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Staff at the ¥������ play a vital role in supporting faculty and students in their academic and professional journeys. OISE’s Staff Excellence Awards are a special acknowledgement of their great contributions over the past year.

These winners were selected by a Staff Excellence Awards Selection Committee, who chose the very best of all the nominations received. Each winner tells a story of remarkable contributions by the community’s administrative staff to its success.

"The role of our staff, across all facets of our institution, ensures that our academic and institutional goals remain in focus and our determination remains steadfast," said Professor Erica N. Walker, Dean of OISE. "On behalf of our community, I would like to acknowledge and thank our 2025 winners for their humility, creativity, and thoughtfulness. Congratulations to you all."

Dean Walker also extends special thanks to the 2024-2025 Staff Awards Selection Committee members for their dedication. The committee includes doctoral student Selcuk Emre Ergut; Professor Jen Gilbert; Sheldon Grabke, Registrar & Senior Director, Student Experience at OISE; Madelaine Panoulias, OISE’s Director of Human Resources; doctoral student Aytaj Pashayeva, Professor and OISE Vice Dean Creso Sá; and committee chair Helen Huang, OISE Chief Administrative Officer.

Learn more about the staff awards and their winners below.

Dr. Claire Alleyne Staff Excellence Award

Winner: Lisa Juan, Communications and Events Coordinator, Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (CTL)

The Alleyne Award was established in 2008, in recognition of OISE’s former Registrar, Dr. Claire Alleyne, and her retirement after more than 35 years of exemplary service – and her dedication to, and respect for OISE administrative staff. The Award celebrates contributions of a staff member who has continually demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence and outstanding service, and whose actions have created a positive and lasting impact on our community.

Lisa Juan, at the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, is being recognized for her deep commitment and exemplary service to the department and the broader institution. She has elevated the department’s communications through impeccably designed, professional, and inviting quarterly newsletters representing all programs, celebrating successes, and building community.

For example, as she planned and executed events – orientations, research celebrations and conferences – Juan ensures accessibility, engagement and learning for all students. Her meticulous planning skills and welcoming demeanor creates a sense of community and leaves a lasting positive impression on all participants.

Leadership Award

Winner: Deborah Peart, Assistant Director, EDI Recruitment and Engagement, Registrar’s Office and Student Experience (ROSE)

The Leadership award celebrates the achievements of a staff member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through inspiring a high level of commitment from others, and motivating them to achieve outstanding results; setting and maintaining high professional standards.

Deborah Peart, who is based at the Registrar’s Office and Student Experience office, has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, making significant contributions to OISE’s recruitment strategy efforts.

She is particularly recognized for her visionary leadership in creating and implementing OISE’s U of T recruitment night, her pivotal role in the creation of the Black Future Educators Pathway, and her successful acquisition of the International Student Experience and the Access Program Fund grants for ROSE and the Master of Teaching program. Deborah exemplifies the attributes of leadership excellence while advancing OISE’s commitments to diverse recruitment, admissions, program development, and student support.

A dedicated community member, Deborah has actively contributed to numerous initiatives and committees, including collaborating with the OISE Library on the Black Wonderings Project display installation, serving on OISE Council and its Equity Committee, and serving on the Academic Planning Engagement Team. 

Innovation Award

Winner: Amelia Ainsworth, Research and Project Coordinator, Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (CTL)

The Innovation Award celebrates the achievements of staff, individually or as a team, who have developed and implemented a creative solution that increases the productivity and enhances the value added to research, teaching and the administrative processes at OISE.

Amelia Ainsworth has taken a proactive and creative approach to revitalizing existing digital processes and support systems, bringing significant innovation to the service culture within the department. Their efforts have resulted in measurable improvements in service delivery and support for faculty and students.

Her approach has led to the development of several innovations that have significantly advanced the department’s research capabilities and project outcomes. For example, she has created a Research page on the SharePoint site with resources to support CTL faculty research applications – including links to forms, deadlines, workbooks, guides and other resources.

Through creating a curated program of CTL presenting authors and special events, Amelia promotes the visibility of CTL researchers at the annual meeting and conference of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). She also supports the coordination of the annual MT Research conference and plays an instrumental role in effective coordination of the Three Minute Research competition.

Special Acknowledgement – Exemplary U of T Ambassador (EUTA) Award

Winner: Máiri McKenna Edwards, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity & Student Experience in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning

During the Apr. 3 award ceremony, Helen Huang, OISE’s chief administrative officer, will set time aside to acknowledge Máiri McKenna Edwards, a coordinator of diversity, equity & student experience in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning.

McKenna Edwards is one of six U of T staffers named a winner of the prestigious .

Established in 2022, this award recognizes outstanding staff and librarians – at any level at the University – who have furthered the strategic priorities of their unit, department, or division, and made a significant, positive impact on the University. The recipients have also demonstrated one or more of the University’s Institutional Competencies: leadership; equity, diversity, and inclusion; collaboration; stewardship; and innovation and excellence.

Edwards is being recognized for undertaking multiple initiatives to build understanding, inclusion, justice, and access for the OISE community. “She consistently identifies and addresses barriers within the physical spaces, programs, processes and practices within the Institute,” says Helen Huang, OISE’s chief administrative officer.

Among her contributions, Edwards coordinates the Career Closet Boutique, a free professional clothing swap that takes place just outside the Nexus Lounge throughout the academic year. This ongoing event, a collaboration with CTL and the ROSE office, provides clothing for students preparing for practicums and beyond. The Career Closet also publishes online resources on thrifting and upcycling.