Linda Grayson Administrative Leadership Award Recipients

The Administrative Leadership Award was inspired by Linda Grayson, former vice-president, administration and finance, for her dedication and leadership to the university.. This award recognizes two individuals (one Senior Administrator or Director and one MAC, CUPE 233 or OPSEU employee) who have demonstrated exceptional leadership beyond regular responsibilities through effectively managing a project, activity or team, to achieve outstanding results.

Recipients receive a certificate and a one-time monetary award of $2,000 (subject to applicable deductions).

Key criteria: Leadership; people first

2026 recipients

Aina Arro

Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Aina Arro rose to the challenge of serving as Acting Manager of Graduate Admissions at the peak of the admissions cycle, while continuing her duties as an Admissions Officer. She led her team with empathy, professionalism, and confidence, managing complex and confidential cases, guiding them through the new Ontario Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) process, and maintaining clear communication and high morale. Her exceptional judgment and dedication ensured a smooth, timely admissions cycle. Aina’s thoughtful leadership went far beyond her regular responsibilities, leaving a lasting positive impact on her team, the admissions process, and YSGPS.

Sharanjeet Kaur Nijjar

School of Medicine

Sharanjeet Kaur was the first employee of the TMU School of Medicine in 2020 and has been a cornerstone in its development ever since. In recognition of her unparalleled contributions, she was promoted to CAO in 2023. She now oversees every major administrative domain of the School—including Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical Education, Admissions, Learner Affairs, Research & Scholarship, MedEd IT, and beyond. Additionally, she is leading the establishment of our Integrated Health Centre, a visionary project to bridge academic learning with community-based care. Her combination of passion, dedication and strategic systems thinking make her an exemplary candidate.