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Four women based at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, each on the precipice of Convocation, have joined the crop of 2025 winners of the University of Toronto Student Leadership Awards.

Samantha Burns, Zian Zhang, Ghazal Malik, and Si Jia Wu were named winners this term, recognized for their outstanding student leadership, volunteer service, and commitment to the university.

The University of Toronto Student Leadership Awards (UTSLA) continues a long U of T tradition for recognizing students in this way. The award program was launched in 1994 as the Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Awards, which ran from 1994 to 2019 – it was named after the former Vice-President, Development and University Relations.

"What a fantastic crop of student leaders," said Professor Erica N. Walker, Dean of С������Ƶ. "Zian, Si Jia, Ghazal, and Samantha have enriched our community while pursuing their dreams as educators and researchers. You four have made OISE a more welcoming and conducive environment to study and engage with others.

“On behalf of С������Ƶ, congratulations to you, for this prestigious U of T Student Leadership Award. May this honour lift you up, now and always.”

We spoke with this year’s winners asking them a few questions about this moment.

• What was your first reaction when you learned you were being recognized with a U of T Student Leadership Award?
• How did you best encapsulate student leadership in your time at С������Ƶ?
• What did it mean to be a volunteer and student leader at С������Ƶ, specifically?
• How do you want to pay it forward, as a person with academic and personal goals still on the horizon?
• Who would you like to thank?

Here is what they said. 

Zian Zhang
Doctoral candidate
Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning

Zian Zhang, who will cross the Convocation stage this year, has earned her second С������Ƶ degree – she graduated with a Master of Education in 2016. In her time, Zhang has been driven to serve her community and contribute to collective growth.

She served as an award committee member of the С������Ƶ Alumni Association, which allowed her to connect with fellow alumni, celebrate their achievements, and contribute to recognizing their outstanding work in education. As the previous External Coordinator at the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning Student Association at С������Ƶ, she engaged with students and faculty, fostering a sense of community within the department. She also served as a Graduate Student Member on the С������Ƶ Council and Research Committee, where she actively participated in the decision-making processes that impact the academic environment at С������Ƶ.

Zhang was also cited for her diligence, work ethic, and empathy in her academic and volunteer work.

What was your first reaction when you learned you were being recognized with a U of T Student Leadership Award?

When I learned that I was being recognized with a U of T Student Leadership Award, I felt reminiscent of my undergraduate graduation ten years ago in 2014, when I received both provincial and university-level Outstanding Graduate awards. Pursuing this PhD has always felt like experiencing another four years of undergraduate study. When I completed my master’s degree at С������Ƶ in 2016, I made the decision to further my education with a PhD—not only to enhance my professional skills but also to embrace student life once more fully. Since 2021, in many ways, I approached this PhD journey as if I were undertaking another undergraduate degree, allowing me to fulfill the aspirations I had a decade ago. Now, ten years later, as I near the completion of my PhD, I feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I have no lingering regrets from my teenage years.

How did you best encapsulate student leadership in your time at С������Ƶ?

Both my master’s and PhD studies have been at С������Ƶ, and my journey in student leadership evolved significantly over these years. During my master’s program, I served as an С������Ƶ Student Ambassador and contributed to the С������Ƶ Student Blog, sharing my experiences from an international student’s perspective. Through this role, I received tremendous support from professors, staff members, and local students, which deeply shaped my understanding of student leadership in a foreign university.

The experience of doing student leadership during PhD studies was quite different. When I returned to Canada in 2022, the transition from online to in-person activities was still in progress due to pandemic-related restrictions. Many meetings with the student executive team were held virtually, and expanding in-person student engagement during my first year back was particularly challenging. However, I was fortunate to assemble an outstanding CTLSA (Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning Student Association) team in 2022-2023, and together, we successfully organized the 2022 Christmas Holiday Party.

In April 2023, in collaboration with the UTGSU Race & Ethnicity Caucus (REC), we received the University of Toronto Student Life’s New Initiative Award for our joint event, “Building Bridges: A Convention on Connection and Collaboration.” These experiences allowed me to navigate and adapt to evolving challenges while fostering meaningful connections within the OISE and broader U of T student community.

What did it mean to be a volunteer and student leader at С������Ƶ, specifically?

From my view, С������Ƶ is a community that deeply values diversity, inclusion, and equity. The students at С������Ƶ come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and this institution has nurtured many outstanding educators and exceptional leaders.

Being a student leader at С������Ƶ has given me the opportunity to engage with inspiring individuals through student events—people from whom I can learn and grow. For me, this has been a truly meaningful journey of personal and professional development. As the Chinese saying goes, “the power of role models”—through continuous learning from those who came before me, I have been able to improve along the way.

How do you want to pay it forward, as a person with academic and personal goals still on the horizon?

