All Campuses Archives - Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends /alumniandfriends/tag/all-campuses/ Meet, stay connected and get involved Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:08:32 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Theatre alumna earns recognition for Black-led storytelling  /alumniandfriends/2026/02/theatre-alumna-earns-recognition-for-black-led-storytelling/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:57:41 +0000 /alumniandfriends/?p=33718 Growing up, Asha James (BFA ’18) always had a deep interest in the arts, but it wasn’t until she joined musicals in high school that she would discover that the stage was where she felt most at home. As Asha entered the acting industry, she was determined to find stories and cast members that reflected her community. It was this desire that would lead her to land a role in Obsidian Theatre’s FLEX, a project that would shape her career.  “I […]

The post Theatre alumna earns recognition for Black-led storytelling  appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>

Growing up, Asha James (BFA ’18) always had a deep interest in the arts, but it wasn’t until she joined musicals in high school that she would discover that the stage was where she felt most at home. As Asha entered the acting industry, she was determined to find stories and cast members that reflected her community. It was this desire that would lead her to land a role in Obsidian Theatre’s FLEX, a project that would shape her career. 

“I did a general audition for Obsidian before FLEX and they asked me what I was interested in, and I said I really want to work with Black people on a Black show,” says Asha. “Being able to book that and work on a Black show with an all-Black cast of amazing human beings was just such a great experience for me.” 

Taking on this role would mark a pivotal moment in Asha’s career as it would lead to winning her first Dora award, Canada’s most prestigious celebration of excellence on Toronto stages. 

“I had a summer gig when I was at York as a waterfront singing ambassador and we were invited to sing outside of the Doras,” says Asha. “So, to go from that to now being inside the Doras and winning an award for FLEX, which meant so much to me, was definitely the height of my career,” says Asha. 

However, it was Asha’s role as a swing for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Mirvish Theatre where she truly gained insight into the theatre world.   

“You don’t just go up on stage and do something. There are so many different elements and pieces involved. Getting to experience that has been great,” says Asha. “I know a bit more on what is going on in theatre in terms of politics, management and a sense of everything the theatre includes.” 

Asha credits her time at York for building the foundation and providing the tools to prepare her for a career in the performing arts. 

“York really helped put down a good foundation for me,” says Asha. “It helped me learn how to break down a script, giving me tools for that and tips for the actual acting element.”  

She also recognizes the female instructors she worked with at the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design for helping her hone her craft and refine her skills as an actor.  

“I have a deep appreciation for the female instructors that I had, specifically Erika Batdorf [Associate Professor, Theatre],” says Asha. “I did her workshop, which really helped me as an actor, just finding another layer of depth in my performances and being able to tap into different states.” 

Reflecting on her purpose as an actor, Asha explains what she hopes the audience takes away from her work. 

“I want people that see my work to feel connected to my character in some way,” says Asha. “I want to leave them walking away feeling something and feeling like that was real, I could connect with that, or I see someone in that.” 

The post Theatre alumna earns recognition for Black-led storytelling  appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
첥Ƶ Black Alumni Network /alumniandfriends/york-university-black-alumni-network/ Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:46:43 +0000 /alumniandfriends/?page_id=24349 YUBAN (첥Ƶ Black Alumni Network) was created with a variety of goals in mind, many of them focused on providing guidance, mentorship and networking opportunities to Black alumni and students at all career and academic stages. In addition, YUBAN seeks to celebrate the legacy, contributions, and accomplishments of York’s Black alumni and students, while […]

The post 첥Ƶ Black Alumni Network appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
YUBAN (첥Ƶ Black Alumni Network) was created with a variety of goals in mind, many of them focused on providing guidance, mentorship and networking opportunities to Black alumni and students at all career and academic stages. In addition, YUBAN seeks to celebrate the legacy, contributions, and accomplishments of York’s Black alumni and students, while also engaging the community-at-large through relevant programming.  

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved with YUBAN or want to hear more about their upcoming initiatives, please contact Yasmine Mensah, Alumni Engagement Officer, at mensahy@yorku.ca.  

Meet the 2024-2026 Executive Team

Fikayo Aderoju

Chair
BA ’22

Fikayo Aderoju is an award-winning entrepreneur that has reached over 10 million individuals on various media platforms. He is the CEO of the Born For Greatness (BFG) Group and founder of Project Impacting Lives, the largest youth-led care product distributor in Canadian history. With an admirable dedication, the initiative has successfully distributed over 10,000 care products across Ontario to individuals in need. Additionally, Fikayo serves as the Executive Chairman of 첥Ƶ’s Black Alumni Network, contributing significantly to the university's community and empowerment initiatives.

