Rewards and Recognition Spring 2024

Customer Service Award Winners

Tara Bibak, Operator – Bus Transportation
​While on her way to the Eglinton Division, Tara noticed a person lying on the road as vehicles drove around the individual. Quick to react, she used her bus to block all southbound lanes, protecting the person from traffic. Tara then alerted Transit Control for emergency services and remained on the scene until help arrived. Tara’s quick thinking and dedication to safety not only protected a vulnerable individual, but also exemplified outstanding customer service, ensuring the well-being of everyone on the road.

Nakia Francis, Operator – Bus Transportation
​While driving the 34 Eglinton route, Nakia witnessed a suicide attempt on Spanbridge Road and immediately intervened. Recognizing the severity of the situation, she stayed on-site, informed Transit Control, and then contacted the police. Nakia’s swift action helped the distressed individual and saved a life that day. Her prompt response and compassionate actions not only saved a life, but also demonstrated exceptional customer service, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

Ellen Golding, Operator – Bus Transportation
​Ellen observed a passenger passed out on a bench with their young child beside them. Noticing something was wrong and growing concerned for the child’s well-being, Ellen took immediate action. She called Transit Control to inform them and then contacted the police. While waiting, she comforted the child, ensuring they felt safe. Ellen also sought out a Supervisor to provide prompt attention to the situation and drove around the station until help arrived. Her intuition and prompt response not only ensured the safety of the child and passenger, but also highlighted her exemplary customer service and commitment to community support.

Barbara Green Parker, Operator – Streetcar Transportation
​On November 23, 2023, Barbara was approached by an individual who informed her that they had just overdosed on 20 tabs of Nytol. Despite the individual’s reluctance for assistance and intent to go to the hospital via TTC, Barbara took immediate action. She informed Transit Control of the situation and was directed to await EMS. While waiting, Barbara checked the individual’s body signals and kept them engaged, ensuring their well-being. Barbara’s swift response and attentive care highlight the importance of being customer-focused, especially during emergencies. Her empathy and dedication to customer service during this challenging situation truly make a difference in the lives of our customers.

Moyalee Ingleton-King, Fare Inspector – Revenue Protection
​On August 17, 2023, Fare Inspector Moyalee King and another employee were aboard a 505 Dundas streetcar when they noticed an unconscious woman being dragged off by her friends. Concerned for the woman’s safety, Moyalee immediately exited at Dundas Street and Regent Park Boulevard to check on her. The woman was turning blue, non-responsive, and had no pulse. Seeing drug paraphernalia nearby, Moyalee quickly assessed the situation. With the help of a bystander who fetched Narcan, she administered two doses and detected a faint pulse. EMS and TFS soon arrived, provided oxygen, and transported the woman to the hospital. Thanks to Moyalee’s swift actions, the woman survived. Her decisive actions went above and beyond her duties, showcasing exceptional professionalism and dedication. Intervention, effective communication, and the use of Narcan saved a life, making her a true hero and an outstanding TTC ambassador.

Grantley Soudine, Operator – Bus Transportation
​On the evening of February 10, 2024, while on the 32 Eglinton route, Grantley noticed what seemed to be a child alone in a bus shelter. Concerned, he stopped his vehicle at the next stop, informed his passengers about the situation, and quickly ran towards the shelter. There, he found a six-year-old boy, dressed only in shorts and without a shirt or shoes, being approached by three individuals urging him to get into their car. Sensing danger, Grantley intervened. After confirming that none of the individuals knew the child, he offered the boy his jacket, escorted him back to the bus, and promptly contacted Transit Control for assistance. Toronto Police arrived and the child was safely transported to the hospital for a wellness check. Grantley’s vigilant actions during his duties not only ensured the safety of a vulnerable child, but also showcased extraordinary customer service, reflecting his commitment to the well-being of our customers and community.

Mihail Stamov, Operator – Bus Transportation
​While operating privately back to the garage, Mihail witnessed two males being assaulted by a group of people. Acting quickly, he stopped his bus and honked the horn to deter the attackers. After the group fled, Mihail approached the two injured individuals to offer assistance. He escorted them to their friend who had contacted the police, providing a statement to assist in the investigation. His quick thinking and courageous actions exemplify the spirit of exceptional customer service, demonstrating your dedication to the safety and well-being of our community.

