Niagara College is celebrating a trio of employees who received prestigious national accolades from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) on April 23. Ali Ryder, a members of NC’s Student Recruitment team, was presented with CICan’s 2026 Bronze Leadership Excellence Award for Non-Managerial Staff. The award recognizes Ryder’s steadfast commitment to helping prospective students find their path forward through a college education.
“I am humbled to have been nominated for this award and grateful to work at Niagara College where I am privileged to be part of a supportive team that celebrates individuality,” said Ryder. “In my role, I am often a big part of very important decisions for both young people and mature students. Sometimes it just takes a bit of kindness and empathy to make a huge difference in somebody’s life, and that makes this work special every day.”
Through her role as Outreach and Education Advisor, Ryder, M.Ed., regularly visits local high schools and is a constant presence at recruiting and community events. On campus, she actively participates in initiatives that contribute to the College’s welcoming environment and is a part-time instructor in NC’s School of Academic and Liberal Studies.
Director of Student Recruitment Ian Aikenhead has praised Ryder for being a pillar of the NC community and the broader Niagara region, whose personal and professional influence is seen in the hundreds of students who have recognized and reached their full potential.
“Whether leading a recruitment session, mentoring a student, or collaborating with colleagues, Ali brings positivity, empathy, and vision to everything she does. She is not only a dedicated educator but also a catalyst for leadership, growth and community,” he said. “We are proud to have Ali on our team and thrilled that she has been recognized by CICan.”
Ryder (middle right) receives her award from CICan on April 23. Others L-R: Pierre Zundel, President and CEO, Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) and Chair of the CICan Board of Directors; Pari Johnston, President and CEO, CICan; Steve Laurin, Vice President, Affinity Market Group, TD Insurance. Photo credit: CICan
Student-focused approach
Ryder joined the College in 2015 and has held previous roles as Academic Advisor and Simulation Lab Technician.
In every capacity, she has supported the holistic student experience, carefully considering students’ needs academically and outside the classroom, and working relentlessly to identify the solutions and supports that she and NC can provide to ensure that students thrive.
As a member of the Student Recruitment team, she connects with prospective students and their families through one-on-one virtual and in-person advising sessions and at recruitment events attended by thousands of students and influencers each year. Her personalized approach helps students find their path forward, giving them the courage to embrace new opportunities and the confidence to succeed.
Ryder is also a part-time instructor who teaches NC’s EDI in Canada course and supports the College’s overall EDI initiatives through her work as an EDI Catalyst.
Recently, she contributed to the new edition of “Walk a Mile: A Journey Towards Justice and Equity in Canadian Society” in collaboration with fellow NC faculty and staff. The textbook is used in EDI courses across the sector.
Authenticity and community impact
Ryder’s collaborative spirit is a testament to her trailblazing and welcoming qualities that she harnesses to support and motivate others.
She participates in fundraising events supported by NC, including the Big Move Cancer Ride, Coldest Night of the Year, ALS Walk and Rankin Cancer Run, and is often tapped to emcee popular college events to educate, motivate and inspire students and employees.
Ryder’s authenticity and warmth shine through in everything she does.
She is an advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, supporting the establishment of the first 2SLGBTQIA+ student club. In 2018, she received a Canada 150 Award, in part for her contributions supporting NC’s 2SLGBTQIA+ student community.
In 2023, she co-hosted a living library event with her mom, Ellen, in collaboration with NC Libraries and Learning Commons. Through the opportunity, they shared Ryder’s experience coming out to her mom, paying homage to her mom’s journey as a parent of an identified 2SLGBTQIA+ individual growing up in a small town. Ryder wrote a special column for a local publication during Pride Month in 2022, sharing her family’s journey.
She extends her 2SLGBTQIA+ support to students outside of the Niagara region, participating in events in the Haldimand-Norfolk region. Her presence is requested at Haldimand-Norfolk’s annual Pride event and the Rainbow Ball, a queer and ally dance hosted annually by rotating high schools that typically welcomes more than 250 2SLGBTQIA+ students and allies.
“Ali is a truly inspiring individual,” said Aikenhead. “She has a remarkable ability to create inclusive, energetic spaces where every student’s voice is heard and valued, and she consistently motivates others to reach for their dreams.”
Creative edge
Ryder leaves no stone unturned when it comes to finding creative ways to connect with prospective students and the community.
One of her most recognizable characteristics is her hair, which she has styled by students at NC’s Teaching Hair Salon. She has said that she uses her hair, often dyed blue and styled in a faux-hawk, as a way to connect with prospective students and to promote the Hairstyling program.
In 2023, Ryder won a radio contest with a popular station based out of Toronto. She leveraged the opportunity to talk about her work at NC on air and hosted a fundraiser in support of Start Me Up Niagara to celebrate her big win. The event was hosted at a local establishment in Welland that Ryder has a strong relationship with. The restaurant honoured Ali during Pride Month in 2024 by naming a sandwich after her – the Ali Ryder LGBT sandwich – paying homage to her support of the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including NC students.
Through warmth and creativity, Ali has become a local celebrity championing the College at every opportunity.
