“Coming from Zimbabwe, a lot of things were fast-paced and changing for me,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “I wasn’t sure where to start, there weren’t many resources for support, or a community to help me. I did a lot on my own, made lots of mistakes, and there was a lot of social isolation and rejection which took a mental toll.” 

Dr. Chimbganda sought to help open doors for Black youth who were often disadvantaged when it came to pathways that were available to them. In 2019, she founded Future Black Female (FBF), an organization with a focus on Black girls and young women aged 16-22. Future Black Female’s main pillars of support are financial literacy, economic security, mental health, education, and career pathways.  

“There were so many barriers as a Black woman and as an immigrant with an accent, it was hard,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “Hearing similar stories from a lot of people, I decided to start this organization to fill in the gaps that girls and women face.” 

Dr. Chimbganda’s goal is that FBF provides a resource that young girls and women can rely on for support at a time in their lives when they need support the most. 

“Our organization works to lay firm foundations for young people so that 10 years from now their trajectory is more successful and grounded,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “We chose to support girls and young women because your teenage years and early adulthood are such an important time for people because they are approaching big milestones in their education, social lives and careers.” 

FBF programming covers many key topics for young Black females, including gender-based violence, financial literacy, and networking opportunities. 

 “We recruit youth of all genders that get trained to be peer facilitators helping identify gender-based violence and how to access care and support,” says Dr. Chimganda. “The work we do for financial literacy is based in the Niagara region, supporting all youth, covering topics such as budgeting, credit scores, and planning for retirement.” 

An important upcoming campaign for FBF is their Brick-by-Brick Capital Campaign, fundraising for a community space in the Niagara region where youth can learn important skills for their future, gain access to resources, and create pathways for employment and entrepreneurship. 

“Our youth have been talking about an after-school space for themselves,” says Dr. Chimbganda. “I have encountered Black youth with no laptops, internet, and other crucial resources for their schooling. It’s small details like that that many people don’t think about. This campaign helps cover some of those digital equity gaps. Food security is also a key need for Black youth locally, so this space is also very important for addressing this need.” 

With the growth that FBF has made in only a few years, Dr. Chimbganda can feel the positive change she has driven in the community and has received an important piece of feedback that hits close to home. 

“Whenever I encounter other Black women who have become successful in life, they always say ‘I wish there was a Future Black Female when I was a younger,’” says Dr. Chimganda. “That puts into perspective the importance of the work we are doing.” 

To learn more about Future Black Female, visit:  

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Desaraé Dee (BFA ’12) is a Canadian fusion artist, pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose work centres on instrumental and genre-blending music that explores emotion, spirituality, and storytelling. Like many alumni, Desaraé’s career path was not a straightforward one, and she credits �첥��Ƶ as a key influence in becoming the successful, award-winning instrumentalist she is today.

“York felt expansive. It was full of people coming from different backgrounds and perspectives,” says Desaraé. “I was constantly learning, not just in the classroom, but through conversations, performances, and community. It was a time of growth where I was figuring out who I was as both a musician and a person.”

Desaraé was always drawn to the world of music. During her high school years, she spent countless hours in the music room while others gathered to listen to her. It was when she attended Professor Karen Burke’s class at York that she opened the door to the world of gospel music at an academic level, and found a space of belonging.

When reflecting on her journey, Desaraé notes that she was often the only Black girl in ensembles, and music became both her refuge and voice. One of the most important lessons she learned at York was to trust her own voice. Being surrounded by so many different approaches to art taught her that there isn’t just one “right” way to be an artist.

“York encouraged exploration and that helped me understand that my individuality wasn’t something to minimize, it was something to lean into, and to understand music not just as performance, but as culture and communication. Those skills became essential later when I began navigating the industry on my own and building systems outside traditional pathways.”

In 2022, Desaraé created #4ChordWorship, a worship series that blends gospel, jazz and fusion harmonies in a 4-chord progression format. The series went viral on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, amassing over 4.5 million views worldwide.

