Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 Premier's Awards!
APPRENTICESHIP
Saifullah Sanaye
ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE
Professor of Automotive Technology/Automotive Program Coordinator, St. Lawrence College
Automotive Service Technician Level III, 2009
Automotive Service Technician Level II, 2008
Automotive Service Technician Level I, 2007
Saifullah Sanaye is blazing new trails as an expert in hybrid and electric vehicles, partnering with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada and his alma mater to develop two unique programs that are expanding to other colleges. The highly skilled automotive technician, instructor and entrepreneur is a leader known as “the guy your mechanic calls.” He looks at vehicles from a different angle, addresses hard-to-solve problems and is teaching this skill to others. He provides highly sought consultant services to multiple dealerships and aftermarket repair shops. This includes providing advanced vehicle diagnostics and training licensed and apprentice technicians.
BUSINESS
Carrie Baker
HUMBER COLLEGE
President, Canada Goose
Public Relations, 2000
As president of Canada Goose, Carrie Baker oversees the company’s commercial business and brand, driving its global growth. A creative communications strategist with a passion for breaking boundaries, she was instrumental in transforming the outerwear manufacturer that was founded in 1957 to an iconic Canadian luxury brand recognized around the world. Baker was instrumental in establishing Canada Goose’s communications strategy, helping to lead its initial public offering in 2017 and creating its industry-leading sustainable impact strategy. In 2019, she was named one of the WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. In 2020, she was named one of Canada’s 50 Best Executives by The Globe and Mail.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Jehan Salim
CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Shelter Cluster Coordinator, Afghanistan, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Bachelor of Applied Technology - Architecture, Project & Facility Management, 2013
Jehan Salim has put her college degree to work on the international stage, using her project and facilities management expertise to lead post-conflict rebuilding efforts and operate the largest refugee camp in the world. She oversaw the reconstruction of Mosul University and 12,000 homes in Iraq, built a 400-bed COVID isolation clinic at Jordan’s Za’atari refugee camp, secured the safety of 100 staff and key border assets during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and led the rehabilitation of 250 homes in Syria. From Iraq to Afghanistan, Salim has made it a priority to give marginalized women income, experience and a voice.
CREATIVE ARTS AND DESIGN
Jody Porter (posthumous)
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
CBC News
Journalism - Print, 1993
Jody Porter was an award-winning journalist who dedicated her career to raising awareness of social justice issues that impacted Indigenous people and communities. Following a decades-long career that culminated with her role as a senior reporter with CBC Thunder Bay, she died on July 19, 2022, from ovarian cancer.
In recognition of her extraordinary work and talent, Porter won numerous awards over the years — including being one of the few non-Indigenous journalists to receive the Debwewin Citation from the Anishinabek Nation for excellence in reporting on First Nations issues.
HEALTH SCIENCES
Michael Sanderson
HUMBER COLLEGE
Chief and Director, Hamilton Paramedic Service
Ambulance and Emergency Care, 1977
Michael Sanderson - a graduate from Humber College in Toronto - is an accomplished paramedic and educator who has spent five decades in emergency medical services. Serving as the chief of Hamilton Paramedic Services since 2013, he oversees 440 staff and ensures a high level of performance. He was previously the executive director at B.C. Ambulance, where he led all EMS activities for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. He is currently the president of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs.
RECENT GRADUATE
Christina Kioke
NORTHERN COLLEGE
Program Manager - Omushkego Six Seasons Youth Program, Mushkegowuk Council
Social Service Worker, 2022
Christina Kioke is an Attawapiskat First Nation member, social service worker, advocate for those facing social injustice and inequity and a former foster parent. She inspires and mentors others through lived experiences. She is recovering from addictions and has overcome many traumas, including a suicide attempt. Kioke is a strong, proud and resilient Cree woman, striving to create positive societal change for the communities she serves. In her current role, she launched the Six Seasons Youth Program. It provides Indigenous youth with a culturally safe space to develop and maintain their sense of identity and belonging, thus decreasing the risk of suicide.
TECHNOLOGY
Cheyanne Hammell
MOHAWK COLLEGE
Manager, Special Projects, PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
Architectural Technology, 2007
Cheyanne Hammell is a special projects manager with PCL Construction, one of Canada’s largest construction companies. She leads specialized projects in the Toronto area, overseeing a team of 40 people who are undertaking 25 to 30 complex projects at any one time. She has achieved success in a heavily male-dominated field, including winning several awards, while also demonstrating dedication to improving diversity in her industry. She encourages girls and women to consider careers in construction wherever she can. Hammell says she is inspired by her mother, a retired commercial pilot, and never allowed gender biases to stand in her way.