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“These student leaders are but a small indication of how our community seeks to enrich and fulfill each other as they prepare for the field,” said Professor Creso Sá, Acting Dean of OISE. “On behalf of the OISE community, congratulations! You are a part of the reason that OISE is a more welcoming and vibrant student environment.”

We spoke with this year’s winners and asked them a few questions about this moment:

• What was your first reaction when you learned you were being recognized with a U of T Student Leadership Award?
• How did you best encapsulate student leadership in your time at OISE?
• What did it mean to be a volunteer and student leader at OISE, specifically?
• How do you want to pay it forward, as a person with academic and personal goals still on the horizon?
• Who would you like to thank?

Here is what they said.

Eun Gi (Cathy) Kim
Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education (LHAE)

Eun Gi (Cathy) Kim is a doctoral candidate in higher education. Her research interests centre on educational equity, internationalization, and student voice and explores the experiences of Korean immigrant and international students in Canadian postsecondary institutions, with a focus on their support systems and peer interactions. Her commitment to understanding and supporting diverse student learning needs began during her teacher education and has been deeply shaped by her experiences as a Korean immigrant and first-generation graduate student in Canada. She is co-president of the East Asian Special Interest Group at OISE and a board member of the Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education.

1. What was your first reaction when you learned you were being recognized with a U of T Student Leadership Award?

I was genuinely surprised and deeply grateful. Before becoming involved in various activities during my doctoral studies, I never really thought of myself as a leader. Finding opportunities to get involved in different student, academic, and professional communities helped me grow into that role. Receiving this award made me reflect on how meaningful those experiences have been. It represents not just recognition, but also a reminder of the many opportunities and supportive communities that shaped my time at OISE.

2. How did you best encapsulate student leadership in your time at OISE?

For me, student leadership meant being open to ways of connecting, contributing, and collaborating within the academic community. During my time at OISE, this took shape through involvement in the Comparative, International and Development Education Centre (CIDEC) East Asia Student Interest Group and the Centre for Leadership and Diversity (CLD), as well as through engagement with broader academic and professional associations such as the Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education (CSSHE) and the Canadian Association of College & University Student Services (CACUSS). These spaces allowed me to support conversations among students, contribute to collaborative initiatives, and bridge academic and professional communities. I became particularly active during the COVID-19 pandemic, when community felt more important than ever, and these experiences kept me engaged during what could have been an isolating time – allowing me to be part of welcoming, student-centred environments.

3. What did it mean to be a volunteer and student leader at OISE, specifically?

Being a volunteer and student leader at OISE meant stepping beyond my own research and studies to engage with the broader graduate student community. Through these experiences, I had the opportunity to learn from colleagues and peers, open conversations on important issues, and collaborate with others across different areas of interest. It allowed me to experience graduate student life more fully and to appreciate how much we can learn from one another when we work together.

4. How do you want to pay it forward, as a person with academic and personal goals still on the horizon?

Having experienced the value of collaboration and community during my time at OISE, I hope to continue carrying that spirit forward. As I transition beyond student life, I am still looking for ways to stay involved and contribute to academic and professional communities. Whether through research, mentorship, or service, I hope to support others and help create the kinds of collaborative and welcoming environments that were so meaningful to me during my time at OISE.

5. Who would you like to thank?

First, I would like to thank Dr. Ann Lopez, Director of the Centre for Leadership and Diversity, for nominating me for this award and for her mentorship during my involvement with the Centre. I am also deeply grateful to the colleagues, mentors, and peers who made my experience at OISE so meaningful. Many encouraged me to get involved, supported collaborative initiatives, and created opportunities for engagement that made my time here both rewarding and inspiring. I feel very fortunate to have been part of such a supportive and collaborative community.

Mandy Nelson
Master of Education
Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education (LHAE)

Nelson will earn a Master of Education in higher education, student development and student services this spring. Her research interests include post-secondary students on academic probation and suspension, including how institutions can holistically support these students for their success. As a part-time student and a front-line advisor at University College, Mandy is passionate about assisting students with navigating their degree and career pathways. As a neurodivergent student, she is an advocate for accessibility and aims to create a supportive environment for the students she works with.

What was your first reaction when you learned you were being recognized with a U of T Student Leadership Award?

I was both excited and in minor disbelief to learn that I was being recognized with the UTSLA! As someone who has worked in student life and has had to look over these applications myself, it was gratifying to see my own work be valued. I immediately showed my family the email, and they were so proud!

How did you best encapsulate student leadership in your time at OISE?

In my time at OISE, I started volunteering for the Leadership, Higher, and Adult Education Departmental Students’ Association (LHAE DSA) and was elected as their Vice President, Communications. During the year of my service in this role, I continually found ways to go beyond my role and support others in the organization; this was with events, bursaries, and even conflict resolution. This led me to run for President of the student association, and I stepped into the role with a vision of having an organized team that could work together cohesively. This past year, my team has been fantastic and brought life to the sixth floor of OISE. Creating these bonds, putting in time and effort into relationships, making collaborations happen – this is what encapsulates leadership for me.

