Fasika Gebretsadik Woldesenbet, an Ethiopian-Canadian, was recently honored with a Distinguished Volunteer Award by the University of Toronto for her exceptional services.
The award ceremony, which took place at the university, celebrated Fasika’s outstanding contributions alongside other esteemed academicians who received the GOWN African Scholars awards. These awards recognized achievements in diverse fields such as community development, global impact, emerging academia, and social innovation.
In her acceptance speech, Fasika acknowledged her parents’ influence in shaping her caregiving and volunteer interests. She highlighted the story of a family friend who is in a critical condition, and the need for the community to support the victim’s family in their time of crisis. Speaking exclusively to ethiofidel after the ceremony at Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant on Danforth, Fasika underscored the significance of volunteering as a fundamental aspect of humanity, particularly in Canada, where it is highly esteemed and can significantly contribute to career and academic advancement.
The Gown Scholars Award highlighted Fasika’s remarkable journey. Originally from Ethiopia and now residing in Canada, she is a devoted mother of four and holds a Diploma in Business Administration from CDI College (2006), an HBA from the University of Toronto (2014), an MA from York University (2016), and a Med from OISE, UofT (2018). Currently pursuing an EdD in Social Justice Education and Diaspora and Transnational Studies at OISE, UofT, Fasika’s academic achievements are complemented by her extensive volunteer work.
Fasika’s dedication extends to organizations such as Amnesty International (since 2011) and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (since 2018). She has been an active member of the Haddis Nigat Arts Forum in Toronto for over a decade, serving two terms on the board. Additionally, Fasika participates in weekly drumming sessions at African Arts and Crafts and engages in annual cultural exchange initiatives between African and Indigenous youth at Elephant Thoughts in Collingwood, ON. She supports the Pan-Africanist vision of the Batuki Music Society, fostering collaboration among diverse African artists in Toronto.
For the past 17 years, Fasika has been deeply involved in advocacy and community outreach, moderating and participating in academic conferences across Canada, the USA, and Ethiopia. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she hosted Zoom panels to facilitate dialogue within the Ethiopian community and provided insightful analysis on various online media platforms. Fasika offers one-on-one support to new immigrants and individuals facing crises, lifelong health challenges, or aging-related issues, including those in long-term care.
Photos by GOWN Award
