Toronto Metropolitan University hosts the 17th annual Viola Desmond Awards during Black History Month

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)

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