“Since 2023, I have been touring with a jazz and hip-hop collective called Super Duty Tough Work. I received the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Award in 2022 from the SOCAN Foundation, became a GRAMMY Recording Academy voting member in 2024 and in 2025 I became a GRAMMY-considered artist with my 10-year anniversary debut instrumental fusion album, Adventure: The Album, marking a major milestone in my journey.”

Desaraé currently serves as a music director and music accompanist for the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Gospel Choir and is an occasional teacher with the Toronto District School Board. She also acts as a mentor with Women in Music Canada and the Marigold Music Program, as well as a GRAMMY U mentor for the 2025-2026 year, where she cultivates the careers of rising music industry professionals.

Desaraé’s music lives outside mainstream categories, making traditional industry access challenging and compelling her to build her own lane through digital platforms and direct audience engagement.

“The most challenging part has been navigating systems that weren’t designed with artists like me in mind. But those challenges have become one of my greatest strengths”, she explains.

As she continues building her career, Desaraé’s goal is not just personal success but systemic change, creating pathways and infrastructure for future artists.

“Owning the responsibility that comes with being a changemaker is meaningful because it reflects both where I’ve been and where I’m going. Trust your voice, be consistent and don’t rush your process,” says Desaraé. “You don’t have to fit into someone else’s definition of success. Stay curious and create your own opportunities if the door doesn’t open right away.”

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“I was fortunate enough to get a lot of help; a lot of people aren’t able to get help,” says Jason. “Help came through what I call a ‘web of support’. It’s not just one thread that supports you during a particular time, or even through an entire cycle of mental wellness challenges. That web includes my family, spouse, family doctor, psychiatrist and a therapist.” 

Though he received the help he needed through his web of support, Jason also felt as though he was missing one important element of support: speaking to others who were feeling what he was feeling.  

“One thing I was missing was the support of peers,” says Jason. “I would talk to my wife, who was great, but she didn’t have the lived experience. At times she didn’t know what to say or how to solve the problem and it became draining on her. I trusted my psychiatrist who knew the science but didn’t have the lived experience to know what it felt like.” 

In 2015, Jason wanted to make a difference for those who were struggling with their mental health. He placed an advertisement in a community newspaper about a peer support group at the local community centre. What initially started as a monthly in-person meeting quickly turned into a weekly meeting due to popular demand and has since extended virtually, inviting people from across the globe to participate online. Jason hopes that those who attend the group can gain something positive simply by attending.  

“You are not alone, there are people available to help you, and there is hope.” 

Jason Balgopal (JD, LLB ’97)

“Getting things off your chest and being able to say it out loud is really empowering,” says Jason. “Everybody has an opportunity to get feedback. Feedback can be empathy or it can be a technique that worked for someone that may work for someone else.” 

Members who have attended these sessions cite the anonymity and the lack of judgment they experience as reasons they return to group meetings. 

“The people who attend regularly like the fact that we are a community, but they also say ‘I don’t have to worry about encountering any of these people at the local store,’” says Jason. “They’ve told me that they like that the sessions run consistently at one hour every week without going over time and that everyone is treated equally.” 

While thousands of people have benefited from attending these meetings, many still suffer from mental health challenges in silence. To those people, Jason leaves a message that he hopes can encourage them to speak to someone about their mental health. 

“You are not alone,” says Jason. “There are people available to help you, and there is hope.” 

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Michael Perley (BA ’70) is an environmental and public health advocate whose exceptional leadership has earned him one of Canada’s highest honors, the Order of Canada. He’s being recognized for his transformative work on tobacco control, creating smoke-free spaces and influencing significant legislative changes on acid rain emissions and air pollution in Canada and the United States. 

“Being recognized at the highest level for having made some concrete contributions to better Canada and Canadian life validates what I thought about our work on acid rain and what a number of us in the health community thought about the work to achieve tangible benefits like the smoke-free workplace and provincial statutes,” says Michael. 

