On May 21, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions announced the winners of the 2026 MAP Awards: Shajitha Rasiah, Nancy Tahmo and Monica Rudd. These annual awards recognize outstanding MAP staff, students or volunteers who have excelled in their roles and demonstrate a passion and commitment to applying MAP’s values in their work.

Shajitha Rasiah (she/her), Research Coordinator on Dr. Pat O’Campo’s team, is the winner of the MAP Values in Practice Award, an award to recognize an individual who exemplifies and advocates for MAP values in their work and interactions. From Shajitha’s nomination: “Her approach to interactions is grounded in equity and inclusion — it has never been an after-thought to her, which is highly evident when working with her. Shajitha truly believes in the importance of making research spaces safe and accessible.”

Nancy Tahmo (she/her), PhD Candidate on Dr. Sharmistha Mishra’s team, is the winner of the MAP Community Partnerships Award, an award to recognize an individual who consistently models exemplary community partnership practices and integration of the perspectives of community and people with lived expertise into their research. From Nancy’s nomination: “Nancy creates space for community voices to be heard, valued, and meaningfully included in the research process. As someone working closely with communities, I have deeply appreciated Nancy’s mentorship, humility, and commitment to participatory research.”

Monica Rudd (she/her), Data Analyst on Dr. Darrell Tan’s team, is the winner of the MAP Peer Mentor Award, an award to recognize an individual who works hard to help colleagues learn, feel valued and do well at work. From Monica’s nomination: “Monica is a compassionate mentor who takes great care to ensuring every trainee feels respected as an equal. She takes the time to check in frequently, empowering students to explore without fear of failure and pushing them to be critical thinkers.”

Congratulations to all of our 2026 MAP Awards winners and nominees!