• Home
• Media
• News
• 2025
• Georgia Trifon-Morgan receives Award of Recognition for advancing equity and impact

Georgia Trifon-Morgan receives Award of Recognition for advancing equity and impact

For Georgia Trifon-Morgan, outreach isn’t a side responsibility—it’s the heart of transformation. For her outstanding leadership, innovation and inclusive spirit, Western Engineering is proud to honour Georgia Trifon-Morgan with the Award of Recognition.

As Outreach Programs Coordinator for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at Western Engineering, Georgia has spent the past year designing and delivering powerful programming that not only opens doors for underrepresented youth but also builds bridges across communities.

“It is our pleasure to nominate Georgia Trifon-Morgan,” wrote a faculty member. “She consistently demonstrates passion combined with exceptional leadership, innovation and creativity in supporting various outreach initiatives.”

Georgia’s leadership has expanded the reach of long-standing programs like Go CODE Girl, Go ENG Girl and EngSquad, which engage young girls with hands-on engineering experiences. These efforts reached more than 1,500 girls in 2024 alone across London and Sarnia. “These programs are critical,” a nominator emphasized, “because they create a place where girls can explore engineering while being themselves.”

Reflecting on the recognition, Georgia said, “I’m always motivated by the work I do; it’s a reward in itself. It’s especially motivating to be recognized in this way, and I’m very grateful that the faculty values and supports the work I do.”

She also played a pivotal role in launching and expanding initiatives that create safer and more inclusive spaces for other underrepresented groups. In February 2024, Georgia co-led Western Engineering’s first-ever Queering Engineering Conference with the EngiQueers student club. “Georgia’s empathy, communication, and interpersonal skills ensured that student voices were heard and respected,” her nominator shared. “It was a true partnership to support the LGBTQ2S+ community.”

Another major milestone was the revitalization of Western Engineering Beginnings for Black Youth (WEBBY) in Fall 2024. One staff member described how Georgia’s leadership “doubled participation and provided Black youth with an opportunity to delve into engineering while connecting with mentors who share their experiences.” Her collaboration with Black Boys Code and the Obuntu Heritage Camp brought culturally grounded STEM experiences to more than 60 campers. “The camp celebrated Black heritage while inspiring young minds to see themselves as future leaders in engineering,” they said.

Georgia’s work with Indigenous youth was equally impactful. In 2024, Western Engineering Outreach, under her leadership, reached over 3,100 Indigenous youth through community visits, on-campus programs, and the inaugural Indigenous Leader in Training program. She also facilitated seven internships for Indigenous students. “She consistently demonstrated integrity as well as a commitment to continual learning and active listening,” her nominator wrote. “These relationships are sustained year over year, and they are reciprocally beneficial.”

When asked what drives her in this work, Georgia shared, “The beauty of Outreach is the opportunity to reach so many people across various contexts and perspectives, who are all connected by STEM education. The youth inspire me to do my best work. The national Actua network inspires me to continually learn and improve. My Outreach team inspires me to practice a people-centered approach.”

Her tireless energy extended to Western’s commemorations as well. In the lead-up to the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique tragedy, Georgia led a team to create a powerful memorial display of 15 silhouettes outside the Spencer Engineering Building and transitioned the memorial event online at the last minute due to inclement weather. “Despite this challenge, the event was well attended and deeply impactful,” noted one nominator.

Georgia’s work is deeply personal and profoundly collaborative. As co-chair of the EDID Steering Committee, she brings others into the fold. One student leader wrote, “We have never met a more impactful, determined and inclusive staff member who not only blazes a trail but also paves a path for those she is working to empower—without claiming any credit.”

Georgia has been a mentor, advocate and tireless ally of the Women in Engineering Club. “Her support has been transformative,” wrote the club’s executive team. “From mentorship to funding to ensuring our voices are heard—Georgia has empowered us in every way.”

Her impact is perhaps best summed up by a staff member: “Georgia’s work represents a broader and enduring commitment to equity and inclusion. She embodies the values of interconnectedness and respect, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.”

When asked what advice she would give to others hoping to follow a similar path, Georgia shared, “The committee work I do has brought a new dimension to my professional life; I’m glad I stepped up to the challenge by taking on a small leadership opportunity that resonated with me. It’s helped me understand how change and decision-making happen at a faculty level. It’s also led me to work with some incredibly talented and brilliant individuals whom I genuinely enjoy learning from.”

The Western Engineering Award of Recognition celebrates individuals or teams who demonstrate exceptional dedication, accomplishments and contributions to the Faculty's strategic development and morale. Georgia's outstanding efforts exemplify the spirit of this award, making her a deserving recipient.