Sana Elache Legacy Awards
The Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo is honoured to offer the Sana Elache Legacy Awards, in memory of Sana Elache.
Sana Elache was an educator, trainer, entrepreneur and leadership development specialist. On arriving to Canada in 2005, Sana established SilaLink (a consulting, training and publishing company) and volunteered extensively in Wood Buffalo. Among her community interests have been spending time with seniors, envisioning the community leadership program Leadership Wood Buffalo, and serving as a member of the Social Prosperity Steering Committee, the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games Bidding Committee, Future Forward and the chair of the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo. Sana was passionate about making a positive difference in the communities she resides in.
In her memory, the MCA has started a Scholarship Fund in her name geared towards Wood Buffalo students and community members who display a genuine passion for leadership, volunteerism, and multicultural advocacy.
Meet the 2023 Winners!
Student Empowerment
Award Winner
Community Engagement
Award Winner
The Sana Elache Legacy Awards are separated into two categories:
- Sana Elache Student Empowerment Award – $500
- Sana Elache Community Engagement Award – $500
The intention of these awards are to celebrate and encourage people who have shown promise in the areas of community development and engagement, leadership, diversity and inclusion, volunteerism, and empowering others.
When can I apply?
The award will adhere to the following timelines on an annual basis.
- Applications Open: TBA
- Applications Close: TBA
- Winners announced: November 25, 2024 (at MCA’s Annual General Meeting)
For exact deadlines, please refer to the application form of the award you anticipate applying for.
Who can apply?
- Sana Elache Student Empowerment Award – $500
- Must be a student in High School (Grades 10-11-12) or in University/College
- Must be a Wood Buffalo resident, or lived in Wood Buffalo in the last 5 years
- Must not have received a Sana Elache Legacy Award in the past
- Sana Elache Community Engagement Award – $500
- Must be a Wood Buffalo Resident
- Must not have received a Sana Elache Legacy Award in the past
- Must not currently be a registered student in High School or University
How to apply?
All applications are submitted online from this page. Click on relevant award title to submit your online application:
Selection Process
Applicants of the Sana Elache Legacy Awards will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of no less than three MCA board members, who will evaluate submissions against a matrix. This matrix will measure:
- Three volunteer/community experiences
- Impact of applicant’s leadership and volunteerism efforts in relation to diversity and inclusion.
Past Winners
Student Empowerment Award
2018 – Krish Shaw
2019 – Fajar Khan
2021 – Irene Olayinka
2022 – Muneeb Ikram
Community Engagement Award
2018 – Lauren Popowich
2019 – Britainea Young
2021 – Kanakadurga Phanisree Timmaraju
2022 – Precious Majekodunmi
