue to provide platforms for critical conversations and create opportunities that cultivate innovation, creativity and empowerment. Using what I have learned from both the successes and challenges of leadership, I see the journey ahead involving continuous learning and growth. I plan to continue speaking at events, publishing and mentoring, and using these as vehicles for transformative change. Finally, I am open to new opportunities that may arise.
Aakriti Mahajan
Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
Mahajan, working within the community, enhanced the graduate community at U of T. Working primarily with the Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning Students' Association (CTLSA), she successfully organized events like the Holiday Party 2022, which received high attendance and positive feedback. With the PhD Caring & Sharing Collective (now known as OISE Care Collective), she helped organize OISE Monthly Socials and "What's Next?," engaging many OISE graduate students.
As a Finance Officer with the CTLSA, she provided accurate financial reports and proposed responsible and balanced budgets. She is particularly proud to have helped organize a trip to Niagara Falls and facilitate conference reimbursements, enriching experiences for CTL graduate students.
What does this award mean to you?
Receiving the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award is an honour that places me within a legacy of exceptional individuals who have shaped a more inclusive and welcoming academic community at OISE and the University of Toronto. This recognition goes beyond individual achievement, celebrating our shared commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; core principles that drive my efforts. This award validates the significance of our collective work in building a conducive environment and acts as a catalyst, inspiring me to continue advocating for a world where every voice is heard, and every individual is empowered. Being part of this legacy is not just an honor; it is a reminder of the impact we can make together and to continue this important work.
How did you show leadership during your time at OISE?
Throughout my leadership journey, I endeavored to enrich the student experience and cultivate a sense of community through a multifaceted approach. Collaborating closely with UTGSU’s Race & Ethnicity Caucus (REC), we co-led and organized “Building Bridges: A Convention of Connection and Collaboration.” This event prioritized critical themes such as anti-hate and the unique challenges graduate students face. One of its highlights was the innovative “Blitz” session, offering students a platform to showcase their research in dynamic 3-minute elevator pitches. We also ensured the incorporation of cultural clothing, allowing attendees to celebrate their heritage and promote diversity. The success of this collaboration was further recognized with the U of T Campus Organizations 2022-2023 Best New Initiative or Idea award, highlighting our dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all members of our academic community.
As members of the Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning Student Association (CTLSA), we are deeply committed to creating meaningful experiences for our graduate students. Collaborating with student collectives like the PhD Caring & Sharing Collective (now, OISE Care Collective), we organized events such as “What's Next?” This career exploration event facilitated connections among peers, faculty, and alumni, fostering a supportive network for over 40 graduate students.
In addition to these initiatives, we organized a transformative Niagara Falls trip, offering CTL graduate students a unique opportunity for networking, community-building, and personal growth. Furthermore, we provided financial support through reimbursement for over 50 CTL graduate students attending conferences, emphasizing our commitment to supporting academic pursuits and professional development.
My commitment to fostering a supportive academic environment extended beyond event organization. I actively engaged in initiatives such as the M.Ed. Virtual Open House in March 2023, where I provided valuable insights and guidance to prospective students interested in the C&P (Curriculum and Pedagogy) program. My participation during Fall Orientation 2023 further demonstrated my dedication to supporting new students. By assisting in their transition and integration into the MEd C&P program and the broader OISE community, by ensuring students felt welcomed and supported in their academic journey, I sought to uphold the principles of inclusivity and community that define our institution.
What’s next for you as an educator and a leader?
As an educator and a leader, my journey does not end with this award. Instead, it serves as a stepping-stone towards greater aspirations and endeavors. With OISE, I can continue to make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape and beyond.
Currently, I am embarking on a new role as a Program Assistant at Rotman School of Management, where I aim to leverage my skills and experiences to foster growth and development within the educational landscape. Looking ahead, I aspire to cultivate inclusive environments that empower individuals to reach their full potential. Whether through curriculum development, mentorship, or community engagement initiatives, I am dedicated to making meaningful contributions that uplift and inspire those around me. My goal is to continue learning, growing, and leading by example, driving positive change within both educational institutions and the broader community.