Joannes Paulus Yimbesalu

Vice-Chair
MLCE ’19

Joannes is a seasoned youth development expert with over a decade of experience in international development, primarily focusing on empowering African youths with a mission to ensure that youths have access to quality education and skills necessary to drive economic growth and innovation. Joannes currently serves as Chief Executive Officer for Africa Skills Alliance, a Think Tank focused on democratizing data around workforce development in Africa to ensure that the African workforce is well-equipped with the skills required for current and future job opportunities. His diverse career spans multiple countries, involving collaborations with governments, private sector, development organizations, and youths. Joannes' keen interest is in advocacy, and policy, particularly in education, gender equality, adolescent development, innovation, employability, entrepreneurship, and mental health. With a strong academic background in Leadership and Community Engagement, Joannes brings a unique perspective to addressing global challenges with local solutions. While serving as lead for Generation Unlimited, a public-private-youth-partnership with the United Nations, he played a pivotal role in supporting global initiatives which provided millions of youths with essential skills and employment opportunities. Joannes is recipient of several international awards including the A.D. King Foundation Award and Queen Elizabeth II Young Leaders Award for his leadership and tech innovation contributions. Joannes is a published author, bilingual in English and French, engages in volunteer work, and serves on multiple organizational boards.

Aishah Imran

Career & Mentorship Coordinator
BPA ’22

Meet Aishah, our dynamic Career and Mentorship Coordinator at YUBAN. With a background in economics and public policy, Aishah brings a wealth of expertise and passion for driving positive change. Currently works as a Fraud Analyst and has experience in student advising at prestigious institutions, Aishah is dedicated to empowering young professionals through mentorship and career guidance. With a proven track record of leadership and collaborative problem-solving, she is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for YUBAN members as they navigate their career journeys.

Kobe Cargill

Student Liaison
BSc ’23

Meet Kobe, a recent graduate of 첥Ƶ's specialized honors program in Actuarial Science. During his time at 첥Ƶ, he was a member of the 첥Ƶnited Black Students Alliance (YUBSA), United Caribbean Islands (UCI), Actuarial Students Association (ASA), and volunteered as a Science Student Ambassador and held a work/study position as a Student Success Mentor Lead with the Black Excellence 첥Ƶ (BEYU) program. Kobe spends his free time career searching and exploring fitness and exercise science as a certified personal trainer.

Victoria Medley-Parkins

Membership & Volunteer Coordinator
BA ’20

Currently working as a Residence Life Area Coordinator who directly supports the wellbeing, safety, and programming of first year university students. Victoria makes it her mission to intentionally develop programming that uplifts black and racialized students. Within her role in YUBAN, Victoria looks forward to revamping our membership and providing more opportunities for networking amongst alumni and engaging the graduating classes of future alumni.


Amuna Baraka-Clarke

MPPAL ’18

Amuna is passionate about access. She has almost three decades of experience working in the areas of homelessness, education, social justice, legal advocacy and policy. She works as a Senior Human Resources Leader in Community Healthcare and is an active volunteer across many communities. She has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and English Literature and a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Administration and Law. 

Michael Eubanks

BA ’93

Michael Eubanks is Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of goeasy Ltd. 

Michael leverages more than 30 years of diverse experience across the retail, financial services and digital and information technology sectors in both Canada and the U.S. As a leader in enterprise strategic planning, he specializes in implementing complex technology changes to meet shifting business models for public and private companies. 

A believer of strong leadership at every level, Michael is passionate about identifying and mentoring the next generation of leaders. 

Before Michael’s appointment at goeasy in 2020, he was Chief Information Officer at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). He has also held senior technology management roles at Canadian Tire Corporation and Best Buy International. 

Michael is a graduate of 첥Ƶ (BA) and has completed the Institute Corporate Director’s Program Certification from the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto.  

Michael is currently a board member and Chair of the Human Resources Committee for Toronto Hydro Corporation, as well as a board member of the University of Waterloo and 첥Ƶ’s Black Alumni Network (YUBAN). 

Queen Nkpubre  

BSc ’12

Queen Nkpubre is a Marketing and Communication Specialist with an affinity for Science based communication following an educational background in Chemistry and Forensic Science. In 2015, she was the co-recipient of the 1st place award at the Scottish Forensic Students Symposium. She grew up in Nigeria and currently resides in Canada where despite the cold weather, she is often sighted with a cup of ice cream. She has a passion for fitness & wellness, literacy skills and girl power. She enjoys reading. 

