Jeff Denomme
Artist/Author
The Haunted Zoo
Graduated from the Graphic Design program, representing the School of Media, Art & Design.
A graphic designer and visual artist, Jeff Denomme specializes in helping small businesses and organizations build strong, memorable brand identities. He is also the creator of The Haunted Zoo, a whimsical art brand known for its bold colours, clean lines, and instantly recognizable characters, featured across murals, merchandise, and his debut children’s book, The Adventures of the Honeycomb Heroes: Bee Considerate.
His journey was shaped by his time at St. Clair College, where a pivotal conversation with a professor encouraged him to embrace illustration and explore his creative voice. Though initially declined admission to the Graphic Design program, he persevered – an experience that instilled resilience early on. Once admitted, he balanced confidence with humility, learning to accept critique and refine his ideas.
The concept for The Haunted Zoo originated as a class assignment, later evolving into a full creative brand and studio. Today, his work reflects a commitment to authenticity, guided by values like kindness, inclusivity, and community impact.
Beyond his professional work, he is passionate about using art to give back. Through initiatives like Bee Creative: The Art of Confidence for Kids, he empowers youth through creativity while contributing to a more vibrant, connected community.
Jennifer Jovanovski
Chief Executive Officer
John McGivney Children’s Centre
Graduated from the Nursing program, representing the School of Nursing.
As CEO of the John McGivney Children's Centre, Jennifer Jovanovski leads an organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and helping them reach their full potential. In her role, she focuses on strategy, innovation, and growth, ensuring the centre continues to deliver exceptional care while empowering staff and clinicians to do their best work. For her, the impact is deeply personal – celebrating each child's progress, whether big or small, is what makes the work so meaningful.
A 1998 graduate of St. Clair College's Nursing program, Jovanovski built her career through hands-on experience and continuous learning, including executive leadership training through the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. Her career spans obstetrics, youth services, mental health, and healthcare leadership, including developing a telemedicine crisis program that improved access for youth in rural communities.
She joined the John McGivney Children's Centre in 2022 as Director of Client Services and became CEO in 2023. Her journey reflects a consistent passion for supporting children and families.
Jovanovski credits her College experience for instilling a strong work ethic and initiative and believes the key to success is simple: never give up, stay open to opportunity, and keep learning.
Mark McGuire
Executive Director
Give and Go Sports Education
Graduated from the Business Administration program, representing the Zekelman School of Business and IT.
Mark McGuire is the Executive Director of Give and Go Sports Education, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children in sport. Since its founding in 2018, Mark has been a leading advocate for a ‘seasonal multisport participation' model – encouraging young people to experience a variety of sports, prioritize development over competition, and build lifelong skills through positive, balanced engagement.
A graduate of St. Clair College's Business Administration program, Mark's lifelong connection to sport began as a multi-sport athlete and continued through a distinguished hockey career that included time with the Saints Hockey team and a career in Europe, followed by decades of coaching, mentorship, and leadership development. He later built a successful career in sales and consulting, while remaining deeply committed to youth development through sport.
Through Give and Go, Mark has helped bring national attention to the risks of early sport specialization, including increased injury, burnout, and reduced overall well-being. His work includes the creation of an impactful documentary and accredited training programs recognized by the Coaching Association of Canada, supporting coaches and organizations across the country.
Mark is being recognized for his passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating healthier, more inclusive sport environments – ensuring that, above all, kids get to be kids.
Jenn Pestrin
Executive Director
Community Living Windsor
Graduated from the Developmental Services Worker program, representing the School of Community Studies.
Jenn Pestrin is the Executive Director of Community Living Windsor, where she leads an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in living meaningful, self-directed lives. With more than 30 years of service, she began her career as a direct support professional and has since grown through every level of the organization, bringing deep experience, compassion, and leadership to her role.
A graduate of the Developmental Services Worker program at St. Clair College's Chatham Campus, Jenn credits her education and early field experiences with shaping her lifelong commitment to advocacy. Witnessing the realities of institutional care early in her career inspired her to champion dignity, inclusion, and community-based living – values that continue to guide her work today.
Jenn has played a key role in supporting the transition away from institutional care, helping individuals reconnect with their communities and live fuller lives. She is a strong believer in speaking up, empowering others, and creating environments where everyone feels valued and supported.
In addition to her professional work, Jenn has given back through her involvement with the board for Children First, an organization which supported her own family.
She's being recognized for her compassionate leadership and unwavering lifelong dedication to inclusion and advocacy.
Nic White
Owner/Chief Operations Officer
Handy Bros. Home Comfort
Graduated from the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) program, representing the School of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships.
Nic White is co-owner of Handy Bros. Home Comfort, a third-generation HVAC company that has grown into a leading service provider across Southwestern Ontario. A graduate of the HVAC program at St. Clair College, Nic began his journey in the skilled trades with determination, quickly distinguishing himself through his unrelenting work ethic, technical ability, and commitment to excellence.
In his mid-20s, Nic and his brother seized the opportunity to take over Handy Bros., transforming it from a small local operation in Blenheim into a thriving, innovative business known for exceptional quality and customer care. Under their leadership, the company has expanded its reach across Southwestern Ontario, built a strong reputation for precision installations, and developed in-house training programs to mentor the next generation of trades professionals.
Enthusiastic about giving back, Nic also supports community initiatives through the Handy Bros. Heroes Foundation, which contributes to local projects and supports families in need.
Nic is being recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and dedication to elevating the skilled trades – serving as an inspiring example of what hard work, perseverance, and passion can achieve.