Recognizing student leadership

Six Faculty of Arts and Science students are being recognized by Queen’s Student Affairs for their leadership within the campus and local communities.

The 2024-25 recipients of the Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA) Impact Award, the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award, and the Peer Leadership Award were honoured at a reception for their significant contributions to creating an engaged and inclusive environment.

“Congratulations and thank you to all of this year’s award recipients,” said Acting Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Corinna Fitzgerald in remarks at the reception. “Student leadership – in academics, in research, in extra-curriculars, in workplaces and volunteer roles on campus and with community-based organizations – makes a critical contribution to the strength of our community and to our collective well-being.”

Nominations for the awards are submitted by students, faculty, staff, and members of the Kingston community.

Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA) Impact Award

The Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (I–EDIAA) Impact Award is presented annually to Queen’s students who have shown their commitment to the principles the award is named for. The 2024-25 recipients are:

Cameron Hare

Cameron is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology.  He is being recognized for leadership roles at the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre and as an Equity Ambassador with Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment; for sharing his research experiences through STEM Indigenous Academics (STEMInA); and for his community-engaged research developing health promotion strategies rooted in Indigenous cultural values and knowledge.  

Anosha Waqar

Anosha, a Bachelor of Health Studies student, is highly involved in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, serving as co-President of her departmental student council, and on the School’s Academic Council and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity Committee, advocating for change and initiatives that promote inclusivity and student wellbeing. She is a member of the Queen’s Muslim Students Association has worked with Student Wellness Services as a Peer Wellness Navigator and as a Peer Health Educator, supporting food insecurity programs.  

“As a Muslim woman of colour, everything I stand for is rooted in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued,” Anosha says. “At times, doing this work can feel isolating — like you're the only one fighting to be understood in rooms not built for you. Being recognized with this award is more than a title; it's a powerful reminder that pushing for inclusivity, equity, and justice matters, and that the work we do to uplift our communities is not invisible.”

Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award

The Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award is presented to students who work with, and encourage, local youth who are experiencing social, behavioral, economic, or other challenges by helping them realize their worth as individuals and their potential to achieve. It was created in honour of Brian Yealland, Chaplain at Queen’s University for 32 years. The 2024-25 recipients are:

Vikas HK

Vikas is pursuing a Bachelor of Computing degree in the School of Computing.  Through the Neighbourhood Climate Action Champions program with the City of Kingston, Vikas has worked with local youth to create climate strategies, and helped empower them to implement these strategies, shaping the next generation of environmental leaders. As Environmental Sustainability Internal Manager with the AMS, Vikas worked with local youth and student peers on education initiatives in support of sustainable practices.  He is a founding member of Queen’s Cricket Club, and a mentor with the Karta Initiative, providing guidance to high school students in rural India, helping them navigate their path to post-secondary education.

“To me, this award recognizes not just my efforts but also the resilience and dreams of the underrepresented communities I belong to and advocate for. It reminds me that leadership grounded in empathy, equity, and service can create meaningful impact, and I feel grateful to be part of that journey at Queen’s,” Vikas says.

Steven Murphy

Steven, a Life Sciences student, has held several roles in the Autism Partnership student group. He managed and expanded the Homework Helper program, which offers personalized academic support to local youth with autism.  He also revitalized Puppy Pals events, which give youth with autism an opportunity to interact with service dogs-in-training with Kingston 4 Paws.  Steven also volunteers as a Crisis Responder for Kids Help Phone, and works with Kids4Kids, brightening the days of local children in hospital, with care packages, videos and activities. Steven is also a longtime math and reading tutor, working with young children through to high schoolers.

“I am truly grateful to be presented with the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award, which honours Chaplain Yealland’s extensive commitment and dedication to diversity and community engagement,” Steven says. “I am proud to have collaborated with Autism Partnership and various initiatives both within and beyond the Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Society to support youth in the Kingston community, as well as with incredible local organizations including Kingston 4 Paws. I am excited to continue my efforts and expand the scope of my impact moving forward.”

Peer Leadership Award

The Peer Leadership Award is presented to students who, through their commitment, skill, dedication, and interest in helping others, have exemplified excellence in peer-to-peer assistance and outreach. The 2024-25 award recipients are:

Bhavya Bogra

Bhavya, is pursuing a PhD in the Department of Geography and Planning.  

In 2021, she became Head of Peer Support for the Association of Indian Graduate Students, and has served as the associations’ president for the past 3 years, significantly expanding the group’s reach and engagement, organizing events, and collaborations with other student groups, and with the City of Kingston. As a student staff member at the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC), she guides and advises students in-person, and through webinars and she serves as a Graduate Inclusivity Fellow with the School of Graduate Studies and Post-Doctoral Affairs. Bhavya contributes to the Gradifying blog, sharing advice and insights based on her experiences as an international student and woman in STEM. She also mentors others through the Women in Science and Engineering program.  

“Receiving the Peer Leadership Award would be both an incredible honor and a deeply meaningful recognition of the journey I have undertaken at Queen’s University,” says Bhavya. “To me, this award represents more than just acknowledgment—it symbolizes the power of community, the importance of shared support, and the impact one can have by simply showing up for others. As an international graduate student, my own challenges of adapting to a new academic, cultural, and social environment inspired a deep commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive community-building.”

Ramtin Mojtahedi

Ramtin, a PhD student in the School of Computing, is being recognized for multiple peer mentoring roles. He has mentored students through the ASUS mentorship program, and as a Faculty of Arts and Science graduate mentor, he connects with undergrads who are interested in learning about graduate studies in the Faculty.  He also mentors graduate students in the School of Computing, and organizes mentorships between senior and first-year PhD candidates. Ramtin volunteers with the AMS Food Bank, as well as in the local community, promoting university STEM programs and careers to high school students.

“On a personal level, this recognition is deeply meaningful because it confirms that my efforts to help others have resonated with the Queen’s community,” Ramtin says. “It’s a reminder of Winston Churchill’s insight that ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ To me, the greatest reward is knowing that my time spent mentoring or uplifting someone else has made a tangible positive impact on their university experience.”

Learn more about the Student Leadership Awards  on the Student Affairs website.