Randy Yeboah 

BA ’10, MA ’12

Randy Yeboah is an award recognized leader in the areas of emergency management and business continuity. He is currently the Director of Business Continuity and Resilience with the Toronto Transit Commission, North America’s third largest transit system. His career spans over a decade and includes roles in public safety, public health, and utility spaces. Randy possesses a Master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management (2020), an undergraduate degree in International Development (2010), and several industry certifications and designations. He is passionate about minimizing the impacts of emergencies on organizations and the communities they are rooted in. 

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Reni-Headshot-e1674830585118.png

Reni Odetoyinbo

BBA ’18

Reni Odetoyinbo is a content creator, marketing consultant, and finance enthusiast based in Toronto, Canada. On her YouTube channel, 'xoreni', she shares resources about career development, lifestyle, and financial literacy. Reni is a graduate of 첥Ƶ's Schulich School of Business, class of 2018, and worked in Wealth Management at the Bank of Montreal subsequently.   

The post 첥Ƶ Black Alumni Network appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
... /alumniandfriends/qrconnect/ Wed, 01 Jun 2022 20:39:54 +0000 /alumniandfriends/?page_id=22934 Alumni Perks App Access exclusive alumni discounts on entertainment, travel and insurance, and enter sweepstakes all from your mobile device. Update your contact information Update or change your information and communications preferences so we know how and when to reach out to you.

The post ... appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>

Access exclusive alumni discounts on entertainment, travel and insurance, and enter sweepstakes all from your mobile device.

Two students wearing facemasks walk down the path in front of Vari Hall

Update your contact information

Update or change your information and communications preferences so we know how and when to reach out to you.

The post ... appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
Supporting students in times of crisis /alumniandfriends/2022/04/supporting-students-in-times-of-crisis/ Wed, 27 Apr 2022 15:44:52 +0000 /alumniandfriends/?p=22661 첥Ƶ is launching a fundraising campaign to establish the York Emergency Student Support Fund, which will provide essential financial support to those impacted by global conflicts and crises. 첥Ƶ is an exceptionally diverse community, with students and scholars from around the world. Consequently, current and prospective members of the university community may be […]

The post Supporting students in times of crisis appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
Three York students walking past the subway station on campus

첥Ƶ is launching a fundraising campaign to establish the York Emergency Student Support Fund, which will provide essential financial support to those impacted by global conflicts and crises.

첥Ƶ is an exceptionally diverse community, with students and scholars from around the world. Consequently, current and prospective members of the university community may be impacted by global conflicts and crises in several ways, including but not limited to involuntary displacement, destruction of homes, and loss of work.

With this in mind, York is launching a fundraising campaign to establish the York Emergency Student Support Fund, which will provide essential financial support to those impacted by global conflicts and crises.

“York is a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment that delivers superior student support and services,” says Susana Gajic-Bruyea, Vice-President Advancement. “When situations arise that put students at risk or in any kind of jeopardy, York endeavours to support them in many ways, including financially. Our goal with this fund is to enhance the financial support available to students when they need it most.”

The fund will help support students affected by conflicts, such as the ones currently happening in Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria, natural disasters, and other geopolitical events and crises. Specific criteria will be available once the fund is established.

“The York Emergency Student Support Fund will provide essential support to these students on an as-needed basis,” says Gajic-Bruyea. “With the support of donors, the fund will help ensure the most at-risk and affected students can pursue or continue their education safely and with much-needed financial support.”

To learn more about the fund or to make a donation, visit the web page.

Existing supports remain in place for students affected by international crises, including but not limited to:

  • Financial Supports: including ;
  • Mental Health Supports: York's  office has counsellors and group supports available for students seeking mental health resources. For support in the evenings, on weekends, or anytime, all York students have access to , a free 24/7 service that offers online resources and supports as well as a phone line to connect to a mental health professional in their region;
  • Academic Advising:  are available to answer student questions about courses, exam deferrals, leaves of absence (e.g. for supporting family, health reasons, etc.), or anything related to their study; and
  • Visa and Immigration:  are available to help answer immigration, visa, and study permit–related questions.

The post Supporting students in times of crisis appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
첥Ƶ Frames /alumniandfriends/benefit/frames/ Fri, 01 Apr 2022 03:30:00 +0000 https://alumniandfriends.yorku.ca/?page_id=14710 Show off your hard-earned diploma, grad portrait and class composite photo in official, custom-made 첥Ƶ frames, available through the 첥Ƶ Bookstore located at York Lanes or online.

