The Algoma University Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of an Algoma University Alumni who has reached a pinnacle of personal and professional achievement in their chosen field. The winner of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award is Meaghan Kent.
Meaghan completed her Honours Bachelor of Art, History & English (Cum Laude) in 2011. Following her time at Algoma University, Meaghan earned her Master of Arts in History from Western University in 2012. A firm believer that a degree in English and History has endless opportunities, Meaghan used the skills she learned at her post-secondary education to become a successful entrepreneur. It was her love for Art History that inspired her to pick up a camera and ultimately led her to become a self-taught photographer. Today, she owns Meaghan Kent Photography INC., one of the leading photography businesses in the Algoma region.
Meaghan completes 500-600 photo sessions annually, which take her all over Canada and across the globe. photographing couples and families taking part in tourist activities along Lake Superior. While photographing, Meaghan had the o This past year, Meaghan worked on her largest project to date for Algoma Country and Superior Country to highlight the 2SLGBTQ+ communities in the North,pportunity to discuss how to make the North safer and more attractive for 2SLGBTQ+ members, as well as what photographers can do to help make them feel safer.
Meaghan is a big believer in community over competition and is a mentor to other regional photographers. She has given many presentations on her work and on her trajectory to becoming an award-winning photographer. She also holds numerous fundraisers, including her most successful fundraiser for the Sault Area Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. To date, she has donated over $7,400 for the local NICU through various photo initiatives. Due to her love for history, she is also a proud supporter of the Canadian Armed Forces, and holds an annual free portrait initiative for past and present servicemen and women each Remembrance Day. She has photographed those who have served in World War II, the Korean War, the Iraq War, and both Afghanistan conflicts through this project of heart.
Meaghan has earned a number of accolades, including, but not limited to:
- Best Photographer by the Sault Star from 2019 – 2020
- Best Photographer by Community Votes in 2020 and 2022
- Three awards by Strive 2021 and 2022, including the (1) Arts, Culture, and Music Industry Award, (2) Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award, and (3) Leadership Award
- Photography featured in global publications Women’s World and Maclean’s
- Client base including David Suzuki’s Blue Dot Movement, Metro, and the equivalent of Finland’s Bachelor
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