Alumni Networks Archives - Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends

�첥��Ƶ community honours Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ graduates

mj112 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:53:30 +0000

Earlier this month, the �첥��Ƶ Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) and �첥��Ƶ Sexuality and Gender Advocacy (SAGA) Alumni Network held the third annual Black and Rainbow graduation celebrations. Graduates, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and allies gathered at Keele campus to celebrate and honour the achievements of the Class of 2025.

The graduating class of Black-identifying and 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying members were celebrated in a supportive and inclusive environment while providing the graduates with the opportunity to network with alumni.

Hosted by Zoey Wyeld (BFA ’16), Chair, Sexuality and Gender Advocacy Alumni Network, the Rainbow Grad Celebration included inspirational words by graduating student Freddie Wraight (BFA ‘25) and moments of nostalgia and reflection for alumni.

“It was a very reflective and poignant moment for me to have come back to York tonight as an alumni,” says Wasifa Noshin (BFA ’22). “It’s a privilege to get to sit amongst many fellow alumni and celebrate the graduates from 2025.”

Graduates from the class of 2025 were also acknowledged in a celebration ceremony to commemorate their hard work and dedication and highlight their success.

“The Black and Rainbow Grad Celebrations remind us of the power of community when we honour and recognize not only achievements, but identity and resilience in a space where Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ graduates are seen, celebrated and supported,” says Heather Auden, Director, Alumni Engagement.

The Black Grad Celebration was hosted by Fikayo Aderoju (BA ’22), Chair, �첥��Ƶ Black Alumni Network, a few days later and included powerful words by Professor Uzo Anucha (BSW, MSW ‘98), Assistant Vice President of Faculty Affairs at York, followed by an inspiring performance by Kayla Jones (BA ‘25), a fourth-year interdisciplinary Social Science student and �첥��Ƶ student ambassador.

“The third annual YUBAN Black Grad Celebration was truly a success. The energy in the room was electric, the stories were powerful, and the atmosphere was one of genuine celebration and pride,” says Fikayo. “The celebration was not just an event; it was a reflection of what is possible when community, commitment and culture align.”

The graduates also connected with the leaders of YUBAN, who welcomed them to the alumni community and shared words of encouragement.

“Getting feedback from the graduates on how happy they were to cross the stage made me happy that YUBAN is fulfilling its mandate to support graduating students from their last days at York to becoming successful alumni,” says Aisha Imran (BPA ‘22), Career and Mentorship Coordinator, YUBAN. “The success of the third annual Black Grad Celebration is a testament to the resilience and strength we get from working together and lifting one another up.”

If you are interested in learning more about YUBAN, SAGA or our other alumni networks, please reach out to Yasmine Mensah (BA ‘20), Alumni Engagement Officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.

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�첥��Ƶ Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) Awarded Network of the Year: Celebrating Excellence and Community Impact

sleizer — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:37:49 +0000

We’re thrilled to announce that the �첥��Ƶ Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) has been awarded Network of the Year! This prestigious recognition celebrates YUBAN’s unwavering commitment to creating a supportive community for �첥��Ƶ’s Black alumni and students. Through impactful events, mentorship programs, and career initiatives, YUBAN has encouraged connection, empowerment, and pride in Black identity, enriching the �첥��Ƶ community.

"This award is more than just recognition; it’s a celebration of the power of collaboration and shared vision within YUBAN. The network thrives because of the incredible energy and commitment of its members, who work tirelessly to support alumni in meaningful ways," says Ali Badruddin (BBA ‘09), Chair, Alumni Networks Committee on the �첥��Ƶ Alumni Board (YUAB).

A highlight of YUBAN’s efforts is its annual Black Grad Celebration, a powerful event that celebrates the achievements of Black graduates while welcoming them into a supportive community that champions their journey. The event reflects YUBAN’s dedication to building pride in Black identity and fostering genuine connections.

"YUBAN has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to engaging and empowering our alumni community. Their innovative events and constant support for alumni career growth and networking have made a significant impact, and we’re thrilled to recognize them as Network of the Year," says Dennis Garces (BA ‘92), Vice-Chair, Alumni Networks Committee on the YUAB.

Career development is a cornerstone of YUBAN’s mission. The network has created opportunities for Black students and alumni to navigate the workforce through initiatives like career fairs and mentorship programs. This year’s partnership with the Schulich Black Graduate Business Network on a Career Fair for Black talent exemplifies YUBAN’s commitment to building pathways for future leaders.