Jim Stojanovski, Operator – Bus Transportation
​As Jim operated along the 34 Eglinton route, he noticed a person sitting atop a bridge. Without hesitation, he promptly notified Transit Control and approached the individual to offer support. Thanks to Jim’s astute intervention, the person safely came down from the bridge about 10 minutes later and walked away. Jim’s quick thinking potentially saved a life. His act of kindness and quick action demonstrate a remarkable commitment to customer service, embodying the values of compassion and care within our community.

Scott Lee Symes, Operator – Bus Transportation
​Scott noticed a person in distress on the Millwood Overpass Bridge and immediately offered assistance. He promptly notified emergency services and remained with the individual until help arrived. Scott’s swift actions saved a person in crisis from committing suicide and ensured they received the assistance they needed. His compassion and quick response embody exceptional customer service, highlighting your dedication to the welfare of our community.

Safety Awards Winners

Edwin Galvez Londono, Operator – Bus Transportation
​Edwin was operating a TTC bus eastbound on Steeles Avenue when he observed a child around the age of three-to-four years old walking by themselves at 1:40 p.m. wearing only a t-shirt and a diaper. Edwin stopped his bus and advised the customers on the bus that he could not leave the child alone. He then proceeded to call Transit Control for emergency services. Soon after, Toronto Police and EMS attended to the child and made sure they were safely reunited with family. When the family and child were reunited, it was discovered that the child had autism and left his home through an unsecured door without his family knowing. Toronto Police further advised that had it not been for Edwin’s quick thinking and taking action, the child most likely would have encountered a fatal traffic accident. His actions undoubtedly saved a life and exemplify the highest standards of safety and community care.

David Mackay, Operator – Bus Transportation
​On October 3, 2023, while operating his bus, David noticed a small child with special needs running on the road. The child looked to be about three-to-four years old without any shoes on. David quickly stopped and secured the bus and opened the doors and assisted the child on the bus. He closed the doors and pressed a yellow alarm to request police for the child. Eventually the child was reunited with their mother. David took immediate action and saved a young child from possible harm or injury. His swift response ensured the safety of a vulnerable child and prevented a potential tragedy.

Andrew Noble, Operation Supervisor – Subway Transportation
​On November 5, 2023, Andrew was working at St Clair Station when he noticed a child on the platform wearing just a t-shirt and shorts. This drew attention due to the cool outside temperatures. The child was unattended with no adult in the area. Andrew immediately called Transit Control. The child appeared to have autism and was non-verbal. Andrew stayed with the child until the police arrived to keep him calm and protected. Eventually the child was reunited with his parents. The actions that were taken by Andrew may have avoided this child doing something or going someplace that may have gotten him seriously injured. Andrew’s quick thinking and compassionate care prevented a potentially dangerous situation.

Geet Singh, Station Supervisor – Stations
​On September 28, 2023, while on duty, Geet prevented a suicide at York University Station after noticing a distressed individual. He promptly alerted Toronto Police and used exceptional communication and de-escalation skills to avert a tragedy. Geet’s quick actions and calm demeanor saved a life and exemplify the importance of vigilance and compassion in ensuring safety.

Innovation and Sustainability Award Winners

Tom Kirous, Foreperson – Fire Prevention-Plant Maintenance
​Tom’s visionary leadership, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment to sustainability have not only transformed fire prevention practices at the TTC, but have also significantly contributed to the long-term sustainability goals of the organization. He actively promotes sustainability awareness among employees through educational workshops, training sessions and engagement programs. Under his guidance, the department has adopted sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly firefighting practices, setting a new standard for sustainability in fire prevention.

Milan Novakovic, Overhead Foreperson – Streetcar Infrastructure
​Milan engineered the Power Off Device (POD), a crucial innovation that activates an audible power-off alarm in the streetcar Operator’s cab as it enters restricted zones, prompting the Operator to stop. This innovation has successfully eliminated the costly consequences of our legacy tripper and out-of-service vehicles. Milan’s proactive approach ensures that all offline areas of the system, especially those affected by long-term construction projects, are promptly addressed with proper stakeholder co-ordination. He demonstrates an in-depth understanding of his work and is consistently present on-site with his crews to prevent and address any issues that may arise, minimizing disruption to infrastructure and service. His dedication to innovation and sustainability has significantly improved operational efficiency and safety within our transit system, setting a remarkable standard for excellence in our organization.

Kirpal Parhar, Director, Closures and Diversions Director – CCO’s Office
​Kirpal actively seeks enhancements for Closure and Diversion processes, playing a pivotal role in integrating cutting-edge technologies to streamline his team’s workflow. Notably, he spearheaded the adoption of JotForm, a move that has earned approval from the TTC’s IT Services Department and significantly optimized operations. This software provides a central location for Metrolinx to submit all work/construction requests. It is constantly live, and updated, providing immediate chronological information that keeps everyone informed about closures and diversions happening.

