Q&A with Rufaida Mohammed (HBA’16), 2025 Recipient of the J. Tuzo Wilson Distinguished Alumni Award

From transforming student services on campus to breaking barriers in mental health care and advocacy, Rufaida Mohammed (HBA’16) has always led with compassion and conviction. Currently a mental health clinician at Trillium Health Partners and a community leader in multiple equity-focused initiatives, Rufaida has been instrumental in building programs that improve access to care, amplify underserved voices, and strengthen resilience across communities. Beyond her clinical and advocacy work, Rufaida continues to be a dedicated alumna—actively mentoring UTM students, participating in alumni panels, and volunteering for UTM events year after year.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to both health equity and the University community, Rufaida has been named the 2025 recipient of the J. Tuzo Wilson Distinguished Alumni Award. We spoke with her about her time at UTM, her motivations for staying connected, and what this award means to her.

Congratulations on receiving the J. Tuzo Wilson Distinguished Alumni Award! What does this recognition mean to you at this stage of your journey?

It’s honestly hard to put into words. This kind of recognition feels overwhelming because I don’t do the work to be recognized—I do it because I believe in uplifting others. When I first heard about the nomination, I was surprised and had so many questions! In that moment, I recalled attending the award ceremony the year prior and was deeply impacted by the personal stories of each recipient. I felt incredibly humbled, honoured—and emotional about this recognition after learning more about Mr. J. Tuzo Wilson and his impact on students, staff, and community at the University.

This nomination made me think of my father, whose small contribution toward the initial Hazel McCallion building on campus stemmed from his belief that an education could liberate your mind, body, and spirit out of difficult situations you may be encountering—and this belief has stayed with me in everything I do.

You’ve been deeply involved in both clinical mental health work and grassroots community leadership. What drives your commitment to care, equity, and advocacy?

It really comes from my own intersectional identity. As a woman of colour and visibly Muslim, I show up in spaces where people can immediately see facets that form my identity. This gives me a kind of “key”—a way to connect with others who may share societal experiences that are similar to mine. I don’t take that lightly.

Whether I’m at the hospital or in a boardroom, my visibility and the platform I stand on motivates me to open doors for others. My values—compassion, empathy, loyalty, honesty, fortitude, dignity, excellence—are deeply rooted in my moral compass. I believe in meeting people where they are and empowering them to rise above their personal circumstances.

What drew you to social work as a career path, and did you always see yourself working at the intersection of community and clinical care?

Not at all! After graduating from UTM, I was debating between teacher’s college and social work. I started researching the social work career path, and I realized how flexible and far-reaching the role could extend. Everything I had done at UTM—from advocacy to leadership—felt like it aligned with this career.

Let’s talk about your time at UTM. What stands out most when you think back to those years?

I always say I stood on the shoulders of giants when I was afforded opportunities to voice the messages of the student body. People like Mark Overton, Les McCormick, and others saw students not just as numbers but as partners in shaping the university experience. They tapped us on the shoulder and asked us to share our point of view on how to make things better—they genuinely were interested in wanting to know what students were thinking, where they wanted to see change; whether it was building a new athletic centre or improving food services.

In our committee conversations, I advocated for blinds in the athletic centre so women could have private swim times for those who were concerned about body image. I spoke up about the need for halal food on campus for those who had dietary restrictions, and I gave a presentation about the necessity to build ablution spaces in campus bathrooms—and all of this energized discussion led to action. That kind of student-led change is rare, and it was made possible because there were staff and administrators who were vested in the interests and wellbeing of students.

You’ve remained incredibly active with UTM—mentoring students, speaking on panels, and volunteering for events. What inspires you to stay connected?

My heart is still with the students. I try to stay involved through the UTM Alumni Mentorship Program because I was once in their shoes and know how difficult it was to find the guidance you were looking for when making critical decisions. If it were not for the kindness and support of staff, I don’t know where I’d be.

I leave the door open for students to reach out even after the formal mentorship period ends, and as a result, I’ve reviewed grad school applications, offered career advice, and provided community resources or networking connections. Giving back feels like a responsibility. I feel so honoured to be where I am today—and I can’t just take that for granted.

In your current roles—both at Trillium Health Partners and with the Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force—you’ve supported people during critical times. What have those experiences taught you?

In the hospital setting, I serve as Co-Chair of the Outpatient Practice Council and sit on the Interdisciplinary Advisory Council and other working groups. These platforms allow me to advocate for patient-centred improvements and elevate issues we encounter day-to-day. Positive connections with people truly shape both the work I do and who I am.

In mental health care, just seeing someone who looks like you can be a source of relief. Patients often feel understood, and I’m able to help bridge that communication gap.

With the Muslim COVID-19 Task Force, we took complicated public health messaging and translated it into accessible, culturally relevant formats. We worked to develop multiple language streams, distributed through mosques and community centres—and suddenly, our material was being used by various organizations across the country. I saw firsthand how advocacy and care go hand in hand. 

You’re now working on new projects, including one focused on Muslim-Indigenous relations. What’s next for you in terms of causes you hope to explore?

I recently joined the board of Canadian Muslim Indigenous Relations as treasurer—something I never expected! We’re building space for dialogue and collaboration between Muslim and Indigenous communities, which is a new and exciting opportunity for both.

I’m also supporting an initiative to create affordable therapy platforms for vulnerable groups, including refugees and students with acute mental health needs. It’s about breaking barriers and ensuring support is accessible.

Empowering women is another area close to my heart. I help support programs that create pathways to housing and education for women at a local shelter—because access is the first step toward opportunity.

What advice would you give to fellow UTM grads about staying engaged and using their experience to give back?

You have nothing to lose—and everything to gain. Giving to others comes back tenfold. The University is building future leaders, changemakers, and peacemakers. If we take the time to nurture their growth, their well-being, and their opportunities, we all benefit.

Our job now is to continue supporting our students in paving the way forward, just as others have done for us.