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.

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 Arts (Honours) in Global Development Studies. 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.  

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.

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, 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.

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.

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