The Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC / Yukon is pleased to announce the recipients of the Co-op/WIL Student of the Year Awards for 2023. These awards recognize BC or Yukon students who demonstrate an outstanding level of achievement in their co-operative education or work-integrated learning experience; combined with a strong academic record, volunteer activities, and significant contributions to promoting co-operative education in their school and in the community.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT CO-OP AWARD, Honourable Mention: Ahana Ahluwalia, Thompson Rivers University
As the only international woman in her Software Engineering cohort at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), Ahana embarked on a mandatory co-op at TELUS in Vancouver during her fourth year, that reshaped her academic and professional future. Immersing herself for 16 months in Canada’s fast-paced telecom sector, she translated academic concepts into real-world efficiencies, streamlining processes that impacted customers and the company. At TELUS, Ahana’s growth extended to nurturing new talent, especially advocating for women’s representation in tech through the Connections program. Returning to TRU, she shared inspiring insights as a Peer Mentor and invigorated the Women in Engineering Club with strategies for co-op success. This transformative journey culminated in a full-time offer from TELUS, affirming the co-op program’s pivotal role in her career. This experience not only prepared Ahana for the industry but also fueled her passion to empower other international women in STEM, highlighting the profound influence of cooperative education.
COLLEGE STUDENT CO-OP AWARD, Honourable Mention: Francis Lecours, Camosun College
Francis Lecours is a mature co-op student at Camosun College. He graduated with the Certificate in Office Administration, Diploma in General Management, and the Diploma in Public Administration with Co-op designation, all with distinction. He is currently pursuing his fourth year of the BBA in HR Management & Leadership. He is a high academic achiever, with a GPA of 8.9/9 and has been on the Dean’s Honour Roll in every eligible term. He recently completed two co-op work terms with distinction at the Department of National Defence and is looking forward to another co-op opportunity for summer 2024. Faculty members, co-workers, and classmates describe Francis as persevering, entertaining, conscientious, competitive, and highly motivated. He is eager to learn and to pursue high academic achievements.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT WIL AWARD, Honourable Mention: Alexandria Johnstone, Royal Roads University
From May to September 2023, Alexandria had the fantastic opportunity to intern with the Poverty Law team at the Penticton and Area Access Centre as a Community Impact Justice Intern. Alex was born and raised in Penticton where she gained four years of experience in local healthcare and hospital logistics; she has always had a passion for helping others. She has a Legal Administration Certificate, an Associate of Arts Degree from Okanagan College, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of British Columbia. She is finishing her Master’s in Justice at Royal Roads University this spring (2024). Throughout her university and college careers, she is seen volunteering with Pride and Peer Support Groups and Equity Ambassador Teams. During her WIL experience, she engage in outreach with Okanagan College and participated in countless advocacy and research endeavours. She hopes to pursue a career in human rights law in the future.