"This honour recognizes their dedication to empowering Black students, alumni, and the community through initiatives like mentorship, advocacy, and the convocation for Black students, known as Black Graduation. By creating meaningful connections and celebrating Black excellence, they continue to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that enriches the York community," says Paul Nguyen (BA ‘04), Member, Alumni Networks Committee.

Beyond events and career initiatives, YUBAN amplifies Black voices and experiences, educating the broader university community on the contributions of Black students and alumni. Every initiative reflects the passion and dedication of its members.

"This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the YUBAN community. Every event and connection is driven by the dedication and enthusiasm of its members. Being named Network of the Year is a significant milestone in their mission to unite and uplift alumni," says Chinedu Ezemenari (BA ‘05), Member of the Alumni Networks Committee on the YUAB.

YUBAN’s work inspires positive change and cultivates an inclusive environment for all. The �첥��Ƶ Alumni Board congratulates the entire YUBAN 2024 Alumni Network Leaders:

Fikayo Aderoju (BA ‘22), Chair
Joannes Yimbesalu (MLCE ‘19), Vice-Chair
Victoria Medley-Parkins (BA ‘20), Membership & Volunteer Coordinator
Kobe Cargill (BSc ‘23), Student Liaison
Aishah Imran (BPA ‘22), Career & Mentorship Coordinator
Yasmine Mensah (BA ‘20), Alumni Engagement Officer

For more information about this award and the Alumni Networks program, visit the Alumni & Friends website or contact Yasmine Mensah, alumni engagement officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.

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The Master of Financial Accountability (MFAc) program has been awarded Alumni Network of the Year for 2023

jkubin — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:44:17 +0000

The Master of Financial Accountability (MFAc) program has been recognized by the �첥��Ƶ Alumni Board (YUAB) as Alumni Network of the Year. This award represents the network's commitment to York during the past year due to its engagement, impact and alignment to the �첥��Ƶ Academic Plan 2020-25.

"This accolade is a promise of the continued impact that visionary leadership, dedicated professors, and each member of the MFAc Alumni Network will bring to our community. Together, they have set a standard for excellence that will guide future endeavors and inspire current and future networks,” says Ali Badruddin (BBA '09), Chair of the Alumni Networks Committee on the YUAB.

Among the network's impactful initiatives, MFAc offered networking opportunities and provided hands-on training for students and alumni. The possibility of a case competition is being pursued. The establishment of a Career Mentorship Program connected students with experienced alumni, offering personalized guidance and complementing it with career skills workshops. Additionally, the network curated job opportunities showcasing a forward-thinking approach to fostering a dynamic and supportive community beyond graduation.

Dennis Garces (BA '92), vice-chair of the Alumni Networks Committee on the YUAB also acknowledged that, "In the spirit of collaboration and dedication, the MFAc Alumni Network has not just achieved recognition; they've proven that when vision meets action, transformative impact follows. Their commitment to fostering meaningful connections, driving innovation, and advancing the mission of our university stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collective effort and unwavering dedication."

The �첥��Ƶ Alumni Board congratulates the entire MFAc 2022-23 alumni network and its stakeholders:

Mike Mokhtar (MA ‘13), Eshna Bhurtun (MA ‘20), co-chair
Sean Cheung (MA ‘18), Tong (Sean) Shen (MA ‘21), Vincent Jia (MA ‘19), Ray Lei (MA ‘16), alumni Board members
Joseph Kurukulasuriya (MA ‘16), Ocean Chen (MA candidate ‘24), MFAc Internship Advisory Board alumni representatives
Hanan Saber Ali (MA ‘20), alumni volunteer coordinator
Jiadi Zhang (MA ‘23), Yifan Song (MA ‘23), Ke (Kira) Ren (MA ‘23), Han Xu (MA ‘23), Jingwen (Lydia) Hu (MA ‘23), Mark Gyamfi (MA candidate ‘24), student volunteer alumni and mentoring coordinators
Yide Li (MA ‘20), Jiahui (Kellen) Lou (MA candidate ‘24), Ruize Sun (MA, ‘23), student coordinator volunteer participants
Professor K Paul Evans, Professor Tony Stanco, Taslima Nasreen, Stella Peng, Romi-Lee Sevel, faculty liaison
Yasmine Mensah (BA ‘20), alumni engagement officer

For more information about this award and the Alumni Networks program, visit the Alumni & Friends website or contact Yasmine Mensah, alumni engagement officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.

