Skills Society 2024 Award Winners
At Skills Society supporting people to be valued citizens is at the heart of what we do, and we want to recognize and celebrate the efforts of individuals and organizations in our community who are working towards our shared vision of a community where everyone is valued and belongs. The Skills Society Citizenship Awards recognize individuals and organizations who are contributing to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
Engaged Citizenship Award
The Engaged Citizenship Award is given to an individual supported by Skills Society whose actions demonstrate active participation in their community and efforts towards contributing to and fostering a vibrant community.
Winner - Jennifer King
Jennifer King
Jennifer was nominated for her outstanding contributions as a dedicated host with the Action Lab team and as the Lead Community Builder for CommuniTEA Infusion. As a longstanding team member, she brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a strong ability to make others feel welcome. Jennifer leads with kindness and values building strong and meaningful relationships with those around her - which has helped her thrive in her roles and foster deep community connections.
Honorable Mention - Abdulrahman Hassan
Abdulrahman Hassan
Abdul was nominated for his dedication to community, compassion, and active citizenship. He consistently demonstrates care for others in his involvement in initiatives like the Safe Walk program, where he helps ensure the safety of fellow students, and his participation in the Ignite Change Global Convention advocating for human rights. Abdul is a member of his faith community, an artist at the Nina Haggerty, and a team player in sports and his work as an Action Lab Host. Through his eagerness to contribute and support others, Abdul embodies what it means to be an engaged and caring citizen.
Leadership Award
The Leadership Award is given to a Skills Society employee or volunteer who demonstrates leadership in the pursuit of our shared vision of a community where all individuals are valued citizens deserving respect, dignity, and rights.
Winner - Marilou Felipe
Marilou Felipe
Marilou was nominated for her exceptional ability to foster meaningful relationships and empower the people she supports to lead rich lives with belonging, choice, and autonomy. She invests time in deepening her understanding of each individual’s interests, aspirations, and unique needs. Through her natural ability to build trust with those around her, Marilou’s actions create a space where everyone feels valued and heard. She supports the folks she serves in making their house feel like a home through building a space they are proud to call their own, host friends and loved ones, and connect with community. Marilou embodies a relational leadership approach and executes the vision and values of Skills Society, leading by example for those around her and making a strong impact on the lives of those she serves.
Community Belonging Award
The Community Belonging Award is given to a business, community organization, or group whose actions support the inclusion and belonging of people with developmental disabilities.
Winner - KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP was nominated for their outstanding dedication and support in helping an individual navigate a challenging legal situation. Recognizing that access to legal advice and counsel is challenging, KPMG LLP has gone above and beyond in supporting the person to know their rights. The legal team worked closely to support the individual to understand their options and encourage self-advocacy. KPMG LLP is recognized for their strong commitment to supporting advocacy and rights of people with developmental disabilities.
Skills Society Employee Education Awards
In 2022 Skills Society launched the Skills Society Employee Education Awards with the purpose of fostering leadership development by supporting employees in participating in formal post-secondary education programs that further their learning and growth in the field of disability studies and/or leadership. With an aim of equity, half of all Employee Education Awards are reserved for employees who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC). Skills Society values diversity, equity, and social justice. As part of this value we strive to boost and support BIPOC leaders within our community, continue to learn and work together on anti-racist allyship, and actively participate in systems change initiatives.
2024 Award Winners
Sonia Iweriebor
Through her continued education, Sonia is learning skills to help provide holistic and comprehensive supports to the people we serve. Sonia intends to bridge the gap between social service work and healthcare by bringing her expertise and lens as a Community Support Worker to her Nursing education program.
Award supports Sonia’s pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at MacEwan University.
Anitt Thomas
Through the blend of theoretical knowledge and technical skills learned, Annit hopes her continued education program will strengthen her work in providing person-centered care and supporting the people we serve to form meaningful connections in community and experience belonging.
Award supports Anitt’s pursuit of a Practical Nursing Diploma at Norquest College.
Nicholas Anstey
As a Community Support Worker to people with acquired brain injury, Nicholas supports people to access strategies, tools, and resources to be successful and thrive while navigating new life circumstances. Nicholas hopes to gain knowledge from his continued education to further support the people he serves as they go through a multitude of rapid changes in their lives.
Award supports Nicholas’ pursuit of Open Studies education at Athabasca University, specifically a psychology course in Adult Development.