Celebrating Theresa: Honoured as an Emerging Leader at York University

Theresa Dinh, Institute Coordinator, was recognized with the 2024 Gary Brewer Emerging Leader Award at the recent President's Staff Recognition Awards ceremony– a distinction that recognizes an early-career professional who has demonstrated significant promise of leadership and has significantly contributed to York University’s commitment to excellence.

Over the past seven years at York University, Theresa has been a foundational force behind the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research’s success. She has helped build the Institute from the ground up, establishing the administrative and operational frameworks that support a thriving $40 million research enterprise. But her impact reaches far beyond structures and systems. Theresa has shaped DI’s culture—creating a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven environment where research, teaching, and global health action flourish. Her leadership has been absolutely vital to DI’s growth and impact.

Theresa doesn’t just keep things running—she moves things forward. Her collaborative work with departments across the university reflects a deep understanding of both people and systems. She’s a relationship builder, a problem solver, and a quiet but powerful catalyst for progress.

“Leadership does not always mean being at the forefront. Sometimes, it means working behind the scenes,” she shares, “to create the conditions that allow others to shine—to build systems that support people, and to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to do their very best work.”

With that spirit, Theresa offers heartfelt acknowledgment and gratitude for the DI community and colleagues from all across campus for their encouragement, support, and collaboration.

Congratulations to York’s newest Emerging Leader – the DI is so lucky to have Theresa’s exemplary leadership as part of the research administration and operations team at the DI!

Theresa was joined at the November 3, 2025 event with senior fellow Dr. Harvey Skinner (nominator); former director James Orbinski; interim director Mary Wiktorowicz; community fellow Susan Harris; research fellows Syed Imran Ali and Chloe Clifford Astbury; professors Idil Boran and Amrita Daftary; & colleagues Charlotte Bull and Natalie Paterson. Not photographed: Nilanjana Ganguli, Hajer Mirwali, and Abigail Vogus.

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