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York’s AMPD receives federal funding to support mental health of arts, design students

Students gathered around one presenter and microphone against foggy background for open mic

The School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD) will receive $200,000 to adapt and implement mindfulness practices for students, faculty and staff as a part of the Canada-wide Mindfulness Initiative.

Announced on Feb. 21, the funding – delivered over three years via the Public Health Agency of Canada – will support a comprehensive set of mental health promotion materials linked to a peer support network and various mindfulness training and practice programs. The impetus behind the project is the realization that growing barriers to gainful employment, the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation are hardships particularly impacting students. By facilitating mindfulness practices, some of those stresses can be alleviated or mitigated, thereby allowing students to more thoroughly commit themselves to their educations.

At AMPD, the investment will expand programs like music for health and wellness. With this community-based project, AMPD aims to promote mental health to students in a way that builds lifelong coping and resilience skills while in school and beyond graduation.

“AMPD focuses on the whole person,” said Sarah Bay-Cheng, dean of AMPD. “We provide students with the tools to support their physical and mental well-being. Students must develop their technique alongside wellness strategies to reach and sustain their creative potential,”

The initiative is the result of a collaborative effort from York University’s AMPD, Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts, Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University, Seneca’s School of Creative Arts and Animation, and led by OCAD University, to secure government funding for mental health services.

“We are pleased to partner with OCAD on this investment that brings wellness into the core of [our curricula,]” Bay-Cheng added. “We look forward to developing existing initiatives and expanding our wellness mandate into new facets of the School.”

In total, The Mindfulness Initiative will provide nearly $4 million throughout its duration in support of post-secondary student mental health. The funding will enhance students’ coping and resilience skills and create a supportive environment where emerging creative artists and designers, including those from marginalized communities, flourish.

“Our government recognizes that the pandemic has greatly added to the pre-existing mental health and substance use challenges many students and young people face. This is especially true for marginalized and racialized young adults,” says Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Bennett.

Escape rooms and VR: York faculty, programs win provincial honour

gold and red stars

Sponsored by Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the Minister’s Awards of Excellence highlight the incredible work of professors, instructors, staff and graduate students on campus, in the community and beyond.

The awards program began in 2020 and today highlights the exceptional performance of universities and colleges in five categories:

  • Everyday Heroes: Faculty and staff who have stepped up and made a difference during the 2021-22 academic year.
  • Future-Proofing Ontario’s Students: Faculty and staff who have led the way in adapting programs that support new ways of learning.
  • Equality of Opportunity: Faculty and staff who have excelled at creating opportunities in postsecondary education for marginalized and underrepresented groups.
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Faculty and staff who are working with industry and business to drive economic development.
  • Rising Star: Graduate students, faculty and staff who are under 35 and are making a difference in education, inspiring students or carrying out innovative research in the postsecondary education sector.

Since it was announced on Feb. 7 that the 2021-22 winners had been finalized, several York University faculty and initiatives have received recognition for their exceptional work. Here they are:

Assistant professors Kristine Pedernal and Andria Phillips

Pedernal and Phillips of the Faculty of Health’s School of Nursing received an Award of Excellence in the category Future-proofing Ontario’s Students, which highlights faculty and staff who have been innovation leaders in adapting programs that support new ways of learning.

Kristine Pedernal
Kristine Pedernal
Andria Phillips
Andria Phillips

Pedernal and Phillips were recognized for developing and utilizing virtual “escape rooms” to assess nursing students’ learning. Undergraduate nursing programs rely on experiential clinical experiences that are required for professional licensure – something that became difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The professors’ solution used the concept of cooperative gameplay to create virtual escape rooms that simulated clinical scenarios in which students worked together to gather clues and solve puzzles that facilitated priority-setting, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. When giving the award, Minster of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop praised how their work “has brought exceptional benefits to students, Ontario’s postsecondary community and beyond.”

Assistant Professor Kyle Belozerov and Associate Professor Derek Jackson

Kyle Belozerov
Kyle Belozerov
Derek Jackson
Derek Jackson

An Award of Excellence in the Future-proofing Ontario’s students category was also presented to professors Belozerov and Jackson of the Department of Chemistry for their work with virtual reality. Motivated by the desire to help students learn the structure and behavior of complex molecules, the team leveraged the unique capabilities of VR to teach students about these molecules in a completely new, immersive and engaging, as well as accessible and equitable, way.

