Bahar Karimi: 2025 Alumni of Distinction
Bahar Karimi is an accomplished and respected nurse, healthcare executive, and visionary leader in healthcare system transformation. A two-time Mohawk College graduate from the Personal Support Worker (2004) and Practical Nursing (2006) programs, Bahar is the inaugural Executive Director of Clinical Practice and Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Innovation at Thrive Group.
After working as a PSW and RPN, teaching at a Toronto-based college, and completing her BScN at Ontario Tech University, she pursued leadership roles. In 2013, she was the only student accepted into the combined Master of Nursing/Master of Health Science in Health Administration at the University of Toronto. She completed the program while working full-time and raising two young children.
Currently a Lecturer at Western University, Bahar is completing her PhD in Nursing, Leadership in Health Services Delivery. Her research focuses on the conditions, contributions, and sustainability of the personal support worker workforce in long-term care—an often overlooked but essential pillar of the healthcare system.
As part of her executive leadership role, Bahar leads the Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Innovation at Thrive Group—a platform that bridges research, education, and collaborative innovation to improve care in non-acute care settings.
Bahar continues to advocate for compassionate, inclusive, and practical solutions that honour the people who live, work, and lead in health and social care. She brings her voice—and invites others—to reimagine what’s possible when care is grounded in dignity, equity, and collective purpose.
Hear from Bahar as she shares her educational journey and career accomplishments: Watch the video on YouTube.
2026 Alumni of Distinction Award Nominations now open
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The Alumni of Distinction awards recognize graduates for their career achievements and community contributions that are an exceptional source of inspiration for future generations.
Do you know an incredible Mohawk College graduate like Bahar? Start your 2026 Alumni of Distinction Nomination today!