Thrive Youth is thrilled to announce the inaugural Thrive Northbridge Alumni Changemaker Award! This prestigious award recognizes an exceptional Thrive alumni who has not only achieved remarkable success in their personal and professional life but also embodies the core values of Thrive: resilience, empathy, creativity, and a commitment to community impact. This individual has transformed challenges into opportunities, blazing a trail of inspiration for current Thrive Youth students and the wider community. The award was presented live on-stage at our 2024 Anti-Gala event by Silvy Wright, CEO of Northbridge Financial Corporation, who have supported Thrive Youth’s mission for over two decades. We’re so pleased to announce that the inaugural award recipient is Nayab Malik of Toronto.
Nayab is a 27-year-old graduate student at Boston Architectural College, and is being honoured for her remarkable personal and professional achievements. Growing up in an immigrant family with a single mother, Nayab faced significant challenges, including financial hardship and emotional struggles, but she has consistently demonstrated resilience and determination. Balancing full-time work with her studies, she has supported her family while pursuing a better future for herself and her loved ones.
Nayab’s journey has been shaped by her commitment to education and leadership, influenced by her involvement with Thrive Youth. These programs helped her grow from a shy, reserved individual into a confident leader, empowering her to overcome adversity and pursue her dreams. Today, Nayab uses her leadership skills to tutor and mentor young students, encouraging them to believe in their potential and achieve their goals.
“This moment means so much to me—not just because I’m the first to receive this award, but because I hope it shows others that when you stay true to yourself, when you fight through the hard times, you can change not only your life, but the lives of others, and even future generations.”
With plans to complete her Master’s degree in Architecture by 2025, obtain her OAA license, and become both a teacher and a mentor, Nayab continues to strive for excellence in her professional and personal life. Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to creating positive change, making her an inspiration to young people everywhere.
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