ZCO CA 2025 Award Winners
Paniz Arbabi, Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada’s ‘2025 Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award Winner’. Paniz went on to win at Zonta District 2, and then on to win at Zonta International Level.
ZCO CA Youth Award Committee and all our Members are extremely proud of Paniz Arbabi.
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada ‘2025 Theatre Arts Award Winner’
Congratulations Lucy von Herff !
Lucy von Herff is a recent graduate from Canterbury High School’s Drama Program, where she fostered her love of theatre for 4 years.
She was awarded the Excellence in Dramatic Arts prize in both Grade 10 and 12, as well as the Erin Johansen Award for Writing and Dramatic Arts.
At school, she served as head and captain of CHS’s debate team, as well as co-head of the Ethics Bowl Team. Lucy will be attending New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in the fall, and will pursue a double-major in Acting and Philosophy.
She was selected by the school to attend the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and will continue to hone her skills there. She is grateful to the Zonta Club of Ottawa for this recognition!
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada ‘2025 Theatre Arts Award Winner’
Congratulations Brett M. Desrosiers!
Many moons ago, Brett graduated with a B.A. with Honours Specialization in Theatre Arts from the University of Ottawa. During her time at the University, Brett became a mother to two wonderful munchkins and the building of her family had her focus on youth theatre (oh, there is a third munchkin now in the family!). Then suddenly, she went down a very unique path of specializing in drama workshops and productions with youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Brett spent 14+ years in this field and knew she needed to expand her knowledge and education for her future.
As a severely hearing-impaired performance and visual artist, she was encouraged to pursue her master’s at the University of Ottawa, and she will be entering into her second year of the program. Her focus is on Disability Aesthetics in the Canadian Theatre world (focusing on a famous Canadian playwright that paved the way for artists with disabilities to have a stage for the art). Brett is thankful for this opportunity that the Zonta Club has provided for her with the scholarship, and she is excited to continue to work with the professors that have inspired her for many years!
Thank you!!!
Brett Desrosiers
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada ‘2025 Theatre Arts Award Winner’
Congratulations Élise Laliberté
Congratulations Paniz Arbabi
Zonta International 2025 Award Winner
‘Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award’
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada 2025 Award Winner
‘Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award’
Paniz Arbabi is a student at the UBC Sauder School of Business with a deep passion for community building, youth empowerment, and creating meaningful impact. As the Associate Vice President of Student Engagement for the Commerce Undergraduate Society, she works to foster inclusive spaces and strengthen student connection across campus. She’s also the founder of Project EmpowHER, a global initiative that connects girls and women—especially those from underrepresented communities—to opportunities, mentorship, and career support.
Born in Canada and of Persian heritage, Paniz brings a global outlook to everything she does. She is a proud Loran Scholar and has been recognized for her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to service both locally and internationally. Whether she’s launching a new initiative, mentoring younger students, or speaking on youth panels, Paniz is driven by a desire to build a future where everyone feels empowered to lead.
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada 2025 Award Winner
‘Jean M. Coon Humanitarian Award’
Community Service Award for High School Juniors & Seniors
My name is Jamie (Dengke) Jia, and I’m a Grade 11 student in the IB program at Pierre-de-Blois Public High School. I speak English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish fluently, and I’m passionate about leading community initiatives both locally and globally.
I volunteered as a Youth Advisory Committee member of Autism Speaks Canada and reviewed micro-grant applications to support youth with autism in organizing their community projects. I also volunteer with Canadian Parents for French as a content reviewer, promoting accessible French learning resources and multilingualism. In addition, as someone who has learned Spanish for over 4 years, I lead a Spanish and Hispanic culture club at my high school, where we have meetings every week and work on impactful projects. Recently, we donated school supplies to children in Cuba, connecting with local families through the principal of a school in Santa Marta, Varadero. It was incredibly rewarding to see our club’s efforts make a global impact.
