Alumni Update – 2025 TFHA Graduates
2021, Sarah Howe
Degree:
Bachelor of Nursing Science
University:
Queen’s University
Sarah Howe is graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Nursing Science. This summer, she intends to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and earn her nursing license. After getting married in May, she is taking the Spring to settle in with her husband after a quick turnaround from studies to wedding. She hopes to make an impact in her community through volunteering and service with her local church.
2020, Paige Ingram
Degree:
Bachelor of Commerce – Business and Computer Science
University:
University of British Columbia
Paige is passionate about making a positive impact in her community. She founded the Be the Change Club at school, where she led over 100 students in organizing fundraisers and campaigns for education inequality, food insecurity, and the global water crisis. As a Here4Peers Leader, she has led mental health literacy workshops for over 240 youth, and as a Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Advisor she advocates for diversity and inclusion, reconciliation, and democracy. Paige received the Governor General Award and was the Top Scholar and Top Female Athlete of her graduating class.
2021 Recipient Bio
2020, Shubhkarman Jaura
Degree:
Bachelor of Science – Engineering
University:
University of Alberta
Receiving the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award in 2020 was a deeply meaningful moment for Shubhkarman Jaura. It strengthened his sense of purpose and reminded him how powerful compassion and community-minded work can be. He remains incredibly grateful for the support and recognition which allowed him to continue giving back in even more impactful ways.
Since receiving the award, he has remained actively involved in advocacy, leadership, and service. He was honoured to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Canadian Student Award, and a Schulich Leader Award—each reflecting his ongoing commitment to leadership, academic excellence, and community service.
At the University of Alberta, he worked with the Student Advisory Committee for three years, collaborating with the Office of the Registrar to advance accessibility, inclusion, and student-centered policy. He also served as Director of Auditing and Finance for the Engineering Student Society, ensuring responsible stewardship of student funds. As Vice President of the Indian Student Association, he helped organize events that supported international students and celebrated his diverse community. He was also involved in the Future Creators Group, a space where students explored how technology could be used to drive social impact and STEM innovation.
Having immigrated to Canada as a teenager, he learned firsthand the value of adaptability and perseverance—lessons that have shaped both his academic journey and service mindset.
This year, he is graduating with a degree in Computer Engineering and will be joining Amazon in Vancouver as a Software Engineer. Simultaneously, he will be pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science at Georgia Tech, focusing on scalable systems and artificial intelligence.
The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award continues to remind him of the responsibility that comes with recognition—to lead with empathy, stay grounded in service, and use every opportunity to create meaningful impact.
2020, Toni Addison Koshowski
Degree:
Bachelor of Science – Neuroscience
University:
University of Calgary
Toni recently graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. This summer, she will be preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a critical step in her journey toward medical school. Alongside her studies, she will continue volunteer work with a previous research placement, which focuses on exploring novel ways to address mental
health, allowing her to stay engaged in meaningful and innovative work within the health sciences. She is also continuing her volunteer work with children with disabilities, reflecting her long-standing passion for creating inclusive, supportive environments where every child can thrive.
Toni is actively exploring other areas of health care that align with her interests and long-term goals. This fall, she is applying to a paramedic training program, which will offer her valuable hands-on experience and strengthen her ability to respond effectively in emergency health situations.
Upon completing the MCAT, she intends to apply to several medical schools with the goal of beginning her formal medical education as soon as possible. While her short-term aim is to attend medical school and pursue advanced training, her long-term aspiration is to return to rural and underserved communities to practice medicine. Toni is deeply committed to improving access to health care for individuals who often go without specialized services due to geographic and systemic barriers. She also hopes to engage in global humanitarian work by providing medical support in areas of the world where health care is limited or nonexistent.
Toni believes that health care is a fundamental human right, and her passion for service, combined with personal experiences that have shaped her understanding of inequity in health care, drive her to become a compassionate, knowledgeable, and resourceful health care provider. She is determined to contribute meaningfully both locally and globally throughout her medical career.
