Celebrating the Inaugural Thrive Northbridge Alumni Changemaker Awardee, Nayab Malik!

Thrive Youth is thrilled to announce the inaugural Thrive Northbridge Alumni Changemaker Award! This prestigious award recognizes an exceptional Thrive alumni who has not only achieved remarkable success in their personal and professional life but also embodies the core values of Thrive: resilience, empathy, creativity, and a commitment to community impact. This individual has transformed challenges into opportunities, blazing a trail of inspiration for current Thrive Youth students and the wider community. The award was presented live on-stage at our 2024 Anti-Gala event by Silvy Wright, CEO of Northbridge Financial Corporation, who have supported Thrive Youth’s mission for over two decades. We’re so pleased to announce that the inaugural award recipient is Nayab Malik of Toronto.

Nayab is a 27-year-old graduate student at Boston Architectural College, and is being honoured for her remarkable personal and professional achievements. Growing up in an immigrant family with a single mother, Nayab faced significant challenges, including financial hardship and emotional struggles, but she has consistently demonstrated resilience and determination. Balancing full-time work with her studies, she has supported her family while pursuing a better future for herself and her loved ones.

Nayab’s journey has been shaped by her commitment to education and leadership, influenced by her involvement with Thrive Youth. These programs helped her grow from a shy, reserved individual into a confident leader, empowering her to overcome adversity and pursue her dreams. Today, Nayab uses her leadership skills to tutor and mentor young students, encouraging them to believe in their potential and achieve their goals.

“This moment means so much to me—not just because I’m the first to receive this award, but because I hope it shows others that when you stay true to yourself, when you fight through the hard times, you can change not only your life, but the lives of others, and even future generations.”

With plans to complete her Master’s degree in Architecture by 2025, obtain her OAA license, and become both a teacher and a mentor, Nayab continues to strive for excellence in her professional and personal life. Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to creating positive change, making her an inspiration to young people everywhere.

Awardee Spotlight: Maya Hatamiaghdam

This year, the Thrive Youth Leadership Awards proudly celebrate four incredible young people who embody the spirit of resilience, determination, and hope. These outstanding individuals, selected from a pool of nominees with previous involvement in Thrive Youth programs, have demonstrated exceptional growth, excellence, and leadership in their own unique ways.

Maya’s Thrive Youth Leadership Award was presented by Regina Cheong, National Director, Business Development from Intact Prestige.

At just 15, Maya Hatamiaghdam has already made a remarkable impact as a community leader. Maya’s journey has been shaped by her passion for leadership, resilience, and advocacy. Growing up in Iran, she faced societal restrictions that inspired her family's immigration to Canada in search of freedom and opportunities. Adapting to a new country presented challenges, but it also fueled Maya’s determination to create positive change in her community.

Maya’s love for math led her to establish a math club, where she fosters a supportive and collaborative environment for students who share her passion. Through Thrive Youth’s programs, she has expanded her creative and leadership skills, gaining the tools to inspire others and lead by example. Maya’s vision of leadership centers on empathy, empowerment, and inclusivity, believing in the importance of uplifting others and uniting people towards shared goals.

A positive role model, Maya is dedicated to advancing STEM education, advocating for youth involvement in community decision-making, and using visual art to address social issues. Her story demonstrates the power of youth leadership, and she hopes to inspire others to embrace their potential and drive meaningful change.

Awardee Spotlight: Gabriel Hodgins

This year, the Thrive Youth Leadership Awards proudly celebrate four incredible young people who embody the spirit of resilience, determination, and hope. These outstanding individuals, selected from a pool of nominees with previous involvement in Thrive Youth programs, have demonstrated exceptional growth, excellence, and leadership in their own unique ways.

Gabriel’s Thrive Youth Leadership Award was presented by Jessica Roberts, Vice President, Citizenship & ESG of RBC Capital Markets.

Gabriel Hodgins, a 20-year-old student at York University, is recognized for his dedication to uplifting his community and empowering others through sports and education. Inspired by his mother, a devoted volunteer and teacher, Gabriel grew up learning the value of giving back. He currently volunteers at Moss Park Hockey League, the only free hockey league in North America, where he helps provide opportunities to underprivileged children—the same league he played in as a child. He also works for the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation, teaching basketball to children from preschool to teenagers, using his platform to mentor and inspire.

Growing up in a single-parent household and facing challenges like bullying and self-confidence issues, Gabriel found strength in community and leadership. He credits Thrive Youth’s programs for fostering his growth, giving him the confidence and leadership skills he needed to excel in both sports and life.

Enthusiastic and always ready to encourage others, Gabriel is a natural leader both on and off the court. He aims to maintain an 80% average at university and deepen his involvement in basketball scouting, supporting young players and coaches. Through his story, Gabriel hopes to inspire others to overcome challenges and embrace the power of community and leadership to achieve their dreams.