The post 첥Ƶ Frames appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>

Show off your hard-earned diploma, grad portrait and class composite photo in official, custom-made 첥Ƶ frames, available through the 첥Ƶ Bookstore located at York Lanes or online.


The post 첥Ƶ Frames appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
Mid-Career Conversations /alumniandfriends/mid-career-conversations/ Wed, 06 Oct 2021 15:26:14 +0000 /alumniandfriends/?page_id=20640 A virtual series, Mid-Career Conversations was created for alumni to connect and hear the insights and experiences of other mid-career professionals. Each event features a Mid-career alumni guest speaker sharing their own journey and highlights from their career. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and join virtual breakout rooms to discuss your own […]

The post Mid-Career Conversations appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>

A virtual series, Mid-Career Conversations was created for alumni to connect and hear the insights and experiences of other mid-career professionals.

Each event features a Mid-career alumni guest speaker sharing their own journey and highlights from their career. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and join virtual breakout rooms to discuss your own unique journey, key learnings and ambitions with fellow York alumni. 

Tickets are complimentary but registration is required. You can register now by using the buttons below for each session. We'll send you a reminder closer to the event date.


Check out past sessions on


Previous Sessions

Natalia Kaplan

Alumni Speaker: Natalia Kaplan (MACC ‘15)

We celebrate pivots once they succeed, but we call them failures while they’re happening. In this session, Natalia Kaplan explores how the words we use to describe our careers shape how we experience challenges and how others see us. Drawing from her own nonlinear path, she shares how the way we frame what we go through can influence confidence, opportunity, and direction, and how to balance being honest about difficult moments while still shaping the story we tell. 

Speaker: Sonia Sheechoria, 첥Ƶ Alumni Career Coach

Negotiating your salary or asking for a raise is not about luck; it is about strategy. You have the skills, delivered results and added value. It's time to make sure your compensation reflects it. This session will show you how to assess your worth and approach salary conversations with confidence. Whether you are preparing for a new offer or planning to ask for a raise, you will gain practical tools to help you advocate for your value and achieve your earning potential.

Storyteller: Delisa Abraham (BA ’20) CEO, 3CL Communications and Co-Founder Faith & Sparkles World

When machines can write our words and predict our choices, what makes a leader truly stand out? Uncopyable human code is a thought-provoking exploration of how trust, empathy and purpose, have become the new leadership code. In an age where algorithms can mimic intelligence and authenticity feels increasingly rare, the leaders who rise are those who lead with humanity.

Storyteller: Jackie Staub (BA '01), Retail & Brand Strategy Leader, Executive Positions at L’Oréal, Coty and Estée Lauder

This talk will explore how confidence becomes essential even when feeling out of place. Drawing on stories from brand leadership, moments of creative divergence and decision‑making moments under pressure, the speaker will share practical lessons on showing up authentically, navigating pushback and finding the strength to stand by what you believe in.

Storyteller: Sonia Sheechoria (BHRM ’15, MLCE ’19)

Sonia Sheechoria is a proud two-time alumna. She holds an undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management and a graduate degree in Leadership and Community Engagement and has worked in executive recruitment roles throughout Canada and the U.S.

Whether you’re exploring your next step or aiming to level up in your career, your resume is one of the most powerful tools in your job search. In today’s hyper-competitive job market, even small tweaks can make a big difference.

Storyteller: Klaudia Zinaty (BA/BEd ‘95)

Klaudia Zinaty is a visionary leader, entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment. She has led a transformative movement dedicated to amplifying women’s voices and creating opportunities for success, collaboration and growth.

This conversation is designed to inspire and empower you to take charge of your legacy now—whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, student, or changemaker. You’ll walk away not only with a deeper understanding of your impact but with tangible strategies to bring your purpose to life.

Storyteller: Jamie Read (BA ’03)

In this inspiring session, Jamie Read (BA ’03) will dive into the art of making bold decisions, embracing uncertainty and leveraging perspective to create lasting impact. As a visionary leader, Jamie has redefined the traditional agency model by curating diverse, high-performing teams of global experts to deliver flexible, impactful solutions for businesses. His journey exemplifies the courage and innovation needed to break boundaries and inspire others to do the same.

You will learn:

• Practical strategies for assessing risks and opportunities.
• How to harness diverse perspectives to navigate uncertainty.
• The power of taking calculated leaps in career and entrepreneurship.

Storyteller: Dolly Shao (MBA ’11)

Effective networking is an essential skill whether you are a working professional aiming to advance your career or a business owner seeking a partner. Dolly Shao will share her experience and proven tactics on how to initiate engaging conversations and build lasting relationships to help you thrive in any setting. You will walk away with a fresh perspective and eagerness to expand your network as you kick off 2025.

