Humber Polytechnic alumna Nadjla Agahbanaei was among 14 recipients honoured at the 2026 Lieutenant Governor's Legacy Awards ceremony on September 14.
Agahbanaei, who graduated from Humber's Social Service Worker diploma program in 2020 and earned her master's degree from the University of Waterloo this past August, is a social work leader and advocate recognized for her commitment to advancing mental health care and health equity.
She was one of two Hilary M. Weston Scholarship recipients to be recognized by the Ontario government for academic excellence and dedication to advancing mental health research. The scholarship is named after Ontario's 26th Lieutenant Governor.
As part of the recognition, Agahbanaei received a $7,500 scholarship. Her trauma-informed and anti-racist approach has helped expand access to mental health care for underserved populations.
"I am deeply honoured and humbled to be one of two graduate-level social work students across Ontario selected to receive this year's scholarship", said Agahabaeni. "This recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the values that have guided my work for more than two decades: health equity, advocacy, social justice, compassion, and a fundamental belief in the dignity, humanity, and inherent worth of every person and their lived experience."
Through frontline practice, research and education, Agahbanaei has advanced equity, strengthened support systems and improved outcomes for individuals facing complex social and mental health challenges.
"Nadjla's achievement reflects the power of education to create meaningful change in our communities and we are proud to count her among our graduates," said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber Polytechnic. "Her leadership and impact in the mental health sector exemplify the values we strive to foster at Humber, and we congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition."
Agahbanaei hopes the recognition that comes with receiving this year's Hilary M. Weston Scholarship will support her continued growth in clinical social work and expand her ability to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities.