The team developed a variety of interactive VR activities designed to help students manipulate molecules and research crucial aspects of the structure underlying their reactivity and biological function. The ability to mentally manipulate complex objects in three-dimensional space, known as “3D literacy,” is a crucial skill for all students majoring in STEM disciplines, and it is highly valued in the modern science and technology work environment.

The kindergarten to industry (k2i) academy

Lassonde School of Engineering building

The Minister’s award category Equality of Opportunity acknowledges faculty and staff who have excelled at creating opportunities in post-secondary education for marginalized and underrepresented groups. Among the winners this year was the Lassonde School of Engineering’s k2i academy, which was recognized for its work inspiring underrepresented youth in STEM, which includes initiatives like de-streaming Grade 9 science, shepherding its Indigenous Engineering & Innovation by Design program, and moving forward with its forthcoming launch of a STEM program for Black youth.

Lassonde receives funding to launch STEM program for Black youth

STEM student working with science beaker

New funding received by Lassonde’s kindergarten to industry (k2i) academy will help launch a new program that will create more STEM opportunities for Black youth.

The Lassonde School of Engineering’s k2i academy has received $463,800 from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to create a unique micro-credentialed, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) educational program for Black youth in grades 7 to 12.

Part of k2i’s Bringing STEM to Life in Schools stream, the SHSM program will work with some of the largest and most diverse school boards in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to implement a tailored initiative designed to reach more than 1,500 Black youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). K-12 educators, STEM industries, as well as community and post-secondary partners, will collaborate with k2i academy to develop a program that address inequities, promotes cultural relevance, celebrates Black excellence, challenges anti-Black racism and increases opportunities in STEM pathways.

According to Statistics Canada, Black Canadians received less than three per cent of the degrees and diplomas in post-secondary programs in 2016 that would qualify them for STEM careers. Equitable opportunities for Black youth to engage in STEM learning, explore the possibilities of STEM careers, and pursue postsecondary programs in STEM are critical to create positive change.

Jane Goodyer
Jane Goodyer

“At Lassonde, we understand the challenges of the future will be met by the people and knowledge we invest in,” says Jane Goodyer, dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering. “Empowering the creation of an equitable, diverse and inclusive community through programs like the SHSM in STEM for Black youth is essential in helping us attract students who have traditionally been underrepresented and underserved in STEM fields.”

Collaborations and partnerships with organizations like the Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN) and the Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN) will be critical to realizing the SHSM program’s objectives.

“The Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN) centres the importance of mentorship and role-models for Black youth which we know has a significant positive impact in people’s lives,” says Maydianne Andrade, president and co-founder, CBSN. “Collaborating with k2i academy in this program will enable a deeper and broader reach that would not be possible otherwise.”

Close collaboration with Ontario school boards will also see the program engage students in grades 7 to 10 in skills development that will connect to grades 11 through 12 SHSM programs. Students in grades 11 to 12 will receive formalized recognition for learning through a micro-credentialed SHSM program leading towards an Ontario ICT/Engineering SHSM certification that can be used in professional environments to seek future STEM opportunities. Programs will be flexible – virtual and/or face-to-face, synchronous or asynchronous – depending on the needs of school board partners.

Also provided are skill-building workshops that promote problem-solving, analysis, teamwork and leadership as well as technical skills, including coding, 3D modelling, engineering design and electronics. Students will receive constructive coaching and mentorship to support their educational journeys and career goals. The program’s focus on academic success, career planning and skills development – while promoting wellness and resilience – aims to strengthen pathways for Black youth in high-demand, STEM-related sectors in the labour market.

K2i academy Lisa Cole
Lisa Cole

“We are always interested in working with organizations that put students and families first,” says Camille Logan, associate director, Peel District School Board. “What excites us about working with k2i academy is the opportunity to collaborate and co-design a program that connects our Black students to STEM pathways and STEM professionals from Lassonde, CBSN and BPTN.”

The new SHSM program continues to fulfill the Lassonde School of Engineering’s EDI Action Plan to drive positive change for the future. “k2i academy believes that our future leaders need us to collaborate differently, to come together to question our educational systems, engage with youth in a way that connects with their interests and passions, and design programs that places our students at the centre of the design,” says Lisa Cole, director of the k2i academy. “This program seeks to do this work with our collaborative partners.”

