Toronto Metropolitan University hosts the 17th annual Viola Desmond Awards during Black History Month
TORONTO February 10, 2026 – Toronto Metropolitan University’s Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI) will host the 17th Annual Viola Desmond Awards and Bursary Ceremony during Black History Month, on Thursday, February 19th, at The Steve & Rashmi Gupta Lecture Theatre in the Ted Rogers School of Management. Opening remarks to feature Toronto Mayor, Olivia Chow, with special guests including the Honourable Jean Augustine.
Named after civil rights icon Viola Desmond, a Black Nova Scotian entrepreneur who challenged racial discrimination in 1946, the awards honour Black women and gender-diverse community leaders whose work reflects her legacy of resistance, leadership and community-building.
The 2025 Viola Desmond Awards recipients being honoured this year, are advancing change across health care, food security, the legal system and beyond. They are recognized for work rooted in advocacy, conviction and meaningful community impact.
This year, the Ted Rogers School of Management has partnered with OVPECI to present the Leadership in Business category, recognizing leaders whose influence extends beyond their organizations through innovation, equity-focused leadership, mentorship and service.
Viola Desmond Award recipients:
Faculty/Administrator Award: Dr. Trudy McFarlane, TMU School of Medicine Associate Dean
Staff Award: Nicole Austin, Black-led programs coordinator at the Urban Farm
Alumni Award: Zoe Walwyn, Federal Court of Canada judicial law clerk
Viola Desmond Awards for Leadership in Business recipients:
Claudette McGowan, CEO, Protexxa
Luz Longsworth, Senior Corporate Director at Sandals Resorts
Deborah Flint, President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA)
WHAT: The 17th Annual Viola Desmond Awards and Bursary Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Steve & Rashmi Gupta Lecture Theatre
Ted Rogers School of Management
55 Dundas St. W., Toronto
WHO: 2025 award recipients and honourees.
Full list: torontomu.ca/viola
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
- Interviews with recipients, honourees and event organizers
- B-roll
- Photos
Open To: University students, faculty, staff and members of the public
For more information, visit: torontomu.ca/viola
About Toronto Metropolitan University
A world-class research institution and Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education, TMU offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, over 65 graduate programs, and 80 continuing education certificate programs. The university boasts ten faculties, including the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the new TMU School of Medicine, which is launching in September 2025. Established in 1948, TMU is home to nearly 48,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 245,000 alumni worldwide.
For more information, visit torontomu.ca.
Media Contact:
Tania Ulrich
Central Communications, Toronto Metropolitan University
E: tulrich@torontomu.ca