Leadership is a skill that requires continuous practice, experience, and long-term dedication to achieve truly outstanding results. The teacher who taught me about leadership and administration is an extraordinary literary figure—though he does not like to be called a great politician. Among the words he left me, he emphasized the importance of learning, telling me that having the opportunity to pursue study in one’s lifetime is a rare and precious gift. He asked me to cherish every chance to study, to publish more academic articles, and to strive for achievements in both academia and the arts.

Who would you like to thank?

When I received the 2023-2024 Buddha's Light Young Adult Award at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, my teacher told me that I should thank my mother for her dedication in nurturing me during my ten years in Hangzhou. Although I had not continued singing folk songs for over a decade, my mother consistently encouraged me to focus on education and management, shaping the person I am today.

Ghazal Malik
Master of Education
Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education

Ghazal Malik, winner of the 2023 U of T Graduate Community Development Fund Award, is an active, engaging, friendly, and helpful volunteer, leader, and friend. Her roles across various U of T programs, including serving on several student advisory committees, developing promotional materials for student engagement, and assisting at conferences, have further contributed to building a supportive and inclusive environment on campus.

As an С������Ƶ Mentorship Program Advisory Committee member, she contributed to research and facilitated workshops that elevated participant outcomes while advancing student achievement through mentorship and peer-to-peer learning. As Chair of the С������Ƶ Alumni Association SAC, Malik strengthened alumni-student connections and improved student engagement, promoting an inclusive community for lifelong learning. She has consistently worked to enhance student experiences by creating welcoming environments, fostering a sense of belonging and nurturing professional and personal development within the U of T community.

What was your first reaction when you learned you were being recognized with a U of T Student Leadership Award?

When I learned I was one of the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award recipients, my heart did a happy dance! Feeling appreciated and recognized made all the hard work truly rewarding. I am humbled to join a legacy of remarkable individuals who have served the U of T student community over the years. This award reflects my commitment to enhancing the student experience by promoting inclusion and community engagement. As someone passionate about empowering marginalized groups and contributing to the student community, this recognition affirms that my efforts have made a meaningful impact. I feel proud and want to take this opportunity to thank the individuals and communities I've had the privilege to support and collaborate with.

How did you best encapsulate student leadership in your time at С������Ƶ?

For me, student leadership at С������Ƶ has always been about collaboration, inclusion, and community-building. As the Chair of the С������Ƶ Alumni Association Student Advisory Committee, I focused on strengthening connections between students, alumni, and the Institute. I have created opportunities for students to expand their professional development network and actively engage in university life by organizing and promoting various events since 2022. I have also contributed to the С������Ƶ Mentorship Program, where I co-designed workshops and conducted research to improve student outcomes. I believe authentic leadership comes from empowering others. Thus, throughout my tenure at С������Ƶ, I have strived to create lasting opportunities for growth, connection, and positive change.

What did it mean to be a volunteer and student leader at С������Ƶ, specifically?

Being a volunteer and student leader at С������Ƶ was an honour and a responsibility. It meant contributing to an environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. I worked with linguistically and culturally dynamic students, faculty, and community members, each bringing unique perspectives that enriched our shared experiences. Serving on committees like the С������Ƶ Mentorship Program, С������Ƶ Care Collective, and Student on Seven allowed me to create spaces where students could feel supported, engaged, and heard. For me, leadership at С������Ƶ was never just about managing tasks; it was about creating opportunities for others and driving meaningful change in how we learn, grow, and share knowledge.

How do you want to pay it forward, as a person with academic and personal goals still on the horizon?

Serving the student community at U of T has shown me how a positive university experience can shape students' lives beyond campus, influencing their future paths and contributions. This is especially true for international students seeking opportunities to build social capital. Through my work as a community volunteer in spaces like food banks, settlement organizations, and community centers, I have seen the same transformative impact—where care and connection empower individuals to thrive. I am committed to paying it forward by continuing and expanding my involvement in broader community efforts. This dedication is central to my academic and personal aspirations, and receiving this award has further motivated me to continue my work.

Who would you like to thank?

I sincerely thank the С������Ƶ Office of Advancement, Alumni, Communications & External Relations for their belief in me and the invaluable lessons I've gained throughout my journey at U of T. I am grateful to my professors, especially Dr. Haesun Moon, Dr. Kelli Nigh, Dr. Katherine Entigar, and Dr. Jennifer Sumner, for their continuous support and for providing me with opportunities to grow and lead. A special mention goes to my son, Abdullah, for his love and encouragement. I also want to express my appreciation to all the volunteers, especially Yukti Malik, Rheannon Demeter, Rana Kuan, and Faith Kiende, whose dedication inspires me every day to keep learning, growing, and giving back.

Si Jia Wu
Doctoral candidate
Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development

Si Jia Wu, who will be completing her second С������Ƶ degree, has strengthened academic resources, supported student success and a collaborative community. Collaboration has been central to her leadership at the University of Toronto and С������Ƶ. She has had a bigger impact as a mentor – fostering opportunities for students to connect across cohort, program, and department. To date, she has mentored over 50 students – six in data analysis, manuscript writing, and copy for publications.

