2026
Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Awards

Honouring Change. Uplifting Legacy. Inspiring the Future.

On May 28, 2026, Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School brought together students, families, educators, community leaders, and distinguished guests for the fourth annual Hodan Nalayeh Legacy Day — a celebration rooted in compassion, courage, and the extraordinary potential of young people.

The Nalayeh Family was proud to stand alongside the school community in honoring a legacy that continues to grow stronger with every passing year.

Hodan Nalayeh was someone who showed up — fully and wholeheartedly — for the people and communities she cared about. She listened when others looked away. She told stories that needed to be told, not because it was easy, but because she believed deeply in the dignity of every person whose story she carried. She led not through authority, but through example — with warmth, with courage, and with an unwavering commitment to creating a more just and connected world. It was her character, her compassion, and her dedication to service that defined her, and it is those same qualities that continue to inspire the young leaders we celebrate today.

A Celebration Shaped by Young Leaders

This year's event was joyfully led by student co-hosts Noa Horroch and Talla Mendoza Villacorta, who brought warmth and poise to the proceedings and set a tone of pride and possibility throughout the afternoon.

The program opened with remarks from Principal Vincent Chow, followed by a welcome address from Trustee Estelle Cohen and Board Chair Ron Lynn, who spoke to the importance of community investment, inclusive education, and the power of recognizing young people who lead with heart.

A Voice That Resonated

A defining moment of the day came with an address by award-winning journalist and broadcaster Ginella Massa, introduced by Sahra Nalayeh. Ginella spoke to the kind of person Hodan was — her fearlessness in the face of doubt, her genuine love for community, and the way she approached every story and every interaction with humanity at the forefront. She encouraged students to find that same spirit within themselves: to know their values, to use their voices with intention, and to understand that representation is not just about visibility — it is about belonging, and about making space for others to be seen. Her words were a powerful call to lead from the inside out.

Recognizing This Year's Changemakers

At the heart of Legacy Day is the recognition of students who reflect the qualities that made Hodan who she was. This year, twelve outstanding students were honoured across three categories — selected not only for academic achievement, but for the way they show up for others every single day.

• Kaylin Chaeeun Kim

• Dianna Kogan

• Kevin Kwon

• Eithan Yagudaev

• Nevaeh Covington

• Or'el Ikhimiukor

• Stephan Kenmoe

• Nuelle Reis

• Arad Daneshvar

• Sahil Lalani

• Mustafa Yaacoub

• Rumaisa Zahid

Each recipient received a monetary award — an investment in their futures and in the communities they are already working to strengthen. Through peer mentorship, cultural advocacy, mental health support, and championing inclusion, these students are living proof that Hodan's example takes root in those who are paying attention.

Voices of the Recipients

Following the presentations, each award recipient shared a brief reflection on how Hodan's life has inspired their own. Their words were moving and deeply personal — and in them, the thread connecting Hodan's story to theirs was unmistakable. She showed them what it looks like to care enough to act, and they are choosing to do the same.

Gratitude and Closing

Nalayeh Musse, Hodan's son, offered heartfelt thanks on behalf of the family — a deeply meaningful moment that anchored the day's celebration in the love and humanity at its core.

Closing remarks were shared by Superintendent Dennis Rossi and Principal Vincent Chow, both of whom affirmed their commitment to nurturing communities where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead.

The Give to Learn to Grow Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Trustee Chair Ron Lynn, Trustee Dr. Elizabeth Sinclair, Trustee Estelle Cohen, Superintendent Dennis Rossi, and the York Region District School Board for their steadfast support of student success and community-centred initiatives.

We are deeply grateful to our community partners — the African Canadian National Coalition Against Hate, Oppression and Racism (ANCHOR) and York Region Muslims (YRM) — whose dedication to equity, belonging, and opportunity continues to strengthen the impact of this important day.

