The student experience at the University of Toronto is more than classes and books. It’s life on campus, in the community, and in the world. Named after former U of T Vice-President of Development and University Relations, the prestigious Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Awards annually recognize outstanding extra-curricular contributions to the University community.
On April 16, seventeen U of T Engineering students were honoured with this distinction at Convocation Hall. We’re honoured to have engaged with five of these amazing students through ILead programming and are proud to share their leadership journeys with you.
Afshin Ameri (EngSci 1T4)
Afshin has always been an active member of the university community, most notably as co-president of Students Fighting Cancer (SFC). He organized the first SFC International Food Festival, raising over $5,000 for SickKids Hospital research. Afshin also co-founded the U of T Business Association (UTBA) and served as a panel member of the U of T Tribunal Board. Devoted to developing his leadership skills, Afshin completed two of ILead’s leadership certificates: Team Skills in Fall 2010 and Organizational Leadership in Fall 2011.
Alberto Picard-Ami (IndE 1T4)
As president of Nspire Innovation Network, Alberto launched an entrepreneurial startup weekend that brought together more than 60 students and mentors. As chair of the National Business and Technology Conference (NBTC), he hosted the largest student entrepreneurship conference. He also co-founded the inaugural Simulation Case Competition for the Industrial Engineering Club (IEClub), served as head leader for Orientation Week, and is a mentor for the MIE Mentorship Program and You’re Next Career Network. Always looking to develop his leadership skills further, Alberto has been deeply involved with ILead. He completed the Organizational Leadership Certificate in Winter 2011, participated in the ILead MIE Working Group and Cross-Faculty Group, and served as co-host at ILead’s Annual Appreciation Night in 2012.
Chirag Variawa (PhD IndE 1T4)
Chirag served on Governing Council for two terms, in addition to serving in a leadership role as the vice-chair of the University Affairs Board (UAB). He has been an active member of the Committee for Honorary Degrees (CHD), Executive Committee of Governing Council, Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) and Academic Appeals Board (AAB), among others. Chirag also served as the graduate student representative on several committees, including those for the president, vice-president of research, and the warden of Hart House. A passionate, committed and inquisitive leader, Chirag served as Co-Chair of ILead:Graduate in 2010-2011 and Social Director from 2011-2012.
Amanda Wai (MSE 1T4)
Amanda served as president of the U of T Volunteer Consulting Group (VCG), overseeing pro bono consulting advisory to 10 non-profit organizations. She received the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education Scholarship for her efforts. She was also co-president of the University of Toronto Consulting Association (UTCA), leading an eight-member executive team to organize informational and networking events for more than 1,500 students. Amanda refined her leadership skills by serving as a member in the ILead MSE Working Group from 2011-2013.
Bo Zhang (ChemE 1T4)
Since developing his skills with ILead, Bo has led a variety of professional development clubs and organizations, including roles as president of the Engineering Athletics Association (EAA) and chair of the Canadian Society of Chemical Engineering (CSChE) U of T Chapter. He also established the Engineering Basketball League. A caring, well-intentioned leader, Bo developed his leadership skills by completing the ILead Organizational Leadership Certificate in Winter 2011, and served as a member of the ChemE Working Group for two years.
“We are extremely proud of the engineering students honoured by this year’s Cressy Awards,” said Dean Cristina Amon. “Their passionate dedication to enhancing university life beyond the classroom is an inspiration to all of us.”
Congratulations to all the Gordon Cressy award recipients! May your leadership journey continue throughout your lives! Read about all seventeen Cressy Award winners from Engineering on the Faculty website.