Before his transition to environmental and health advocacy, Michael had a desire to teach French, a goal that led him to pursue his undergraduate studies at York’s Glendon Campus.  

“The campus was beautiful, it was the sixties, a wonderful place to go to university,” says Michael. “I felt it was much more tight-knit than I imagined and it was easy to get in touch with professors.” 

However, after completing his graduate studies in French Literature and Philosophy, Michael’s aspirations changed. He decided he no longer wanted to continue with his graduate studies and had no plan on what path he would take next. He would go on to complete various short-term jobs until he landed a role with the Canadian Environmental Law Research Foundation, where he was retained to write a book on acid rain.  

This role marked the start of Michael’s environmental advocacy, which led to him forming the Canadian Coalition on Acid Rain with his colleague Adele Hurley in 1981. Michael spent the next decade lobbying in Canada and the United States for acid rain emissions controls. After successfully advocating for enforceable provincial regulations in Canada, such as provincial controls on smelter and coal-fired electricity generation sources, the Coalition helped pass amendments to the revised US Clean Air Act signed into law in 1990 by then-President Bush. The Coalition closed in 1991. 

“We had as the coalition, the objective of getting these pieces of legislation, and as soon as we did, we decided our job was done,” says Michael. “We did what we said we were going to do, or we helped get it done, and so we put ourselves out of business.” 

After working as a consultant for a few years, Michael received an offer from health agencies led by the Non-Smokers Rights Association to become the director of the Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco. As director, Michael was instrumental in helping pass smoke-free bylaws in restaurants and public places which also led to provincial legislation. 

“Protecting the public from second-hand smoke exposure was probably what I would consider the main highlight, and making public places much healthier and less damaging,” says Michael.  

Today, Michael is building on decades of environmental advocacy as a volunteer with the county of Northumberland, where he is lending his expertise in the development of an adaptation and resilience program regarding climate change for the county.  

Michael emphasizes the opportunities available to students who are passionate about making a difference.  

“There are countless opportunities to help in the fight against climate change and the rapid loss of prime agricultural land,” says Michael. “Joining these battles increase one’s skills and sense of self-worth, while helping communities maintain a decent quality of life. They are incredibly worth it!” 

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Since graduating from Simon Fraser University (B.Sc.), Jeremic’s career path has been nothing short of remarkable. As an executive at SFU’s spin-off company, eLearning Solutions, she unleashed her passion and displayed a knack for global commerce. As the eLearning Solutions’ VP Business and Customer Relations, Irene was responsible for managing of the development of an open source application for the United Nations.

She then went on to pursue her MBA from Athabasca University – a challenging feat as she was working full time as well. Following that, Jeremic was approached by the juvenile furniture maker, Stork Craft, to design and implement a full company makeover and effect its turnaround. As Stork Craft’s Chief Information Officer, she conducted a massive overhaul of Stork Craft’s business, establishing a foundation for the company’s international development (her business architecture was recognized by Dell). She led e-Commerce growth from 5% to 50% of the corporate business, and went on to integrate the largest North American retail chains such as Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond and others.

She then moved on to help a flailing subsidiary of Stork Craft’s – Ragazzi and led an award-winning (CIO 100 Honoree) Internet sales innovation for Wal-Mart Canada. Upon the successful company’s renaissance, while being the company’s Corporate Executive Advisor (CEA), she was named the 1st honoree of the Stork Craft Companies. In the history of then 64 year old company, Jeremic was Stork Craft’s youngest executive leader. Having achieved the highest recognition in the domains of business and technology, Jeremic then went on to pursue her Master of Laws (LL. M) degree from the prestigious Toronto’s Law School, Osgoode Hall, at �첥��Ƶ, and then founded Anti Bully Bureau to raise awareness of the issues in professional environments.