It’s Not Just: National campaign to raise youth awareness about gender-based violence launches

President Lenton and Minister Ien at the memorial mural Featured image for YFile story

On Thursday, Dec. 1 at York University, the federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, launched “It’s Not Just,” a national campaign to raise youth awareness about gender-based violence. As part of the launch, the minister visited York University and met with the president and students.

It’s not just locker room talk. It’s not just a bad day. It’s not just flirting. Gender-based violence is a serious issue that affects everyone in Canada, especially young women, girls, and transgender and gender diverse people. When someone faces violence because of their gender, gender expression, or perceived gender identity, it is a violation of their human rights.

“Young Canadians are at a higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence, even more so if they are young women or girls (under 25); black or racialized women; newcomer women to Canada; women with disabilities; LGB+ people and people of other sexual orientations than heterosexual; transgender or gender diverse people; women living in Northern, rural or remote communities; Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people,” said Ien. “’It’s Not Just’ empowers youth to dismantle violent systems and support survivors of this violence. By recognizing and refusing to dismiss gender-based violence, we will work together to end gender-based violence and make Canada safer for everyone.”

Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien

“It’s Not Just” highlights how some forms of gender-based violence are diminished. The campaign seeks to help youth understand that gender-based violence is more than just physical and sexual violence: Emotional, financial, and cyber violence are forms of gender-based violence that can be just as harmful and have lasting psychological impacts. The campaign also highlights how some groups, including Black and racialized women, women with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and newcomer women to Canada, are at higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence. “It’s Not Just” aims to increase awareness of gender-based violence, build knowledge, and ultimately shift beliefs and actions to disrupt the cycle of violence too many Canadians experience daily.

Ien was joined by York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and several students for a private meeting to discuss how gender-based violence is impacting youth in Canada.

”We are pleased to join the Honourable Minister Ien at York University to announce the  ‘It’s Not Just’ youth campaign. Gender-based and sexual violence continue to be prevalent in our society, and campaigns like ‘It’s Not Just’ play an important educative role aimed at prevention,” said Lenton. ”Advancing social justice and equity is embedded in the fabric of our institution and is demonstrated through our commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.  At York, we are committed to ending gender-based violence 365 days a year, through our advocacy, teaching and learning, research and support services.” 

York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien engage in a private discussion with students
York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien engage in a private discussion with students

The minister’s visit to York preceded the University’s annual memorial ceremony on Dec. 6 to honour the 14 women who were murdered on the same date 33 years ago at École Polytechnique in Montreal. The day, which is known as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the larger international campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, offer opportunities to reflect on the impact of gender-based violence. York University’s events coincide with the theme of Ending Femicide, which includes certain groups of women who are more vulnerable – women and girls who are racialized, have a disability, are immigrants and refugees, queer, trans and/or low income. The “It’s Not Just” campaign, the Dec. 6 memorial and events provide opportunities for the University community to reflect on how violence against women and girls continues to plague society and what individual actions can be taken to end gender-based violence.

The “It’s Not Just” campaign is a collaboration with partner organizations, front-line service providers, experts, academics, advocates and youth from various backgrounds. Women and Gender Equality Canada is partnering with YWCA Canada, Wisdom2Action, DAWN Canada, FOXY/SMASH, Platform, White Ribbon Canada, The Centre for Sexuality, GRIS Montreal, Interval House of Hamilton, the Circle Education, and Queer Yukon Society to reach and capture the insights of youth, specifically those from marginalized and underrepresented communities.

To learn more, visit https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/gender-based-violence-knowledge-centre/gender-based-violence-its-not-just.html.

Schulich ExecEd executive director earns Queen’s Platinum Jubilee award

Image announcing Awards

Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd, an extension of York University’s Schulich School of Business, was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee pin by Member of Parliament (MP) for Thornhill Melissa Lantsman.

Rami Mayer
Rami Mayer

Mayer was among a group of individuals recognized with the award in October for their long record of public service in the GTA.

This year marked Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, and the pin was created to commemorate her 70-year reign.

Under Mayer’s leadership, Schulich ExecEd has become one of the most successful and prominent professional development providers in Canada, with a vast network of consultants, facilitators, boutique company partners, and Schulich School of Business faculty. As the initiator of custom programs for organizations, Mayer systematically built and led a team that created, sold and delivered a portfolio of programs and customized solutions to B2B and B2C clients across the globe.

