Celebrating alumni

Andrew Ojamae

Nomination category: Business
Program: Automotive Marketing and Management (class of 2001)

Andrew Ojamae never thought the pandemic would be his company’s most innovative period when he became president of AutoIQ in 2019. During this time, Andrew’s team launched new strategies, businesses, and acquisitions. Under Andrew’s leadership, AutoIQ grew same-store revenues by 28.5 percent to $1.17 billion and grew before-tax earnings by 86.4 percent. Andrew’s initiatives earned him the 2023 CADA Laureate Award for Business Innovation. He is also the recipient of the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) 2021 Alumni Award and the 2021 Board of Governors’ Community Partner Award (AutoIQ). Andrew credits the Automotive Business School of Canada for his success. AutoIQ maintains close ties with Georgian through sponsorships and nurturing new talent through programs like the AutoIQ Leadership Academy.

Zein Dhanidina

Nomination category: Community Services
Program: Fundraising and Resource Development (class of 2006)

Zein Dhanidina’s journey from immigrant to founder of Refugee Women’s Network (RWN) underscores the power of education. Inspired by her own family’s experience, she established RWN in 2016 to empower refugee and immigrant women in Toronto and beyond. Through online programs and donated resources, RWN has flourished, reaching women throughout the world and offering vital services in multiple languages. Zein’s success is rooted in her dedication to learning, facilitated by the Fundraising and Resource Development program at Georgian, which equipped her with fundraising skills crucial for RWN’s establishment and success. Her philanthropic contributions extend beyond RWN, exemplifying her commitment to uplifting marginalized communities. Zein was also nominated for a Premier’s Award in 2018 in the same category.

Markie Tuckett

Nomination category: Creative Arts and Design
Program: Interior Decorating (class of 2013)

Markie Tuckett embarked on her journey to establish Timber + Plumb Inc. with no capital, contacts, or clients at the age of 25.  The Metis woman propelled the company’s revenue to six figures within three years while repaying a $45,000 business loan. Launching the Stay Golden Grant during the pandemic, she distributed $2,500 of her own money across two years, offering mentoring alongside grants. Active in mentoring, she aids in business grant allocation and fosters connections within her community. Markie is a multi-award-winning designer/entrepreneur. Her commitment to her sector also earned her an HM Queen Elizabeth the Second Platinum Jubilee pin.

Holly Martin

Nomination category: Health Sciences
Program: Personal Support Worker (class of 2014)

At the age of 69 and showing no signs of slowing down, Holly Martin has dedicated nearly a decade to her business, Touch a Heart Homecare, a pioneering Ontario Personal Support Worker Association certified business. Beginning her journey at 59, leaving behind a telecom career to pursue PSW studies at Georgian, she has earned accolades and awards, including the 2024 Barrie Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Award for Healthcare Hero. During COVID-19, she led her team to help affected communities and authored training manuals. Holly mentors PSW students and is a guest speaker at Georgian. She’s also a lifelong volunteer.

Jama Maxie

Nomination category: Recent Graduate
Program: Social Service Worker (class of 2020)

Jama Maxie, an Indigenous and Afro-Canadian man, overcame intergenerational trauma and addiction to become a role model. Graduating from the Social Service Worker program at Georgian, he worked in child welfare and addictions organizations including his current role at Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiyag Child and Family Services. He’s also a sought-after motivational speaker. Recognized with awards like Indigenous Youth Leader of Canada, he advocates for child welfare reform. Georgian College paved the way for continued learning at York University and Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Jama’s dedication extends to volunteering and leadership roles, shaping policies for youth in foster care, through his lived experiences.