Dolly Shao brings over 20 years of experience in empowering brands across China and Canada. Her expertise in multicultural marketing has enable her prestigious clients to forge authentic connections with Asian markets. Dolly has overseen branding and marketing in China for the Schulich Executive Education Centre and nurtured partnerships for the Centre for Career Design at Schulich.

Storyteller: Keith Loo (MBA ’12)

Whether you're an entrepreneur, aspiring business leader, or simply curious about making a bold career move, this conversation will provide insight on navigating the balance between a thriving enterprise career and the unpredictable, often challenging, world of startups. Storyteller, Keith Loo (MBA ’12) will dive into the leap he took launching Skinopathy, a company in a sector completely new to him—one that has since been recognized as one of Canada's top startups.

Storyteller: Monika Monga (MHRM ’14)

Changing careers during your professional journey can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for a change or a newcomer to Canada, having the right strategy is key to achieving success.

Join us for an insightful presentation led by Monika Monga, an experienced career coach with a diverse background in both the public and private sectors. Monika specializes in guiding professionals through the job search process, including résumé and cover letter reviews, interview preparation and networking best practices.

Storyteller: Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva (MA '09)

Discover key strategies and actionable tips to optimize your LinkedIn profile and engage with your audience authentically. In this session, Dr. Sachdeva will explore tangible ways to elevate your online presence and leverage LinkedIn's potential for career growth. 

Nidhi Sachdeva is an evidence-informed learning designer, post-secondary educator, researcher, and an educational technology specialist. With more than 15 years of experience developing and facilitating learning content for both face-to-face and online courses, Nidhi is extremely passionate about integrating the science of learning in her pedagogical practice. Nidhi is currently teaching graduate level courses (Science of Learning) at OISE.

Storyteller: D'Arcy Cameron (BA ’86), Career Coach at D’Arcy Cameron Coaching

Are you a middle manager trying to stay relevant and grow your career while navigating platforms and the latest technologies? Listen to Mélissa Romulus Lisanti talk about what it takes to showcase your leadership and create a successful client and people experience in a rapidly changing world of technology and GenAI.

Mélissa Romulus Lisanti is a highly accomplished professional with over 18 years of experience leading complex business and digital transformations.

Storyteller: D'Arcy Cameron (BA ’86), Career Coach at D’Arcy Cameron Coaching

Executive presence is a hot topic among those aspiring to move up in their organizations, but what is it, really?  If you are waiting to acquire executive presence upon reaching a leadership or management role, you are missing out. There is an executive presence in all of us, and this presentation will explain what it is, where it originates and how you can use it to help yourself and others be more effective.

Listen to D'Arcy as he shares stories and lessons learned from his experience as a human resource professional and executive coach. He will also share his experience in assisting new executives in establishing their own executive presence and getting themselves up and running.

Storyteller: Keka DasGupta (BA ’97), Founder, Precision Marketing Group Inc., and Art of Life-ing

Listen to Keka DasGupta as she shares her personal journey from marketing several brands and businesses to marketing herself. Gain insights on how to effectively communicate your best self on social media, during interviews, and during career conversations at work.

Keka will also discuss strategies used by some of the most successful brands in the world, and how to apply global branding concepts to find success with your own brand/business.   An award-winning PR and marketing expert, Keka has worked with several world-renowned brands, including Nike, Disney, Mercedes-Benz, IKEA, Johnson & Johnson and American Express.

Storyteller: Samir Mourani (BA ’14)

Listen to Samir Mourani as he tells his story of landing what he thought was his "perfect job" only to find true happiness came through following his passions. Samir Mourani is a serial entrepreneur, host and producer of the internationally acclaimed Gent's Talk podcast. Samir is also the Editor of Gent's Post, a premier men's lifestyle publication and a mental wellness speaker and advocate.

Storyteller: Mark Miller (BBA ‘95)

Mark is a top innovation keynote speaker, author, and Chief Strategy Officer at Team One in Los Angeles. Mark’s thought leadership has been recognized in North America by many of the most significant honors in marketing and advertising, such as the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) David Ogilvy Awards for research excellence, the Jay Chiat Awards for strategic excellence, and the Effie Awards for marketing effectiveness.  

