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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Can you take us back to the beginning of your journey at York and share how your experiences shaped your career path?

I started at York in 2003 as an accounting student. Coming out of high school, I had an idea of what I wanted to do in the future, but I wasn’t fully certain at the same time. I had always done well in accounting during high school, so taking it in university seemed like a logical step. �첥��Ƶ was also very close to home for me, since I lived only a few minutes away. I remember being very excited to begin my journey as a postsecondary student and learning and growing over the four years I would spend at York.

As a Senior Director at CIBC, what are the most valuable lessons you've learned in the financial sector that you believe are essential to succeed in this competitive industry?

First and foremost, technical skills serve as the foundation across all industries. Employers are assuming you have the proper technical skills when you arrive on the job, so it is important to come equipped with those foundational skills. For example, if you are in accounting, understanding profit and loss, balance sheets, and income statements, are all applicable technical skills for accounting jobs. There are also important supporting skill sets. Being able to communicate effectively is essential. Whether it be writing or delivering presentations, being able to deliver your message clearly is extremely important. The ability to work within a team is also valuable, since you will be working with other people for different projects. Lastly, being able to manage projects from start to finish is critical.

Let's talk about Beam Inc. What inspired you to co-found this non-profit?

Beam Inc. found its roots during my student days at York with my friends at the Nigerian Students Club Association. As students of Nigerian descent, my friends and I would always talk about the issues back home. One key issue we discussed was education and the lack of resources that students in Nigeria had available to them. We were thinking about what we could address this issue and we decided to take action. When we went back to Nigeria to visit family, we would bring school supplies and donate them to students in neighbourhoods that needed them.

At York, we started on campus, by raising funds, gathering materials and taking them back home. We believed that if we gave school supplies to kids in the most impoverished neighbourhoods, it would remove one of the barriers to good education, which is having the necessary supplies.

Fundraising began during our first year and we were able to raise $3,000. We continued to do this every year afterwards, for eight years. As we grew, we were able to raise $10,000 – $20,000 by increasing our network and sources of raising funds.

Beam Inc. has made a significant impact on the lives of over 3,000 children. Can you share a particular story or moment that stands out to you?

One moment that stands out was during a visit to a school in Lagos, Nigeria. During the visit, while we were talking to a few of the local children, all of them spontaneously started to pray for us. This moment was incredibly heart-warming and was a testament to the impact our simple act of providing school supplies had on the children. They would tell us, “You are the guys from Canada. Thanks for thinking about us and making a difference in the community.”

It was that feeling of gratitude expressed by the children and the local community that showed the significance of our efforts. We realized that this our actions were not just about the supplies we distributed, but much more than that.

Beam Inc. has now wrapped up its operations. Can you share more about the decision to transition and how the commitment to the well-being and education of the children persisted?

At the time of concluding Beam Inc., members of our team were moving to different places and we had less time to devote to Beam. In the eight years of operating, we started to learn that we should supply all these resources locally. We wanted to equip the locals to continue what we started there on their own.

We helped the locals in the community by helping set up their own businesses and giving them the supplies. We also started with re-building schools, and we would hire locals in the area ensuring that this was a school built for the people, by the people. These decisions were made to ensure that the impact of our work doesn’t end with our operation but is lasting and the well-being of the locals keeps improving.

What advice would you give to current York students and recent graduates about leveraging their education to make a positive impact in their communities?

When you graduate, there can be anxiety about landing the right job; everyone wants to start on the right foot. I graduated 17 years ago, and my first job after graduation was not my first choice. It is important to think of yourself as a person who is constantly learning and growing. Once you graduate, the learning opportunities that you identify yourself and the types of people who you associate with will make the biggest difference in who you will be in five years' time. It is very helpful to find a group of people that you're growing with where you can encourage each other.

Another piece of advice I have to offer is volunteering. While you are giving to others, you are also building skill sets that you may not normally build in your day-to-day job.

Lastly, when you are deciding on a job, and you have the privilege of having multiple options, always prioritize the place where you are going to learn the most, even if it's going to be the hardest job, or pay a little less. The first four to five years after graduating are extremely important and it would benefit you in the long run if you were able to prioritize learning in those years.

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York alumna Ohemaa Boateng (BA ’17) has lived in the Jane and Finch community since she was a child. But it wasn’t until she started her role as a youth intern at Black Creek Community Farm that she would learn about food sovereignty and the challenges faced by marginalized people in her community.

