Women's Resource Centre Awards
The 2026 WRC Awards of Excellence
These annual awards showcase and celebrate the outstanding success of University of Calgary community members. Each year, women are recognized for their wisdom, resiliency, and compassion in the face of adversity. Award recipients exemplify outstanding leadership in their personal and professional lives and strive to make their communities a better place for all. This year, the awards are being announced on Friday, March 6, 2026.
The 2026 WRC Awards Recipients
Rita Hannawayya
WRC Distinguished Alumna Award Recipient 2026
Rita Hannawayya is a Research Manager & Laboratory Technician at the Cobo Laboratory at the University of Calgary. She holds a Bachelor of Science Honours in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology from the same institution. Hannawayya has resiliently built a strong career in STEM, exemplifying professional excellence through her remarkable scientific maturity, technical mastery, and leadership.
Muskaan Muse Laroyia
WRC Distinguished Graduate Student Award Recipient 2026
Muskaan Muse Laroyia holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with distinction, and is currently an MSc candidate in Neuroscience at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the University of Calgary. Throughout her academic journey, Laroyia has demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership by examining how climate-driven environmental stressors affect neurological conditions in equity-denied communities across Canada.
Ghazal Panahi
WRC Distinguished Undergraduate Student Award Recipient 2026
Ghazal Panahi is an undergraduate student at the University of Calgary pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with Honours, and a member of the Scholar’s Academy Program. Throughout her academic career and personal life, Panahi has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to uplifting newcomer and refugee communities and advancing women’s health. Through leadership, research, and compassionate advocacy, she transforms adversity into meaningful service.
The Sheila O'Brien Award
Sheila O'Brien embodies a unique example of leadership that has allowed her to transcend the traditional barriers faced by women. Along with her leadership roles in the private sector, Ms. O'Brien has continued to be active in community and government affairs. The Sheila O'Brien Award for Excellence in Leadership is awarded annually to the volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and brought a sense of kindness to the Women's Resource Centre. The recipient is determined based on nominations by fellow WRC volunteers.
The 2026 Sheila O'Brien Award Recipient
Tony Boyd
The Sheila O'Brien Award for Excellence in Leadership
Tony Boyd is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Gender and Sexuality Studies (GSXS) and has been a devoted peer helper at the Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) since 2023. Throughout their time at the WRC, Tony has been instrumental in cultivating the same space of solidarity, diversity, and solace that has supported them, ensuring fellow students can find a community where they feel respected, accepted, and seen.
Sheila O'Brien