ZCO CA 2026 Award Winners
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada is proud to announce our
‘2026 Jean M. Coon Humanitarian Award’ Winner – Sifa Gulin Tarakci
Sifa is a Grade 12 student at Merivale High School whose community service is driven by a deep commitment to inclusion. As a Muslim immigrant woman, she is dedicated to inclusivity and creating spaces where everyone belongs. Some of her notable initiatives include founding the Panorama Multicultural Festival, which drew over 650 attendees and raised more than $1,000 for a non-profit supporting newcomers and launching a women’s swim initiative so Muslim women in her community could stay active without compromising their religious values. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, going on long runs, travelling, and watching classic movies—her current favourite being Dead Poets Society.
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Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada is proud to announce our 2026 Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award winner ‘Umaiza Ahmmed’
Umaiza Ahmmed is a grade 12 student planning to pursue health sciences, with a strong interest in neuroscience, particularly research for Parkinson’s disease. She is the co-founder of Care for Cubs, where she leads interactive workshops designed to reduce children’s fear of healthcare environments, reaching hundreds of participants. As a member of her school’s robotics team, she contributes to both technical and business operations, including organizing outreach events and securing sponsorships. She is very dedicated to volunteering in several causes and has contributed extensively to her community through volunteer service, reflecting her commitment to healthcare education and outreach.
In addition, Umaiza loves music and plays the piano and flute as well as working as an assistant piano teacher. She loves to read and can often be found at the library!
Umaiza Ahmmed is running ‘Care for Cubs’ again this summer and we are sharing the donation link: https://buymeacoffee.com/contactcar1 Umaiza says that all proceeds go toward maintaining their program and anything they have leftover at the end of the summer is donated to CHEO.
ZCO CA 2025 Award Winners
Congratulations to our ZCO CA ‘Zonta Women in STEM Award’ winner *Rija Ansari
Rija Ansari is a chemist, chemical engineer and data scientist dedicated to developing innovative solutions to climate change. Holding an Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Toronto and a Professional Education Certificate in Applied Data Science from MIT, she is currently completing a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis in Data Analytics and Machine Learning at the University of Toronto.
Rija’s research career is rooted in clean energy and environmental science. As a Research Council Officer at the National Research Council of Canada, she has led projects in sodium-ion battery development, hydrometallurgical battery recycling, and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS). Her work has resulted in IP filings, peer-reviewed publications, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in research funding. She is engaged in applying cutting-edge data science techniques to accelerate sustainable energy solutions. Her MEng project focuses on using machine learning models to predict the carbon capture capacity of novel combinations of amine-functionalized silica.
Beyond the lab, Rija is a community builder serving as Community Manager for Toast Ottawa, where she leads engagement and fosters meaningful professional connections. As a host for upcoming Toronto Climate Week (TOCW) events in June, she aims to educate and empower individuals to implement a sustainable approach to their personal and profession lives regardless of their standing or sector. A recipient of the 2025 Zonta Women in STEM Scholarship, she brings the same leadership and dedication to every space she enters.
Rija’s work sits at the intersection of chemistry, chemical engineering, data science, and sustainability. She is driven by a conviction that rigorous science and intelligent technology are essential tools in the fight against climate change.
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.
*Zonta appreciation video link* https://www.facebook.com/ZontaClubofOttawa/posts/pfbid037NbynTKHgXguBLJCwjQBZBuB6ECPJY9JEJJU6RDvkXXDnqDruMC44ujeQTouQAoWl
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 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.
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada
2022 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
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada
2021 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.
#1. ‘ZCO CA’ Theatre Arts Award winner: Caity Smyck
#2. ‘ZCO CA’ Theatre Arts Award winner: Ashley Barnes
Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada
2020 Award Winners
Mature University Student Bursary – Angel Larkman, (U-Ottawa)
2020 Doherty & Associates Ltd. (sponsor)
Mature University Student Bursary – Jenny King-Balraj (Carleton U)
2020 Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
Presented to: Erika Schwab (Carleton U)
“As a young woman studying international business, I have an immense opportunity and responsibility to make a positive impact on our world. I must apply my education to the practical problem of leading the way for good business. For business to become good, businesspeople must start being courageous, compassionate, and honest. We must start a movement. Our generation is the tipping point. As we enter our careers in business, we are the ones who will empower thoughtful consumption, and we will combine economic sustainability with environmental sustainability. The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business scholarship has propelled me forward and given me not only the means but the validation and the strength to continue getting the most out of my business education, because the Zonta Club of Ottawa knows just how important it is to equip young women with the knowledge they need to make a difference.”
– Erika Schwab, Recipient of the JMK Women in Business Scholarship, 2020
ZCO CA Awards 2019 Celebration
2019 Zonta Club of Ottawa Awards & Winners
Young Women in Public Affairs – Winner: Sydney Keyamo
Jean M. Coon Award – Winner: Anjana Balachandran
Mature Student Bursary
Two bursaries are given to students who have had to interrupt their studies or formal education for medical, financial or other reasons, & are returning to complete their program(s).
Winners: Alaina Woolfrey (U-Ottawa), & Alexandra Hurst (Carleton-U)
New Immigrant 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.
2 Winners: Anisa Rahim Ali & Rachana Champaneri
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
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, and Kingston, On.
Winner: Ha Nhu My Nguyen
Winner: Jane M Klausman 2019 Zonta Club of Ottawa and Zonta District 2 Level
Theatre Arts Award
Scholarships are awarded annually to women in the National Capital Region who are currently enrolled in a post- secondary theatre program. These awards enable talented & qualified young women to achieve their professional goals.
3 Winners:
Ashley Barnes, Alexis Scott & Leah Morris
2018 Awards Night Celebration
Elizabeth Farmer (University Ottawa) Mature University Student Bursary Award
Linda Steele (Carleton University) Mature University Student Bursary Award
Bronwyn Clifton Young Women in Public Affairs Award
Adeola Egbeyemi Jean M Coon (Humanitarian) Award
Vanessa Mutoni #1 New Immigrant Woman (Education) Award
Oyin Popoola #2 New Immigrant Woman (Education) Award Award Sponsor: Merivale Vision Care
Lydia Taljic #1 Theatre Arts Award
Sophia Swettenham #2 Theatre Arts Award
Leah Morris #3 Theatre Arts Award
2017 Awards Night
Elahe Foroozani – Winner: 2017 New Immigrant Award
Carmelia Dubic 2016 Jane M Klausman winner Zonta Club of Ottawa, Zonta District 2 Level (presented by Governor Marjorie Lavin) and Zonta International Level
2016 Awards Celebration
2015 Awards Celebration
Jean M. Coon Award: Is awarded to a high school student who demonstrates exceptional humanitarian community service. Winner: Emilie Gray, Hillcrest High School
University Scholarships: The Award is given to a student who had to interrupt her studies for personal reasons, and has returned to complete her programs. Winner: Remneek (Niki) Deol, Carleton University
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business 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, and/or Kingston, ON. Winner: Spyridoula Maria Karasavva
Theatre Award is awarded annually to a woman in the National Capital Region who is currently enrolled in a post-secondary theatre program. These awards enable talented and qualified young women to achieve their professional goals. Winner: Hailey Masterson
2014 Awards Celebration
2013 Awards Night
2013 Jane M Klausman Winner – Mimi Lam
Zonta Club of Ottawa and Zonta District 2 and Zonta International
2012 Awards Night – Sandra Murugi Konji
YWPA Winner: Zonta Club of Ottawa and Zonta District 2
2011 Awards Night
Awards Celebrations: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013
2005 – Alanna Wall
Zonta International Amelia Earhart Scholarship
2005 Award Winner – Koby Rogers Hall:
2005 Zonta Club of Ottawa ‘Emerging Artist Award’
She has received awards and grants from York University, Tisch School of the Arts (NYU), the Rosa Parks Fellowship for Non-violent studies, the Zonta Club of Ottawa Emerging Artist Award, the Canadian Millenium Scholarship Awards, Engrenage Rouage Noir, and the Canada Council for the Arts. She will be pursuing her PhD in Humanities at Concordia with a focus on migrant justice in social arts practices.
https://www.concordia.ca/finearts/art-history/faculty.html?fpid=koby-rogershall
1998 Winner – Chantal Gervais
Winner: 1998 Zonta Club of Ottawa, Visual Arts Winner
1998 & 2014 Karsh Winner
1997 Winner – Michelle Provost
Winner: 1997 Zonta Club of Ottawa, Visual Arts Winner
1995 ZCO CA ‘Theatre Arts Bursary’ Winners:
Margo MacDonald and Heather Jopling
*Margo & Heather went on to found ‘Company of Fools’
1992 Winner – Laurie Steven
Winner: 1992 Zonta Club of Ottawa ‘Theatre Arts Bursary’
*Laurie went on to establish the innovative Odyssey Theatre*
1991 Winner – Sandra Oh
Winner: 1991 Zonta Club of Ottawa ‘Theatre Arts Bursary’
*first year acting student at National Theatre School Montreal*