Significantly, as President of the APHD Student Association, she worked with five other student groups to provide events, workshops, and funding to about 300 APHD students, and countless others beyond that department. She also helped re-establish the С������Ƶ Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) to create more such opportunities for about 2,500 students across С������Ƶ.

What was your first reaction when you learned you were being recognized with a U of T Student Leadership Award?

I was quite surprised. Over the course of my undergraduate and graduate studies at UofT, I’ve had the great fortune of knowing a few previous recipients of this award at С������Ƶ. I watched them create a real sense of community among students. This included me when I was still a shy undergrad not sure what I wanted to do or where I fit in. I guess this side of me is in disbelief that I am seen as a leader. To be seen for the small efforts I have made to help other students as was done for me…I am honoured and grateful to be among their names.

How did you best encapsulate student leadership in your time at С������Ƶ?

I remember worrying for the first few years at С������Ƶ that I might be doing graduate school “wrong”. I think this worry kept me away from the more important question to ask: What do I want to learn? Finding the answer was hard, especially because I was looking for something I could be excited to learn for decades to come. I sought out my peers, faculty, alumni, and I tried my hand at learning a variety of things before landing on one that continuously piqued my interest. The experience fuelled my leadership efforts. Every student will have a different answer to this question. The journey to finding the answer can be scary, but there is a lot of support at С������Ƶ. My task was, and still is, to be a source of that support. To that end, my leadership focus on creating opportunities for students to network, test out ideas, and hopefully find an answer that fits them individually.

What did it mean to be a volunteer and student leader at С������Ƶ, specifically?

The community within С������Ƶ has been an unwavering source of support for me. I first felt this support when being welcomed to join the social gatherings of students and alumni, before I was even formally an С������Ƶ student. It was there that I learned about the challenges of graduate school, but found myself wanting to apply anyway. Upon stepping into С������Ƶ, I met staff who calmly helped me navigate the stress of grant applications, undoubtedly while also organizing departmental meetings and events. Midway into my PhD, I made the terrifying decision to change my research topic, yet my supervisor and other faculty members gathered their resources to help me with this transition. These experiences and more shaped my growth as an academic, researcher, and person. Volunteering, particularly in a leadership capacity, is really my attempt to give back to this community. I am extremely lucky to have played a part in С������Ƶ’s enduring support of students.

How do you want to pay it forward, as a person with academic and personal goals still on the horizon?

My goal is to continue pursuing my research, hopefully as a professor. I know this role carries with it heavy responsibilities in education, science, and leadership. I hope to pay it forward within this role by mentoring students to find and pursue things that they are passionate about. The few occasions where I have been able to do this as student leader has been extremely fulfilling. I look forward to having more such opportunities in the future.

Who would you like to thank?

Thank you to my peers, mentors, and professors. You believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Your recognition of my efforts keeps me motivated to be a better leader.

Samantha Burns
Doctoral candidate
Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development

Burns, who will cross the Convocation stage this year, is being recognized for fostering a sense of belonging through leadership, mentorship, and research. She has focused on enhancing student outcomes by improving resources, fostering connections, and building community. She was the president of the Department Student Association, bridging communication between students and faculty, improving program cohesion and addressing student concerns. On the Applied Psychology and Human Development Hiring Committee, she ensured student voices were reflected in faculty selection, promoting diversity and student-centered leadership. As a member of the Education Commons Advisory Committee, she advised on services and technologies to better support students. She has strengthened academic resources, supported student success and a collaborative community.

What was your first reaction when you learned you were being recognized with a U of T Student Leadership Award?

I was genuinely surprised and incredibly honored. It meant a lot to know that the work I’ve done—often behind the scenes—was seen and valued. It gave me a moment to pause and reflect on how far I’ve come and how many people I’ve been lucky to work with and learn from at С������Ƶ.

What did it mean to be a volunteer and student leader at С������Ƶ, specifically?

С������Ƶ is a place filled with people who care deeply about education and equity. Being a student leader here meant being part of that mission—supporting peers, contributing to initiatives that mattered, and working to create a more inclusive academic community. It was about being both a learner and a leader, and understanding that the two roles are always connected.

How do you want to pay it forward, as a person with academic and personal goals still on the horizon?

I want to continue mentoring students and early career researchers, especially those from underrepresented groups. I hope to keep creating and sharing resources that make academic and policy spaces more accessible. And as I move forward, I want to use the privilege of my education to advocate for systems that support care, inclusion, and justice—not just in words, but in everyday practices.

Who would you like to thank?

There are so many people I’m grateful for—my supervisors and mentors who believed in my ideas and gave me room to grow, my peers whose passion and encouragement helped me keep going, and the communities I’ve worked with who’ve taught me what leadership really looks like. I’d also like to thank my partner, whose unwavering support and grounding presence make everything possible.