Awarded annually on the recommendation of the Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs and Student Life to outstanding undergraduate students who are or have been a Convention Refugee or a person in need of protection and are enrolled in any program of study at Carleton University. Recipients must demonstrate financial need. Preference will be for students who identify as women. Application is required. Endowed in 2022 by the Heads of Mission Spouses Association and the Canadian Federation for University Women-Ottawa.

The Heads of Mission Spouses Association (HOMSA) was launched as an opportunity for the spouses of ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Canada to connect and make a positive impact in our communities. Since its inception, HOMSA has supported a number of initiatives to help charitable organizations and causes.

The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) has clubs across Canada and seeks to empower women by advancing human rights, public education, social justice and peace. Their extensive work includes advocacy efforts, the establishment of fellowships and scholarships, supporting lifelong learning programs and providing increased accessibility to post-secondary studies. CFUW-Ottawa, founded in 1910, is dedicated to women’s and girls’ education and rights and provides opportunities to members to socialize, educate and advocate.

The collective compassion of members of HOMSA and CFUW-Ottawa led them to collaborate on this award to further alleviate barriers for refugee women seeking to pursue post-secondary education.