The David Colcleugh Leadership Award recognizes an exceptional Let’s Talk Science Outreach site coordinator who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, meaning they have influenced people to create positive change through STEM outreach.
2024 Award Winner: Alexandra Leone, Brock University. Alexandra’s passion for equity, inclusion, and accessibility shows clearly in her work with Let’s Talk Science, especially in creating a new STEM program for girls, STEMpower Women. Alexandra has also grown partnerships at Brock University, including collaborating with Let’s Talk Science’s Anishinabeg Outreach program, where she developed custom workshops for Indigenous students. Alexandra inspires other volunteers and students alike to connect with each other while pursuing knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math.
2023 Runners-Up:
Olivia Vanhaesebroucke – Université du Québec à Rimouski
Olivia’s commitment to equity, accessibility, and tackling inequities in STEM for women, neurodiverse students, and members of the LGBTQIA2+ community demonstrates her outstanding leadership. She is focused on providing STEM role models for youth with diverse backgrounds, making STEM accessible to all while providing mentorship and support for volunteers at her site.
Negin Ficzkowski – McMaster University
Negin’s dedication to climate initiatives at her site, equity, inclusivity, and sustainability is inspiring. Her commitment to mentoring others, deepening partnerships and collaborations, and supporting her co-coordinators demonstrates her commitment to leaving a lasting legacy at McMaster.
Past Winners:
- 2023– Amaal Abdi, Let's Talk Science at the University of Ottawa
- 2022 – Jessica Allingham, Let’s Talk Science at Lakehead University
- 2021 – Sarah Woodward, University of British Columbia
- 2020 – Jacqueline Barnett, University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus
- 2019 – Sarah Purcell, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton
- 2018 – Michelle Lynn Trudel, University of Winnipeg
- 2017 – Mannix Chan, University of Victoria
- 2016 – Emily Ng, University of Calgary
- 2015 – Rachel Ward-Maxwell, McMaster University
- 2014 – Gabriel Potvin, University of Ottawa
- 2013 – Frances Lasowski, McMaster University
- 2012 – Megan Dodd, McMaster University
- 2011 – Julie Mason, University of Toronto, St. George campus
Nominate a site coordinator for the 2024-25 David Colcleugh Leadership Award
This award recognizes a site coordinator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, influencing people to create positive change through STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) outreach.
For more information, and to apply or make a nomination, see the online form!