In recognition of my dedication to community service in the Francophone community, I received the M. Pierre-de-Blois Scholarship in June 2024 and was awarded the Gisèle-Lalonde: Youth of the Year prize by the Association of Francophone Communities of Ottawa (ACFO) in March 2025.
I look forward to continuing to lead and serve in ways that create meaningful, positive change.
ZCO CA 2024 Bursary/Award Winners
Georgia Allen – Mature University Student Bursary (Carleton Univ.)
Soumia Barmaki – Mature University Student Bursary (U – Ottawa)
Julie Decelles – Young Women in Public Affairs
Miriam Eve Braiter – Jane M. Klausman ‘Women in Business Scholarship’
*Miriam went on to win at the Zonta District 2 Level and Zonta International Level and will be awarded $5000 USD. Congratulations Miriam Eve Braiter!
ZCO CA 2023 Bursary/Award Winners
What an inspiring 2023 Annual Zonta Awards Reception we had recognizing the impressive accomplishments of women in the National Capital Region in public affairs, higher education, business, STEM, and the theatre arts!
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada
2023 Young Women in Public Affairs – Valene Musyimi & Kaelyn Aldridge
Recognized for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes.
Our club was thrilled to award our annual Theatre Arts “Drama” Award to Gwenith Kikkawa & Daniella Bell, both students at the University of Ottawa!
We can’t wait to see their future artistic endeavours!
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada
2023 Women in STEM Scholarship – Shahrzad Kahrizi
Shahrzad Kahrizi, a Master of Entrepreneurship candidate in the TIM program, is the inaugural recipient of the Zonta International Women in STEM Scholarship, a new scholarship designed to encourage women to pursue education, career opportunities, and leadership roles in information technology.
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada
2023 Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship – Aanya Baindur
Aanya Baindur, who recently completed her second year of Sprott’s Bachelor of Commerce program, received the 2023 Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada Jane M. Klausman (JMK) Women in Business Scholarship, which helps women pursue undergraduate and master’s degrees in business management and overcome gender barriers.
2022 Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada Award Winners!
‘ZCO CA’ Jean M. Coon (Humanitarian) Award
Committee Chair: Valerie Hume & Members: Shirley Mack, Lauren Nagel.
Jean M. Coon (Humanitarian) Award: Given to a high school student who demonstrates exceptional humanitarian community service.
#1. ‘ZCO CA’ Jean M. Coon <> 1st Winner: Debbie Zhao
#2. ‘ZCO CA’ Jean M. Coon <> 2nd Winner: Elise MacCaull
‘ZCO CA’ Young Women in Public Affairs Award
Committee Chair: Valerie Hume; & Members: Shirley Mack, Lauren Nagel.
Young Women in Public Affairs Award: Since 1990, the club has given an award to recognize pre-university and pre-college female students who are committed to leadership in public policy, government and/or volunteer organizations.
‘ZCO CA’ YWPA winner: no winner this year
‘ZCO CA’ Mature University Students Bursary (U-Ottawa & Carleton-U)
Committee Chair: Valerie Knowles; & Members: Annegret Uhthoff, Sylvie Begin, Denise Esdon.
Mature University Students Award (U-Ottawa & Carleton University):
Typically two bursaries are given to students who have had to interrupt their studies for formal education for medical, financial or other reasons, and are returning to complete their programs, this year we have one winner.
‘ZCO CA’ Mature University Student Winner from U-Ottawa: Shauna Malcolm
‘ZCO CA’ Jane M. Klausman (Women in Business) Award
Committee Chair: Renuka Gamage & Members: Cindy O’Neil and Kirsten North
Jane M. Klausman (Women in Business) Award: This Scholarship is awarded annually to a woman pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree in business management at a university in the National Capital Region (NCR).
‘ZCO CA’ Jane M. Klausman Award winner: no winner this year
‘ZCO CA’ New Immigrant Woman (Education) Award
Committee Chair: Prem Grainger & Members: Christina Hasley, Joanne Williams and Sandra Konji
New Immigrant Woman (Education) Award: The award is given to a newcomer who is a resident of Ottawa/Gatineau, is a single mother and is raising a family while working on her own education at any level, this year we have three winners.