2022, Justin Langan
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts – Political Science & Philosophy
University:
University of Manitoba
Justin is a Métis, LGBTQ2+ Youth from a small rural town of Swan River, Manitoba. Despite the challenges of racial stereotypes and bullying he faced and the ensuing battles with anxiety, he has emerged as an important youth leader in Manitoba.
Justin serves as a Student Representative on the Louis Riel Institute Board of Directors, Student Representative of Canadian International Council MB, and Male Co-President of the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Students Association.
Humanitarianism has been at the forefront of his volunteerism and advocacy since his early teens. He has been involved with the Manitoba Métis Federation since 2015, volunteering at hundreds of events, helping to establish Youth Committees in all seven regions in Manitoba, establishing Youth representatives at the local level, and helping pass funding for Métis Youth initiatives.
Since 2019 he has volunteer-led the “Recording our History” Métis Elder and Youth interviews for the Northwest Métis Council, filming Elders and Youth from the Northwest region of Manitoba in an interview format. In 2022, he founded an Indigenous youth clothing brand called “O’KANATA Apparel,” in which 10% of each purchase supports Indigenous Youth through scholarships and community support.
Justin is attending the University of Manitoba to study political science and is looking forward to a career as a Politician, Filmmaker, or Journalist. Aptly, his motto is: “It’s important to learn from others as much as you learn from a textbook.”
“I believe it’s imperative to fight for what can be improved in our world and to keep on fighting even if you get tired of life getting in the way. The message that the world can be a better place lives on, and it lives on through Terry’s legacy and through the Terry Fox Foundation. Life’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s worth the journey even more if you have hope.” – Justin Langan
2022 Recipient Bio
2022, Katrina Lengsavath
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts – Arts & Sciences
University:
Canadian Mennonite University
Katrina Lengsavath recently graduated from Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) with a BA in Arts & Sciences, with concentrations in Biochemistry and Social Sciences. During her time at CMU, she was active in student leadership and held roles including Student Council Vice-President of Communications, Peer-Assisted Learning Coordinator, and Co-Leader of the Science Students Association. When Katrina visited Guatemala through CMU’s Estamos study abroad program, she opted for a volunteer placement with ADISA, an organization for supporting children and families with disabilities.
Katrina cares deeply about breaking down barriers in STEM so that women and IBPOC groups can feel there is a place for them in the sciences. In part due to her advocacy, there was an increased emphasis on ensuring diverse representation of scientists and students involved in CMU’s Scientist in Residence event programming. Additionally, Katrina serves as Co-Vice President of the Bioscience Association of Manitoba’s Youth Enrichment Network. She has assisted with arranging professional development workshops and forums to connect students to the bioscience industry and careers.
During her studies, Katrina was accepted into a field course in Arctic coastal oceanography at the University of Manitoba. Through this, she traveled to Churchill to conduct ocean sampling aboard a ship in Hudson’s Bay and received mentorship from Canada Research Chair professors. Katrina also worked in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, to study kelp and ocean nutrients around the Belcher Islands Archipelago. She collaborated with Indigenous-led research groups and witnessed the significance of science communication, environmental monitoring, and land stewardship. More recently, Katrina was recruited by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. She works as an aquatic technician within the Arctic Aquatic Research Division, analyzing total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon in seawater.
Katrina’s aspirations for graduate studies are highly interdisciplinary, driven by questions about the relationships between music, neuroscience, and health.
2019, Victoria McMahon
Degree:
Bachelor of Kinesiology
University:
University of British Columbia
In 2016, Victoria was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans in both ankles, requiring surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children. This injury taught her perseverance and the importance of education. In high school, she represented student voice as a Student Trustee for the Simcoe County District School Board and as a member of the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Minister’s Student Advisory Council. She also served on the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program Youth Advisory Council, where she contributed to initiatives in cancer prevention and health promotion.
