Instructors in the Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law (GDipICL) are frequently also dynamic members of their community. Among her many achievements, Rochelle Ivri – one of only eight Citizenship Judges in Canada, and an adjunct GDipICL professor who teaches Citizenship, as well as Ethics and Responsibility – was awarded a LEADHER award on March 8. The award “honours and celebrates the extraordinary achievements of women (and allies) who are breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and making a profound impact in their respective fields.”  

“This award is a wonderful affirmation of the work that I have done and continue to do to uplift others, advocate for the voiceless, and educate future generations of thought leaders and justice advocates,” Judge Ivri said. “I am in the company of so many amazing, awe-inspiring recipients and I am grateful to all who have been of part of my journey thus far.”

As the LEADHER awards team wrote of Judge Ivri’s Legacy Builder award: "We are deeply honoured to recognize Judge Rochelle Ivri at the 2025 LEADHER Awards, presented by the Royal Bank of Canada.  

In addition to her role as a Citizenship Judge, Judge Ivri is an adjunct faculty member at Queen's University Law School and is the co-author of the textbook Tribunal Practice and Procedure (Emond Publishing). Her academic background in Criminology from the University of Windsor and Alternative Dispute Resolution from York University reflects her deep commitment to justice and the law. 

Judge Ivri's influence extends beyond the classroom. She has served on various boards and committees, including the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library Board and the Council of the College of Midwives of Ontario. Her dedication to community engagement has earned her numerous accolades, including the Women Who Rocks Award (2019), the Leading Women, Leading Girls, Building Community Award (2020), and Lincoln Alexander Award from the Law Society of Ontario (2021).  

Her remarkable achievements include being named one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women (2022), and Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch (2022), along with receiving the Community Impact Award from the Women in Niagara Council (2023). Recently, she was named one of Canada's Most Influential Black Canadians (2023-2024) and received the Black Diamond Award and Harriet Thornhill Leadership Award.  

Judge Ivri's unwavering commitment to human rights and active citizenship inspires other to contribute to thriving, diverse communities. Her passion for justice, her leadership, and her advocacy continue to impact lives across Canada.  

We are beyond proud to honour Judge Rochelle Ivri at the 2025 LEADHER Awards, where her legacy of service, justice, and community will be celebrated by all."    

"We’re honoured to see such deserving recognition of Judge Ivri from LEADHER,” says GDipICL Academic Director Sharry Aiken. “Rochelle is a beacon to our students in the program, and it’s wonderful to see her recognized with this national award.”  

For more information on the RBC LEADHER awards, please visit https://www.leadherawards.com/