Leadership Award Winners

Samantha Ambrozy, Solicitor – Legal
​Samatha’s leadership not only ensured the success of the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements (BYCI) Project, but also established a template for future projects adopting a collaborative delivery model. Furthermore, Samantha effectively managed her other responsibilities, including negotiating property acquisition agreements and overseeing the design and construction of a chiller plant replacement for the project. Her dedication and leadership have not only propelled the success of the BYCI Project, but have also paved the way for future projects, leaving a lasting impact on the TTC’s infrastructure development.

Danny Naccarato, Operator – Subway Transportation
​Mark Reed, Operator – Subway Transportation
​Danny and Mark are on the Danforth and Mount Dennis recreation committees and the United Way teams at their divisions. Through their leadership, they both are instrumental in fostering a positive and inclusive culture at the TTC by devoting numerous extra hours to initiatives such as: Stuff the Bus, TTC Community Blue Jays Game Day, Halloween Fest, and Soup Mountain, just to name a few. Their dedication represents what true leadership looks

Melanie DiNallo, Office Services and Administration Manager – IT Services
​Melanie’s exceptional leadership qualities have been evident throughout her seven years in the IT Services Department, where she has always been a hardworking, dependable, driven and high-performing employee. One big example of this is when Melanie convened key IT directors to lead workshops aimed at establishing guidelines for implementing the TTC Flexible Work Policy within the department. She collaborated with Human Resources to review these guidelines and subsequently delivered training to all IT management staff, communicating the guidelines at one of the department’s quarterly town halls. Both management and staff expressed gratitude as this initiative reduced confusion and ensured consistency. Other departments have since sought to adopt the guidelines she developed as a starting point for their own departments. There are countless examples of how Melanie has been a true leader. Her actions have positively shaped her team’s work experience, from fostering a consistent policy framework to improving onboarding, recruitment, employee engagement, and the physical work environment.

Muriel Youngs, Employee Relations Director – Human Resources
​Muriel demonstrates an essential leadership quality of elevating team members, while humbly putting herself last. Muriel’s skill in labour relations and leadership enables confidence in the collective bargaining process and all other employee relations matters. For example, whether it is receiving 28 bargaining notices in the late afternoon on the Friday before Easter weekend, or managing complex grievances with high liability, Muriel remains calm and adept in assessing and responding to such issues. Muriel is incredibly hard-working and she makes the time to offer support to bargaining team members and checks in on people’s well-being. She has made a significant impact on team morale and the success of employee relations initiatives within the TTC.

Diversity Award Winners

Adil Ali, Garage Foreperson – Bus Maintenance and Shops
​Adil ensures that all hiring processes are free from discrimination in his role. He has hired individuals from diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages and religions. He strongly promotes and encourages women to enter the trades, going above and beyond to support them in their journey as apprentices in the 310T trade. Adil always encourages apprentices to voice their concerns and addresses them with urgency. He makes himself available to assist apprentices, particularly if their safety and well-being are compromised. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, he not only strengthens his team, but also champions the value of diversity in the workplace.

Yolanda Cole, Operator – Bus Transportation
​In 2024, TTC celebrated Black History Month with its first-ever Opening Ceremony on February 1 and a Gala Dinner on February 24, thanks in part to her strong advocacy, hard work, dedication, patience and contributions. Yolanda’s an active member of the TTC’s Women and Diversity Committee, the TTC’s Racial Equity Office, and a mentor for the female mentorship program. She was instrumental in organizing the Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride, the Bacchanal Bus, Black History Month Bus Tours, COMTO, and co-ordinating Black History Month displays across the organization. Her efforts not only celebrate Black history, but also highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion within our community.

Deepika Gangwani, Corporate Deliverables Manager – COIO’s Office
​Through her work, Deepika fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion through her dedication to organizing events for all departments. Her creativity shines through in events, such as the company-wide invitation to an Escape Room, where she ensured teams were diverse and inclusive by mixing attendees based on their skill levels. Once there, she divided everyone into teams with people they were not familiar with and from different backgrounds, which took an enormous amount of effort to facilitate. She has also set up a company-wide wellness lunch, bringing people from all over the TTC to Hillcrest to attend a Yoga Lunch facilitated by Dawn Arbeau. Deepika consistently finds ways to include everyone, strengthening the community and ensuring everyone feels valued.