And we are honoured, always, by the presence of the Nalayeh family, whose participation reminds us of the very real love at the centre of everything we celebrate.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Hodan's legacy is not simply what she accomplished — it is who she was. It is the kindness she extended to strangers. The conviction she brought to her work. The way she believed, without reservation, that communities are strengthened when people choose to serve one another. Those qualities did not disappear when she did. They live in every student who chooses empathy over indifference, every act of mentorship, every moment of advocacy, every young person who decides that their community is worth fighting for.

That is why we gather each year. That is why these students are being recognized today. And that is why her story will continue to inspire generations of leaders and changemakers long after this room falls quiet.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award recipients. You carry something important forward. We are proud of you.

2025
Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Awards

Honouring Change. Uplifting Legacy. Inspiring the Future.

On May 28th, 2025, Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School hosted its third annual Hodan Nalayeh Legacy Day, a celebration of vision, service, and the promise of the next generation. The Give to Learn to Grow Foundation was proud to stand alongside students, families, and community members in honoring this meaningful occasion.

Hodan Nalayeh was a visionary leader whose work opened doors and inspired countless individuals to believe in the power of storytelling and collective action. This annual event, along with the Changemaker Award named in her honor, was created to recognize the same spirit in today’s youth, compassion, a commitment to giving back, and the courage to build a better future.

The 2025 Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Awards celebrated students who have not only excelled academically but demonstrate remarkable dedication to their school and community.

From leading peer mentorship programs, and organizing cultural awareness events to creating safe spaces for dialogue and volunteering locally, this year’s recipients are already shaping the world around them.

Twelve students were selected for their leadership and service. Each received a monetary award, this is an investment in their growth and in the communities they will continue to uplift.

We are proud to announce and celebrate the winners of the 2025 Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award:

• Rachel Jin

• Dina Vilents

• Emily Barak

• Darleen Julman

• Joanna Sutton

• Ethan Brown

• Acacia Sarah Whynn

• Laurent Kenmoe

• Ilyan Lalani

• Jazibah Khan

• Tala Mendoza Villacorta

• Iyad Mohamed Zaki

Their achievements remind us that leadership is not defined by titles but by action, tutoring younger students, advocating for mental health resources, supporting newcomers to Canada, and championing inclusion and equity every day.

This year’s program was also enriched by our inspiring guest speaker, Camille Dundas, Editor-in-Chief of ByBlacks.com whose words encouraged students to lead with empathy and resilience. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Camille for sharing her insight and experience with the entire school community.

We are also deeply grateful to the Superintendent of Education, CEC West, and the School Board Trustees who joined us in celebrating these young changemakers and for their ongoing support of initiatives that uplift and empower youth.

Special thanks to the African Canadian National Coalition Against Hate, Oppression, and Racism (ANCHOR) and York Region Muslims (YRM), two organizations whose longstanding commitment and community leadership help make this day possible. Your support continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and their families.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

The Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award is more than recognition. It is an invitation to lead with purpose and to remember that small acts of kindness and courage can create lasting change. As we celebrate this year’s recipients, we also recommit to supporting the future they are working to build.

The Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award is not just a celebration; it is a call to action. It challenges us to ask: How are we lifting up our communities? How are we investing in the next generation?

As we honour these incredible students, we also recommit to the values Hodan lived by: storytelling with heart, leadership with integrity, and service grounded in love for community. Her spirit continues to light the path forward, and through these students, her legacy lives on.

Let us continue to nurture young changemakers, invest in their dreams, and build a future worthy of Hodan’s vision.

2024
Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Awards

The Give to Learn to Grow Foundation proudly participated in the 2024 Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award ceremony at Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School. This special event, created by the Nalayeh family, celebrates students who embody optimism and compassion and have substantially contributed to their school and community.

The Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award not only acknowledges the achievements of these remarkable students but also honours the enduring legacy of Hodan Nalayeh. Hodan was an inspiration and a tireless advocate for positive change. As the world's first Somali media owner, a renowned humanitarian, and the founder of Integration TV, Hodan Nalayeh's significant contributions have left an indelible mark on journalism and beyond.