Lisa Bertram

Nomination category: Science Engineering and Technology
Program: Civil Engineering Technology Municipal and Civil Engineering Technician (class of 1989 and 1990)

Lisa Bertram’s 30-year career with Bertram Construction showcases her ascent from estimator to president, driving notable growth and diversification. She expanded the company’s operations into mid-to-high-rise residential and larger industrial projects, substantially increasing annual revenue from $8 million to $50 million and doubling the workforce. Lisa formalized a profit-sharing program benefiting employees and has secured numerous industry awards. Her educational foundation from Georgian College equipped her with essential skills for all areas of construction and eventually for her role as president. Her contributions extend beyond construction, including giving 10 per cent of annual profits to community organizations.

Solomon King

Nomination category: Skilled Trades
Program: Cabinetmaking Techniques (class of 2018)

Solomon King, an esteemed Indigenous artist, honours his heritage through intricate wood and stone creations. His dedication to preserving indigenous culture earns him acclaim, with works displayed across prominent venues like Nathan Phillips Square and the University of Toronto. Committed to reconciliation, he crafted a monumental turtle sculpture commemorating residential school survivors. Harnessing skills honed through the Cabinetmaking Techniques program at Georgian College, Solomon seamlessly integrates woodwork with stonemasonry, enriching his artistry and construction business. Over 18 years, he’s trained many individuals, and some have received Red Seal accreditation. His vision extends to future workshops, nurturing a legacy of craftsmanship.

Nadia George (2021)

Nomination category: Creative Arts and Design
Program: Social Service Worker 9class of 2009)
Place of employment: Actress, Marla Mann Agency

Nadia George is an award-winning Indigenous Canadian actress, media personality, therapist and public speaker based in Toronto. Her work focuses on uplifting young voices and addressing stigma around contemporary Indigenous identity, and her volunteerism includes roles as a national ambassador, advisor and BIPOC committee member for several national organizations. She can be seen in numerous films and television series including History Erased, Along the Water’s Edge and Uncolonize, and her portrayal of Jolene in the award-winning film ‘Her Water Drum’ earned her the distinguished award of Achievement in Acting for a Leading Role at the Los Angeles Skins Film Festival.

Kevin Collins (2019)

Nomination category: Community Services
Program: Hotel and Resort Administration, and Tourism Management (class of 1984 and 1985)
Place of employment: President and CEO at Easter Seals Ontario

A two-time recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and Ontario Restaurant’s Trillium Award Newsmaker of the Year 2013, Kevin J. Collins has brought philanthropy to the forefront in the hospitality industry. As a child with Cerebral Palsy, Kevin benefited from Easter Seal’s camp programs and pledged to give back, doing so as Executive Director of Friends of We Care, the industry’s charitable arm which sends physically disabled children to camp. After successfully tripling the organization’s donor base and raising $20.5-million over his career, he was appointed to his current role as President and CEO of Easter Seals Ontario in 2017.

Aylan Couchie (2016)

Nomination category: Recent Graduate
Program: Art and Design Fundamentals (class of 2015)
Job title: Anishinaabe artist, community organizer and aspiring writer
Place of employment: Freelance artist, currently pursuing MFA at OCAD University

Just a year out of college, Aylan has built an impressive list of career achievements. In August 2015, she was chosen from among more than 950 entries worldwide to receive the Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award from the U.S.-based International Sculpture Center. Less than a month later, Aylan was honoured with the inaugural Native Women in the Arts Barbara Laronde Award, which celebrates the career of one outstanding, emerging Northern Ontario-based  Indigenous female artist. Her artwork has also been featured in Sculpture magazine, an international publication that is distributed in more than 70 countries and has a readership of more than 37,000.

Aylan was also the winner of the Pratt Homes Sculpture competition that hand-selected four artists to design a sculpture to sit atop their new condominium in Barrie, as well as a rooftop patio piece and select works throughout the interior. Her work was chosen by the public against three seasoned and highly esteemed sculptors. Once built, the piece, (H.I.O. Big Chiefs) will be seen from Highway 400 as it looks out over Kempenfelt Bay in tribute to the Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Anishinabek nations.

Aylan has also made an indelible impact on the community. In 2014, she organized and launched Barrie’s first downtown art crawl, which featured local artists, fostered new relationships within the downtown merchant core, and led to partnerships that continue today.