As executive director, Mayer spearheaded the innovation and transformation of more than 58 new custom clients from reputable organizations such as Coca-Cola, TD, Walmart, FedEx and TOYOTA. He has introduced more than 60 programs – delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid – and included new programs that focus on leadership, management and business operations. He has also launched more than 20 community-impact programs.

The work Mayer has done to bring Schulich ExecEd to the forefront has been recognized by the government over the past two years, with nine Skill Development Funds for collaboration with organizations such as the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Immigrant Workers’ Association, Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, Prep Doctors, Town of Innisfil, University Health Network and Working Women Community Centre. The Skill Development Fund is a provincial initiative to support organizations for projects that address challenges to hiring, training or retaining workers.

Mayer’s priorities have remained rooted in community involvement, and since 2021, he has revitalized Schulich ExecEd’s offerings to focus on equity deserving groups (EDI) and social innovation. He targets employment barriers facing women, Indigenous Peoples, Black professionals, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, people with disabilities, newcomers to Canada and at-risk youth.

Visit the Schulich ExecEd website for more information on its programs, offerings and achivements.

Increase in cannabis-related emergency department visits spikes with legalization: study

Cannabis

Using population-wide health administrative records in Ontario (n=14,900,820), the study titled “Associations between recreational cannabis legalization and cannabis-related emergency department visits by age, gender, and geographic status in Ontario, Canada: An interrupted time series study” was published Oct. 26, and outlines that association between cannabis legalization and cannabis-related ED visits vary across age, gender and geography.

Canada’s legalization of cannabis was done in two phases. In Phase 1, flowers and herbs were available for sale; in Phase 2, there was the deregulation of cannabis retailers and sales of edibles. Both phases were followed by immediate increased ED visits in Ontario, where Phase 1 was associated with significant immediate increases in adults ages 25 to 64, and Phase 2 was associated with immediate increases in adults ages 18 to 44, with more increases among women for both phases.

The study investigated the impact of Ontario’s recreational cannabis policy (including Phase 1 and 2) on cannabis-attributable emergency department (ED) visits, and estimated the impact separately for different age and gender groups, with additional analyses focused on Northern Ontarians.

Northern communities of Ontario experience much higher rates of cannabis-related emergency-department visits, and the group most at risk for cannabis-related ED visits is youths (18 to 24) living in Northern Ontario communities, who have an incidence rate of 56 events per 100,000 person-years.

Antony Chum
Antony Chum

“Many countries around the world are now looking to create policies to legalize recreational cannabis including Germany, Luxemberg, Italy, Switzerland, and the US. We hope that our study can contribute to the global policy debate by highlighting segments of the population that might experience more acute events as a result of these policies. In Canada, we see that young people in Northern communities experience a disproportionately higher number of cannabis-related acute events. As part of the legalization process, we need to ensure there are adequate resources, in and out of healthcare settings, to address the potential harm associated with legalisation,” said Antony Chum, the study’s principal investigator and Canada Research Chair in Population Health Data Science at York University.

The research, conducted by York University in collaboration with the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHR), University of Toronto, Alberta Health Services and Unity Health Toronto, also showed that adult women (25-plus) also saw large relative increases in cannabis-related ED visits.

Chungah Kim
Chungah Kim

“Although our study shows that cannabis legalization was followed by modest increases to ED visits, the overall numbers are still very small compared to the number of ED visits attributable other drugs, such as alcohol,” said Chungah Kim, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral researcher at York’s Faculty of Health.

Further research on gender-specific cannabis dosage and targeted interventions for adults should be investigated, the paper states.

Read the study here.

Skills development program highlighted by provincial government

Representatives from NEW, representatives from Schulich ExecEd, Sister2Sister ALP participants, and Minister Monte McNaughton

A skills development program at Schulich ExecEd that bridges the gap between employer needs and newcomer women’s skills was recently highlighted by the provincial government.

On Oct. 3, Schulich ExecEd joined Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW) in a meeting with the Minister of Labour, Immigrant, Training and Skills Development, Monte McNaughton, where the topic of discussion was the Sister2Sister Advanced Leadership Program (ALP).