Tom Kirous, Fire Prevention Foreperson – Plant Maintenance
​Tom’s steadfast commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, coupled with his innovative initiatives and unwavering support for underrepresented groups, truly exemplifies the spirit of diversity and equality. He actively works to create a workplace culture where all individuals feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. He fosters an environment of mutual respect and understanding, where differences are celebrated and embraced as strengths rather than barriers.

Mark Wilson, Training Supervisor – Operations Training Centre
​Mark volunteers as Vice-President of the Association of Black Law Enforcers (ABLE), which is an inclusive organization of law enforcement officers. The organization’s mandate is to promote racial harmony and cultural pride and diversity in the law enforcement community, along with building bridges with the community at large. In 2023, Mark was an integral component of ABLE’s fundraising efforts – helping to raise $35,000 and donating 10 scholarships to deserving students. The impact is far-reaching and is a fantastic way to connect with the community.

Teamwork Award Winners

Broadview Station Loop Track Replacement Project
​The Teamwork Award was presented to two groups nominated for their contributions to the Broadview Station Loop Track Replacement Project.

Everyone was available and ready to work around the clock to have the streetcar tracks removed and replaced with all the intricacies it takes to co-ordinate work between TTC and the contractor in an assembly-type environment rather than a staged one. Some of the recipients ensured that communications were in place well before and throughout the heavy construction on Broadview Avenue and at Broadview Station so that City Councillors, customers, neighbours, and businesses were proactively informed of major service changes, traffic management and detours, parking and access. Through early collaboration between Strategy and Customer Experience, Community and Stakeholder Relations, Customer Communications, Engineering, Construction and Expansion (ECE), Streetcar Way and Corporate Communications, a massive communications and outreach campaign built early understanding and support for the infrastructure renewal. ECE and Streetcar Way delivered the project on time and on budget under major pressure from elected officials, customers and stakeholders.

Kal Bedder, Print and Electronic Information Supervisor – Marketing and Customer Experience
​Melisa Bernier, Project Administrative Secretary –Construction
​Martha Beshai, Senior Engineer-Civil – Engineering
​Abram Braithwaite, Transit Planner – Service Planning and Scheduling
​Alex Senior, Transportation Planner – Project Development and Planning
​Jeff Collins, Construction and Preventive Maintenance Supervisor – Streetcar Infrastructure
​Vince Dichio, Senior Construction Inspector – Streetcar Infrastructure
​Jordan Michael Eras, Survey Technologist – Streetcar Infrastructure
​Merve Erenler, Project Control Analyst – Project Management Office
​Seyed Eshtehardian, Construction Co-ordinator – Construction
​Matt Garton, Senior Construction Inspector – Construction
​Steven Gehring, Operational Safety and Planning Senior Manager – Operational Safety and Planning
​Angela Gougeon, Construction Site Manager –Construction
​Victoria Gorobets, Marketing Manager – Marketing and Customer Experience
​Johnathan Gowe, Assistant Designer-Track – Streetcar Infrastructure
​Adrian Grundy, Senior Communications Advisor – Corporate Communications
​Evan Harris, Customer Communications Specialist –Marketing and Customer Experience
​Lloyd Haughton, Survey Technologist – Streetcar Infrastructure
​Sabrina Iannantuono, Construction Clerk – Construction
​Tom Kliem, Project Manager – Construction
​Mae Lee, Community Liaison Officer – Community and Stakeholder Relations
​Jessica Liu, Procurement and Contract Specialist –Procurement and Category Management
​David Manuel, Survey Technologist – Streetcar Infrastructure
​Lancefield Morgan, Community Stakeholder Relations Manager – Community and Stakeholder Relations
​Kristjan Naelapea, Transit Service Senior Planner – Service Planning and Scheduling
​Alexander Pavlovski, Senior Construction Safety Officer – CCO’s Office
​Maryam Rezvanian, Project Scheduler – Project Management Office
​Bernard Semenya, Construction Safety Officer – CCO’s Office
​Kassondra Shiu, Digital Communications Specialist – Marketing and Customer Experience
​Derek Stryland, Senior Photographer – Marketing and Customer Experience
​Marc Tan, Transportation Engineering Manager – Project Development and Planning
​Paul Tran, Senior Community Liaison Officer – Community and Stakeholder Relations
​Felix Tse, Transportation Planner – Project Development and Planning
​Michael Vieira, Senior Community Liaison Officer – Community and Stakeholder Relations
​Kevon Wilks, Streetcar Way Manager – Streetcar Infrastructure
​Wei Zhang, Construction Engineer – Construction