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Student of the Year (SOTY)

Congratulations to our 2025 IABC/Toronto Student of the Year, @Sharmin Oanali Sisawala

On behalf of IABC/Toronto, we would like to congratulate and thank Sharmin for her valuable contributions to the communication profession, particularly through her dedicated leadership of the IABC/Toronto Student Communicators Circle.

Sharmin has created accessible spaces for meaningful dialogue for student communicators, making a significant impact on how student communicators connect with industry professionals. Her initiative and leadership in organizing the “Breaking into the PR Industry” virtual panel demonstrates her dedication to inclusion and community-building, creating meaningful conversations that help student communicators find new pathways to knowledge.

From coordinating events for international students in Saudi Arabia to contributing to IABC’s World Conference in Toronto and beyond, Sharmin’s global perspective and multilingual expertise have built a strong foundation for student communicators.

We sincerely thank Sharmin for her ongoing efforts in supporting the next generation of communication professionals and for embodying the values of continuous learning and creating opportunities for others to thrive alongside her.

About the Student of the Year Award

The Bobbie Resnick Student of the Year (SOTY) award recognizes an individual from the next generation of communicators, marketers and PR professional who shows strong leadership skills and excellence in communication.

Each year, the recipient is honoured at the prestigious IABC/Toronto OVATION Awards celebration and receives:

  • A complimentary ticket to the OVATION Awards
  • A $500 cash prize
  • A plaque recognizing them as the Bobbie Resnick Student of the Year
  • Photo and story included on the IABC/Toronto website and promoted on the chapter’s social media platforms

The award is named in honour of the late Roberta “Bobbie” Resnick, ABC, APR, MC, IABC Fellow as a tribute to her many years of service as a volunteer and mentor.

APPLY HERE

About Bobbie Resnick (1926 – 2021)

Bobbie’s career spanned five decades. During this time, she was a professional communicator, industry leader, dedicated volunteer, multiple award winner, consultant, entrepreneur, educator and mentor to hundreds of professionals.

In 1992, IABC Canada named Bobbie as Canada’s Master Communicator. The IABC Canada Master Communicator designation (MC) is a lifetime achievement award for Canadian IABC members who are Accredited Business Communicators (ABC) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP®) designees.

In 2007, Bobbie was chosen to become an IABC Fellow, the highest honour bestowed by IABC global to an individual member. The IABC Fellow program acknowledges outstanding leadership, contribution to the profession and service to the association.

With a career spanning close to 50 years, Bobbie touched the lives of so many professional communicators and has made a significant impact on our profession. Her profound impact on professional communicators within Toronto and abroad will have a lasting impact for generations to come.

Learn more about Bobbie’s story:

  • Volunteer Profile in the March 2003 edition of Communicator
  • Profile of an IABC Legend, written by Sue Horner

Past Recipients

  • Haysi Vale – Humber College (2023)
  • Natalie Banaszak – Sheridan College (2022)
  • Jacob Robinson – Humber College (2021)
  • Mubashira Farooqi – Centennial College (2020)
  • Shane Madill – Centennial College (2019)
  • Jorielle Nunag – Centennial College (2018)
  • Bruce Chen – Humber College (2017)
  • Arlette Bax – Centennial College (2016)
  • Jessica Chong – Centennial College (2015)
  • Megan Henry – Centennial College (2014)
  • Emily Getz – Seneca College (2013)
  • Bethany Curtis (Cawker) – Conestoga College (2012)
  • Regis Dudley – Humber College (2011)
  • Matthew J. Dudman – Sheridan College (2010)
  • Jess Bennett – Seneca College (2009)
  • Maricel Dicion – Centennial College (2008)
  • Scott MacDonald – Humber College (2007)
  • Annette Robertson (Yuen) – Humber College (2006)
  • Kathryn McMullan – Humber College (2005)

 

Eligibility

The award is open to IABC/Toronto Student Members only. 

Not an IABC member yet? Become a student member today. Please register as an IABC Student Member before entering.

How to enter

Applications are now open for 2025.

To enter, you must submit the following:

  1. A news release or article of no more than two pages on how you plan to make an impact on the practice of public relations/communications in the future. The article should highlight how you will use what you’ve learned in your communications career.Your news release/article should:
  • Two pages submitted electronically
  • Use no smaller than 12 point font
  • Have 1/2″ margins
  1. A resume outlining your paid and volunteer experience, including any IABC/Toronto volunteer experience.

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Contact Us

IABC/Toronto
189 Queen St E, Suite 1
Toronto, ON M5A 1S2
Tel: 416-968-0264
Email: toronto-info@iabc.to
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