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�첥��Ƶ celebrates Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ graduates

mj112 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:26:35 +0000

On June 28 and 29, �첥��Ƶ's Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) and Sexuality and Gender Advocacy Alumni Network (SAGA) held the inaugural Black and Rainbow graduation celebrations. Many alumni, family and friends came to campus to celebrate the resilience and achievements of the Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ graduates of the class of 2023.

Hosted by Fikayo Aderoju (BA ’22) and Reni Odetoyinbo (BBA ’18), the Black Grad Celebration was marked by inspirational words from Professor Carl James (BA ’78, MA ’80, PhD ’86), Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora, and a rousing performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by York student Ayokunmi Oladesu, a member of Vanier College Productions.

“For many Black university students, Black graduation ceremonies are opportunities not only to reflect on their journey through university, but also to celebrate the fact that despite the odds, challenges, doubts, and setbacks, they want to celebrate how they managed to obtain their post-secondary credentials that once seemed elusive and unobtainable,” said Dr. James.

New graduate Kobe Cargill (BA ’23) also took to the stage, sharing his experience as a Black international student, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the achievements of Black graduates.

“I am the first in my family and in my high school to leave Jamaica and get a university degree. I am doing this first and foremost for my family and friends back home,” he shared. “York is a large university with an extensive alumni network, and as Black alumni, we are laying a foundation for those to follow.”

An evening of celebration and recognition was held the following day for the 2SLGBTQIA+ class of 2023. On behalf of SAGA, Sara Elhawash (BA ’15) hosted the event, welcoming recent grads and alumni, while acknowledging their accomplishments and challenges in getting where they are today. The event featured food, music and remarks delivered by Alice Pitt, Interim Vice-President Equity, People and Culture, and alumnus/current PhD student Gin Marshall (MES ’20) of , York’s committee responsible for advising and advocating around issues and concerns of sexual and gender diversity.

“I was truly honored to witness the power of unity and authenticity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Having graduated in 2015 without a supportive network, it was heartwarming to celebrate alongside my fellow graduates who finally had the opportunity to embrace their true selves,” said Elhawash.

The evening provided an opportunity to network in a safe space and share words of encouragement and advice for future grads. Marshall spoke about his experiences as a queer-identifying university student and his challenges in the workforce. “We know the pendulum is swinging back towards more discrimination, and there is lots of work to be done. Recognize yourself, frame your degree and make sure it represents who you are. It is essential for you to recognize this accomplishment,” he said.

Along with YUBAN and SAGA, these two inaugural events were supported by the Division of Advancement, the Division of Students and the Office of the VP, Equity, People and Culture, and had participation from faculty and staff across the university.

Click here to learn more about York’s many alumni networks. If you are interested in joining either YUBAN or SAGA, please reach out to Evan Goldenthal, Alumni Engagement Officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.��

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�첥��Ƶ Black Alumni Network

mj112 — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:46:43 +0000

YUBAN (�첥��Ƶ 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 �첥��Ƶ’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 �첥��Ƶ's specialized honors program in Actuarial Science. During his time at �첥��Ƶ, he was a member of the �첥��Ƶnited 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 �첥��Ƶ (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 �첥��Ƶ (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 �첥��Ƶ’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.

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 �첥��Ƶ's Schulich School of Business, class of 2018, and worked in Wealth Management at the Bank of Montreal subsequently.

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Sexuality and Gender Advocacy (SAGA) Alumni Network

akolade — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 04:59:51 +0000

The Sexuality and Gender Advocacy (SAGA) Alumni Network is York’s recently launched 2SLGBTQIA+ alumni network. The network offers mentorship, programming, guidance and social opportunities for York’s 2SLGBTQIA+ alumni and student communities while promoting the values of equity, diversity and inclusion.

“It's exciting to work with SAGA as a continuous network for queer and trans people who share a connection with �첥��Ƶ past, present, and future so that we can rally together and support each other in times of both success and hardship,” says Shant Joshi (BFA ’17), president and executive producer of Fae Pictures and a 2021 honouree of York’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program.

