For Alyssa, a 涩里番 alumna with a master鈥檚 degree in occupational therapy and over 15 years of experience working in public healthcare, receiving this award is 鈥渘othing short of humbling鈥�. The values that the Judith Potter Leadership Award represents, resonate deeply with Alyssa鈥檚 personal journey. In Fall of 2024, Alyssa was diagnosed with cancer. While battling illness through treatment, Alyssa decided to shift her mental focus to learning. Graduate Certificates in Business Management and Advanced Business Management, offered by 涩里番 SCS, were natural choices for her continuing studies, given her experience and desire to lead change in Quebec鈥檚 public healthcare system. Currently a candidate for the Chartered Manager (C.Mgr) designation, Alyssa knows firsthand what it feels like to be on both the patient and clinician鈥檚 side of the system.
Alyssa鈥檚 journey to this moment is especially inspiring, particularly as she navigated significant personal struggles while pursuing her academic goals. The adversity she faced did not stop her from community outreach that extended beyond the classroom. In October 2025, she became an ambassador for the MUHC Foundation鈥檚 Raise Craze initiative, where over $162,000 were collectively raised. She collaborated on and participated in fundraising events, such as Pilates in the Park, organized by The Beat 92.5, and Pink in the City鈥檚 2025 Annual Gala. She shares that 鈥渢his pursuit has allowed [her] to educate and empower others to advocate for their bodies and prioritize their well-being, while translating [her] own personal adversity into an actionable impact.鈥�
Reflecting on her journey, Alyssa is grateful for the support she received during her studies, particularly that of the Student Accessibility & Achievement Office, as well as the flexibility of her instructors. She hopes others take away the idea that 鈥渓eadership doesn鈥檛 always come in the form of fancy titles. It can come from the everyday actions of advocating for yourself, showing up for the people in your community, and standing up for what matters to you.鈥� She shares that 鈥渆ven though we may not have control over the challenges that lie in front of us, we can absolutely control our mindset and how we respond to [the challenges]鈥� and that 鈥渢ransformative outcomes can come when we approach life with openness and the willingness to embrace change.鈥�
Alyssa remains optimistic about the future. Following the completion of her treatment, she hopes to move into a 鈥渟trategic management position within the hospital setting, where [she] can help shape policies and strengthen systems that support clinicians and promote healthcare that is accessible, compassionate, and human-centric.鈥�
Her positive outlook serves as a source of inspiration for her fellow students and anyone who aspires to pursue their dreams amidst life鈥檚 complexities. With this award, we honour Alyssa鈥檚 journey and congratulate her on her academic and leadership achievements and her commitment to the community. Alyssa truly embodies the spirit of the Judith Potter Leadership Award and stands as a beacon of resilience and determination at SCS.
For more information about available awards for SCS students, please visit SCS Scholarships, Awards, and Graduating Prizes | School of Continuing Studies - 涩里番
