Empowerment Squared post-secondary awards and scholarships support newcomer and marginalized youth and adults who have participated in Empowerment Squared’s programming to succeed in post-secondary education and ultimately empower themselves with the tools and opportunities to thrive and contribute to society.
This year, ten scholarships were awarded on June 29, 2022, at Empowerment Squared’s first in-person gathering since the pandemic. This event allowed donors, staff, and community members to meet this year’s extraordinary recipients. We gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and aspirations and discover how Empowerment Squared’s educational support ecosystem continues to create success and opportunities.
Chanan Singh Sandhu Scholarship
Recipient: Fadi Dalloul
This year’s recipient of the Chanan Singh Sandhu Scholarship is Fadi Dalloul. Fadi has been living in Canada for less than a year and resides in Hamilton. In Lebanon, he volunteered in research and public education programs. He also worked within his community in response to the explosion in Beirut in 2020, when he supporting the mental health of youth through art.
Established in 2020, this scholarship is given in honour of the incredible legacy of Chanan Sandhu. Chanan and his wife Charan Sandhu were the founders and owners of Merit Furniture in Nanaimo, British Columbia, which they used as a platform to provide opportunities to hundreds of newcomers to Canada. This award was established by the Sandhu family and is supported by MERIT Brewery, founded by Tej Sandhu, and inspired by his grandfather Charan.
Chanan Singh Sandhu Scholarship
Recipient: Darshana Seerburruth
The second recipient of this year’s Chanan Singh Sandhu Scholarship is Darshana Seerburruth. Darshana is a first-generation university student at McMaster University in her second year of the Life Sciences program. She moved to Canada with her family in 2010. Growing up, her family faced financial problems. This motivated Darshana to join Empowerment Squared as a volunteer to help alleviate educational barriers faced by low-income and immigrant families. She also volunteered in the Summer Literacy and Arts programs and has over 120 hours of volunteering with Empowerment Squared. Darshana hopes to pursue a medical career focusing on health equity and access to healthcare for marginalized communities.
Established in 2020, this scholarship is given in honour of the incredible legacy of Chanan Sandhu. Chanan and his wife Charan Sandhu were the founders and owners of Merit Furniture in Nanaimo, British Columbia, which they used as a platform to provide opportunities to hundreds of newcomers to Canada. This award was established by the Sandhu family and is supported by MERIT Brewery, founded by Tej Sandhu, and inspired by his grandfather Charan.
CF Lime Ridge Community Impact Scholarship
Recipient: Abdi Abdurahman Sidnoor
This year’s first CF Limeridge Community Impact Scholarship recipient is Abdi Abdurahman Sidnoor. Abdi arrived in Canada in 2014 as a refugee from Somalia. Abdi participated in the Empowerment Squared academic mentoring program, which assisted in developing good study habits and improving his grades. He volunteers his time as a peer leader at the YMCA and NGEN Youth Center and is an active community member in his mosque. In his free time, he expresses himself through spoken words and poems. He also volunteers at the Hamilton Youth Poets, assisting in events and mentorship as a performing poet. Abdi looks forward to studying computer science at the University of Waterloo.
Established in 2020 by previous General Manager Liem Vu, now lead by General Manager Andy Traynor, Cadillac Fairview continues to put community first. CF Lime Ridge is proud to activate its purpose of transforming communities for a vibrant tomorrow.
This scholarship is given to two students annually, who are commencing their post-secondary studies or currently enrolled at an Ontario university or college. In the judgement of the selection committee, they demonstrate outstanding character, resilience, and community service.
CF Lime Ridge Community Impact Scholarship
Recipient: Jonathan Monteiro
The second recipient of the CF Limeridge Community Impact Scholarship is Jonathan Monteiro. Jonathan and his family moved to Canada in 2014 from the Middle East. He attends McMaster University, where he joined E2 @ Mac and volunteered at Empowerment Squared’s Homework Circle. He enjoys helping younger students and is on his way to becoming a physician-scientist.
Established in 2020 by previous General Manager Liem Vu, now lead by General Manager Andy Traynor, Cadillac Fairview continues to put community first. CF Lime Ridge is proud to activate its purpose of transforming communities for a vibrant tomorrow.
This scholarship is given to two students annually, who are commencing their post-secondary studies or currently enrolled at an Ontario university or college. In the judgement of the selection committee, they demonstrate outstanding character, resilience, and community service.
CF Lime Ridge Future Leader Fellowship
Recipient: Quinn Mann-Delany
This year’s recipient of the CF Limeridge Future Leader Fellowship is Quinn Mann-Delany. Quinn was born and raised in Toronto and benefited from E2’s Homework Circle. He spends time volunteering with local basketball camps and assisting local businesses. Quinn looks forward to finding more ways to give back to his community in the coming months.
Established in 2020 by CF Lime Ridge, the Fellowship seeks to empower high school students to develop professional skills for the workforce.
This award is given annually to a current or past participant of Empowerment Squared that is commencing or currently enrolled in high school while, through the judgment of the selection committee, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and volunteerism. The recipient will be given the bursary after completing at least 65 hours of volunteering & professional development during the summer and fall months with Empowerment Squared.