Representatives from NEW, representatives from Schulich ExecEd, Sister2Sister ALP participants, and Minister Monte McNaughton
Representatives from NEW, representatives from Schulich ExecEd, Sister2Sister ALP participants, and Minister Monte McNaughton

The Sister2Sister Advanced Leadership program (ALP) is a skills and leadership development program that bridges the gap between employer needs and newcomer women skills through an intensive training in soft and hard skills capped by a paid internship. Offered in partnership with Schulich ExecEd, a strategic business unit within York University’s Schulich School of Business.

The centrepiece of the program is a foundational Project Management certificate – a highly condensed certification that provides go-to strategic market plans, employment readiness, career coaching and a paid internship. Graduates of this program earn a micro-credential from a top-tier Canadian business school. 

Earlier this year, NEW and the Sisters2Sisters ALP received funding from the ministry through its $90-million Skills Development Fund program.

The Oct. 3 meeting included feedback from program participants, who shared their experiences with the unique and interactive program structure. Through this program, Schulich ExecEd offers racialized newcomer women opportunities to (re)build their leadership capacity, supporting these women’s upskilling, upward mobility, and economic resilience.  

“Immigrants make our province stronger and our culture richer. Our government is proud to invest in programs that give newcomer women the skills to find meaningful jobs in their communities, lead purpose-driven lives, and grow Ontario’s economy for everyone,” said McNaughton. 

Funding from the ministry enabled support for 75 immigrant and refugee women through comprehensive skills and leadership development training, said Sara Asalya, executive director of NEW.

Sandi Martyn, a Schulich ExecEd instructor, said: “Project management training is needed in every industry, and this was an opportunity to provide a skill that would benefit our newcomer women, helping them become confident and settled in our communities.

“I met so many intelligent, courageous, dedicated and hard-working women,” continued Martyn. “They valued their training and overcame every challenge to attend the sessions. It became so much more than project management training. It became a caring, supportive network of women – truly a Sister2Sister experience.” 

Since the Sisters2Sister ALP launched in the Summer of 2022, Schulich ExecEd has helped create direct pathways to the Canadian labour market for 75 immigrant and refugee women, seeing more than 84 per cent of the pilot program graduates securing employment in line with their previous skills.

NEW and Schluch ExecEd will be using the funds from the last round of ministry funding to expland the program and align it with the target audiences, described as “people with prior involvement in the criminal justice system, at-risk youth, those with disabilities, Ukrainian newcomers, and others facing barriers to employment.”

The Sisters2Sister ALP is now accepting applications for its third cohort. Visit the website for more information.

Award for research paper on how external shocks affect online voting

person using computer keyboard

A paper by a research group including York University Associate Professor Zachary Spicer that examines the impact of exogenous shocks on online voting has earned the award for Best Paper at the International E-Vote Conference in Austria.

The research group that also includes faculty from the MGGill University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Brock University and Dalhousie University, focused its work on the impact of exogenous shocks – namely COVID-19 and a 2018 technical outage – on the course of online voting adoption in Ontario. More than 200 municipalities across Ontario are using online voting in the 2022 municipal election cycle, making the province a world leader in online voting adoption.

Zachary Spicer
Zachary Spicer

“Ontario is a world leader in the advancement of online voting, a subject that is particularly sensitive to some voters and some government decision-makers,” said Spicer, an associate professor in the School of Public Administration and Policy, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. “This research has demonstrated that despite the impact of several external shocks, the development of online voting has proceeded here without much interruption. Other jurisdictions should take notice.”

The team of researchers used a comprehensive data set – funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Insight Grant – they compiled on attitudes towards online voting from the public and politicians.

Findings draw upon both survey and focus group data, and show that the two exogenous shocks affected perception and adoption of online voting, and researchers conclude the COVID-19 pandemic had a greater perceived effect on the decision to adopt online voting than the technical event in 2018.

However, the perceived effects of the 2018 technical incident were just as likely to be felt in unaffected municipalities as they were in those that had been directly affected. Municipalities that had not used online voting in 2018 and medium-sized cities were more negatively affected by the 2018 technical incident. In contrast, the perceived effects of the COVID-19 pandemic did not hinge upon the previous use of online voting, city size, or the urban/rural divide.

The paper “The Effect of Exogenous Shocks on the Administration of Online Voting: Evidence from Ontario, Canada” was presented Oct. 5 at the E-Vote Conference; the award was announced on Oct. 6.