In 2024, Victoria graduated with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia. During her time at UBC, she was actively involved in the AISES Chapter, Longhouse intramural teams, and volunteered with Destination UBC and UBC Active Kids. That same year, she became the first Indigenous Chevening Scholar from Canada. She is currently completing her Master of Arts and Sciences in Creative Health at University College London. In 2025, Victoria will begin medical school at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Her goal is to become an Indigenous Family Physician and combine western medicine with Indigenous ways of knowing to provide culturally safe and trauma-informed care to Indigenous patients.
2020, Erin Novakowski
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts – Political Science
University:
University of Calgary
Erin Novakowski was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy as a toddler and relies on a power wheelchair for mobility. After witnessing rampant inaccessibility and ableism in everyday life, she was determined to fight for a more inclusive society. Erin uses her passion for writing and her social media platforms to advocate for Muscular Dystrophy, CureSMA, and Love for Lewiston, and also writes and edits for Cripple Magazine, an online publication for disabled young adults. She is currently studying political science at the University of Calgary, where she continues to raise awareness for disability justice.
2020 Recipient Bio
2021, Ruby Pilatzke
Degree:
Bachelor of Science – Math
University:
Nipissing University
Ruby Pilatzke is graduating from Nipissing University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Specialization in Mathematics this June. In the fall, she will continue her education at Nipissing by entering the Bachelor of Education program, with the goal of becoming a certified teacher at the intermediate/senior level in mathematics and chemistry. Her long-term plan is to return to my hometown of Petawawa to inspire and educate the next generation of students in the subjects she is passionate about.
Beyond academics, she remains deeply committed to humanitarian work. She is proud to continue participating in the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes, an event that holds personal significance as she was diagnosed with type one diabetes when she was 9 years old. This year, she is honoured to serve as the opening ceremony speaker—an opportunity that allows her to advocate for greater awareness and support for those affected by diabetes.
She also maintains a strong connection to the North Bay hockey community. As a dedicated mentor, she looks forward to returning to the ice to coach and support young female athletes. Her role in helping shape their confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills is a responsibility she values and takes seriously.
Her passion for teaching, community involvement, and youth mentorship drives everything she does. She is excited for the opportunities ahead and remains committed to giving back to both the academic and broader communities that have supported her throughout her journey. She is grateful to the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program for its support, as it not only eased the financial burden of post-secondary education but also reaffirmed her motivation to give back and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
2020, Phoebe Seely
Degree:
Bachelor of Science – Combined Honours in Sustainability, Physics, & Atmospheric Sciences
University:
Dalhousie University
Phoebe Seely’s passion for helping others inspired her to co-found the not-for-profit, Giving Gertie, focused on facilitating acts of kindness for the homeless community and raising money for local charities. At age 15, after being diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition which required open heart surgery, Phoebe was inspired to put others first, sharing her story with her school and helping her fellow students raise over $20,000 for their local children’s hospital. Since then, Phoebe has been a guest speaker at the Heart4Heart charity’s first two AwareHearts Annual Seminars.
Phoebe has recently graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science with a combined Honours in Sustainability, Physics & Atmospheric Sciences. She was an active member in her school and community in Halifax, her various activities including Sustainability Society leader, Faculty of Science Equity Champion, and President of the DalKing’s Swing Dancing Society. Phoebe is excited to continue her studies by pursuing a Master of Social-Ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development at Stockholm University. By combining her love of teaching, research and drive for a more sustainable future, Phoebe aspires to become a professor of sustainability.
2021, Maleeka Ellaithy
Degree:
Bachelor of Science – Biomedical Science
University:
University of Ottawa
Maleeka graduated with a Bachelor of Science and is now pursuing her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, with hopes of going into pediatrics or women’s healthcare. She cares deeply about supporting marginalized minority communities and volunteers extensively in organizing and leading workshops, mentorship programs, youth circles, children’s programs and support groups for a variety of audiences. Her goal is to take her humanitarian experiences to the healthcare field to provide holistic, patient-centered care that improves patient outcomes and overall community health.