The Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations is pleased to announce Humber College's graduates that have been nominated for the 2013 Premier's Awards.
The Premier’s Awards for graduates of Ontario’s colleges honour the important social and economic contribution college graduates make to Ontario and throughout the world.
2013 Premier’s Awards
Humber College Alumni Nominees
Don Evans
Chief Operating Officer, Cofely Adelt GDF SUEZ
Program of study: Solar Engineering Technology, 1984
Nominated category: Technology
For the past 21 years, Don was Chief Operating Officer of Adelt Mechanical Works, the third largest mechanical contractor in Toronto. In 2005, he purchased 50 per cent of the company, and in only five years, he increased revenues from $12 million to $70 million. In 2012, Don demonstrated his continuing success by selling the company to Cofely GDF SUEZ, the largest mechanical contractor in the world where he remains COO. Don’s extensive experience working on highly complicated and specialized projects has established him as a leader in plumbing and HVAC for industrial, commercial and institutional facilities.
Lisa James
President, Environmental Advisory Group Inc.
Program of study: Pharmacy Assistant, 1977
Nominated category: Health Sciences
Lisa James is a trailblazer. Over the past 23 years, as founder and president of the Environmental Advisory Group Inc., Lisa has made a major impact on environmental sustainability, working with pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies and hospitals to find efficiencies in packaging design and waste. She was at the forefront of the national and provincial movements for the safe disposal of medications and is an expert in assisting pharmaceutical corporations achieve their environmental compliance goals. Considered a pioneer in her field, Lisa’s company is unique in Canada. Her professional contributions have been immense, reducing clients’ costs and reducing their environmental footprint.
Jabari Lindsay
Manager, Youth Development, City of Toronto
Program of study: Social Service Worker, 2001
Nominated category: Community Services
From front-line worker to program developer to educator, Jabari Lindsay has had an influential career helping at risk youth. A passionate advocate, Jabari has worked with youth in a variety of roles, most notably on gang exit strategies. In 2009, he joined the City of Toronto where he designed, developed and implemented a $5 million prevention intervention project. The program has helped support more than 300 high risk youth using best practice methods in preventing and reducing youth gang activity. Jabari has helped countless youth, many of whom have credited him and his programs with saving their lives.
Jason Parsons
Executive Chef and General Manager, Peller Estates Winery Restaurant
Program of study: Cook Apprentice, 1992
Nominated category: Creative Arts and Design
Jason Parsons has had an illustrious career in the culinary world. With more than 20 years of experience, Jason is executive chef and general manager of Peller Estates Winery Restaurant, a premier dining experience in Canada. He has worked at some of the top restaurants in the world and with leading international chefs. Included in his prestigious portfolio is work at two Michelin Star restaurants, six Relais & Châteaux properties, and numerous Leading Hotels of the World destinations. Jason is part of a select group of chefs who received an invitation to cook at James Beard House in New York.
Lee Renshaw
President, Round Circle Group Ltd.
Program of study: Industrial Design, 2009
Nominated category: Recent Graduate
Lee Renshaw, president of Round Circle Group Ltd., has taken the luggage industry by storm with his new creation, the Rise and Hang travel bag, the only luggage system of its kind. In 2012, he was offered two deals on CBC’s Dragons’ Den. His product has appeared on the Today show and in US Weekly. The product was selected as “the” gift bag for the 2014 Grammys and Oscars. Lee’s technology has been licensed to a global firm and, by 2014, the bags will be in retail worldwide. Sales are projected at $3 million by the last quarter of 2013.
Lisa Zbitnew
CEO, Bandwidth Music and Marketing
Program of study: Marketing, 1982
Lisa Zbitnew, founder and owner of Bandwidth Music and Marketing, is a strategic and successful music industry professional. Prior to owning her own company, Lisa was president of Sony BMG where she was responsible for the merger of the two companies. She completed this in only six months, creating a $225 million division of the second largest record company worldwide. Before this, she was president of BMG where she became the highest ranking woman in the Canadian entertainment industry. As a volunteer, Lisa’s strategic leadership has been critical to the global success of War Child North America.
Want to learn more about the Premier's Awards?
Contact: Adelia Marchese, Manager, Advancement & Alumni Relations
adelia.marchese@humber.ca or ext. 5110
Room LX101 ~ humber.ca/alumni