Batool Karimi came to Canada at the age of 15, overcoming the challenges of adapting to a new country while facing significant financial hardships. Drawing from her own experiences, she founded the Financial Literacy Program for newcomers to help others avoid the difficulties she once encountered. In Fall 2025, she will begin her studies in Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carleton University, with the long-term goal of becoming a lawyer and advocating for vulnerable communities. A proud recipient of the Marion Dewar Scholarship Fund, Batool is recognized for her resilience, leadership, and dedication to empowering others.
Born in Syria and raised in Lebanon before arriving in Canada in 2017, Mariam Al Mostafa has shown remarkable resilience in overcoming the challenges of displacement and learning a new language. Through academic excellence, volunteer work, and leadership in her school and community, Mariam has built a strong foundation for her dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. She will begin her studies in Biomedical Science at the University of Ottawa, specializing in neuroscience, in Fall 2025.
Zawadi Kasemire came to Canada from Uganda in 2019 and has since shown remarkable determination in adapting to a new culture and language. She has actively given back to her community through volunteer work with BGC Ottawa, Pathways, her church, and local events. In Fall 2025, she began studying Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carleton University, focusing on immigration policy. Her long-term goal is to work in government and help create policies that make life easier for newcomers.
Amani Omer came to Canada from Nigeria as a refugee at the age of 13 and has shown remarkable perseverance in adapting to a new language, culture, and education system. Throughout high school, she maintained honour roll status and actively contributed to her school community through BYDG, MSA, and Best Buddies, promoting inclusion and belonging. She also volunteered with the CRSD Black Girl Support Group, where she supported newcomer students and helped create a welcoming environment. In Fall 2024, Amani began studying Nursing at the University of Ottawa, with the goal of building a career dedicated to helping others and giving back to her community.
Maya Alali came to Canada from Syria as a refugee nearly two years ago and has shown great resilience in adapting to a new country and pursuing her goals. She is studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa, with aspirations to become a plastic surgeon. Her volunteer work at the Heart Institute’s Cardiac Imaging Department and her research collaboration with Dr. Small on chest CT screening have deepened her passion for medicine. In the future, Maya hopes to combine medicine and business by establishing clinics internationally and helping people feel confident in their own skin.
Almokhtar Albakoosh arrived in Canada in 2014 with his family from Africa. He excelled academically and maintained an honour roll throughout high school. He was an active participant and leader in the chess club, debate club, the Muslim basketball association, and the school soccer league along with working at "TOOLS4SCHOOL", a community program. To assist his family financially, he also works part-time at a local grocery store. He hopes to become a dentist one day and has enrolled in a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at the University of Ottawa.
Ashiq Arib has a strong commitment to academic excellence, as evidenced by his pursuit of knowledge, participation in advanced courses, and engagement in academic competitions. His outstanding academic performance was further recognized when he was awarded the prestigious Silver Medalist accolade, highlighting his exceptional achievements in academics. He is also dedicated to community service and personal well-being through sports and team-based activities. With a passion for technology and healthcare, Ashiq plans to pursue a degree in Software Engineering & AI.
Morolayo Etti, a first-year Biomedical and Electrical Engineering student at Carleton University, came to Canada as a refugee at the age of 12. Despite the challenging transition, she quickly learned to focus on what mattered most to her, education. During high school, she took on leadership roles and collaborated with Dr. Jerry Maniate, an associate professor of medicine at the Ottawa Hospital. She won the Miss Teen Africa Canada Scholarship Pageant in 2022 and is now pursuing a career in creating medical devices.
Early Childhood Educator
Algonquin College
2022 Winner
Registered Practical Nurse
St. Lawrence College
2022 Winner
