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News & Events

Photo of Lily Afsaw

Student Life Officer, Mastercard Foundations Scholars Program

University of Toronto, Centre for International Experience

Photo of Lynda Donnelly

Program Assistant, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

University of Toronto, Centre for International Experience

Photo of Katherine Beaumont

Senior Director, Global Learning Opportunities and International Student Success

University of Toronto, Centre for International Experience

Photo of Penina Lam

, PhD

Senior Director, International Relations, Africa

University of Toronto

Photo of Edwina Apaw

, CPA, MBA, PhD Candidate

Program Manager, Africa

University of Toronto, Office of the Vice-President International

Photo of JesusMiracle Chiadika

, M.Ed., PhD Candidate

Regional Lead (Health Employment), International Research Officer

University of Toronto, Office of the Vice-President International

Photo of Edward Nkole

, CPA, CMA

Senior Planning and Budget Officer

University of Toronto, Office of the Vice-President International

Photo of Marjorie Reyes

Administrative Assistant

University of Toronto, Office of the Vice-President International

Photo of Lisa Morgan

Assistant Dean, International and Specialized Programs

University of Toronto

Photo of Notisha Massaquoi

, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Health and Society; Founder & Director, Black Health Equity Lab

University of Toronto Scarborough

Profile

Lily Afsaw

Student Life Officer, Mastercard Foundations Scholars Program

University of Toronto

Lily Mesfin Asfaw is the Student Life Officer at the University of Toronto’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Lily, who is Ethiopian and born and raised in Rwanda, moved to Canada to pursue a BA in Political Science and Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice at the University of British Columbia (UBC). After her studies, Lily transitioned to full-time work at UBC in their International Student Advising office and later became Program Assistant in their Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. There, she developed a strong interest in helping international students, particularly African students, acclimate to Canada which she continues to do in her current position. In her role as Student Life Officer, she organizes co-curricular programming to help scholars adjust to living in Canada, manage their studies, and foster community.

Email Address
lily.asfaw@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Program
Mastercard Foundations Scholars Program
Profile

Lynda Donnelly

Program Assistant, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

University of Toronto

Lynda Donnelly is the Program Assistant for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto located in the Centre for International Experience.

She is pleased to be able to play an important role in providing administrative support during the scholarship recruitment stage and offer her dedicated care and guidance to new scholars during their pre-arrival preparations and onboarding at UofT. Lynda is from England and has worked as an administrative professional in various industries. At UofT she held a term position in the Office of the Vice Provost, Students and short-term assignments in The Office of the Provost and The Office of the Governing Council.  Lynda loves to travel and so shares in the excitement and enthusiasm of the new Foundation graduate scholars, as they prepare for international studies in Canada.

Email Address
lynda.donnelly@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Program
Mastercard Foundations Scholars Program
Profile

Katherine Beaumont

Senior Director, Global Learning Opportunities and International Student Success

University of Toronto

Katherine Beaumont is an international educational professional with over 25 years’ experience in the field working with universities, communities and corporations across the globe.  Her focus in the work has always been innovative opportunities for participants that lead to meaningful engagement and a deeper understanding of self, systems and others and the ability to affect change.

Email Address
katherine.beaumont@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Program
Mastercard Foundations Scholars Program
Profile

Penina Lam, PhD

Senior Director, International Relations, Africa

University of Toronto

Dr. Penina Lam is the U of T’s Senior Director of International Relations, where she leads strategic engagement and development of partnerships with Africa.

 She also leads the implementation of the Africa Health Collaborative, designed to facilitate talent development and entrepreneurship among African youth. She oversees the Secretariat team and works in close partnership with colleagues across U of T, with African institutions, and the Mastercard Foundation. 

As a scholar-practitioner, she’s passionate about research and programs that foster access to and equity in education, health, and employment opportunities.  Prior to joining U of T, she worked as an Organizational Development (OD) consultant at the World Bank, in healthcare and education sectors. She’s experienced at engaging with diverse stakeholders to design, develop, and deliver impactful learning and talent development program.

Her academic career has spanned research, faculty, staff, and senior leadership roles working with African, Canadian, and US institutions. Dr. Lam holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & OD, with a focus on Human Resource Development.

Email Address
penina.lam@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Faculty
Country
Canada
Governance
Executive Steering Committee
Profile

Edwina Apaw, CPA, MBA, PhD Candidate

Program Manager, Africa

University of Toronto

Edwina is the Program Manager for the Africa Health Collaborative within the Office of the Vice-President, International.

Previously from the U of T Scarborough where she served as Manager, Administrative Operations & Business Officer for the Department of Management and Manager of Operations & Project Management for the Office of the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean.

