Recipients

Manpreet Alisha Buttar, a second-year student in the Master of Science in Human Nutrition program in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Alisha is recognized for her excellence and interest in the field of community and population health as evidenced by her leadership skills improving communities in and outside the classroom. As a graduate student researcher and dietitian, Alisha advocates for equitable nutrition policy and healthier food environments for all. She spearheaded the Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference, an initiative committed to understanding population health issues related to food insecurity in remote Indigenous populations. She also co-founded the Athletic and Wellness Collective at UBC, a graduate student-run organization aimed to promote physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and a healthy lifestyle through community-building events that are inclusive of people with disabilities and diverse health goals.

Danielle Busayong, a second-year student in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program in the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine. Danielle was recognized for her leadership in community health through her contributions to equity, diversity, inclusivity, and social justice. She developed a guide for speech language pathologists to utilize FirstVoices, an online resource for Indigenous languages. She established a summer language program for underserved populations at Strathcona Community Centre in Vancouver that addressed inclusivity in a language-rich environment in the community. In addition, Danielle runs a social media account that focuses on sharing knowledge in the field of speech-language pathology through equity, diversity, inclusivity and social justice lenses. Among her accomplishments, Danielle also serves on the board of directors for Speech-Language & Audiology Canada.

Natania Abebe, who is a third-year student in the Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Nursing dual degree program in the School of Population and Public Health in the Faculty of Medicine and the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Applied Science. Natania was recognized for her leadership in public health, anti-racism, and equity-based mental healthcare. She has worked with people with lived and living experience, researchers, and policymakers to advocate for healthy public policy that is co-created and driven by community to improve mental health. Among her many accomplishments, Natania is a co-founder of the Coalition of African, Caribbean and Black nurses in British Columbia, which works to address racism and discrimination experienced by African, Caribbean, and Black nurses in the province as well as a co-founder of Stars in a Jar, which promotes the mental wellbeing of pediatric cancer patients through community supports.

Navjit Moore, fourth year student in the Doctor of Pharmacy program in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is the recipient of the 2020 Professor Jessie Gordon MacCarthy Memorial Scholarship. Navjit has established and led support groups for people living with chronic conditions, provided emotional support and facilitated communication for hospital patients, and helped long-term care residents maintain their cognitive capabilities by engaging them in mental and social activities. Navjit works towards ensuring the most vulnerable groups are well-supported and have access to appropriate resources. Navjit’s commitment to early advocacy for healthy habits and proactive approaches to disease and illness is commendable.

Joanna Paterson, second year student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with the UBC Faculty of Applied Science, received the 2019 Professor Jessie Gordon MacCarthy Memorial Scholarship for her unwavering commitment to and leadership in community health, including her work in harm reduction and primary care in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where residents face challenges related to poverty, homelessness, substance use, and mental illness.

Ashley Vicente, fourth year student in the Bachelor of Dental Science (Dental Hygiene) program in the UBC Faculty of Dentistry, receives the 2018 Professor Jessie Gordon MacCarthy Memorial Scholarship for her outstanding commitment and leadership in community projects assisting the elderly and people with disabilities, including providing clinical dental hygiene care and education to elders living in a long-term care facility and for adults living with mental illness in a community-based organization.

Minnie Yu-Ching Teng, second year student in the Master of Occupational Therapy program (UBC Faculty of Medicine), receives the 2017 Professor Jessie Gordon MacCarthy Memorial Scholarship for her outstanding commitment and leadership in community projects assisting the elderly and people with disabilities.

Emily Thong, 4th year student in the Doctor of Dental Medicine program, Faculty of Dentistry, UBC.