Storyteller: Nadine Spencer (BA ’94, BA ’04)

As the Chief Marketing Officer of BrandEQ Group, Nadine Spencer is responsible for creating innovative marketing strategies that will build clients brand, leading to increased awareness, revenue, relevance and respect among their target audience. Nadine’s skills in communication and leadership skills, with proven success in traditional and innovative campaigns across the broad spectrum of today’s marketing channels help grow clients business.  Spencer has earned a reputation as an experienced and skilled professional who accelerates strategic growth and brand visibility for leading global non-profit and corporate organizations. She specializes in global corporate branding, and through the use of cause campaigns has expanded market growth and increased revenues significantly for various multi-national enterprises.  

Storyteller: Julia M. Satov (BA ’11, MEd ’14) 

Julia is a diversity & inclusion leader with proven skills to mobilize companies toward equitable practices. She is an internationally published author with extensive experience in Learning, Diversity & Inclusion, Culture Building, Executive & Leadership Development, Employee Engagement and Organizational Excellence. Her career, in both the private and public sectors, spans the industries of academia, legal, finance and tech. A national award winner for Outstanding Achievement in Organizational Development and most recently a finalist for Ally of the Year 2020 Women in Tech, she taught business executives at the University of the West Indies on Leadership Agility and was the Keynote for Insights U.S. National Diversity Sophomore Summit on Diversity as Competitive Intelligence in 2021. She is currently the Global Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Litera.

Storyteller: Brandon Hay (MES ’16)

At the age of 24, Brandon Hay, founder of the Black Daddies Club (BDC), discovered he was about to become a dad for the first time. Being raised by a single mother and without the presence of a consistent father figure, he was filled with anxiety and fear about his own ability to be a great father. Knowing of other men in his situation, he believed that a forum where they could share ideas, struggles and victories seemed like it could be an effective network for support. Thus, in 2007, Hay founded BDC in response to the isolation he felt as a new Black father as well as to the lack of forums and spaces for Black men to discuss parenting issues and concerns facing the Black community as a whole. The main goals of the organization are to change the image of the “absent Black father” that is prevalent in the media and to assist young Black men to become better fathers. In so doing, BDC aims to support Black children, families and the larger community.  

Learn more:

Storyteller: Christa Dickenson (MFA ’93)

Christa Dickenson is the Executive Director & CEO of Telefilm Canada. She has over three decades of experience spanning broadcast television, technology, telecommunications and interactive digital media, having worked at CTV, CPAC, Rogers and Interactive Ontario. Ms. Dickenson possesses an un-paralleled talent for change management coupled with a strong business acumen. With brand advocacy expertise honed over many years, she is a highly effective screen-based industries advocate and spokesperson. In addition to a professional background spanning both the creative and business sides of the broadcast, technology, telecommunications and interactive digital media industries, Ms. Dickenson has a BAH and Masters of Fine Arts in Film Studies.  

Storyteller: Michelle Dagnino (BA 02, MA 03, LLB 06)

Michelle is currently the Executive Director of the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre, a social services agency in West Toronto, dedicated to supporting the local community through service delivery and resident capacity-building. Prior to this, Michelle held positions as the Canada Director for Ashoka’s Youth Venture, Executive Director of Youth Action Network, and was in private practice with one of Canada’s leading labour and human rights law firms. Michelle is the recipient of the YWCA Young Woman of Distinction award, and was named by The Globe and Mail and the Women's Executive Network as one of Canada's Top 100: Most Powerful Women. The Toronto Star called her "a woman to buoy the soul" and Maclean’s magazine named her one of Canada’s top 30 under 30. Michelle works with Lura Consulting as a Senior Engagement Consultant on neighborhood impact and strategic change initiatives.

The post Mid-Career Conversations appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
The 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards /alumniandfriends/connect/events/yorku-alumni-awards/ Mon, 30 Aug 2021 20:27:33 +0000 /alumniandfriends/?page_id=20066 Each year, the 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved the extraordinary and are working to right the future by creating positive change in their fields. The Awards celebrate the broad York alumni community of innovators, activists, and researchers and its long-standing commitment to the public good. The tradition of recognizing their contributions […]

The post The 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>

Each year, the 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved the extraordinary and are working to right the future by creating positive change in their fields. The Awards celebrate the broad York alumni community of innovators, activists, and researchers and its long-standing commitment to the public good. The tradition of recognizing their contributions will continue at the 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards Show. If you have any questions about the Alumni Awards Show, please contact Rose Lucibello, Manager, Advancement Events at crocitto@yorku.ca. If you have any questions about the nominations process or recipients, please contact Nicole Light, Manager, Alumni Success at nlight@yorku.ca.

View previous Alumni Awards recipients here.

