Skills Society 2026 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.
Abdulrahman Hassan
Abdul was nominated for his active community participation and engagement. Abdul's engagement in his community has fostered a web of meaningful relationships. He is involved across multiple community groups, including (but not limited to) Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts planning committee. Abdul exemplifies engaged citizenship as an active and generous community member. He makes a strong impact on those around him and he is extremely deserving of this award.
Abdulrahman Hassan
Em Hannem
Em was nominated for their contributions to community through advocacy, self-expression, and a commitment to building spaces where others feel valued and respected. They are a longstanding Community Builder with CommuniTEA Infusion, and their engaged participation at Skills Society's meeting with the Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities demonstrated their passion for disability rights and advocacy. Em contributes their unique gifts in ways that move communities towards greater belonging and citizenship for all.
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.
Wendy Bandong
Wendy was nominated for her exceptional dedication to advocacy, relationship building, and going above and beyond to empower the people she supports to live connected and fulfilling lives. Highlighted in Wendy's nomination was her strong ability to build trust and create a space where the people she supports and their families feel heard and valued. Wendy embodies what it means to be a community leader, leading by example through her follow-through and strong commitment to positively impacting the lives of those she serves.
Wendy Bandong
Rena Boucher
Rena was nominated for her exceptional work ethic, reliability, and dedication to the people she serves and her colleagues. Through her active listening and reflective approach, Rena has built deep trust with the people she serves and their families and loved ones. Rena's illustrates a relational leadership approach and through her relational approach demonstrates the vision and values of Skills Society.
Rena Boucher
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.
Civida
Civida was nominated for their longstanding commitment to innovation and collaboration in supporting the belonging of people with developmental disabilities in community. Skills Society and Civida work collaboratively across teams to provide access to affordable and accessible housing options for the people we serve. In the past year, Civida has been a pilot partner for the Community Animator project, demonstrating their commitment to community-centered approaches. Civida exemplifies what sustained community partnership looks like, nurturing conditions where people with disabilities can contribute their gifts and talents and be valued members of their communities.
Chartwell Heritage Valley
Chartwell Heritage Valley was nominated for their consistent dedication and partnership with Skills Society. Annually, Chartwell Heritage Valley's leadership coordinates a donation from Chartwell residents to the children and families served by Skills Society's Woodcroft Children's Respite Home. This produces a culture of service and offers residents the opportunity to contribute to a cause that makes a strong impact in the lives of children and their families.
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.
Through her Disability Studies program, Rimika has deepened her understanding of disability from a social and rights-based perspective. As a Community Support Worker, this strengthens her leadership and ability to provide person-centered support which empowers the people she serves in reaching their personal goals.
Award supports Rimika’s pursuit of a Diploma in Disability Studies at Norquest College.
Through her continued education, Yetunde is gaining specialized knowledge in person-centered care and medication administration and safety. Her training in communication and medication strengthens her support to the needs, autonomy, and dignity of the people she serves.
Award supports Yetunde’s pursuit of a Certificate to Canadian Pharmacy Practice at the University of Alberta.
As a Community Support Worker, Sonia's Nursing program is enriched by understanding the experiences and perspectives of the people she serves. Sonia is learning skills to help provide holistic and comprehensive supports, and intends to bridge the gap between social service work and healthcare through her education.
Award supports Sonia’s pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at MacEwan University.
Through the Bachelor of Social Work program, Gloria is developing a deeper understanding of person-centered practice and systems thinking that strengthens the support she provides to the people she serves. Knowledge in trauma-informed practice and advocacy translate meaningfully into her work, supporting the building of trust and relationships, as well as Gloria's leadership skills in her role.
Award supports Gloria’s pursuit of a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Calgary.