Everyday Heroes for August 2025
Mohawk Everyday Hero awards are regularly given out to college faculty and staff who go above and beyond to make Mohawk an even better place to work. Know someone who works at Mohawk and makes a difference? Submit a Mohawk Everyday Hero nomination at www.mohawkcollege.ca/everydayhero.
Congratulations to the following recipients:
For his dedication, leadership and commitment to his colleagues and student-athletes, Manager of Sports Marketing, Communications & Fan Experience Satbir Singh, is a Mohawk College Everyday Hero.
Satbir has played a critical role in launching innovative social media campaigns that significantly increased student engagement and visibility for recreation and varsity teams. His expertise in media and marketing has helped promote the college’s athletic events, resulting in record-breaking attendance and fostering a stronger connection between the student body and athletics. His tireless work ethic is demonstrated in the long hours he devotes to ensuring the success of every event, from game-day operations to athlete recognition ceremonies. Satbir’s creative vision is not only seen in marketing materials but also in the way he collaborates with colleagues across departments. Whether he is generating material, collaborating with students and the community, or running an athletic event, he puts his full focus, energy, and expertise into his work.
Congratulations Satbir!
For her exceptional support and guidance, Manager of Student Affairs Operations, Leanne Draksler is a Mohawk College Everyday Hero.
Every day, Leanne is a hero to so many with her “Sure We Can” attitude. She provides exceptional support and guidance to a variety of college employees, and with each interaction, others feel valued and supported. Leanne leads with a kind and caring demeanour and always ensures the Students and International teams meet timelines and goals. Leanne manages a variety of student projects including the Here to Help orientation desk where thousands of students feel they belong within our college community from day one and beyond. Not only does she live the college’s values in all she does, but she has also been an invaluable asset to our college since the day she started.
Congratulations Leanne!
For her exceptional support and guidance, Student Success Advisor Hayley Hopkins is a Mohawk College Everyday Hero.
Hayley is a tremendous resource on the Student Success Advisor (SSA) team and within her academic department. She is highly knowledgeable about Mohawk policies, processes, and resources. She is also a strong communicator and provides clear and supportive guidance in helping students understand the next steps within their academic plan and the campus resources available to them. With the large student population and high volume of student requests in the School of Business, she prides herself on improving ways in which she communicates with students, responds to their inquiries, and finds efficiencies in tasks and processes.
Hayley’s love of technology and learning means that she is often testing out new tools to see how they can support her work with students. She is also seen as the tech wizard on the SSA team. Team members will often reach out to her for support to help them navigate their technology concerns. Hayley recently became a member of the Board of Governors for Mohawk College, bringing her knowledge and expertise in student success to strategic conversations at the Board level. Her passion for supporting students and her commitment to continue learning and growing within Student Affairs are admirable.
Congratulations Hayley!
For his leadership in updating the materials lab, Technologist, Building & Construction Sciences Tyler Sowden is a Mohawk College Everyday Hero.
Shortly after joining the research team, Tyler took the lead in transforming the materials lab to prepare it for CCIL certification. He led the renovation and reorganization of the lab—removing unused items, building new workbenches, rearranging equipment, and ensuring utilities were functional—resulting in a professional, industry-standard construction materials lab. Tyler also developed a tracking system for equipment inventory and maintenance, quickly learning how to operate and calibrate specialized lab equipment. His efforts, along with the completion of a Quality Manual, led to Mohawk College becoming the first post-secondary institution in Canada to receive CCIL certification in 2023. This achievement now enables students to gain hands-on experience with real construction material testing, expanding research opportunities and industry collaboration. Tyler’s dedication, diligence, and support for students and instructors have been instrumental in both this success and in the daily preparation of surveying and materials courses.
Congratulations Tyler!
For her leadership in materials testing, Professor, School of Engineering Technology & Aviation, Irene Amog is a Mohawk College Everyday Hero.
As an emerging researcher, Irene recognized the potential and opportunity in Materials Testing. She led the college's efforts to become the first Canadian post-secondary institution to receive certification from a national testing body, highlighting our expertise in this field and showcasing both our student talent and the strength of our academic programs. Irene worked tirelessly to revamp labs at the Fennell Campus and personally mentored the students and staff preparing for the certification exam. Her leadership in advancing our profile in sustainable materials continues as she leverages her industry connections to host an on-site symposium focused on green materials for the construction industry. Irene embodies Mohawk's values of being student-focused, committed to excellence, engaging with our community and showcasing our leadership in climate action.
Congratulations Irene!
For her willingness to always help out, Customer Service Assistant for the School of Engineering Technology & Aviation, Sarah Bradt is a Mohawk College Everyday Hero.
Sarah operates the front desk for the School of Engineering Technology and Aviation, assisting students, faculty members, guests, the leadership team, co-workers, and anyone else who has contact with the office. She is incredible at explaining processes and procedures to students who are not always familiar with them. Her triage skills are outstanding. Sarah listens to the students and is inclusive and empathetic in her approach. She repeatedly jumps in to help with anything that is going on. In the unplanned absence of her co-workers, Sarah has often saved the day. Sarah has no expectation of recognition or rewards. She significantly contributes to the character of both the School and the College. Her colleagues have said it’s a pleasure and a privilege to work with her.
Congratulations Sarah!