OTTAWA — With wide eyes and a bright smile, Kameela Alibhai, 13, is not destined to be a successful poker player, but it looks like she holds a promising future in her hand of cards.
The young student was one of 13 recipients of the Ontario government’s “Leading Women/Leading Girls, Building Communities” award in Ottawa West-Nepean on Tuesday.
“Putting a smile on somebody’s face just makes me happy,” she said, still grinning.
The award recognizes women and girls who demonstrate leadership and try to make positive change in their communities. Since its inception in 2006, over 325 women across the province have been honoured.
With her school uniform, Alibhai and the other three student recipients stood out against the pantsuits in the Ben Franklin Atrium at Centrepointe. The girls accepted their awards alongside a group of women made up of former politicians, charity directors and community activists.
“Being with all the great women here feels like an honour,” said Alibhai.
She was nominated by her Joan of Arc Academy principal for her role as student council president and her work for the past five years with the Ottawa Children’s Choir.
Ismailimail 