UCalgary Nursing Spark Awards

Navroop Ghangas is a dedicated nursing student recognized for her academic excellence, compassionate patient care, and strong commitment to leadership and advocacy. She co-founded the Undergraduate Nursing Tutorship Program, supports student wellness initiatives, and actively contributes to research, volunteerism, and knowledge exchange within the nursing community. Through roles in student governance, peer mentorship, and community service, Navroop consistently demonstrates inclusivity, resilience, professionalism, and empathy. Her passion for supporting others, fostering wellbeing, and improving student experiences reflects the qualities of an emerging nursing leader committed to making a meaningful impact in healthcare and education.

Nominated by Youjin Park, Kimberly Hellmer, Bill Zheng and Josephine Lee

Amelia Potter-Dickey is a doctoral nursing student and emerging nurse scientist whose research integrates developmental science, mental health, genomics, and nursing practice. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA, she has secured nearly $170,000 in competitive funding and contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications. Amelia demonstrates exceptional leadership through teaching, mentorship, student governance, and national and international research collaborations. She is recognized for creating supportive, psychologically safe learning environments and for her commitment to community-engaged research supporting vulnerable families. Balancing academic excellence with compassion, inclusivity, and resilience, Amelia exemplifies the values of nursing leadership and is dedicated to advancing equitable, evidence-informed healthcare and education.

Nominated by Dr. Nicole Letourneau and Dr. Jason de Koning

Other Nominees:

Dr. Davey Hamada

Nominated by Dr. Graham McCaffrey and Dr. Nancy Moules

Jodi Hyman

Nominated by Tracey Schlamb and Dr. Catriona (Trina) Buick

Sondra Wesner

Nominated by Dr. Andrew Estefan and Alexander Cuncannon

Maria Sosa Ponce is a dedicated clinical nursing instructor recognized for creating supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environments for undergraduate nursing students. Through her compassionate mentorship, she helps students build confidence, critical thinking, and clinical competence while fostering curiosity and professional growth. Maria combines high expectations with genuine care for student wellbeing, encouraging reflection, collaboration, and resilience in acute care settings. Her innovative teaching strategies, approachable nature, and commitment to equitable learning opportunities inspire students to thrive academically and personally. Maria’s leadership, professionalism, and passion for nursing education have made a lasting impact on the development of future nurses.

Nominated by Asham Dheesi, Renae Loewen, Alyssa Kassam, Danika Burke, Katherine Schooler, Catherine Efobi, Rachael Qui and Zoe Saunders

Other Nominees:

Dr. Carol Kroeker

Nominated by Danielle Bozek 

Luz Alvizurez is a registered nurse in Neonatal Critical Care, entrepreneur, and proud University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing alumna (Class of 2010). As founder of Lubdub, she has combined her passion for nursing and innovation to create apparel that supports and celebrates health-care professionals across North America. Through charitable giving, partnerships with nursing organizations, and mentorship of aspiring entrepreneurs, Luz has made a lasting impact on her profession and community. Lubdub has donated more than $40,000 to charitable and educational initiatives, while Luz’s leadership, compassion, and commitment to service continue to inspire nurses, students, and alumni alike.

Nominated by Stephanie Ng

Other nominees:

Athena Liu

Nominated by Chloe Chung

Gillian Robertson is a Future Skills Specialist in the University of Calgary’s Office of Signature Learning Experiences (Experiential Learning). Through her leadership of the FUSION: Future Skills initiative, she has strengthened communication, collaboration, and professional-skills development for thousands of students across campus and beyond. A valued partner to the Faculty of Nursing, Gillian played a key role in integrating FUSION modules into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, supporting students, faculty, and curriculum innovation. Her collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered approach has contributed to UCalgary’s national leadership in experiential learning and future skills education.

Nominated by Shannon Parker and Shelley Ammeter Heinz

Dr. Christi Lange is Associate Director, Research Development in the University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing Research Office. A strategic leader, mentor, and research development expert, she has played a key role in advancing faculty research capacity, funding success, and innovation since joining the Faculty in 2017. Drawing on extensive experience as a researcher and project management professional, Christi provides expert guidance to faculty, staff, and students while fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence. Her commitment to supporting others, building research partnerships, and strengthening the research enterprise has made a lasting impact across the Faculty and university community.

Nominated by Dr. Nancy Moules and Dr. Catherine Laing

Other Nominees:

Kim Halliday

Nominated by Dr. Michelle Scott Paul

David Harrison

Nominated by Dr. Catherine Laing and Dr. Zahra Shajani

Dr. Afirah Naz

Nominated by Marie Lane-Smith 

 

Leslie Austford, MN, MBA, CEC, is an Adjunct Clinical Associate and Sessional Instructor in the Faculty of Nursing whose commitment to mentorship has had a lasting impact on graduate students and emerging nursing leaders. Through strengths-based coaching, reflective practice, and compassionate support, she helps students build confidence in leadership, public speaking, teaching, and professional development. Leslie creates psychologically safe spaces that encourage growth, collaboration, and self-discovery. Her dedication extends beyond graduation through ongoing mentorship and networking opportunities. By exemplifying the Faculty of Nursing’s values of excellence and collaboration, she continues to inspire future nurses, leaders, and scholars.

Nominated by Rachel Kidd and Athena Liu

Other Nominees:

Amanda Loates

Nominated by Jennifer Bon Bernard

Dr. Amber Porter

Nominated by Judith Berzins, Aya Hafez and Anna Pletnyova

Athena Liu

Nominated by Nicole Guo

Lani Babin

Nominated by Jennifer Bon Bernard
 

Dr. Karen Benzies is a Professor in the Faculty of Nursing, Adjunct Research Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine, and Director of the Social Innovation Initiative at the University of Calgary. An internationally recognized researcher, she has dedicated her career to improving child and family health through evidence-based innovation, community partnerships, and health-system transformation. She led the development and implementation of Alberta FICare™, a groundbreaking model that transformed neonatal intensive care across Alberta and is now expanding nationally into pediatric and adult care settings. Through collaborative research, mentorship, and knowledge mobilization, Dr. Benzies continues to advance health equity and improve outcomes for families across Canada.

Nominated by Dr. Deborah McNeil
 

Kim Halliday serves as Indigenous Student Liaison in the Faculty of Nursing, where she provides exceptional support to Indigenous students through compassion, relationship-building, and advocacy. Known for her open-door approach, Kim connects students with the resources, services, and people they need to succeed, while fostering trust and a strong sense of belonging. She collaborates across campus to develop innovative solutions that address student needs and advance faculty goals. Through her authenticity, cultural humility, and commitment to student wellbeing, Kim has become a vital member of the Indigenous support team and a transformative force within the UCalgary Nursing community.

Nominated by Dr. Michelle Scott Paul

Sondra Wesner is a doctoral student in the Faculty of Nursing whose research focuses on improving health-care experiences and outcomes for gender-diverse and structurally marginalized populations. An award-winning educator, researcher, and registered nurse, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA through her graduate studies while contributing to innovative research, teaching, and community initiatives. As Chair of the Nursing Graduate Students’ Association, she fosters connection, mentorship, and scholarly engagement among students. Through her commitment to health equity, social justice, and compassionate care, Sondra is emerging as a leader whose work is shaping the future of nursing research, education, and practice.

Nominated by Dr. Andrew Estefan and Alexander Cuncannon