Today she is the President and CEO of The Tableau Inc., an Ontario firm that provides a one-stop business consulting and focuses on solutions that support corporate social responsibility, safer consumer goods and green initiatives. The Tableau Inc., an affiliate of the Tindale Foundation, quickly became a member of the CIO Executive Council—the ranks of Fortune 500 enterprises. Jeremic attributes a great deal of her success to her foundational education at Osgoode Hall Law School at �첥��Ƶ. Despite her intense commitment to her work, Jeremic is committed to giving back to the institutions that ignited her interests.

She was simultaneously involved with local non-for profit organizations, serving on the Board of Governors for Association of Neighborhood Houses (ANH) and the Board of Management for the ANH’s Kitsilano branch, introduced the 1st co-op relationship between SFU and Stork Craft to support and develop young talent and was also a mentor to SFU’s Young Women in Business. After obtaining her law degree from Osgoode Hall, she also taught law programs at the Vancouver Career College. She has been recognized by the International Women’s Leadership Association as the woman of outstanding leadership and was named by the CEO Review their 2017 CEO of the Year for Canada.' 

Current Role 

President and CEO of TheTableau Inc., an Ontario business consulting company that operates both in Canada and the US. 

What factors led you to enter your current field of work? 

Passion for business and law, and in particular, business law. 

What does success mean to you? 

Success to me means a deep satisfaction with life achievements, and an understanding that one's lifework is only 'done' when abandoned. Here is what other's wrote about me: "It’s no wonder Irene Jeremic was a recipient of the Business in Vancouver’s Top Forty Under 40 Award. In just under a decade, she has made a name for herself by spearheading businesses and conducting turnarounds that produce stellar results.

If you weren’t in your current professional role, what would you be doing? 

Oil paintings. At an early age I was introduced to the illustrative arts and Renoir school of painting in Besancon, France. Following that, I was creating baroque and renaissance charcoal and pencil drawings, 'old masters' reproductions in oil on canvas, and original abstract oil paintings. This desire to create and re-create art was running in parallel with the desire to build a career in business and law. In turn, a career in business and law opened another door to art: I recently formalized a CIPO trademark for my oil painting technique, Sculpturette TM, where I use unpolluted layers of paint to achieve a certain 3D look and feel to my original oil paintings. My original abstract oil painting, "Running Trees," (registered copyright) has been created using this technique (registered trademark) and was recognized by the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council. Many visual artists are now interested in legal aspects of art, art business, and intellectual property in art. It seems to me that even if I had started my career as a visual artist, I would have still ended up attending Osgood Hall Law School. 

How do you build and maintain your professional network, and how has this benefited your career? 

Always ready to help! I keep being supportive and nurturing, and assist others whenever possible. People seem to remember kindness and keep in touch. A timely piece of information from my network benefited my career tremendously. 

What are the strategies you use to remain resilient during challenging situations? 

(i) Take another look at the situation from a different perspective; 
(ii) Keep working on resolutions until the issue is resolved; 
(ii) Never give up: "it's not over until it's over." 

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Many students follow a traditional path when it comes to their education and career. For alumnus Jamie Glass (BA ‘91), the path to a career in education was anything but linear. What began as a career in law evolved into a desire to empower future generations of students. It was a shift that began with his decision to transfer from Carleton University to York’s Law and Society program.   

“I knew York had an amazing Law and Society program and it was a huge university compared to Carleton,” says Jamie. “York had a little more substance to it. I just thought I really want to go there and challenge myself.” 

After completing his undergraduate studies at York, Jamie attended law school at the University of British Columbia and worked as a criminal defense lawyer for a year before discovering his true passion was in teaching. This realization encouraged him to go to teacher’s college at McGill University. For more than two decades, Jamie has combined his knowledge in law and teaching to educating and inspiring multiple generations of students as a law teacher at Middlefield Collegiate Institute.  

“I didn’t enjoy the practice of law in criminal defense,” says Jamie. “Academia was much more pleasant. The idea of teaching, imparting knowledge and helping young people on their journey for knowledge and wisdom was really appealing.” 

While his educational pursuits led him to other universities, it was his time at York that would foster his desire to make a meaningful impact. 