As a recently formed network, SAGA is currently seeking new members. If you are interested in joining SAGA or hearing about their upcoming initiatives, please contact Yasmine Mensah, Alumni Engagement Officer, at  mensahy@yorku.ca. &�Բ��;

Meet the 2024 - 2026 Executives

Zoey Wyeld

(she/her)

BFA '16, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Filmmaker, Assistant Editor

Zoey Wyeld (BFA '16) is a bisexual and transgender woman who graduated from �첥��Ƶ with a degree in Film Production. As a filmmaker, she has produced a plethora of short form content. Most recently, she created and directed a horror web series entitled LILcanthropy, which tackles the social stigma of sexually transmitted infections. As an Assistant Editor, her numerous credits include TV shows made for Corus Entertainment, Blue Ant Media, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the History Channel. Zoey has just wrapped on two shows coming to Discovery+ this summer, and is currently seeking out her next adventure -- which she hopes will be trans-focused and very uplifting.

Susan Gapka

(Trans Elder) (she/her/elle)

BA '09, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Education and Training Facilitator, The 519
Executive Board Member, CUPE Ontario Pink Triangle Committee

Susan Gapka (BA '09) is a dedicated campaigner for social justice. She has worked for affordable housing, homelessness, mental health, harm reduction, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans issues since coming out as a community leader more than 20 years ago.

As founder and chair of the Trans Lobby Group, Susan helped lead a lengthy campaign to persuade the Ontario Minister of Health to fund sex reassignment surgery for trans people. She also helped change the Ontario Vital Statistics Act so that trans people's legal documents can more accurately reflect their lived identities. She also help lead the campaign to amend the Ontario Human Rights Code to include "gender identity" and "gender expression."

Susan has served on the Toronto Local Advisory Committee and as Toronto representative on the National Consumer Panel of the At Home/Chez Soi Research Demonstration Project, the Housing Component for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She also served on the Board of Pride Toronto which hosted World Pride 2014 and is past Fierté Canada Pride's Central Regional Director for Ontario.

Susan has been employed at The 519 since 2015 in the Education Department as an Education and Training facilitator. She was elected to CUPE Ontario Pink Triangle Committee in December 2017 and appointed to CUPE National Pink Triangle Committee in January 2018. Susan was elected to CUPE Ontario Women’s Committee in December 2018. Susan is the first out trans Executive Board member of CUPE Ontario and was reelected May 2021.

Susan has a degree in Political Science from �첥��Ƶ and a diploma in Community Work from George Brown College.‎

Susan Gapka is a proud recipient of the City of Toronto Pride Award (2004), CAMH Courage to Come Back Award (1999), and Canada 150 Difference Maker in Mental Health (2017), holds a Key to the City of Toronto (2018), and received CUPE National’s Grace Hartman Award (2021)

Susan is also the recipient of multiple �첥��Ƶ Student Awards:

Christopher Janca Award: McLaughlin College Students Council 2007. Presented to graduating student for exceptional achievement in McLaughlin College and �첥��Ƶ

Ellen Bar Award: McLaughlin College Masters Office 2004 & 2006. For commitment to the public policy mandate of McLaughlin College

Ross McMillan Award: McLaughlin College Students Council 2002 & 2004 & 2006. For Outstanding contribution to the York community by a McLaughlin College Student

Vice President Students Debra Hobson Award for Student Leadership 2005. For outstanding leadership and significant contributions towards promoting school Spirit.

Shant Joshi

(he/him)

BFA '17, School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design
President and Executive Producer, Fae Pictures

Shant Joshi (BFA '17) is an award-winning producer and president of Fae Pictures, based in New York and Toronto, on a mission to decolonize Hollywood. His credits include award winners at Sundance (Framing Agnes), Red Sea (In Flames), Iris Prize (Scaring Women at Night), Durban (Runs in the Family), premieres at Cannes, Toronto, Canneseries (Streams Flow From A River), Aspen (I Live Here), Palm Springs (Diaspora), Hot Docs, Black Star (Noor and Layla), Pentonville, and BFI London, and nominees for the Canadian Screen Awards (Queen Tut). He was also an executive producer on Nisha Pahuja’s Academy Award ® nominated film To Kill A Tiger, an impact producer on John Greyson’s TEDDY Award-winning film International Dawn Chorus Day, and an associate producer on Ingrid Veninger’s Canadian Screen Award-nominated film Porcupine Lake.��

Shant currently sits on the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) Regulatory Committee and was previously Co-Chair of the BIPOC TV & Film Board, on the CMPA EDI committee, and co-founder of the Future of Film Showcase.