Empowerment Squared @ McMaster Student Service
Recipient: Angelo Grant
This year’s recipient of the Empowerment Squared @ McMaster Scholarship is Angelo Grant. His family arrived in Canada when he was just ten months old. He previously attended McMaster University and is now a first-year medical student at the University of Toronto. At McMaster, he spent many hours volunteering at Homework Circle and currently the number 1 Smile Cookie ambassador! He was involved in many clubs on campus and started and published PITCH Magazine, dedicated to the creative expression of Black youth.
Founded in 2020, Empowerment Squared @ McMaster is a student-run club that extends the mission of the charitable organization Empowerment Squared to the McMaster student community through volunteerism, mentorship, and social opportunities. Empowerment Squared @ McMaster created this student award to support and acknowledge devoted McMaster students who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership through service.
This award is awarded annually to one McMaster University student who is commencing or continuing their post-secondary studies and, in the judgment of the selection committee, has made exceptional contributions as a volunteer to the McMaster, Hamilton, or Empowerment Squared communities.
Ibhawoh Foundation Male Mentorship Fellowship
Recipient: Henry Akporhonor
This year’s recipient of the Ibhawoh Foundation Male Mentorship Fellowship is Henry Akporhonor. Henry’s family migrated to Canada from the US a few years ago. As a freshman in high school, he plays percussion instruments at his church, where he also volunteers his time. Henry is excited to expand his knowledge on the skills needed to be a leader and what it means to make impactful changes in the world.
The Ibhawoh Foundation’s mission is to support education, youth empowerment, and community development. The Ibhawoh Foundation Male Mentorship Fellowship seeks to develop supportive mentoring relationships to promote positive outcomes for young males and empower high school boys to build professional skills for the workforce.
Established in 2020, this award is given annually to a current or past participant of Empowerment Squared who identifies as a Black male and is commencing or currently enrolled in high school and, in the judgement of the selection committee, demonstrates character, resiliency, and a commitment to improving their skills. The recipient will be given the bursary after completing at least 65 hours of volunteering & professional development during the summer months with Empowerment Squared.
Black Girl Innovation Fellowship
Recipient: Nmesoma Charles
This year’s recipient of the Black Girl Innovation Fellowship is Nmesoma Charles. Soma and her family moved to Canada from Nigeria in 2019. She volunteers at her church, The Good Shepherd, and in various initiatives at her school. She is excited to pursue her nursing studies at Mohawk College.
Established in 2019 by Nu Omega Zeta Sorority, Canada’s first black-focused Greek lettered organization, the Black Girl Innovation Fellowship seeks to empower black females in high school to develop professional skills for the workforce.
This award is given annually to a current or past participant of Empowerment Squared who identifies as a Black female and is commencing or currently enrolled in high school and, in the judgement of the selection committee, demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the principles of sisterhood, volunteerism, and knowledge. The recipient will be given the bursary after completing at least 65 hours of volunteering & professional development during the summer months with Empowerment Squared.
Chef Mentorship
Recipient: Gabriela Hernandez
This year’s recipient is Gabriela Hernandez. Gabriela and her family moved to Canada from El Salvador to seek safety in 2021. She has a love for life and immense love for food. Gabriela finished the Culinary Arts Program at St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education and is now working alongside the head chef at The Mule, completing the in-training component of her program. She uses her skills to volunteer in the community by preparing meals at food banks and churches. Gabriela and her family continue to build their new life in Canada as she pursues her passion for cooking.
Recognizing the lack of diversity within the culinary industry and the limited access to newcomer communities, The Other Bird partnered with Empowerment Squared to present the Chef Mentorship Program. The vision is to provide an aspiring chef with the opportunity to pursue education and training in the culinary industry. The apprenticeship is a two-year, fully-funded program at an Ontario College and an internship opportunity with a qualified chef at one of The Other Bird’s restaurants. On completion, the apprentice will be awarded a Certificate of Apprenticeship with the avenue to obtain a Red Seal Certificate of Qualification, confirming its holder possesses the skills, knowledge, and experience that meets the industry standards of practice for the trade. In addition, the candidate is provided with full-time employment as a chef at one of The Other Bird’s restaurants.
Happier and Healthier Hamilton Scholarship
Recipient: Kelvin Ofori-Ansah
This year’s recipient of the Happier and Healthier Hamilton Scholarship is Kelvin Ofori-Ansah. After 16 years in Ghana, Kelvin moved to Canada with his family to continue his education. Kelvin understood the importance of education from a young age as he volunteered to teach junior high school in Ghana. At Empowerment squared, he participated in the Homework Circle, Home Alone Safety, Soccer, Literacy, and Arts programs. Kelvin hopes to pursue a career in the healthcare sector and looks forward to starting school in the fall.
Established in 2020, the scholarship is inspired by F45 Hamilton Downtown’s mission of helping Hamiltonians become their happiest and healthiest selves so they can be active participants and contributors to our community. F45 Hamilton Downtown is a group fitness community located in the heart of Hamilton’s downtown core.
This award is given to one student annually, who is commencing post-secondary studies or currently enrolled at an Ontario university or college in life sciences, business, civil engineering, or related fields. Also, in the judgment of the selection committee, they must demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and is actively or aspiring to build community in Hamilton.
We want to extend our most profound appreciation to our donors whose investments are transforming the lives of community members through the power of education. To learn more about supporting the Scholarship and Awards Program at Empowerment Squared, contact Kyle Miller, Manager, Development, at k.miller@empowermentsquared.org.