Toronto, ON – August 11, 2025 – Meridian Credit Union is proud to announce Anahat Chhatwal, Markham, Ontario, as the recipient of the 2025 Sean Jackson Scholarship Award.
The Sean Jackson Scholarship, launched in honour of Meridian’s former CEO and avid community leader, Sean Jackson, awards $10,000 to one Ontario high school student who demonstrates both academic excellence and an outstanding commitment to building stronger communities. Since its creation in 2015, Meridian has granted $100,000 to 10 Ontario high school, student scholarship winners. This year, we received 373 applications from purpose-driven students across the province, making the selection process highly competitive.
Anahat Chhatwal, an incoming student at the University of Toronto, has dedicated her early academic journey to making technology more accessible, ethical, and empowering. She founded EmpowerED, a youth-led initiative that helps girls and marginalized students thrive in STEM by blending coding with art, storytelling, and community building. Since launching the initiative in 2024, Anahat has led over 100 volunteers, launched 8 chapters across Ontario and 6 globally, and impacted more than 2,000 students.
“Technology should never be a barrier. It should be a bridge,” says Anahat. “Receiving this scholarship motivates me to continue building solutions that uplift voices, protect communities, and foster opportunities. I’m incredibly grateful to Meridian for recognizing and investing in youth who want to drive real-world change.”
In addition to her work with EmpowerED, Anahat has developed apps to support domestic violence survivors, led mental health campaigns reaching hundreds of students, and served on local action councils advocating for youth empowerment.
“Anahat represents the future of community-driven innovation,” said Nick Savelli, Senior Manager of Social Impact at Meridian. “Her commitment to equity, safety, and education aligns perfectly with the legacy of Sean Jackson. We are honoured to support her as she begins this next chapter.”
Meridian will award Anahat $10,000 to assist with her post-secondary education expenses. This scholarship is a testament to Meridian’s ongoing commitment to investing in the future of young leaders and strengthening the communities we serve. For more information, you can visit our website.
About Meridian
Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and one of the largest in Canada. Guided by our purpose, “helping you achieve your best life,” Meridian delivers personal, and wealth financial business solutions to over 380,000 Members. Our bold Meridian for Good strategy is aimed at helping people get access to the money and advice they need; plan for a better future that is clean, resilient, and diverse; and be financially confident. Meridian has one operating subsidiaries: Meridian OneCap Credit Corp (“MOCC”). For more information, please visit: meridiancu.ca
We acknowledge the land on which we operate is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
Media contact:
Erick Bauer, Meridian Credit Union
Media@meridiancu.ca; 416-587-4185