Aylan says she is inspired by her grandfather, a residential school survivor whose passed-down teachings greatly influenced her work and encouraged her to return to college as a mature student and single mother of three teenage boys.

Despite the many accolades, Aylan feels the most important part of her work is being part of the larger conversation about First Nations realities, including murdered and missing Indigenous women, current actualities facing First Nations communities across Canada, and residential school legacies.

Dianne Martin (2016)

Nomination category: Health Sciences
Program: Nursing (class of 1998)
Place of employment: Chief Executive Officer at Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario, Dianne provides leadership and advocates for the province’s thousands of registered practical nurses. She also works hard to make a difference in the lives of patients and nursing students through policies, reforms and education.

Dianne is currently working to refocus healthcare decisions on the needs of patients, which will help them take control of their own wellness. She’s also spent a good portion of her career addressing the workplace bullying she says is prevalent in the industry and providing support to nurses suffering from work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dianne hopesp the resources she and her team have created will assist employers, re-engage nurses in the profession, and help reduce or eradicate bullying and PTSD.

In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations and managing the RPNAO’s budget, Dianne visits healthcare organizations across the country to consult on nursing and how to improve patient outcomes and workplace satisfaction and retention.

Dianne also consults with many hospitals and helps administrators understand and expand the nurses’ role and implement positive change. She speaks regularly at conferences across the province on issues related to health and wellness education, and nursing issues in particular.

In addition to her leadership role, Dianne sits on nursing advisory committees at several colleges – including Georgian – and still finds time to teach in the classroom.

Dale George (2012)

Program: Industrial Design (class of 1985)
Job title: Chief Technology Officer
Place of employment: Buoyant Aircraft Systems International (BASI)

Dale George has established a niche in the world of design for improving operations, defining innovation, and creating industry standards for a number of products and services. Now he is again at the leading edge as the chief technical officer of Buoyant Airship Services International. George’s remarkable journey began in the Industrial Design program at college. Throughout his evolution from the early days of designing the now-famous “little yellow” plastic slide that can be found in backyards across North America, to developing the first high-altitude wind turbine, to his aviation work with lighter-than-air airships with NASA and transport to remote areas, George has remained a trailblazer in his field.

Geoffrey Stephens (2011)

Program: Business Administration (class of 1984)
Place of employment: President at Capital Paving Inc.

Geoffrey Stephens became president and controlling owner of Capital Paving Inc. at age 35 and has grown its revenue from $18 million to $80 million in just over 10 years. He and his partners recently made a major ownership investment in Fowler Construction. In 2010, Capital was named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies and is an unprecedented three-time winner of the Ministry of Transportation’s Paver of the Year Award. Stephens was one of 40 Canadian entrepreneurs chosen for the 2010 Quantum Shift at Richard Ivey School of Business. He is active in the community, serving on numerous industry association boards.

Stephen Flowers (2005)

Program: Business (class of 1983)
Place of employment: President at UPS Americas Region

Stephen Flowers, President of the UPS Americas Region, is responsible for all UPS package operations in Canada and more than 50 countries and territories across Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to taking on the region’s highest post, Flowers was UPS’s West Europe District Manager, where he oversaw the company’s operations in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Stephen began his career with UPS in 1981 as a loader/unloader while at Georgian College. Stephen has served on the board of directors for the United Way of Long Island, New York and the American Chamber of Commerce in Paris.

Rose Adams

Program: Office Administration (class of 1984)

Rose overcame a difficult childhood to get where she is today. Growing up in foster homes, she financed her college education by cleaning houses and checking coats at a local bar. In 1991, she was crowned Miss Black Ontario and entered law school as a mature student. Rose has taught business courses at Georgian College and Ontario Business College and volunteers for non-profit community groups such as the Out of the Cold program. She served on the board of Big Brothers and the Simcoe Literacy Network.