This year’s awards went to two students, a professor and a community partner for their exceptional community service contributions. Created in 2015 and renamed in 2022, the awards celebrate leadership, collaboration and social impact.
The award recipients
Cassielle Bles, a human kinetics student, researched and evaluated athletes for induction into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, ensuring the inclusion of diverse and underrepresented voices. Her work demonstrated strong collaboration, critical thinking and a deep commitment to community representation. She also sparked discussions within her team, guiding colleagues toward consensus and strengthening project outcomes.
“This placement provided me with insight into the sports realm in my hometown of Ottawa. It broadened my research and teamwork capabilities, as well as using the skills I had acquired. I believe this placement will forever be one of my favourite course-related university projects.”
Amy Sisombath, a life sciences and psychology student, worked on an equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism (EDI-AR) toolkit for community and health-care organizations, including the Ottawa West Four Rivers Ontario Health Team. She organized team processes, conducting in-depth research and supporting her peers. Her work helped develop practical tools for more inclusive health-care environments. She also took on a facilitation role and presented key findings to community partners.
Barbara Roblin, from the DragonFly program at the School of Dance, was recognized for her commitment to inclusive, transformative learning. Supporting students who work with individuals with Down syndrome, she helps create an environment that fosters confidence, independence and skill development. She provides students hands-on experiences that emphasize empathy and inclusion and helps develop teaching strategies tailored to diverse learning needs. DragonFly offers a safe, supportive and stimulating educational environment for both learners and the students involved.
Holly Gordon, from the Office of Campus Sustainability, connects students to hands-on sustainability initiatives across campus. Through CSL placements, she enables them to contribute to campus infrastructure and environmental performance projects. The experiential learning opportunities benefit both students and the broader university community. Gordon also engages students through classroom visits, campus tours and collaborative project design.
Maria Cherba, a professor of communication, was recognized for her engaged, rigorous teaching approach. In her digital health course, she guided students through real-world projects addressing issues such as student well-being and prevention of sexual violence on campus. Bridging theory and practice, she helps develop both professional skills and social responsibility. Her emphasis on academic integrity and critical thinking further strengthens students’ ability to produce high-quality work with impact.
Learning through contribution
The Michaëlle Jean Community Engagement Awards highlight learning beyond the classroom. By recognizing initiatives rooted in real-world impact, they demonstrate how community engagement strengthens both student learning and community well-being.