Jennifer Corriero Honoured with Prestigious 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal

York University is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Jennifer Corriero, a distinguished alumnus and Community Fellow at the Wellness Impact Lab (WIL) at the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

Corriero has been named one of 100 exemplary Canadians selected by the Governor General of Canada to receive the prestigious 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal. This honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to education, social innovation, and community impact, both in Canada and around the world.

The ceremony, held on February 20, 2025, at Rideau Hall, brought together a diverse group of leaders and changemakers whose work has significantly enriched society. Corriero expressed deep gratitude for being included in this distinguished cohort, reflecting on the power of recognition in fostering further momentum for positive change.

"When we recognize acts of kindness and the important ways that people contribute to a healthy society, we help amplify these efforts in ways that generate further momentum," Corriero shared. "I truly believe that when we come together to celebrate and uplift one another, we foster cycles of hope, encouragement, and expand new possibilities for the future."

Corriero has long been a driving force in advancing youth leadership, digital literacy, and global education. As the co-founder of TakingITGlobal, an organization dedicated to empowering young people through technology and education, she has spent the past 25 years fostering cross-cultural connections and equitable learning opportunities for students worldwide. Her work has inspired a generation of young leaders and positioned Canada as a global leader in digital learning initiatives.

In her heartfelt reflections on receiving the Coronation Medal, Corriero acknowledged the many individuals and organizations that have supported her journey. She extended special thanks to fellow recipient Willa Black, who has played a crucial role in mobilizing resources for the Connected North program, an initiative that provides remote Indigenous communities with access to virtual learning opportunities. Corriero emphasized the importance of collaboration, generosity, and the collective effort required to drive meaningful change.

"I am incredibly grateful to our vibrant team and board, thriving organization, generous donors, and growing network of partners with a shared commitment to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for K-12 students," she said. "The life path of a social innovator involves facing high levels of uncertainty and having the ability to be creative, resourceful, and curious in difficult moments."

Corriero's journey as a social innovator began as a teenager alongside her co-founder, Michael Furdyk. Their shared vision of using technology to amplify youth voices and cultivate global awareness has grown into a powerful movement that continues to evolve. Today, TakingITGlobal serves as a leading platform for youth engagement, offering tools and resources that support students in developing their skills, gaining cross-cultural perspectives, and showcasing their talents on a global stage.

Her recognition with the King Charles III Coronation Medal is a testament to her enduring impact and unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive and innovative educational opportunities.

"Looking forward, I am excited about the collaboration opportunities ahead and grateful for the sense of optimism that is nurtured when people come together to celebrate humanity and the good things that grow from caring hearts and minds."

Dr. Harvey Skinner, Professor Emeritus and co-lead of the Wellness Impact Lab, is longtime associate of Jennifer and extends his heartfelt congratulations to her on this well-deserved honor. "Jennifer is a truly exceptional leader—someone who bridges cultural, generational, and social divides with deep respect and collaboration. She has a rare ability to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and drive real change. Her passion, vision, and dedication to social innovation inspire not only our university community but countless others around the world We are proud to have Jennifer, our Community Fellow, as a passionate voice for the mission of the Wellness Impact Lab.”

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