The 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards Categories

AWARDDESCRIPTION
Outstanding Contribution An alum who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of York and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.
Outstanding Achievement An alum who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students. 
Tentanda ViaAn alum who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional and daring leadership and success, reflecting the university’s motto, “The way must be tried.” 
One to WatchAn alum who has made a significant impact in their field and/or community within 15 years of a bachelor’s degree or 10 years of a professional/graduate degree.
Excellence in
Entrepreneurship
An alum who has excelled in entrepreneurship that has led to positive change in their field or the community. 

Bruce Bryden

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding York leader

The 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards were inspired by Bruce Bryden who was an exceptionally committed and influential leader at 첥Ƶ for many years. He was a member of our first undergraduate class, was the founding president of the 첥Ƶ Alumni Association (now the 첥Ƶ Alumni Board/YUAB) and was a member of the 첥Ƶ Board of Governors.

The 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.

The post The 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
Awards and Recognition /alumniandfriends/connect/awards-and-recognition/ Mon, 29 Mar 2021 12:12:49 +0000 /alumniandfriends/?page_id=18769 첥Ƶ offers a number of annual alumni awards to recognize alumni and other members of the York community who are addressing complex global challenges to create positive change in the local and global communities they serve. Learn more about York's alumni awards, their past recipients and how to nominate someone. Top 30 Alumni Under […]

The post Awards and Recognition appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
첥Ƶ offers a number of annual alumni awards to recognize alumni and other members of the York community who are addressing complex global challenges to create positive change in the local and global communities they serve.

Learn more about York's alumni awards, their past recipients and how to nominate someone.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30

첥Ƶ’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program celebrates inspiring and diverse alumni, 29 years old and younger, who are making a positive and impactful difference —both locally and abroad. From Toronto to communities around the world, York’s young alumni are pushing the boundaries across sectors and borders. They are leaders, actively working to create meaningful change within their businesses, organizations and communities. 

The 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards

The 첥Ƶ Alumni Awards are presented to alumni who have made remarkable contributions to their fields, their communities and to York. These honours are inspired by Bruce Bryden’s exceptional history, and each year’s recipients reflect the highest levels of service and impact.

Alumni Awards and Scholarships

Every year, the 첥Ƶ Alumni Board recognizes four distinguished York students for their academic excellence and student leadership for scholarships including the Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship, the Alumni Golden GRADitude Award and the Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship.

Order of Canada medal

Alumni nominated for external awards

Stay up to date with the latest alumni news to learn about alumni who have received or been shortlisted for external awards including the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario.

The post Awards and Recognition appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
GRADitude Series - Past Events /alumniandfriends/connect/events/graditude-series/ Thu, 17 Dec 2020 18:27:56 +0000 /alumniandfriends/?page_id=17883 The GRADitude program takes place every year to honour our graduating class. It takes this time to celebrate student achievements and provide graduating students with the opportunity to connect with inspiring alumni. This reformatted virtual GRADitude program features subjects led by alumni speakers to help new grads with next steps in their career journey. These […]

The post GRADitude Series - Past Events appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>

The GRADitude program takes place every year to honour our graduating class. It takes this time to celebrate student achievements and provide graduating students with the opportunity to connect with inspiring alumni.

This reformatted virtual GRADitude program features subjects led by alumni speakers to help new grads with next steps in their career journey. These sessions help to hone virtual networking skills, plan career steps, while bringing new grads’ authentic selves into their future.

Stay tuned for our next season. Watch previous sessions below.

2022 Series

Alumni panelists discuss how young alumni and students can network and build relationships virtually to support their career goals. Hosted by alumni engagement officer Joanne Huy (BES ’15), panelists include Amirarsalan Rahimian (BSc ’21), Paniz Ghazanfari (BSc ’15, JD ’20), and Kevin Cao (BHRM ’17).

Thinking about investing but not sure how to get started? In this session hosted by 첥Ƶ alumnus Alamgir Khandwala (BAS '17), alumnus Fahad Rana (BA '17) covers range of topics for beginners, including how to invest and what vehicle to invest in (TFSA/RRSP, etc.), and insight on where to focus your money when starting out (stocks, index funds, ETFs, etc.).

2021 Series

Interested in learning how to make the most of your money? Hear from two industry experts (and York alumni) on a range of financial literacy topics, including budgeting, credit and investing. Designed for new and recent grads, hosts Michele Da Silva (BHRM ’07) and Stefania Giorgio (BA ’04) provide a thorough foundation on personal finance topics and empower attendees to make their own financial decisions.

