Laurentian MBA Students Honoured at Greater Sudbury Canada Day Celebrations

Laurentian University is proud to celebrate two  Master of Business Administration  students honoured at this year's Greater Sudbury Canada Day celebrations: Felice Guo, named "Newcomer of the Year," and Samanta Saif Kristy, recipient of the "Youth Leadership Award."

The annual awards recognize local individuals whose dedication, leadership, and community service enrich the Greater Sudbury region.

Felice Guo – Newcomer of the Year

Felice Guo, was recognized as Greater Sudbury's Newcomer of the Year for her active involvement in local cultural events and her dedicated volunteer work supporting international students and newcomers to Northern Ontario.

Originally from Jilin City, Guo chose Laurentian for the flexibility of its accelerated Master of Business Administration program. She quickly immersed herself in Sudbury’s civic life, starting as a library assistant at Laurentian University's front desk within her first two weeks and earning the "Best Volunteer" award at Cinefest Sudbury. This summer, she transitioned into the archives at the university's J.N. Desmarais Library.

Guo’s passion for history inspired her to launch the Sudbury Chinese Community Oral History Project. The documentary project bridges generations of local Chinese immigrants—tracing histories from early 20th-century businesses to modern professionals arriving under regional immigration pilot programs.

"When I heard the news that I won, I felt a deep sense of relief because I was balancing a full-time job, three courses, and filmmaking," said Guo. "It is a beautiful sign that my work is being seen. I used to feel like an outcast juggling so many worlds, but this award taught me that it’s okay to feel that way as long as you know where you are going."

Beyond her summer archival work, Guo serves as President of the Northern Light Naginata Club (a Japanese martial arts club practicing in Bell Park) and is an active member of the Chinese Association of Greater Sudbury.

When asked what advice she has for fellow international students, Guo emphasized unity and open-mindedness: "Everyone shares the same starting line when they arrive. Try your best to let go of past prejudices, stay extraordinarily positive, and immerse yourself in volunteering and learning new cultures."

Looking ahead, Guo hopes to leverage her Master of Business Administration and creative drive to build a long-term career in Greater Sudbury centred on multiculturalism and regional storytelling.

Samanta Saif Kristy – Youth Leadership Award

Samanta Saif Kristy was presented with the Youth Leadership Award for her exceptional dedication to community service, student advocacy, and her ongoing efforts to empower youth, newcomers, and underrepresented groups across the region.

Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Samanta completed her MBA in person at Laurentian University in 2024, three years after moving to Canada. Adapting to a new culture while managing studies and finances inspired her to help build a strong support system for others on and off campus.

"Moving to a new country was a huge step," said Samanta. "Adjusting to life here taught me how vital it is to push past your comfort zone and ask for help. That personal journey inspired me to create the kind of welcoming community I needed when I first arrived."

During her studies, Samanta served as Vice President of Events for the Graduate Students’ Association. She organized cultural gatherings, food drives, student networking sessions, and spearheaded the first official volunteer partnership between Laurentian students and the Northern Lights Festival Boréal.

Samanta has continued her community involvement beyond campus. Today, she works as a Job Developer at the YMCA, where she helps youth, newcomers, and people with disabilities overcome barriers to employment. She also remains actively involved with local organizations, including food bank initiatives and the Northern Lights Festival Boréal.

Reflecting on her recognition at the Canada Day awards, Samanta hopes her story encourages other students and newcomers to get involved, no matter how daunting it may seem at first.

"Leadership isn't about titles, big budgets, or recognition, it’s about consistency, dependability, and caring for those around you," Samanta added. "It starts simply by noticing someone needs help and being willing to step up."