Our Scholarship Advisory Committee
Scholarship Advisory Committee
WHAT WE DO
The Scholarship Advisory Committee at the Diabetes Hope Foundation serves as the guiding force behind the organization’s commitment to supporting a successful transition for youth living with type 1 diabetes. Comprising seasoned professionals and experts in diabetes care, education, and advocacy, the committee plays a pivotal role in the transparent and equitable distribution of scholarships. By carefully reviewing applications, assessing academic achievements, and considering the impact of diabetes on applicants’ lives, the committee ensures that scholarships are awarded to deserving individuals who demonstrate resilience, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the diabetes community. With a shared passion for empowering those affected by diabetes to pursue their educational aspirations, the Scholarship Advisory Committee exemplifies the foundation’s dedication to fostering academic success and creating opportunities for a brighter future in the face of the challenges posed by diabetes.
Board of Directors & Scholarship Committee Members at 25th Annual Scholarship Ceremony
Meet Our Committee Members
“As a paediatric endocrinologist, I’ve seen my patients benefit from the scholarship and from the organization and I wanted to give back in an impactful way and become involved in something that I believe affects the people that I serve in my practice.”
Dr. Angelo Simone, Chair
Paediatric Endocrinologist, Trillium Health Partners
Reviewers
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Board of Directors](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Peter-Atkins-400.jpg)
Peter Atkins
District Chief,
Toronto Fire Services
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jordan-Dickie-1.jpg)
Jordan Dickie
DHF Alumni
Youth Worker,
Nova Scotia Government
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Emily-gorgenyi-400.jpg)
Emily Gorgenyi
DHF Alumni
PhD Student,
UWO Faculty of Health
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kristin-Herriott-400.jpg)
Kristin Herriott-Rivard
DHF Alumni
Child And Youth Care Worker,
York Region District School Board
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Karen Higginson, About Us](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Karen-Higginson-400.jpg)
Karen Higginson
DHF Communications Director, Scholarship Sponsor
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Catherine-Hotton.jpg)
Catherine Hotton
DHF Alumni
Administrative Assistant,
Environment and Climate Change Canada
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Alanna-Landry.jpg)
Alanna Landry
Paediatric Diabetes
Nurse Educator,
Markham Stouffville Hospital
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Matt-Pacchione-400.jpg)
Matt Pacchione
DHF Alumni
Teacher,
Rainbow District School Board
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Barbara Pasternak, our board, DHF Board, Scholarship Committee, diabetes hope foundation board, board of directors](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Barbara-Pasternak-MSM-400.jpg)
Barbara Pasternak
Founder & CEO
Diabetes Hope Foundation
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Rav Samra, About Us, Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Rav-Samra-400.jpg)
Ravjot Samra
DHF Alumni
DHF Program Facilitator,
Campus Clubs Lead
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Hala-Shamaa.jpg)
Hala Shamaa
DHF Alumni
MHSc Student at Ontario Tech University
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Board of Directors, Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Saul-Sigulum-400.jpg)
Saul Sigulim
Retired
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jennifer-Spearen-400.jpg)
Jennifer Spearen
VP/GM embecta Canada
![Scholarship Advisory Committee Scholarship Advisory Committee](https://diabeteshopefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mark-Yacoub.jpg)
Mark Yacoub
DHF Alumni
Experienced Senior Associate,
PwC Canada