Every October in Canada, we celebrate Women’s History Month. This is a time to recognize the incredible achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history and within our communities. It is also important that we use this month to reflect on the progress that’s been made, while also acknowledging the work that lies ahead for true gender equality. On campuses and in workplaces across Canada, women continue to lead change, break barriers and inspire others.
Every October in Canada, we celebrate Women’s History Month. This is a time to recognize the incredible achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history and within our communities. It is also important that we use this month to reflect on the progress that’s been made, while also acknowledging the work that lies ahead for true gender equality.
On campuses and in workplaces across Canada, women continue to lead change, break barriers and inspire others.
Women Graduates Who Left a Lasting Impression on Mohawk College
Throughout the years, Mohawk College has been shaped by the remarkable achievements of its women graduates. These alumni have led with vision, challenged expectations, and created lasting change in their communities and beyond. By highlighting their stories during Women’s History Month, we celebrate not only their individual successes, but also the strength and inspiration they provide for future generations of Mohawk students.
Wendy Rolfe, The MSA Director of Student Experience and Community Leader
For nearly four decades, Wendy Rolfe has dedicated her career to supporting students at Mohawk College through her leadership at the Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA). Wendy was enrolled in Mohawk’s Office Administration Program during 1985 when she was invited to join the Student Representative Council, what is now known as The MSA Board of Directors, as Secretary before later starting her career with the MSAin 1987.
During her career at The MSA, Wendy has guided generations of students, serving as Interim Executive Director and Senior Manager before stepping into her current role as Director of Student Experience. Beyond campus, Wendy has been an active member of Kin Canada since 1993, where her commitment to service has earned her national recognition and a Lifetime Achievement Awards which she received in 2022.
One of Wendy’s proudest accomplishments came from helping a student apply for a bursary. They came in over her lunch hour, she guided them through the application, and the student was successful. That Christmas, they made her a handmade ornament to thank her—a token that Wendy cherishes to this day.
“That was so meaningful to me because when you think of what your biggest accomplishment is, sometimes it’s something huge that affects everybody, but for me it’s always more important about how that one student felt,” she reflected.
She also earned an additional Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Managers in Canadian College and University Student Centres (AMICCUS-C) in 2022.
In 2024 she served as Co-Chair of the Kin Canada Bursary Program, a program that awards over 100 bursaries annually to post-secondary students across Canada. Wendy’s legacy is one of mentorship, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to creating meaningful student and community experiences.
Wendy’s dedication, compassion, and leadership continue to inspire those around her, leaving a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and her community alike. Her story is a reminder that meaningful leadership is measured not just by titles or accolades, but by the positive difference one person can make in the lives of others.
Reta Ismail, News Anchor and CTV News London
From Mohawk’s radio station to the six o’clock news, Reta Ismail has built an impressive career in Canadian media. Born in Iraq and raised in Canada after her family fled as refugees, Reta’s resilience and drive have guided her journey. She started as a co-op student at C101.5FM, where she later became news director, before moving into television. Over the past 15 years, she’s worked as a producer, videographer, weather specialist, editor, and host—experiences that prepared her for her current role as CTV News London’s weekday anchor. Today, Reta also holds the distinction of being the first Assyrian news anchor in Canada.
Melanie Wong, Founder of Olive and Splash Bamboo Apparel
Entrepreneur, designer, and innovator, Melanie Wong is making her mark on the fashion industry. After leaving a career in public relations, she founded Olive + Splash Bamboo Apparel, a sustainable Canadian athleisure brand. Her creativity and adaptability helped her business thrive during the pandemic, from producing early fabric masks to launching a drive-through store. Beyond fashion, Melanie shares the stories of other changemakers through her Instagram series Welcome to My Hustle. A proud Mohawk graduate and former varsity athlete, she continues to give back to the college as a guest speaker, inspiring the next generation of students.
Barbara Shea, Infection Control Leader and Global Volunteer
Barbara Shea’s career in healthcare has been defined by expertise, leadership, and courage. After starting as a Medical Laboratory Technologist at Hamilton General, she advanced to become the Network Coordinator for Public Health Ontario’s Central East Infection Control Network, providing expert guidance on disease prevention. In 2014, during the world’s worst Ebola outbreak, Barbara answered the urgent call for help and traveled to Liberia on just two days’ notice. Drawing on the education and training she gained at Mohawk, she worked on the front lines to strengthen infection prevention practices—a life-changing experience that underscores her dedication to saving lives and serving globally.
The Importance of Women’s History Month
These stories are just a glimpse of the impact Mohawk’s women alumni continue to make—locally, nationally, and globally. Their achievements remind us that progress is possible when passion meets perseverance, and that every barrier broken opens the door a little wider for the next generation.
Women’s History Month isn’t only about celebrating trailblazers from the past or alumni making headlines today—it’s also about recognizing the women in our everyday lives who lead with strength, compassion, and courage. Whether it’s a classmate who lifts others up, a friend pursuing her dreams, or a family member who inspires resilience, their contributions matter.
Celebrating Canadian Women and the Stories They Tell
One of the most meaningful ways to honor Women’s History Month is by engaging with the art and stories Canadian women create. In the Mohawk College Library, you can pick up books written by Canadian female authors that spotlight diverse voices and lived experiences, from fiction to poetry. You can also explore films created by Canadian women directors, whose work continues to challenge norms and expand representation on screen. Canadian women musicians have also long shaped the cultural landscape with their lyrics, performances, and artistry. Whether it’s through reading, watching, or listening, these are powerful ways to celebrate and support Canadian women not just this month, but all year round.
Check out some of these titles:
Books
Movies
Albums
Recognize the Remarkable Women in Your Life
As we mark Women’s History Month, whether it’s by listening and showing appreciation, mentoring or sharing opportunities, celebrating achievements, or simply spending quality time together, a little recognition can go a long way. Together, we can continue to honour their impact while pushing forward toward a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.