He is an alum of the Canadian Film Centre, Rotterdam Lab, and Osgoode Hall Law School, and was named a MIPTV Producer to Watch, Reelworld Trailblazer, nominated for an Indiescreen Award, and to �첥��Ƶ’s Top 30 Changemakers under 30.

Susan Gapka

(Trans Elder) (she/her/elle)

BA '09, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Education and Training Facilitator, The 519
Executive Board Member, CUPE Ontario Pink Triangle Committee

Susan has a degree in Political Science from �첥��Ƶ and a diploma in Community Work from George Brown College.‎

Susan is also the recipient of multiple �첥��Ƶ Student Awards:

Christopher Janca Award: McLaughlin College Students Council 2007. Presented to graduating student for exceptional achievement in McLaughlin College and �첥��Ƶ

Ellen Bar Award: McLaughlin College Masters Office 2004 & 2006. For commitment to the public policy mandate of McLaughlin College

Ross McMillan Award: McLaughlin College Students Council 2002 & 2004 & 2006. For Outstanding contribution to the York community by a McLaughlin College Student

Vice President Students Debra Hobson Award for Student Leadership 2005. For outstanding leadership and significant contributions towards promoting school Spirit.

Israa Izzeddin

(she/her)

BA '17, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Policy student, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

Israa Izzeddin (BA '17) is an equity-policy enthusiast working within The Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS) as a co-op master-level policy student. She is a passionate changemaker and hopes to advance a more equitable society through public policy. She is currently the president of the Graduate Student's Association of Public Policy, Administration and Law (GSAPPAL) and holds multiple executive roles on boards across Canada. Israa is an expert speaker on the multiple intersectionalities facing women and the 2SLGBTQ+ community including mental health, accessibility, and diversity and inclusion. She joined SAGA in hopes of bringing her advocacy and awareness skills to the 2SLGBTQ+ �첥��Ƶ alumni community and building a strong-net community for York's 2SLGBTQ+ alumni.

Shant Joshi

(he/him)

BFA '17, School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design
President and Executive Producer, Fae Pictures

Shant Joshi (BFA '17) is a queer Indo-Canadian producer based in Los Angeles and Toronto. His credits include the films Framing Agnes (Sundance, NEXT Audience Award, NEXT Innovator Award), International Dawn Chorus Day (Berlin, TEDDY Award Winner), Porcupine Lake (Toronto), and Noor & Layla (BlackStar); the hit web series Teenagers (CSAs); and the Dekkoo original series, I’m Fine (Outfest). Shant co-founded the Future of Film Showcase as a launchpad for emerging Canadian filmmakers, and he previously worked at the United Talent Agency, Buchwald, and Lit Entertainment Group (fka Madhouse Entertainment). He is an alum of the Producers Lab at the Canadian Film Centre, holds a Certificate in Entertainment Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, and was named to �첥��Ƶ’s inaugural Top 30 Changemakers Under 30 in 2021.

Shant is currently vice-chair on the board of directors at BIPOC TV & Film, a sitting member of the Restructuring, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Action Committee at the Canadian Media Producers Association, and sits on the advisory board at the Future of Film Showcase

Sarah Rayner

(she/they)

BA '18, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
PhD student in Cultural Studies at Trent University

Sarah Rayner (BA '18) is a PhD student in Cultural Studies at Trent University. They hold a Master’s in Cultural Studies from Trent University, alongside a Specialized Hons. BA in Human Rights & Equity Studies from �첥��Ƶ, and a Diploma from George Brown College in Community Work. As a nonbinary lesbian with a background in social justice work and visual art, their passions intersect through their research into queer visual cultures, feminist media studies, and queer and feminist social movement histories. Though currently focused on their academic work as a researcher and teaching assistant, Sarah has also worked as a community worker and educator for various 2sLGBTQ+ service groups and social service centres, and remains involved in their community through volunteer work.

Zoey Wyeld

(she/her)

BFA '16, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Filmmaker, Assistant Editor

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Alumni Networks

akolade — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 17:46:49 +0000

Alumni networks are a great way to make friends, stay connected and support your alma mater. Networks can be based on geographic location, by shared interest or according to your college, department/program and faculty association.

We are grateful to our leaders who devote their time and expertise to lead our alumni networks! Our alumni volunteers organize social activities, professional networking opportunities, support current students and much more!

See below for a list of existing York alumni networks. If you’re interested in joining one of our networks or learning more about their events and/or looking to start a network that's not in our directory below, please contact Yasmine Mensah at mensahy@yorku.ca or 437-239-3662 with questions.

