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Emerging Leader Award - 2026 Nomination Form

The Emerging Leader Award celebrates the exceptional efforts of individuals contributing significantly to advancing employment in Ontario. This recognition honours their dedication, vision, and collaborative spirit in serving their clients and communities.

Submission Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026
Please note, nominations are for First Work Members only. Submissions external to the network will not be considered.
Award Criteria
To be considered for the Emerging Leader Award, nominees must have demonstrated outstanding achievements aligned with one or more priority areas:
  1. Work-Integrated Learning: Initiatives that integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences, such as internships, cooperative education, or applied research projects.
  2. Sector Strategy Development: Efforts aimed at enhancing employment opportunities while supporting business competitiveness through industry-specific approaches like skills development, research, advocacy, or service provision.
  3. Enhancing Supports for Clients with Mental Health or Disability Challenges: Activities focused on improving services and opportunities for youth facing mental health or disability challenges in the context of employment.
Nominees must have made a significant impact within these areas, showcasing innovation, leadership, and collaboration.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Nominations must be submitted by the nominee's organization or peers within the organization.
  • More than one nomination can be submitted from the same organization, but nominees must be carefully selected.
  • Nominees must be employees of a First Work member organization.
  • Nominees must have been with their current organization for less than five years.
  • Made a substantial contribution to their organization, community, or region, particularly within the priority areas outlined.
  • Demonstrated vision, leadership, and a strong ability to collaborate effectively to address the needs of their clients and communities.
Nominee Information
1.Provide the following Nominee information and ensure it is accurate.(Required.)
2.Nominee's Region(Required.)
Nominator Information
This person will be the first point of contact should the Nominee be selected as the winner of this award and will function as the primary contact to help coordinate First Work’s recognition efforts.Nominator Information
3.Provide the following Nominator information and ensure it is accurate.(Required.)
4.Nominator's Region(Required.)
Nomination Details
5.Describe how the nominee has demonstrated exceptional efforts in advancing employment in the community. Please provide specific examples. (max 500 words)
6.Which of the following priority areas has the nominee made significant contributions to? (Check ALL that apply)
7.For each priority area selected above, please detail the nominee's achievements, including specific initiatives, programs, or projects they have led or contributed to. (max 500 words)
8.Detail the impact of the nominee's work. How have their efforts made a difference in their organization, community, or region? Include any measurable outcomes or success stories. (max 500 words)
9.Is there anything else you would like to add about the nominee's qualifications and why they should be considered for the Emerging Leader Award? (max 500 words)