“I just felt empowered that I could change the world,” says Jamie. “York made me feel confident that I could go out in the world and make a difference and be a changemaker or be a leader.” 

But Jamie’s passion for making a difference isn’t just limited to the classroom. He is Middlefield’s mock trial coach and has established the school’s Amnesty International Club, where he helps students examine human rights violations around the world. Jamie has also led conferences and programs to help educate other teachers on how to effectively communicate with racialized or marginalized students. 

“You can’t teach a person to teach, it’s kind of an art. It’s inside you or it’s not inside you,” says Jamie. 

Jamie’s impact as an educator was recognized in 2019, when he was honoured with the Chief Justices’ Award from the Ontario Justice Education Network. The award acknowledges an individual who has made an exceptional contribution in promoting public understanding, education and dialogue in support of a responsive and inclusive justice system. He was nominated by his students, colleagues and members of the justice community for his contributions as an educator and for sharing his knowledge and expertise with other educators in law.  

Drawing from his own experiences, Jamie reminds students that they can continue learning and exploring their passions after they graduate. 

“Follow your dreams,” says Jamie. “Don’t feel that you have to jump into some job to make money right away. Pursue academia, if you like learning and enjoy it.” 

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Reverend Doctor Cheri DiNovo C.M. (BA ’94) is a queer activist, author and former minister and politician recognized for her transformative leadership in advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and legislation. While her passion for activism began in her late teens, it was during her time as a student at �첥��Ƶ that she would make her first trailblazing act of advocacy, becoming the only woman to sign on to We Demand, a 1971 manifesto by queer activists calling for an end to discriminatory legislation. 

“I’m so glad the University has thrived since then, it was always very inclusive,” says Cheri. “York was much more in sync with the world of humanities, which was my world. Even back then, I was one of the only women to sign on to We Demand in 1971. I never felt out of place there, it never conflicted with my views or my reality of being alive.” 

After earning her Doctorate in Ministry in 2002, Cheri began her career as a minister in Ontario. But it wasn’t until she became a minister at Emmanuel-Howard Park United, now known as Roncesvalles United Church, that Cheri would officiate one of the first same-sex marriages in Canada. 

“That was when I did the first legalized same-sex marriage. Two women of color came in 2001 into our church and asked to be married, they were Colombian and Venezuelan,” says Cheri. “They thought it wasn't legal, and it wasn't at that point. All churches have an option of reading what's called the banns, which is like a marriage license, but all you have to do is read it from the pulpit and if anybody objects, then no-go. But if they say it's okay, then you go ahead.” 

This pivotal moment would mark her transition to a career in politics. After 12 years as a minister, Cheri was elected as the member of provincial parliament for the Ontario New Democratic Party. However, as a queer woman, this shift would bring various obstacles and challenges. 

“I think I probably wouldn’t have said yes so freely if I’d known what it was like to run as a woman who had passed as a street kid and was queer,” says Cheri. “It was not a fun campaign, but we won.” 

Despite these challenges, Cheri went on to pass the most pro-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation in Canadian history, including Toby's Act, which added gender identity and gender expression to the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Affirming Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Act, which banned conversion therapy for 2SLGBTQ2IA+ youth, Cy and Ruby's Act, which established parent equality for 2SLGBTQ2IA+ parents and the Trans Day of Remembrance Act. 

“In 2012, we were the first major jurisdiction in North America to incorporate trans rights, gender identity and gender expression into the Human Rights Code,” says Cheri. “That was a struggle, it took five years, lots of tabling, lots of meetings, but we eventually got it passed.” 

In 2022, Cheri received the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest honours for transforming human rights legislation in Canada and for her contributions to politics in Ontario. From attending the first Pride celebration in 1971 to marching in the parade every year, Cheri remains committed to advocating for social justice, raising her voice and fostering inclusive communities. 

“As I get older, it’s kind of even more important in a strange way. I mean the political situation in the world makes it more important,” says Cheri. “What I love about Pride from last year was there’s so many more people of colour and some of the volunteers were from around the world and I just thought that was great. I applaud the Pride board for making that a priority.” 

