CANADORE COLLEGE
College announces its nominees for the 2024 Premier's Awards

Canadore College is proud to announce the nomination of four outstanding alumni for the annual Colleges Ontario Premier's Awards. The nominees are Sameer Aljabawi, Michelle Mulder, Grace Valenti, and Mandy Richard.

"Our Canadore alumni are a source of pride for the College," said George Burton, President and CEO. "This year, we are excited to honour Sameer, Michelle, Grace, and Mandy, who are graduates from a variety of Canadore programs. They exemplify how a Canadore College education can provide a strong foundation for a successful career. On behalf of Canadore, I congratulate our nominees."

The Premier's Awards, established in 1992, recognize exceptional graduates from Ontario's 24 publicly assisted colleges. These prestigious awards are presented in seven categories: Apprenticeship, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate, and Technology. To date, five alumni of Canadore College have been honoured with these awards.

"I am proud of my fellow graduates for their well-deserved nominations for a 2024 Premier's Award," said Tanya Bedard, Alumni President. "The outstanding work of these individuals in their respective fields is admirable, and I am excited that a number of our Canadore colleagues will be joining Michelle, Grace, Mandy, and Sameer in person to acknowledge and celebrate their nominations. The Canadore Alumni congratulates them all, along with all the other nominees for this year's awards."

Mandy Richard, an Indigenous graduate of Print and Broadcast Journalism from Canadore College, has made significant strides in child welfare and Indigenous advocacy. Drawing on her personal experiences as a former youth in care, she co-authored the influential "My Real Life Book" report. This groundbreaking report has led to substantial policy reforms in Ontario's child welfare system. Beyond her work in child welfare, Richard is deeply committed to addressing addictions and empowering Indigenous youth. As President of the Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre and Communications Manager for her home community, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, she actively advocates for these crucial issues. Mandy Richard is nominated in the Community Services category.

Grace Valenti, co-owner of the DEN Group, is a leading figure in the construction industry, renowned for her people-first approach to business. By prioritizing employee well-being, Valenti has cultivated a loyal and skilled workforce through competitive benefits, ongoing training, and opportunities for local graduates. Valenti's innovative "One Contractor" model, coupled with her unwavering commitment to quality, has earned her numerous accolades, including the Northern Ontario Business Award and the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award. Her dedication to both employees and clients has set a new standard of excellence in the industry. A graduate of Canadore College's Early Childhood Education program, Valenti's unique perspective and strong leadership skills have propelled her to success. She has been nominated in the Business category.

Michelle Mulder, owner-operator of Nailed It Roofing, is a trailblazing force in the roofing industry. A graduate of Canadore College's Building Construction Technology program, Mulder has shattered stereotypes and become an award-winning roofer. Passionate about empowering women in trades, Mulder actively mentors and inspires others through public speaking and her involvement in initiatives like Women on Site. Her unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of underrepresented groups has significantly impacted the industry. Mulder's exceptional skills and leadership have been recognized on an international scale. She is the first Canadian to win the Beacon Building Products North American Competition: Female Roofing Professional of the Year. Michelle Mulder is nominated in the Skilled Trades category.

Sameer Aljabawi, a recent graduate of Canadore College's Mechanical Engineering Technology program, embodies resilience and dedication. After fleeing his home country of Syria, Aljabawi immigrated to Canada alone and quickly excelled academically. His hands-on experience at the Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping (ICAMP) and his active involvement in social justice initiatives demonstrate both his technical skills and commitment to community service. Now a Production Engineer at Miller Technology Inc., Aljabawi's journey is a testament to his determination and potential to make significant contributions to the mechanical engineering field. Sameer Aljabawi is nominated in the Recent Graduate category.