Thinking about grad school or simply curious about your options? Hear from 첥Ƶ alumni who’ve experienced grad school and how it helped them launch their careers. Alumni share their candid experiences as grad students, why they decided to enroll in a master’s program, what they wished they knew before beginning their studies, and share tips on how to prepare an effective graduate school application. With host Mark Hayward, Associate Dean Academic, Faculty of Graduate Studies, panelists include alumni Jason Robinson (BA ’17, MES ’19), Harwinder Singh (BAS ’14, BHRM ’16, MHRM ’19), Sarah Thompson (MDEM ’16), and Rana Nasrazadani (BA ’20, MPPAL candidate).

Are you thinking about buying your first home or interested in the home buying process? Watch this session to hear from industry experts and York alumni Michele Da Silva (BHRM ’07) and Stefania Giorgio (BA ’04) on a range of topics, including the differences between renting and buying, how to prepare your finances to enter the market, mortgages and down payments, and protecting your home.

In this session, senior economist Ted Tsiakopoulos (BA ’94, MA ’96) outlines the economic challenges that young people face and shares the ways that Millennials and Gen Z can move closer to achieving their goals of renting or owning a home.

In this session, LA&PS alumna Darci Taylor, CHRL (BA ’97), CEO of HR Compass, illuminates how you can best prepare yourself for success as virtual interviews become the new normal. Darci’s presentation helps prepare you for the three phases of the virtual interview process.

Wondering how using LinkedIn effectively can enhance your job search? Presenter Surina Sohal (BA ’11) provides tips to create a strong profile, shows how recruiters use the website so you can stand out, and how to use LinkedIn features to help you build your brand and professional online presence.

Certified financial planner and York alumna Cindy Marques (BA ’12) explains how social media can impact your spending behaviors and what you can do to create better money habits. Viewers learn how to manage your cash flow and debt in a simple and stress-free way, and where to access financial literacy resources.

2020 Series

Featuring recruitment specialists and hiring managers from a variety of industries, this special alumni panel discusses ways new graduates can increase their chances of success when job hunting. Panelists discuss what companies and organizations look for in new talent, resume and interview tips, like how to interview well online, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected hiring practices.

Award-winning lawyer Tanya Walker (LLB ’05) and Associate Jordan Routliff (BFA’11, JD’18) of Walker Law demonstrate how utilizing good negotiation skills can get you a step closer to achieving success – and help you build better relationships. They discuss how to apply negotiations to personal and professional transactions, how negotiating can help you build stronger professional and personal relationships, and how to alter your negotiation approach during uncertain times.

Take ownership of your finances and your future by joining this session led by Money Matters Founder, Basia Pozin (BBA ’17). In this session, Basia helps York grads learn basic money management that will help lay the foundation for later life success. She shares tips related to budgeting and saving, how to build good credit history, and an introduction to investing.

첥Ƶ alumni panelists discuss how students can network digitally and make themselves stand out in an online world.

Alumnus Tuvia Borok shares his experience with authentic leadership, multi-faceted diversity, and re-defining heteronormative stereotypes.

Our alumni panelists share their experiences about their journey from graduation to how they got where they are today.

The post GRADitude Series - Past Events appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>
Update your contact information /alumniandfriends/update-contact-information/ Fri, 11 Sep 2020 19:33:25 +0000 /alumniandfriends/?page_id=16952 Reconnect and stay in touch If you’ve moved, changed jobs or simply changed your email, you might have missed out on news from us, including 첥Ƶ Alumni News. Please get back in touch – update or change your info and communications preferences so we know how and when to reach out to you. Or, if you […]

The post Update your contact information appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>

Reconnect and stay in touch

If you’ve moved, changed jobs or simply changed your email, you might have missed out on news from us, including 첥Ƶ Alumni News. Please get back in touch – update or change your info and communications preferences so we know how and when to reach out to you. Or, if you simply want to share what you've been up to since graduating -- maybe you've received a promotion or an award, published a book, started your own business –  and it could be featured in the Classes section in an upcoming issue of The 첥Ƶ Magazine.


Update your information

Notice of Collection:

The University respects your privacy. Personal information in connection with this form is collected under the authority of The 첥Ƶ Act, 1965 and will be used for the administration of the University’s Alumni Engagement and administrative activities. At all times, it will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you have any questions, please contact the University’s Alumni Engagement team at alumni@yorku.ca or 416-650-8159.

Questions? Comments?

For any questions or comments about updating your information and preferences, contact Alumni Engagement at alumni@yorku.ca or 416-650-8159.

The post Update your contact information appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

]]>