Congratulations to Woodsworth’s 2024 Arbor Award Recipients!

Since 2020, Akshika has provided thoughtful professional and personal guidance to students at Woodsworth College. Drawing on her senior-level experience in executive recruitment, Akshika has advised students as a dedicated volunteer for the college’s alumni mentorship program. She also generously offers her expertise at professional development sessions for Woodworth’s student association, drawing on her expertise in assessing talent and finding opportunities.

Jesse has worked in the Telecom/Technology industry since 2010. He began his career at Bell, where he held leadership roles in Field Operations, Wireless Networks, and Enterprise Services. Since early 2023, he has been working in Services Consulting for Tata Communications.

Jesse provides thoughtful advice and career guidance as a devoted volunteer for the Woodsworth College Alumni-Students Mentorship program. Jesse also participates in mentorship events hosted by the Woodsworth College Students' Association, as well as supports students one-on-one. Additional contributions include volunteering for Backpack 2 Briefcase and Industry Night events, which are both organized by the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Huda Henry-Riyad is the Co-Founder & CEO of The Key Group International Inc., a strategic political and corporate consulting firm. Huda credits Woodsworth College for the start of her career journey where she enrolled in 1997 as a special student. She went on to complete her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and started her entrepreneurship journey in 2005. Huda has extensive executive experience in research, publishing, and strategic organization.

Huda's leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication have greatly impacted Woodsworth College. She joined the Woodsworth College Alumni Association's Board of Directors in 2021 and served as Vice President for the past two years, completing her term in 2024. During this time, she led key projects, including the 2024 alumni survey, and chaired the Alumni Café committee. Besides sitting on other sub-committees, she also represented the alumni association at numerous student and college events.

Ayotola is a Senior Data Analyst at Autodesk with over 5 years of experience in the data and tech industry, including roles at Shopify and Indigo Books & Music. Specializing in data visualization and automation, Ayotola is passionate about using data to drive impactful decisions and improve customer experiences.

Since 2018, Ayotola has shared her knowledge and experience with students in the Statistical Sciences Mentorship Program. Ayotola has been a dedicated mentor in the Woodsworth College Alumni-Students Mentorship program since 2021. In addition to being a supportive mentor for Woodsworth students, she provides valuable feedback for organizers to help keep the program engaging and supportive.

Maina is a finance and accounting professional for publicly traded mining companies. Most recently, Maina held positions as Treasurer and Controller at Harte Gold Corporation. Previously she held similar roles at Global Atomic Corporation and various mining corporations. Maina has extensive experience in treasury management, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting. Maina graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Finance and Economics specialist degree from Woodsworth College, University of Toronto.

Maina has served the University of Toronto and Woodsworth College in several demanding volunteer roles. She is president of the Board of Directors for the Woodsworth College Alumni Association, following a previous role as treasurer, in which she managed finances and assisted with various Board functions. Maina’s additional contributions include volunteering as a mentor with Woodsworth and Hart House, and also representing Woodsworth on the College of Electors.