WINDSOR ESSEX CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Director of Education receives award from MCC

The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County Foundation is pleased to announce that Director of Education at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB), Emelda Byrne and Dr. Mark Awuku are this year's recipients of the Herb Gray Harmony and Champion Awards. 

Director Byrne and Dr. Awuku are distinguished community leaders whose professional excellence, sustained service, and commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion have had a profound and lasting impact across Windsor-Essex. "For more than two decades, the MCC Awards Gala has recognized individuals who are dedicated to helping others and making our community a more welcoming place for all," said Fred Francis, Executive Director of the MCC. "Both of these worthy recipients exemplify the values and dedication to community that these awards represent." 

The Herb Gray Harmony Award, presented by WFCU Credit Union, recognizes individuals that have made outstanding contributions toward building a welcoming and inclusive community. Our 2026 recipient, Emelda Byrne, has dedicated more than 35 years to Catholic education in Windsor-Essex, shaping learning environments that prioritize equity, dignity, accessibility and student success.

Byrne began her career in 1987 with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB), serving in a wide range of roles including classroom teacher, vice-principal, principal, and senior administrator. In 2021, she was appointed Director of Education, becoming the first woman in the Board's history to hold this position an important milestone for educational leadership in our region.

A recognized advocate for equity and inclusion, Byrne leads the WECDSB's Equity Action Plan, advancing culturally responsive practices, Indigenous learning, and system-wide professional development. This work forms a cornerstone of the Board's broader anti-racism and equity strategy, grounded in respect for all people and cultures.

Beyond the school system, Byrne has championed collaborative partnerships with numerous community organizations, including the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County where she assisted launching our Education Program in 2022, Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, United Way, and the Windsor Police Service. Through these partnerships, she has supported initiatives addressing mental health, bullying prevention, youth engagement, and diversity awareness, helping to create safer, more inclusive faith-filled learning environments and stronger community connections throughout Windsor-Essex. 

The MCC Champion Award, presented by Cogeco, recognizes first-generation Canadians whose leadership and service have made a lasting positive impact on our community. Dr. Mark Awuku, is a highly respected paediatrician whose career spanned more than three decades of service to children and families throughout Windsor-Essex. 

Born and raised in Ghana, Dr. Awuku discovered his passion for medicine at a young age. He earned his medical degree from the University of Ghana in 1975, before completing postgraduate training in paediatrics and paediatric critical care medicine at the University of Toronto. After relocating to Canada, he established his medical career in Windsor, until his retirement in 2022.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Awuku served as Chief of Paediatrics at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and as a Professor of Paediatrics at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry - Windsor Campus. His leadership, clinical excellence, and commitment to mentorship have been recognized through numerous prestigious honours, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the Ontario Medical Association Presidential Award, and the Spirit of Medicine Award from Windsor Regional Hospital. He was also named Ontario Paediatrician of the Year (2017) and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Windsor in recognition of his lasting contributions to medicine, education, and community service.

Dr. Awuku is deeply committed to community service, guided by a steadfast belief in nurturing the potential of children as the foundation of a stronger future. Even in retirement, his compassion, mentorship, and generosity exemplify the true spirit of the MCC Champion Award.

A signature feature of the MCC Awards Gala is the Kathleen Thomas Inspire Award, presented by St. Clair College. The award recognizes a Canadian newcomer whose resilience in overcoming significant barriers reflects the spirit of hope and opportunity. The 2026 recipient will be announced live during the gala.

The MCC invites the community to join in celebrating this year's award winners at the 2026 MCC Awards Gala on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts.