Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Awards

The Give to Learn to Grow Foundation proudly participated in the 2024 Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award ceremony at Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School. This special event, created by the Nalayeh family, celebrates students who embody optimism and compassion and have substantially contributed to their school and community.

The Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award not only acknowledges the achievements of these remarkable students but also honours the enduring legacy of Hodan Nalayeh. Hodan was an inspiration and a tireless advocate for positive change. As the world's first Somali media owner, a renowned humanitarian, and the founder of Integration TV, Hodan Nalayeh's significant contributions have left an indelible mark on journalism and beyond.

This year, the Nalayeh family awarded generous monetary prizes totaling $20,000 to support these young changemakers' continued growth and efforts. These awards testify to the power of kindness, resilience, and the impact of giving back to the community.

We are proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award: (in no particular order)

• Ryhana Williams

• Daemon Laurence

• Danae Buchanan

• Sadee Dixon

• Pardis Ghafouri

• Alisha Maqsood

• Abdul Muqadas Gheiasi

• Bariqa Rana

• Sabrina Kreyzerman

• Avery Rilett

• Mikah Warmington

• Noa Horroch

These extraordinary students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service, reflecting the core values that Hodan Nalayeh championed. Each recipient has shown how optimism and compassion can create meaningful change within their communities.

As we celebrate these incredible students, we also honour the memory of a woman who continues to inspire us all. Hodan Nalayeh's legacy lives on through the positive actions of these young changemakers, proving that her spirit of advocacy and community service endures.

Join us in congratulating the 2024 Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award recipients and celebrating their outstanding contributions. Together, we can continue to inspire and support the next generation of leaders dedicated to making a difference.

 2023
Hodan Nalayeh 
Change Maker Award

We are delighted to share the highlights of the second Hodan Nalayeh Legacy Day, which took place at Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School last week. This year, we introduced a new addition to the event—the Hodan Nalayeh Change Maker Award. Created by Hodan's family, this award serves to honor her memory and ensure that the student body understands the significance of Hodan and the pride associated with their school's name.

 The Hodan Nalayeh, Change Maker Award, was established to recognize students who embody optimism, compassion, and have made substantial contributions to both their school and community. During the ceremony, the Nalayeh family had the privilege of presenting the recipients with a well-deserved plaque, a heartfelt letter of recognition, and a generous monetary prize of $5,000 each.

 The selection process for the three 2023 recipients was meticulous, as they were chosen for their exceptional optimism, compassion, and meaningful contributions to their school and community. These outstanding students consistently exhibit the qualities and values that the Hodan Nalayeh Change Maker Award represents. 

Now, let us also take a moment to recognize three exceptional individuals who have been honoured with the Hodan Nalayeh Change Maker Award. These students have truly embodied the values and principles that this award represents. Their remarkable contributions are as follows:

 Maham Khan:
Maham has been an integral part of our school community, exemplifying Hodan Nalayeh's values even before the renaming of Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School. Her exceptional dedication and leadership roles in organizations such as the Muslim Youth of Canada, Cultural Heritage Council, and Muslim Student's Association have set her apart. Maham's tireless advocacy for Muslims in the community is highly commendable, and she is widely respected by both students and staff. Her active participation in various school functions demonstrates her understanding of the power of representation. Maham also played an instrumental role in advocating for the renaming of the school.

Cassius Koo:
Cassius has emerged as a passionate advocate and voice for young patients at SickKids Hospital. He has given a voice to those who may be too weak to speak for themselves. Establishing The JustForJaimee Foundation in honour of his late best friend, Cassius fights for recognition and provides support to children's hospitals across Canada. Describing himself as a leader, warrior, and SickKids patient ambassador, Cassius dedicates his efforts to fundraising and tirelessly supporting his cause.

Lianah Ifill:
Lianah's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equality is truly commendable, and she played an instrumental role in launching the Black Student Alliance at Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School. Through her determined efforts, she has raised awareness and participation in the Black Student Alliance, providing a safe space for students to express their experiences, concerns, and aspirations. Lianah's impact on her community is profound, and she has played a pivotal role in turning the Black Student Alliance into a reality.

We are incredibly proud of these remarkable individuals and their positive impact on others. Their dedication and commitment serve as an inspiration to us all. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the deserving recipients of the Hodan Nalayeh Change Maker Award.

Let us continue to celebrate the legacy of Hodan Nalayeh and strive to emulate the qualities she embodied in our daily lives.