Congratulations to Muhammad Ahmed Saigol, our Fall 2024 recipient of the Frank Reid Prize which is presented each convocation to the top graduating MIRHR student or students! We asked Ahmed to reflect on his CIRHR experience, his aspirations upon graduation, and what the future holds for him. This is what he had to say:
"My experience at the Centre was nothing short of transformative. As an LGBTQ immigrant from Pakistan who moved to Canada in 2021, the MIRHR program not only welcomed me with open arms but also provided me with the intellectual freedom to explore the issues that matter to me – immigrant integration, alongside equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplaces. The unwavering support of my professors and their encouragement to think critically and independently allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined. I want to particularly thank Dr. Frank Reid, Dr. Rafael Gomez, Dr. Brad Seward, Dr. Mikael Swayze, and Dr. Kourtney Kobel (for her amazing advice) as their intellectual spirit inspired me to learn more about the discourse surrounding IR/HR. The Centre became a space where I could fully embrace my identity and ambitions, setting the stage for both personal and professional breakthroughs.
"Now that I’ve graduated, I’m driven to use the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to make a lasting impact in Human Resources. I want to be a force for change, helping organizations build cultures of inclusion and belonging where every individual, regardless of their background or identity, can thrive. The MIRHR program taught me not just to understand workplace dynamics but to challenge them, and I’m ready to channel that insight into creating meaningful, systemic change in Canada’s evolving HR landscape.
"I am determined to be a leader who champions equity, inclusion, and human potential. Armed with the tools and insights I gained through the MIRHR program, I’m prepared to navigate and potentially shape the future of work, maybe academically as well as I feel purposeful in potentially pursuing a PhD at the Centre. The path ahead is seemingly clear: to continue advocating for diverse voices, creating pathways for others to succeed, and ensuring that workplaces reflect the richness of the world we live in. The journey has only begun, and I’m ready to leave my mark."