Krystina Raymond
Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development
Raymond’s leadership within the department, contributing to the departmental student association, the BIPOC Buddy Mentorship Program, and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, Accessibility (IDEAA) Committee, demonstrates precisely why she has been named a winner.
Working with the IDEAA committee, the doctoral graduate's work continues to make a significant impact on racialized students, providing an additional platform for ideas and conversations. Raymond has hosted numerous EDI events highlighting research from an EDI lens and bringing forth diverse perspectives.
What does this award mean to you?
It is an honor to be a recipient of the UTSLA. I am genuinely grateful to the committee and nominators who selected me for this award. I am thankful to my department for their enormous support on this journey. I am fortunate to be surrounded by incredible colleagues who mirror my dedication to supporting racialized students.
This recognition marks a pivotal moment in my academic trajectory, as I lacked role models who shared a similar lived experience in my formative years. The UTSLA serves as a means of recognizing and empowering racialized student leaders who fulfill a crucial role in enriching the graduate student experience. As we look ahead, it is imperative that we persist in honoring and providing support to graduate students from diverse racial backgrounds.
How did you show leadership during your time at OISE?
In my experience, I've faced challenges in finding people with similar backgrounds and establishing safe spaces where I felt included. Despite these obstacles, I've remained committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within academia.
As the founder of the APHD Racialized Students Group, I've played an important role in coordinating community chats and semester events. Serving as a point of contact for racialized students, I've facilitated ongoing communication with my fellow graduate students. Additionally, I've advocated for various EDI initiatives in APHD and collaborated with racialized professors and researchers across Canada and the United States to implement new programs. To better serve the graduate the community, I've actively engaged in multiple EDI workshops, addressing issues such as racial microaggressions in the classroom, navigating 'white' spaces, and gender equity. I met with EDI scholars which has equipped me with appropriate tools and strategies to navigate diverse discussions.
Furthermore, my leadership skills have been recognized within the department, leading to my election as the Department's Student Equity and Diversity Officer. In this capacity, I've worked closely with racialized students to provide support and communicate their needs to faculty members, fostering inclusive classroom environments. I believe my contributions to APHD and the wider community have been invaluable, and I've greatly enjoyed collaborating with my peers and mentors.
What’s next for you as an educator and a leader?
I had the privilege to take on many leadership roles within the APHD department, in my research projects, and through academic service. I am deeply appreciative of my PhD supervisor, Dr. Becky Xi Chen, who has continuously encouraged and recognized my strengths as a leader. My doctoral studies and life are enriched by the various connections and experiences I had at OISE. I plan to continue to take on leadership opportunities related to equity, diversity, and inclusion as a bilingual researcher. I aspire to conduct research to dismantle systematic barriers and foster community for all.
Harrison McNaughtan
Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development
McNaughtan, who will become a triple degree recipient with OISE, has been instrumental in building a community for OISE students through mentorship and collaboration with peers, staff, and faculty. Through formal efforts such as the School & Clinical Child Psychology (SCCP) Student Hub, OISE Open Houses, and SCCP Program Meetings, as well as informal interactions like hallway chats, Zoom sessions, and social events, he has worked tirelessly to foster a sense of community among students, facilitate connections between the student body and faculty, and advocate for the highest quality training for clinical students.
McNaughtan played a key role in launching the OISE Clinical Workshop Series, providing numerous no-cost training opportunities to students. This series has facilitated connections with community clinicians and created valuable placement opportunities for students.
What does this award mean to you?
It is a great honour to be acknowledged by U of T for my contributions to the university. I am so grateful to have been a part of so many OISE initiatives during my time here and appreciate all of the faculty, students, and staff that I got to meet and connect with in the process. This award is meaningful to me as it reminds me of all of these connections and the joy that these moments have brought me over the years.
What’s next for you as an educator and a leader?
I hope to continue to involve myself in community-building activities in the workplace, whether that be teaching at OISE and/or as a Clinical Psychologist in clinical practice. I think these opportunities are abundant, whether formal or informal, and very rewarding — both to the community and the self. Can’t wait to see what’s next!