What did it mean to be a volunteer and student leader at OISE, specifically?

Volunteering at OISE means that you are representing your department and its students in everything you do. As a full-time staff member at the University, this meant attending my office hours after work, spending my weekends hosting or supporting events, and using my time as best as I could to support OISE students while still supporting undergraduate students.

How do you want to pay it forward, as a person with academic and personal goals still on the horizon?

I would love to pay it forward by continuing to provide my time and efforts to OISE as I enter my PhD in higher education in the fall 2026. I intend to continue being a volunteer for the LHAE DSA and the OISE GSA when possible, and I will be the advisor for next year’s President for the DSA. It will be an exciting time for them, and I hope to impart my knowledge as best as I can.

Who would you like to thank?

I would like to thank Gary Cronin, the Recruitment Officer & Communications Specialist at OISE’s Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education. Gary was always so supportive in anything I did with the LHAE DSA, always provided an ear to listen to any troubles we were going through, and has always been our biggest staff supporter. He encouraged me to run for President of the LHAE DSA and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you, Gary, for helping me and many other LHAE students combat imposter syndrome!

Ahmet Su
Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education (LHAE)

Ahmet Su is a doctoral candidate in higher education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching, and a master’s in educational sciences. He has already earned a PhD in Educational Administration and Supervision from OISE. He contributed to the inception of the Research in Educational Administration and Leadership (REAL) journal, initially as an Editorial Assistant and later as an Associate Editor. Most recently, he served as the Research and Knowledge Dissemination Coordinator at the Centre for the Study of Canadian and International Higher Education (CIHE) at OISE. His advisory work extends to international engagements, such as the advisory board of Khazar University’s Research Center for International and Global Higher Education. His research interests include higher education policy, cross-cultural and comparative studies, educational leadership, and the research engagement of faculty members.

What was your first reaction when you learned you were being recognized with a U of T Student Leadership Award?

I was very excited and delighted when I got the news. The email hit my inbox while I was very busy with some OISE-related work, and as soon as I read it, a big smile came across my face and it was an amazing feeling. However, I had to continue working to meet my deadlines. Later that evening, I was able to fully take in the moment and celebrate the news over a coffee with my wife. I believe that this kind of recognition is indeed the culmination of many months and years of commitment, so they give strong motivation to keep going and give back to the community in various ways. 

How did you best encapsulate student leadership in your time at OISE?

I think the best summary of formal or informal student leadership is community, connection, and support. With intentional efforts, you build a community to exchange help and support. Over a few years, this community establishes bonds. When you have these feelings of community and connection, you feel that you belong here. And with that sense of belonging, you are motivated to do more when the opportunity arises, as a volunteer or as a student leader. My admission letter to my doctoral program included the words of the previous dean, Prof. Glen Jones: “We are confident that you will find a home here at OISE.” I am very happy to call OISE home and give back to the community at every opportunity. 

What did it mean to be a volunteer and student leader at OISE, specifically?

I really loved connecting with people in my roles as a volunteer and student leader. Being a student leader at OISE is a great opportunity that offers a lot of flexibility, allowing you to take initiatives to enrich the student experience of your peers. Every effort contributes like a brick, and along with other students and student organizations, you build a meaningful structure that showcases everyone’s contributions. I also appreciated learning how the machinery of OISE operates behind the scenes; it was a valuable experience. Moreover, many initiatives I led and the collaborations I engaged in with peers taught me essential project management skills that I will continue to carry forward.

Secondly, I often felt that the financial dimension adds an extra layer to regular jobs. In contrast, in volunteer and student leadership roles, there is a shared understanding that the “reward” is not monetary. This perspective allows you to make the most of the experience (supporting attendees at events, engaging in meaningful conversations, or planning initiatives for your peers). The flexibility and freedom from financial considerations make these experiences especially fulfilling and rewarding.

How do you want to pay it forward, as a person with academic and personal goals still on the horizon?

I already make a conscious effort to pay it forward. I believe that “word of mouth” is a powerful way to share meaningful opportunities and experiences. I try to share the experiences I gained, the valuable lessons, and the organizations doing impactful work – to enrich my peers’ time at OISE. I have also encouraged many friends to consider student leadership roles and build their social and professional networks. I think peer mentorship and guidance are very important. 

Who would you like to thank?

First and foremost, I would like to thank Dr. Magdalena Martinez for nominating me. She has been an incredible mentor and friend over the years. Building on my previous response, she has shared her knowledge and experience with me generously when I started my doctoral program, and I feel a strong responsibility to pay that forward. 

Furthermore, on the academic side, I want to thank my supervisor, Prof. Creso Sá, and my committee, Professors Leesa Wheelahan and Glen Jones. Because they have always been supportive and patient while I balance these various commitments.