This year, the Nalayeh family awarded generous monetary prizes totaling $20,000 to support these young changemakers' continued growth and efforts. These awards testify to the power of kindness, resilience, and the impact of giving back to the community.

We are proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award: (in no particular order)

• Ryhana Williams

• Daemon Laurence

• Danae Buchanan

• Sadee Dixon

• Pardis Ghafouri

• Alisha Maqsood

• Abdul Muqadas Gheiasi

• Bariqa Rana

• Sabrina Kreyzerman

• Avery Rilett

• Mikah Warmington

• Noa Horroch

These extraordinary students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service, reflecting the core values that Hodan Nalayeh championed. Each recipient has shown how optimism and compassion can create meaningful change within their communities.

As we celebrate these incredible students, we also honour the memory of a woman who continues to inspire us all. Hodan Nalayeh's legacy lives on through the positive actions of these young changemakers, proving that her spirit of advocacy and community service endures.

Join us in congratulating the 2024 Hodan Nalayeh Changemaker Award recipients and celebrating their outstanding contributions. Together, we can continue to inspire and support the next generation of leaders dedicated to making a difference.

 2023
Hodan Nalayeh 
Change Maker Award

We are delighted to share the highlights of the second Hodan Nalayeh Legacy Day, which took place at Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School last week. This year, we introduced a new addition to the event—the Hodan Nalayeh Change Maker Award. Created by Hodan's family, this award serves to honor her memory and ensure that the student body understands the significance of Hodan and the pride associated with their school's name.

 The Hodan Nalayeh, Change Maker Award, was established to recognize students who embody optimism, compassion, and have made substantial contributions to both their school and community. During the ceremony, the Nalayeh family had the privilege of presenting the recipients with a well-deserved plaque, a heartfelt letter of recognition, and a generous monetary prize of $5,000 each.

 The selection process for the three 2023 recipients was meticulous, as they were chosen for their exceptional optimism, compassion, and meaningful contributions to their school and community. These outstanding students consistently exhibit the qualities and values that the Hodan Nalayeh Change Maker Award represents. 

Now, let us also take a moment to recognize three exceptional individuals who have been honoured with the Hodan Nalayeh Change Maker Award. These students have truly embodied the values and principles that this award represents. Their remarkable contributions are as follows:

 Maham Khan:
Maham has been an integral part of our school community, exemplifying Hodan Nalayeh's values even before the renaming of Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School. Her exceptional dedication and leadership roles in organizations such as the Muslim Youth of Canada, Cultural Heritage Council, and Muslim Student's Association have set her apart. Maham's tireless advocacy for Muslims in the community is highly commendable, and she is widely respected by both students and staff. Her active participation in various school functions demonstrates her understanding of the power of representation. Maham also played an instrumental role in advocating for the renaming of the school.

Cassius Koo:
Cassius has emerged as a passionate advocate and voice for young patients at SickKids Hospital. He has given a voice to those who may be too weak to speak for themselves. Establishing The JustForJaimee Foundation in honour of his late best friend, Cassius fights for recognition and provides support to children's hospitals across Canada. Describing himself as a leader, warrior, and SickKids patient ambassador, Cassius dedicates his efforts to fundraising and tirelessly supporting his cause.

Lianah Ifill:
Lianah's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equality is truly commendable, and she played an instrumental role in launching the Black Student Alliance at Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School. Through her determined efforts, she has raised awareness and participation in the Black Student Alliance, providing a safe space for students to express their experiences, concerns, and aspirations. Lianah's impact on her community is profound, and she has played a pivotal role in turning the Black Student Alliance into a reality.

We are incredibly proud of these remarkable individuals and their positive impact on others. Their dedication and commitment serve as an inspiration to us all. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the deserving recipients of the Hodan Nalayeh Change Maker Award.

Let us continue to celebrate the legacy of Hodan Nalayeh and strive to emulate the qualities she embodied in our daily lives.