Seven members of  NC’s alumni  community are in the provincial spotlight with nominations for prestigious Premier’s Awards.

The nominees are all 2024 NC Alumni of Excellence honourees – the highest recognition alumni can receive from the College in recognition of their notable achievements – and the distinction comes with a coveted Premier’s Award nomination.

The 2024 Alumni of Excellence honorees now join more than 100 college graduates from across Ontario who have been nominated for  this year’s Premier’s Awards.

Hosted annually by Colleges Ontario, the Premier’s Awards celebrate the important social and economic contributions that graduates make in Ontario and around the world.

The Awards are presented in seven categories – Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate, Skilled Trades, and Science Technology and Engineering. NC has submitted a nomination for each category.

Winners will be announced at the Premier’s Awards gala on November 25 in Toronto. For more information about the Premier’s Awards, visit co-awards.org.

Creative Arts and Design: Amy Audibert

Radio and TV Studio Analyst, Miami Heat
Graduated from NC’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program in 2012

Amy Audibert is an unparalleled figure in Canadian sports history. Following a stellar athletic career at the University of Miami, Audibert returned to Ontario and earned a diploma in broadcasting – radio, television and film. She honed her media skills through years of unpaid commentating in gyms and arenas across North America. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and groundbreaking achievements as a female broadcaster culminated in her historic 2022 full-time hire by the NBA’s Miami Heat. Audibert’s dedication and trailblazing milestones highlight her remarkable journey and contributions to sports broadcasting.

Link to article on InsideNC:

Alumni of Excellence: Amy Audibert changes the game in sports broadcasting

 

Business: Daniel Brennan

Senior Vice President, People and Sustainability, Bombardier
Graduated from NC’s Business Administration – Personnel Management program in 1979

Daniel Brennan used his college diploma as his foundation to become a global HR powerhouse. He transformed companies like Bombardier, CRH Plc, ISS World Services, Hewlett-Packard and Electronic Data Systems through strategic HR solutions. With expertise in employee engagement, labour relations and talent development, he revitalizes cultures and drives organizational change. Brennan has been responsible for upwards of 530,000 employees spanning 31 countries for some of the world’s biggest companies, showcasing his ability to navigate diverse workforces and drive change. His career underscores the transformative power of effective leadership, leaving a legacy of excellence.

Link to article on InsideNC:

Alumni of Excellence: HR superstar Daniel Brennan takes huge companies to new heights

 

Recent Graduate: Andrés Coimbra Castedo

Lighting Artist, Herne Hill Media
Graduated from NC’s Game Development program in 2019

Andrés Coimbra Castedo’s passion for digital creativity culminated in an Academy Award. He co-created a globally published video game and developed a love for lighting characters, VFX and set pieces in movies and games. His lighting expertise contributed to Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio winning the 2023 Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Castedo now works for a Toronto VFX studio producing films for high-profile Hollywood clients. At 26, his remarkable journey highlights his significant impact on the industry at such a young age.

Link to article on InsideNC:

Alumni of Excellence: Andrés Coimbra Castedo lights up world-famous films

 

Community Services: Stephanie Leheta

Senior Director, Client Experience Strategy, Design Thinking and Governance, CIBC
Graduated from NC’s Medical Record Technologist program in1993

Stephanie Leheta is an award-winning leader in strategy, organizational design, and project change management, inspiring teams and managing substantial portfolios. She helps charitable organizations create stronger business plans and effective strategies, impacting change both locally and nationally. Leheta has significantly contributed to Big Brothers Big Sisters embracing equity, diversity and inclusion across Canada, and has volunteered at Distress Centre Niagara, Tanguay Place and United Way South Niagara. She lends her expertise and life experience to strengthen organizations that serve underrepresented and in-need communities. Leheta is an active mentor and sponsor for the next generation of women in business.

Link to article on InsideNC:

Alumni of Excellence: Bank exec Stephanie Leheta invests in community service

 

Health Sciences: Karen Paschert

Clinical Manager, Emergency Department, Niagara Falls Site, Niagara Health

Graduated from NC’s Critical Care Nursing program in 2006 and Nursing program in 1991

At college, Karen Paschert learned the importance of supporting people. From novice floor nurse in long-term care homes to supervising a busy urban hospital emergency department, Paschert has been an inspiring presence. She advocates for diversity, equality and inclusion in public healthcare, helping inaugurate Black History Month events and formally embracing DEI in strategic plans and celebrations for Pride Month, Indigenous Reconciliation Day and Diversity Month.

Link to article on InsideNC:

Alumni of Excellence: Karen Paschert has finger on pulse of DEI in healthcare

 

Science, Technology and Engineering: Mauro DelleMonache

CEO, GEOVIA, Dassault Systèmes
Graduated from NC’s Electronics Engineering Technology program in 1996

Mauro DelleMonache is helping mining companies reduce emissions while increasing production of critical minerals for EV batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. Supporting operations in 140 countries, DelleMonache promotes the use of digital twins for responsible natural resource management. His objective is to leverage technology to improve operational efficiency and optimize resource utilization, transforming the industry and safeguarding the planet. By using technology to discover cleaner, efficient practices, DelleMonache is helping change an industry and the world.

Link to article on InsideNC:

Alumni of Excellence: Mauro DelleMonache helps mining companies dig deeper into sustainability

 

Skilled Trades: Elizabeth Tait

Co-Owner, Level 5 Drive
Graduated from NC’s Motive Power Technician program in 2011

Elizabeth Tait has significantly contributed to automotive safety. As a skilled technician, she charted her path in a male-dominated field and noticed a lack of expertise in repairing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in Canada. Tait obtained national certification and now owns a business specializing in ADAS repairs, serving various auto repair shops and enhancing road safety across Canada. Tait’s dedication to advancing automotive technology and mentoring the next generation of female technicians underscores her exemplary industry impact.

Link to article on InsideNC:

Alumni of Excellence: Hi-tech auto tech Elizabeth Tait powers up support for skilled trades

 

Congratulations to NC’s 2024 Premier’s Award nominees!