Occupation: Elementary school teacher, TDSB

Contribution: Formerly a senior policy advisor at the Ministry of Children and Youth Services for the Province of Ontario, Velma Morgan is recognized as an expert in the field of elementary education. She is the recipient of the John Brooks Community Foundation Community Service Award, the TNT Eagles Community Service Award and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Volunteer Award, in recognition of her commitment to youth and community.

Educational Inspiration: “It comes from knowing that anything is possible if you really want it and work hard. I also know that education is the great equalizer in our society. Without it you don’t have many choices. I think we live in a great country with a lot of opportunities partly due to the many people who have gone before us who didn’t have those opportunities, but fought to knock down barriers in education, employment, etc. It would be a shame for us not to take advantage of what they won for us. I think we need to let our young people know how many opportunities they have today in Canada.”