Alumni networks are organized by three different categories:

Home to 11 Faculties and 9 colleges, these alumni networks are formed around college/faculty affiliations based around affiliated academic areas of study.

Colleges

Stong College Alumni Network (YUSCAN)
Steve Dranitsaris, BA ’73
Email / / /

Faculties

Faculty of Education Alumni Network (YUEAN)
, B.Ed ’11, Esther Martinez, BEd '21, MEd '24, Mizgin Semsur, BEd '19, MEd '21, Robert Deonarine, BEd '07
Email / Tel: 437-239-3662

Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC)
Yasmine Mensah, BA ’20, Alumni Engagement Officer
Email��/�� / Tel: 416-736-2100 x 44633 (Voicemail)

Made up of alumni who are from the same academic program or discipline.

Accounting Alumni Network
Puneet Gandotra, BCOM ’21, GDPA ’21, and Meharleen Gaudh, BCOM ’21, GDPA ’22
Junghwan Youn, BCOM ’21, GDPA ’22
Email / /

Geography Alumni Network
Dylann M. McLean (MA '09, PhD '15)

Music Alumni Network
Devonte Ellis, BFA ’24 and Dulce Martinez, BFA ’24
Email

Masters of Financial Accountability Alumni Network
Eshna Bhurtun MFAC ‘20 and Mike Mokhtar MFAc ‘13
Email

Jocelyn Cadieux, MES ’20
Email / / / /

School of Public Policy & Administration Alumni Network (YUSPPAAN)
Jenning Cheung, BPA ‘21, MPPAL ‘24 and Rose Talla, IBA ‘20, MPPAL ‘23
E mail

Social Work Alumni Network (YUSWAN)
Princilia Bobwa Yemowe BSW '16, Graduate Program Engagement Coordinator
Email / / / Website

Made up of alumni who are linked by a shared interest or a common experience while at York.

Black Alumni Network (YUBAN)
Fikayo Aderoju, BA ’22 and Joannes Paulus Yimbesalu, MA ’20
Email / / / /

Men’s Hockey Alumni Network
Mackenzie Micks ’14
Email

Men's Rugby Alumni Network
Demetre Poulos ’04, Andrew Sutherland-Deveen ’20, Sevag Yeghoyan ’01
Email TBA - In the interim, please contact Bart Zemanek at bzemanek@yorku.ca.

Men’s Soccer Alumni Network
Domenico Gullo, BA ‘16
Email

Men's Basketball Alumni Network
Nana K. Adu-Poku, Chair (BSc ’19, BEd ’21, MEd ’23), Tyler Pryce (BA ’24) and Somto Dimanochie (BA ’23)
Email

Men’s Volleyball Alumni Network
Keith Beckles, BA ’85
Email

Sexuality and Gender Advocacy (SAGA 2SLGBTQIA+) Alumni Network
Susan Gapka, BA ’09 and Zoey Wyeld BFA ’16
Email

Staff Alumni Network
Yasmine Mensah, BA ’20
Email

Sustainability Alumni Network
Sarah Sumnauth, BES 2011 Anushka Karmalkar, BES 2020, CESE 2020 Andre Moura BA 2018, MES 2020

Vanier College Productions
Brian Goldenberg, BFA ’04, MBA ’08
Artistic Producer/Director
Email / /

Women+ Alumni Network
If you’re interested in getting involved or would like to learn more, please reach out to Yasmine Mensah at mensahy@yorku.ca

Women's Field Hockey Alumni Network
JR Hutner BHS ’12 and Frances St. Louis BSC ’21, BCOM ’23
Email

Women's Volleyball Alumni Network
Kisten Dajia, BA ’86
Email

Discover exciting leadership roles in our alumni networks! If you're interested in leading any of these networks, please contact Yasmine Mensah at mensahy@yorku.ca or 437-239-3662 with questions.

Athletic Therapy Alumni Network
Chinese Alumni Network
Disaster and Emergency Management Alumni Network
First Aid Alumni Network
Glendon - Toronto Alumni Network
Founders Alumni Network
LA&PS Alumni Network
Las Nubes Alumni Network
Master of Human Resource Management Alumni Network
Men's Varsity Football Alumni Network
New College Alumni Network
Nursing Alumni Network
Peace by PEACE Alumni Network
Vanier College Alumni Network
Winters Alumni Network

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