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Lisa Jackson (MFA ’19) is an Anishinaabe (Aamjiwnaang First Nation) award-winning filmmaker who has written, directed and produced films, television and multimedia projects, from a dome film to VR and IMAX. Partway through her film career, she decided to pursue a master’s degree and studied in York’s MFA in Film program.

“I was at a bit of a crossroads about where I was headed as a filmmaker and looking for inspiration,” says Lisa. “The faculty at the graduate program in Film were amazing and the filmmaking education I received at York was very artist-centric. The experience was really rejuvenating for me.” 

Lisa credits one particular professor for guiding her creative process for her NFB virtual reality project Biidaaban: First Light, which won the 2019 Canadian Screen Award for Best Immersive Experience – Fiction. 

“(Now retired) Phil Hoffman was an amazing professor who got me thinking about how to express big ideas around language,” says Lisa. “Biidaaban: First Light came out of my conversations with Phil. He taught us about ‘process cinema,’ an approach that was organic and experiential that I found really inspiring.” 

One of Lisa’s latest projects, Wilfred Buck, is a hybrid feature documentary about a Cree Elder who overcame a troubled upbringing dealing with racism and displacement to become a highly-regarded author and educator on star knowledge. The award-winning film made its Canadian premiere at the 2024 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and is available to watch on CRAVE and will be on Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) later this year

“I read Wilfred’s memoir, and was amazed by his writing and his story. It was like reading a beat poet writing about growing up Indigenous in Manitoba in the 1960s and how he came through colonization and rebellion to reconnect with traditional teachings,” says Lisa. “It was so visual, I could see how his story could be translated into film.” 

Canada is a world leader in Indigenous filmmaking with the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) championing Indigenous screen-based storytellers and narrative sovereignty.

“There’s a saying, ‘nothing about us, without us’,” says Lisa. "While representation is important, the works themselves are world class and are embraced in Canada and around the world. Indigenous stories on screen should be led by Indigenous people and we’ve seen the recognition of our films and TV through awards and audience demand, including shows like North Of North. We’ve seen incredible growth in Indigenous filmmaking.” 

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When Alexander Grynszpan (iBBA ’17, JD/MBA ’21) first stepped onto Keele Campus, it was with a clear vision to merge his passion for law with his interest in finance. Growing up in a multilingual household, he dreamed of a career with an international footprint. The International Bachelor of Business Administration (iBBA) at the Schulich School of Business was the perfect fit, offering internationally-focused core business courses with the cross-cultural awareness required to live and work abroad. His undergrad studies were followed by a joint Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA) program, which presented Alexander with a wealth of innovative courses, resources and individualized mentoring and was the ideal opportunity to merge business and law in a way that would help him launch his career.

Throughout his undergraduate program, Alexander took part in an exchange in Austria and an internship with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Argentina. His focus and dedication led to an internship in a New York firm, where he eventually found himself handling high-profile capital market transactions for large public companies.

“Starting in New York is not a very common path,” says Alexander. “I spent a lot of my first summer reaching out for coffee chats and trying to meet as many people as possible, asking a lot of questions and learning about their practices. I secured my internship for my second summer of law school with a New York firm and after I graduated, I took both the New York and Ontario bar exams.”

For Alexander, being part of the York community has always meant more than just academics,

“Aside from the very strong academics, York provided me with a community that allowed me to imagine these paths for myself,” says Alexander. “I received a tremendous amount of support from upper years and from alumni. Going forward, I seek to be that for the next generation of students. I try to be accessible to those who are interested in pursuing similar paths. As a corporate lawyer, I work with public companies that are raising large pools of capital, but also find time to dedicate to pro-bono work. Having grown up in Latin America, I find the hours spent on causes that relate to immigration and asylum-seeking very rewarding.”

During his time at York, Alexander served as co-president of the JD/MBA Students’ Association. This role helped him build lasting relationships that now continue to provide both professional and personal support.

