Each year, the MOSAIC Awards and Scholarships honour individuals who have overcome tremendous challenges and are carving out new paths in Canada. These students, professionals, and community leaders are reshaping the future—not only for themselves, but for the people and communities around them.
Their stories remind us that resilience is not silent; it speaks in many languages, it studies by night, it volunteers with love, and it chooses purpose again and again. It is our privilege to uplift these voices and celebrate the journeys behind their success.
Meet the 2025 scholarship recipients whose courage and contributions continue to inspire:
Ann & Jo‑Ann Sobkow Award
Shahpoor Fazli
Shahpoor is a healthcare professional from Kabul with a medical degree and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. He’s currently studying Emergency Management and Academic English, and preparing for the MCCQE1 exam. With certifications in clean technology and from the MOSAIC SCOPE program, he aims to build inclusive communities through health, innovation, and social impact.
Eyob G. Naizghi Scholarship
Aida Ghapanchizadeh
Aida is a student at the University of British Columbia. It has been three years since she immigrated to Canada. She is especially interested in exploring how immigration and the refugee experience impact the lives of refugee children, both emotionally and socially. Through her studies and community involvement, Aida contributes to meaningful change in the lives of newcomers.
Dr. Kes Chetty Education Award
Bethel Estifanos Werede
Bethel is a grade 12 student at New Westminster Secondary, she is passionate about health sciences and community service. Since arriving in Canada, she has volunteered with MOSAIC, joined youth leadership programs, and served as a Green Ambassador. She hopes to pursue dentistry, combining her interest in healthcare with a desire to help others.
Noman Azhari
Noman is a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University studying English and preparing to begin the Accounting program. Originally from Afghanistan, he is committed to education and personal growth. His goal is to become a professional bookkeeper and contribute to the community through his work.
Sumi Jo
Sumi is an internationally educated nurse from South Korea, now completing the nursing re-entry program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She aims to become a licensed RN in Canada by 2026 and is passionate about serving Indigenous communities and vulnerable children. She plans to gain acute care experience and further her education in counseling and psychiatric nursing.
Educational Enhancement Awards
Abdullah Afif
Abdullah is a dedicated physician from Sana’a, Yemen, with over three years of experience as a general practitioner. He earned his MBBS in 2019, which helped strengthen her clinical skills and commitment to patient-centered care. Now in Canada, she is preparing for medical licensing exams with the goal of applying for a Family Medicine residency at UBC to serve diverse communities and support primary healthcare delivery.
Mohamad Tarek Najjar
Tarek is a Civil Engineering student at UBC with a passion for infrastructure and community-based design. He aims to apply practical solutions to real-world challenges and is motivated by the MOSAIC Award to strive for excellence and create lasting impact.
Sahar Mahazi
Sahar is an Afghan immigrant and fourth-year Applied Biology student at UBC, currently preparing for the MCAT. After fleeing the Taliban and restarting her education in Canada, she remains committed to her dream of becoming a doctor. Her lived experience drives her volunteer work with Fraser Health, BC Women’s Hospital, and community support programs aiding vulnerable women and newcomers.
Shigofa Safadari
Shigofa is a recent high school graduate from Afghanistan now pursuing a Bachelor of Science at the University of the Fraser Valley. Since arriving in Canada three years ago, she has remained focused on her goal of becoming a cardiologist.
Zohra Sadat Hashimi
Zohra is an internationally educated nurse from Afghanistan with experience in education, leadership, and advocacy. She played a key role in advancing nursing education and licensing through the Afghanistan Nurses Association and international NGOs. Now in Canada, she is completing a Re-entry Program and working toward becoming a nurse practitioner, continuing her commitment to the nursing profession.
Winner 6 (name withheld for privacy)
Winner 6 is a courageous dissident who fled political persecution and is now a protected person in Canada. Despite facing hardship, including homelessness, he has shown resilience and determination. Currently a high school student, he is working toward a diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at BCIT, earning strong praise for his academic efforts and perseverance.
To each of our recipients: your journeys are a testament to the power of perseverance, and your dreams are already shaping a more compassionate, inclusive world. You remind us that resilience is not just about surviving, but about creating space for others to thrive alongside you.
To our community of donors, partners, and supporters: thank you for standing beside newcomers and refugees as they take bold steps toward their futures. Your belief in their potential makes stories like these possible.
Applications for the MOSAIC Awards and Scholarships will open again in spring 2026. Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates, eligibility details, and key dates. Whether you’re a newcomer, a community supporter, or someone with a story to share, we hope you’ll be part of next year’s celebration.