#1. ‘ZCO CA’ New Immigrant Education Award winner: Nancy Marie Tshota
#2. ‘ZCO CA’ New Immigrant Education Award winner: Zahra Jafari
#3. ‘ZCO CA’ New Immigrant Education Award winner: Vivian Ejiogu
‘ZCO CA’ Theatre Arts ‘Drama’ Bursary Award
Committee Chair: Cindy O’Neil; & Members: Paula Zoubek, Val Knowles & Prem Grainger
Theatre Arts Bursary Award: Scholarships are awarded annually to women in the NCR who are currently enrolled in a post- secondary theatre program. These awards enable talented and qualified young women to achieve their professional goals, this year we have 2 winners.
#1. ‘ZCO CA’ Theatre Arts ‘Drams’ Award winner: Amélie Trottier
#2. ‘ZCO CA’ Theatre Arts ‘Drama’ Award winner: Valery Drapeau
2021 Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada Award Winners!
‘ZCO CA’ Young Women in Public Affairs Award
Committee Chair: Valerie Hume; & Members: Shirley Mack, Lauren Nagel.
Young Women in Public Affairs Award: Since 1990, the club has given an award to recognize pre-university and pre-college female students who are committed to leadership in public policy, government and/or volunteer organizations.
‘ZCO CA’ YWPA winner: Ivy Le
‘ZCO CA’ Jean M. Coon (Humanitarian) Award
Committee Chair: Valerie Hume & Members: Shirley Mack, Lauren Nagel.
Jean M. Coon (Humanitarian) Award: Given to a high school student who demonstrates exceptional humanitarian community service.
‘ZCO CA’ Jean M. Coon Winner: Tasneem Alnahhas
*Tasneem Alnahhas has won at the Zonta District 2 Level
‘ZCO CA’ Mature University Students Bursary Award (U-Ottawa & Carleton-U)
Committee Chair: Valerie Knowles; & Members: Annegret Uhthoff, Sylvie Begin, Denise Esdon.
Mature University Students Award (U-Ottawa & Carleton University):
Typically two bursaries are given to students who have had to interrupt their studies for formal education for medical, financial or other reasons, and are returning to complete their programs, this year we have three winners.
#1. ‘ZCO CA’ Mature University Student Winner from Carleton University: Julie Cho
#2. ‘ZCO CA’ Mature University Student Winner from Carleton University: Linda Cho
#3. ‘ZCO CA’ Mature University Student Winner from U-Ottawa: Joseline Seumen Nkouatchah
‘ZCO CA’ Jane M. Klausman (Women in Business) Award
Committee Chair: Renuka Gamage & Members: Sophia Wright & Cindy O’Neil
Jane M. Klausman (Women in Business) Award: This Scholarship is awarded annually to a woman pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree in business management at a university in the National Capital Region (NCR).
‘ZCO CA’ Jane M. Klausman Award winner: Josée Lachance (Carleton University)
‘ZCO CA’ New Immigrant Woman (Education) Award
Committee Chair: Prem Grainger & Members: Christina Hasley, Joanne Williams.
New Immigrant Woman (Education) Award: The award is given to a newcomer who is a resident of Ottawa/Gatineau, is a single mother and is raising a family while working on her own education at any level, this year we have two winners.
#1. ‘ZCO CA’ New Immigrant Award winner: Gloria Rwobahirya
#2. ‘ZCO CA’ New Immigrant Award winner: Pegah Younesi
‘ZCO CA’ Theatre Arts ‘Drama’ Bursary Award
Committee Chair: Cindy O’Neil; & Members: Paula Zoubek, Val Knowles & Prem Grainger
Theatre Arts Bursary Award: Scholarships are awarded annually to women in the NCR who are currently enrolled in a post- secondary theatre program. These awards enable talented and qualified young women to achieve their professional goals, this year we have 2 winners.