Master of Planning graduate Julia Menezes awarded a 2025 TMU Gold Medal
Urban Development master's student Julia Menezes received a 2025 TMU Gold Medal for excellence in academics, volunteerism and leadership. She's the first graduate student to receive a perfect GPA at the School of Urban and Regional Planning.
At this year’s fall convocation, Toronto Metropolitan University conferred its highest award, the Gold Medal, to Faculty of Community Services master’s student Julia Menezes.
She earned not only a Master of Planning (MPl) in Urban Development but also the first perfect GPA in the School of Urban and Regional Planning’s graduate program.
Menezes also demonstrated leadership skills and deep commitment to justice and inclusive public engagement. Despite a full load in graduate school, she volunteered in community outreach, giving highschoolers something she’d never had: an early glimpse into planning as a career path.
Menezes contributed to two major projects focusing on housing needs among First Nations communities and LGBTQIA+ newcomers to Canada. No matter how complex or deeply sensitive the subject, observers remarked on her ability to navigate with thoughtfulness, professionalism and a skill in bringing people together, building bridges across differences, and encouraging fruitful collaboration.
Her example in academics, leadership, and community giving embodies the spirit of excellence represented by the TMU Gold Medal.
“Julia is one of the most exceptional students I have had the privilege of mentoring in my 22 years of teaching at TMU and the universities of Toronto, Waterloo, Carleton and Harvard.”
Which achievements are you most proud of?
The work I’ve done in partnership over the last two years with my peers, professors, and community partners. Two studio course projects stand out — one focused on improving youth engagement in municipal planning; the second on identifying the housing needs of LGBTQIA+ newcomers. Achieving the Gold Medal feels in many ways like a reflection of these experiences, and of the supportive community at TMU’s School of Urban and Regional Planning.
Awards Highlights
- TMU Gold Medal
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Canada Graduate Scholarship
- Faculty of Community Services Dean's Graduate Essay Writing Award
- Canadian Institute of Planners Student Award
What motivates you for volunteer leadership?
As a high school student, I had never heard about urban planning. So, at TMU, I volunteered with Plan Bold, a student-run urban planning outreach club. I’m grateful for the opportunity to co-develop and deliver “Introduction to Urban Planning” workshops for high school students in the Greater Toronto Area. Through these, my peers and I encouraged students to realize that they’re already experts in their own lived experience of the city, and introduced the language of planning to prompt conversations about more equitable cities and the planning field as a profession.
“Whenever things became hectic, we could always rely on Julia’s organized, color-coded emails with clearly outlined next steps …. and slide decks and templates that were meticulous and professional.”
How have you grown professionally and personally?
I originally started the master’s program intending to fill gaps in my own knowledge of urban planning policy. While I definitely built my policy skills, I hadn’t anticipated how the school would also give me the space to explore my interdisciplinary interests. Thanks to peers and professors, I gained the confidence to pursue interests in art and design beyond the classroom.
Best memories
Bright green walls at the Student Learning Centre, messy sticky-note brainstorms, surrounded by friends and peers.
Finding community at the school, sharing moments of laughter and also deep, thoughtful conversations about building more equitable cities.
