Ariana Bradford receives 2022 Chancellor’s Award, Distinguished Leader

For her extraordinary leadership and deep commitment to innovation, collaboration and mentorship, Ariana Bradford has received the University of Toronto’s Chancellor’s Award – Distinguished Leader.

Established in 1999, the Chancellor’s Award is a prestigious honour that recognizes exceptional contributions by administrative staff and librarians at the University of Toronto. The honour is one of the Awards of Excellence presented by the University of Toronto Alumni Association in collaboration with the university.

Bradford, who currently serves as the executive director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, was recognized for her demonstrated exceptional leadership at the University of Toronto over the past twenty years. The Selection Committee commended Ariana’s “leadership and collaborative contributions to advance the strategic vision of every area of the University where [she has] worked.”

“Ariana’s senior leadership team at the Munk School has nothing but exceptional praise for her high-level strategic thinking, her decisive leadership, her generous and empathetic nature and for ensuring that team members are heard and valued,” says Peter Loewen, director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. “She is highly regarded for approaching challenges with thoughtfulness and composure and is always a consummate professional. She motivates, mentors and inspires colleagues with her relentless and contagious drive for excellence.”

Over the course of her career, Bradford has made significant and long-lasting contributions across at least three divisions, including at the Munk School, the Rotman School of Management and Medicine by Design. Her work is innovative and creative, drawing upon her extensive experience and reflecting her deep commitment to the University community.

Bradford has a reputation among her peers and team members as a compassionate and trusted advocate and a mentor, particularly for women. She has led the creation of new initiatives, established and nurtured networks and partnerships, built successful and long-lasting teams, and generously volunteered her time, both within the University of Toronto and beyond.