This week we celebrate International Women’s Day around the world – and at TIAW we particularly celebrate one of our own extraordinary women. The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada has announced that TIAW Board Member, Narmin Ismail, has been awarded a Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division). The Meritorious Service Decorations are among the highest Canadian distinctions that can be awarded.
The Meritorious Service Decorations recognize individuals who have performed a deed or an activity in a highly professional manner, or at a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to Canada. Such actions can range from advocacy initiatives and health care services to humanitarian efforts and contributions to the arts.
Narmin has been recognised for establishing the Spark of Hope Foundation to provide university scholarships to young women from disadvantaged countries. As Founder of the Spark of Hope Foundation, Narmin set a clear and bold vision for the Foundation, developed strategic and operational plans, and recruited a powerful team to help execute those plans to meet the Foundations mission of empowering young women, primarily in the developing world, through education
In less than seven years, the Foundation:
- has provided 175 scholarships to women at the undergraduate, master’s & PhD studies at 57 institutions of higher learning;
- has over 80 alumnae starting to make huge impact;
- has 12 on-ground and collaborative partners;
- accessed over $9.7 M in donations and partner funding.
Narmin will be recognised at an awards ceremony later this year in Ottawa.
We are fortunate to have Narmin as one of our Board Members – and on behalf of the Board and our Members, congratulations!
Donna Meredith
President, TIAW
