JWLF Award Recipients
Our Inaugural RecipientsCelebrating the first students carrying Jay’s legacy forward.
In 2025, the Jay Williams Legacy Fund proudly presented its inaugural awards to two remarkable students whose journeys reflect the values at the heart of Jay’s legacy: authenticity, resilience, leadership, service, and equity.
These awards were created to recognize students whose paths may not always fit a traditional definition of success, but whose determination, growth, and commitment to their communities speak to the kind of impact Jay believed in.
Meet our inaugural recipients and learn more about the journeys that brought them here.
AMONTAYE MULLINGS
Finding strength, purpose, and a place to belong
Amontaye Mullings’ journey is one of resilience, transformation, and finding the confidence to recognize their own potential.
After experiencing bullying, housing instability, and barriers that made it difficult to feel seen and supported in school, Amontaye found a sense of belonging through Oasis Alternative Secondary School and the Triangle Program. There, supportive educators and opportunities for leadership helped them rediscover their voice and recognize their capacity to contribute.
That growth soon extended beyond their own experience. Through peer mentorship, youth outreach, research, and community volunteering, Amontaye began creating the kind of support for other young people that they once needed themselves. They have volunteered with community organizations, supported people experiencing food and housing insecurity, and taken on leadership roles advocating for students and their communities.
Amontaye was selected as the inaugural Jay Williams Legacy Fund Secondary Student Award recipient in recognition of a journey marked by perseverance, leadership, community-mindedness, and a commitment to making space for others. Their story reflects the spirit of an award created for students who continue to grow, lead, and show up fully despite the barriers they have faced.
“I am learning to take up space. To trust my ideas. To speak even when my voice is shaking.”
Today, Amontaye continues to build their future as a student leader, researcher, youth advocate, and community member committed to helping others feel seen and supported.
Secondary Student Award Recipient· 2025
Keisa Andries
Post-Secondary Student Award Recipient · 2025Turning resilience into purpose
Keisa Andries’ story is one of perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to building something better for herself, her family, and her community.
Raised in Malvern, Keisa grew up surrounded by both significant challenges and a strong sense of community. As a first-generation post-secondary student and mother, she has navigated personal loss, financial hardship, systemic barriers, and the demands of balancing education, work, parenting, and caregiving. Yet through each chapter, she continued to pursue her education and her purpose.
Professionally, Keisa has built a career centred on investigations, equity, and addressing discrimination. She founded her own investigations firm and later joined Airbnb’s Anti-Discrimination team, where she has worked on sensitive cases involving racial bias and inequity. She has also created opportunities for colleagues to process difficult work through trauma-informed case review circles and co-leads the Toronto chapter of Black@Airbnb, mentoring colleagues and building community.
Alongside her professional work, Keisa continues to pursue her education while raising her daughter and supporting her family. Her experience has also found expression through poetry and spoken-word work exploring identity, trauma, and renewal.
Keisa was selected as the inaugural Jay Williams Legacy Fund Post-Secondary Student Award recipient in recognition of her determination, community impact, leadership, and commitment to advancing equity. Her journey reflects the spirit of an award that honours students who not only navigate significant barriers, but use their experiences to create greater opportunity and belonging for others.
“My story is not polished, but it is real. It is shaped by generational trauma, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to rising every time I fall.”
Today, Keisa continues to pursue her education, build community, and create pathways for others while carrying forward a commitment to equity, purpose, and giving back.
Secondary Student Award 2025 Finalist
Jahvaun Green-Chapman
2025 Finalist · Secondary Student AwardJahvaun is a Grade 12 student at Birchmount Park Collegiate with aspirations of becoming a surgeon. Through music, mentorship, and community service, he has consistently supported younger students while maintaining honour roll standing. His commitment to helping others and creating positive change reflects the leadership, purpose, and community spirit at the heart of the Jay Williams Legacy Fund.
Jasiah is a Grade 12 student at Birchmount Park Collegiate with a passion for basketball, education, and youth development. He has volunteered with younger students, supported children with disabilities through basketball, and contributed to his school community. His dedication to service, leadership, and empowering young people reflects the values celebrated by the Jay Williams Legacy Fund.
2025 Finalist · Secondary Student AwardJasiah Green-Chapman
The Legacy Continues With You
The Jay Williams Legacy Fund exists to create opportunities for students who demonstrate resilience, leadership, authenticity, service, and a commitment to their communities.
Our inaugural recipients showed us what is possible when students are seen, supported, and given the opportunity to keep moving forward.
With your support, we can continue providing awards and bursaries to students whose potential deserves to be recognized.
Your contribution helps us build on Jay’s legacy and invest in the next generation of students who are learning, leading, and creating change in their communities.
Support the Jay Williams Legacy Fund.