“Getting involved outside of the classroom is so important,” says Alexander. “Those experiences help you stay energized and connected, and they often turn into lifelong networks. Students at York are very driven and academically inclined. Sometimes, people underestimate the importance of being a well-rounded person. Getting to know your own class and your community, is something that's going to pay off tremendously in the long run.”

Looking ahead, Alexander is committed to continued growth. Whether it’s navigating emerging technologies like blockchain or artificial intelligence (AI) or new areas of law and business, Alexander is excited to see where the journey will take him.

“In the legal and financial world, things evolve quickly,” says Alexander. “I’ve learned that it’s not about having a fixed goal but about giving myself the tools to adapt as new opportunities arise.”

Despite being based in New York, Alexander has never lost touch with the York community. From attending alumni events to staying connected with professors, he remains an active part of the York network. “York has been such an important part of my journey, I’m always looking for ways to give back.”

Alexander Grynszpan is a 2025 recipient of �첥��Ƶ’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 which recognizes inspiring and diverse alumni 29 years old and younger who are driven to make a difference locally and globally.  

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Inspired by his elder brothers who left their home in Zimbabwe to study abroad, Tinotenda Mutsvangwa (BA ’20, MMgt ’21) was determined to carve his own path. Drawn to the university’s multiculturalism and liberty, Tinotenda enrolled in �첥��Ƶ’s Political Science program where he would broaden his perspectives and build community.

“York definitely shaped my interpersonal skills and my ability to relate to people,” says Tinotenda. “There’s over 55,000 people on campus from all walks of life. You’re interacting with different people every day. It shapes your thinking and makes you more considerate and empathetic.”

However, for Tinotenda, moving miles away from home brought various challenges as an international student.

“I think the most difficult thing I had to experience was finding myself in a new environment and being far away from home and having to re-establish yourself,” says Tinotenda. “I think that’s what made me passionate about always representing international students and striving for better conditions for international students.”

But it would be the opportunities and community at York that would ease the transition and transform Tinotenda’s experience as an international student. From working as a night porter in his residence to supporting students at York Red Zone as a student ambassador, these opportunities introduced him to all the resources available to York students.

“I felt like there was so much support through my team leads, my mentors and my team members who I am still in touch with today,” says Tinotenda. “As an international student, you can go to York International, and they can help you with anything related to being an international student. It became a pleasurable experience.”

He particularly credits Michelle Hughes, a recruitment and communications coordinator for the Master of Management program at Schulich, for giving him the encouragement he needed to follow his dreams.

“She was very instrumental because she validated my dreams and what I wanted to achieve in life,” says Tinotenda. “She helped build that bridge from my undergraduate studies at LA&PS to graduate studies at Schulich and let me know what I was capable of.”

Thanks to these meaningful experiences, Tinotenda was inspired to serve as a mentor to students and youth. He took on multiple leadership roles including acting as a financial peer mentor supporting both domestic and international students with practical financial guidance and served as a lead mentor in the pilot Black Excellence program.

“We were collaborating with the Toronto District School Board where we’d mentor Black students and first-generation students and families who were coming to university and had no prior knowledge,” says Tinotenda.

After completing his undergraduate studies at York, he co-founded Incorporate Zim, a non-profit and podcast platform amplifying youth voices in Zimbabwe, which was featured on the country’s largest private radio network. Driven by his passion for financial and youth empowerment, Tinotenda aspires to continue to empower future generations through mentorship.

“Another thing that I'm passionate about is continuing to mentor Black students, especially marginalized groups,” says Tinotenda. “I really want to be that resource for my community, especially since I'm working for CIBC in wealth management. I want to be able to speak to my community and let them know how they can build, maintain and protect their wealth.”

Tinotenda Mutsvangwa is a 2025 recipient of �첥��Ƶ’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 which recognizes inspiring and diverse alumni 29 years old and younger who are driven to make a difference locally and globally. 

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