She has experience leading multidisciplinary teams and brings a breadth of knowledge on managing departmental operations, human resources, project management and administration of financial resources. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Henley Business School, University of Reading, U.K, where she is currently completing her PhD in Business Informatics & Systems Science.

Email Address
edwina.apaw@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Program
Africa Secretariat
Profile

JesusMiracle Chiadika, M.Ed., PhD Candidate

Regional Lead (Health Employment), International Research Officer

University of Toronto

JesusMiracle is the Regional Lead (Health Employment), International Research Officer at the Office of the Vice-President International, University of Toronto. She is also completing a PhD in Higher Education with a collaborative specialization in Comparative, International and Development Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. She graduated with an M.Ed. in Higher Education, and has an interdisciplinary background in the arts, psychology and entrepreneurship. She has lived on three continents which impacted her worldview and interests in understanding education from a global perspective. Having worked extensively with international students, she is interested in understanding how internationalization policies impact their experiences on an institutional level, and how institutions can improve the services and supports provided to students.

Email Address
jesusmiracle.chiadika@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Program
Africa Secretariat
Governance
HEMP Pillar Advisory Commitee
Profile

Edward Nkole, CPA, CMA

Senior Planning and Budget Officer

University of Toronto

Edward Nkole is a seasoned professional who, since March 2022, has been dedicated to his role as the Senior Planning and Budget Officer at the Office of the Vice President International (OVPI).

His responsibilities encompass providing invaluable financial management counsel, ensuring meticulous preparation of financial reports for the Foundation, and fostering collaborative partnerships both within and outside the organization.

Edward’s role is marked by dual reporting, where he effectively liaises with the Senior Director, International Relations, Africa for the Mastercard Foundation Grant. Furthermore, he holds a pivotal position as the finance lead within OVPI, reporting directly to the AVP International Engagement and Impact.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Edward’s true passion lies in the realm of education. With a remarkable twelve-plus years of experience in the university sector, he brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the table. Edward Nkole is a dynamic individual who continues to make a significant impact in the field of international relations and education.

Email Address
edward.nkole@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Program
Africa Secretariat
Profile

Marjorie Reyes

Administrative Assistant

University of Toronto

Marjorie is an administrative professional with close to 20 years of experience.

She is currently an Administrative Assistant at the Office of the Vice-President, International at the University of Toronto. Marjorie is a team player, an eager learner, and a highly organized individual. She is passionate about contributing and making a difference in the things that she does.

Before moving to Canada in 2020, Marjorie was an Executive Assistant to the CEO of a retail and travel company that represented various airlines and brands in the Philippines. Her previous position has allowed her to travel to different continents and exposed her to cultures and worldviews.

Marjorie is a mother of two, who enjoys painting, cooking, and being outdoors.

Email Address
international@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Program
Africa Secretariat
Profile

Lisa Morgan

Assistant Dean, International and Specialized Programs

University of Toronto

Lisa Morgan is Assistant Dean, International and Specialized Programs at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) where she leads strategic design and business development with a focus on international initiatives and other specialized programming in lifelong learning. She also leads the planning, direction, and oversight of the English Language Program (ELP) and Post-secondary Education Preparedness.

In collaboration with the Office Vice President International and in participation with the Africa Health Collaborative, she is leading a co-creation project with an interdisciplinary team featuring SCS, UofT Faculty, and Ashesi University, Ghana.

Formerly, she served as ELP Director and Academic Director, where she established and maintained strategic and collaborative international partnerships with institutions and governmental organizations including those with a focus on equity-deserving groups in various regions around the world and has participated in several trade missions in Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Lisa Morgan has a B.A.A in Education from Ryerson University and an M.A. in Education from University of Toronto.

Email Address
lm.morgan@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Ghana
Program
Public Policy
Profile

Notisha Massaquoi, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Health and Society; Founder & Director, Black Health Equity Lab

University of Toronto Scarborough

Notisha Massaquoi is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Society at the University of Toronto, Scarborough with a graduate appointment in the Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

She is also the founder and director of the Black Health Equity Lab (The BHEL) which conducts community-based health research and works with Black communities to develop advocacy tools, strategies and programs to improve health outcomes, wellbeing and success in Canadian systems.  She holds a BA in Psychology from Western University, a Masters in Social Work  and PhD in Social Justice Education from the University of Toronto.  Her early health leadership career established several health service organizations which serve Black communities in Canada and she developed and served for two decades as the Executive Director of Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre in Toronto – the only Community Health Centre in North America specializing in primary healthcare for Black and racialized women.

Email Address
notisha.massaquoi@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Faculty
Country
Canada
Program
Public Policy
Governance
HECO Pillar Advisory Committee