Celebrating Vic’s Emerging Leaders: 2024

By Jennifer Little

Hyacinth Gawne Vic 1T4 and Jean-Paul Bevilacqua Vic 0T9 are winners of the 2024 Victoria College Emerging Leader Award. The award recognizes graduates, 40 years of age or under, who have excelled professionally or who have notable accomplishments in their professional work or volunteer service.

Hyacinth Gawne

Hyacinth Gawne brings compassion and leadership to her work in Ontario’s public sector and through her commitment to volunteerism. She earned a BA in political science and English and started her career at the Law Society of Ontario. She moved into senior roles in the Ontario Public Service, including the Ontario Treasury Board. She now manages rapid transit program delivery at Metrolinx. Gawne mentors Vic students and serves on the board of governors at Toronto Metropolitan University. “If you’re in a position to help, you have a responsibility to do so,” she said.

Jean-Paul Bevilacqua

Jean-Paul Bevilacqua has built a career rooted in purpose, compassion and commitment to the next generation. He graduated from Vic One’s Northrop Frye Stream and majored in semiotics and drama. He gained attention on MTV’s 1 Girl 5 Gays where he spoke about LGBTQ issues. He worked with LGBT YouthLine, Rainbow Health Network and the Inside Out Film Festival. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2016 and currently mentors Vic students. He also serves on Victoria University’s Senate Executive Committee. “Any opportunity I have to help and support Vic’s growth is something I’m going to jump at!” he said.

Click here for the full-length version of the story.