“This award further demonstrates York’s impact on the international research community. It is great for the international community to recognize the innovative, practical and forward thinking research being conducted here at York,” said Spicer.

Faculty of Science student serves on PM’s Youth Council

Image shows Haleema Ahmed

Haleema Ahmed, a second-year student in Faculty of Science, is part of the Prime Minister of Canada’s Youth Council and provides input into government programs and initiatives. She’s also a freelance writer with an impressive list of published stories.

In between attending classes, studying, and volunteering, Haleema Ahmed is busy serving as a member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council (PMYC), providing regular input on government programs and initiatives from a youth perspective. She and the council meet with senior government officials and federal agencies once a month to discuss issues of importance to them, their community and country. From Aug. 29 to 31, Ahmed and the council gathered for their first in-person meeting since the pandemic began. At this meeting, which took place in Ottawa, the council met with its Chair, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Vice-Chair and Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, as well as other ministers.

“Serving on the council allows me to bridge youth issues and my opinions to a national table that shapes the future of our country. Having this access has also really motivated me to do more outreach,” says Ahmed. “I have been able to voice my perspectives on the issues closest to me, including mental health and Islamophobia.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Haleema Ahmed
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Haleema Ahmed

Ahmed joined the council in July 2021 as part of its fifth cohort – just as she was preparing to begin her studies at York as a biomedical sciences student that fall. The cohort began meeting virtually every month with agencies like the Public Health Agency of Canada, Elections Canada, Health Canada and the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, bringing their perspectives and stories to the table to shape policies. During their August 2022 meeting, the council discussed issues ranging from pharmacare to mental health to reconciliation for Indigenous peoples. Ahmed also spoke to the prime minister about Islamophobia and the need for federal action on Bill 21 in Quebec.

“It’s always insightful to hear from the other council members, who live in different parts of Canada and have unique experiences and perspectives that I may not have considered before,” says Ahmed.

She began her studies at York University on a York Science Scholar Award, a $10,000 entrance scholarship that includes a paid summer research position after the completion of first year. As part of this program, in summer 2022 she worked with Assistant Professor Jude Kong in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, studying the cultural and sociodemographic factors affecting the pandemic response by Canadian universities.

She is also a freelance writer, publishing articles about her views on high school education, Islamophobia and social justice for media like the Toronto Star, the Markham Economist & Sun and MYVoice Canada. Her latest opinion piece in the Toronto Star (May 5, 2022) discusses how to meaningfully include youth at every decision-making table.

York University, Town of Aurora sign five-year pledge to build better future together

MOU signing between York University and Aurora on June 20

On June 20, Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas was joined by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton at a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing at Aurora Town Hall. The MOU is a five-year agreement setting out a wide range of agreed-upon initiatives and priorities.

The agreement specifies key areas in which the town and University have shared goals, including: community development, research, scholarship, learning and employment, economic growth and sustainability.

The event was a celebration of a long history of partnership between the University and Aurora as well as a cementing of common goals and a shared vision for a forward-looking collaboration that will bring tangible benefits to the Aurora community.

Rhonda Lenton and Town of Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas at MOU signing on June 20 story image
York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton with Town of Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas at the MOU signing

“The Town of Aurora has a long-standing relationship with York University having worked together on important efforts in various fields with the shared intent of improving and enhancing our community. Today’s signing of the memorandum of understanding formalizes this relationship as we agree to work together to support each other’s strategic priorities and bring more educational and learning opportunities to our community,” said Mrakas. “We are excited for the future possibilities of this partnership especially as we continue to develop our downtown core and build a strong community.”

Specifically, the MOU contains shared pledges to pursue smart community technology; professional development opportunities for town council and staff; and learning and employment programs, including experiential education and work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities in key areas such as urban planning and municipal law. 

“We are pleased to partner with the Town of Aurora to contribute to the sustainable and economic prosperity of our communities,” said Lenton. “The MOU pledges to pursue new professional development and learning opportunities and to participate in the development of leading-edge technologies that drive positive change while advancing key University priorities such as our commitment to sustainable development.”  

The MOU designates liaisons at the University and Town of Aurora who will oversee joint efforts that fall within the agreement’s scope, organize periodic reviews, and track progress.