As a youth intern, Ohemaa used her background in early childhood education to help steward the Farm School program, where she coordinated family and children activities and led the weekly farmers’ markets in front of Jane and Finch Mall and at Driftwood Community Centre. Currently, the program has evolved to educate various age groups on food preservation, food waste, growing native species and environmental stewardship.

“I think it's really beneficial for schools to teach and expand that section around food and growing and for kids to be more connected to their natural environment,” says Ohemaa. “I always think about what my experience was growing up in the community, and I didn't have access to these resources.”

Since her start at the farm, Ohemaa has advocated for fair access to fresh locally grown and affordable food and raised awareness to the food injustices experienced in the community by racialized residents. Today, Ohemaa is the executive director of Black Creek Community Farm where she leads the planning and oversees the operations of the farm.

“Being a Black woman and a single mom in the community, when it comes to food sovereignty or food justice, we are one of the most impacted groups,” says Ohemaa. “To be able to have a seat at the table to decide how to give back to my community with the food we grow and where we grow it, is really great, because we normally don’t have that control.”

But Ohemaa’s dedication to community work is not just limited to food sovereignty. As a single mother herself, she recognized the barrier to community involvement due to the lack of childcare available to parents. With support from Black Creek Community Farm, Ohemaa provided parents who wanted to get involved in their community with mobile childcare services through her initiative Baby Steps.

“I think it’s a privilege to be able to do something you love and see the impact that you have directly in your neighbourhood,” says Ohemaa. “There’s a lot of learning, when you’re directly involved with the people you impact.”

Ohemaa credits the development of her community engagement initiatives to the Criminology program she took at �첥��Ƶ.

“A lot of the conversations coming out of Criminology were reflective of my community. I was able to see first-hand all the barriers and challenges that were captured in my learning,” says Ohemaa. “Learning the statistics and theories allowed me to identify these barriers in my neighbourhood and recognize where to focus my knowledge and expertise.”

Using this knowledge, Ohemaa developed her Turn the Page program, helping mothers who were incarcerated or living in transitional homes write their first children’s book.

“I found that the literacy rate among young parents in this demographic was low,” says Ohemaa. “This program is a way to bring attention to this demographic and support them with a writing mentor and illustrator to flush out their ideas.”

For Ohemaa, the most fulfilling part of her role is the ability to work and play in her neigbourhood. As a long-time resident of the Jane and Finch community, Ohemaa and her neighbours have established their own gardens where they plant, share seeds, and exchange the food they’re growing.

Ohemaa is also aiming to increase community representation on the farm’s steering committee by creating a space for young people to gain experience serving on a board.

“This is an opportunity to build youth leadership and have more young people engaged and be part of the decision,” says Ohemaa. “Make tables that they otherwise may not have access to.”

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Alumni Spotlight: Asare Kester-Akrofi (MPPAL ’20)

Completing a degree while working full-time is no small feat. Asare Kester-Akrofi (MPPAL ’20 ) graduated from York's Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) program during a global pandemic while working full-time in public service and volunteering with the United Way.

Learn more about Asare's interest in the MPPAL program and how he gives back to his community.

Exploring the future of Blackness

When Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu (BA ’10) was hired in January 2020 to take the helm of Toronto’s Obsidian Theatre as its new artistic director, she had no idea how much the world would change by the time she started the job in July. Her first project with the theatre involved telling the stories of 21 Black playwrights answering the question “what is the future of Blackness?”

Learn more about Mumbi's experience working on Obsidian's 21 Black Futures during a global pandemic.

Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Embaye (BSW '16, MMgt '17)

A graduate of both York's School of Social Work and Schulich's Master of Management program, Sarah brings a unique perspective to her role as a partnerships coordinator at MLSE LaunchPad where they aim to improve social outcomes for youth facing barriers through sports.

Learn more about Sarah's career path since graduation.

Alumni Spotlight: Stachen Frederick (BSW '13)

Named by the Women Executive Network (WXN) as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Stachen Frederick (BSW ’13) has over 20 years of experience in the field of community and program development both nationally and internationally.

Learn more about why Stachen chose York and her work on the frontlines of change.

Alumni Spotlight: Joseph Smith (BA '11, BEd '12, MEd '14)

Joseph Smith is a man who wears many hats. He is a PhD student, an educator, researcher, consultant, volunteer leader and co-founder of Generation Chos3n, a not-for-profit organization that supports young adults in the Jane and Finch community.

Learn more about Joseph Smith's experience at York and work in the local community.

Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Hay (MES '16)

In 2001, Brandon Hay discovered he was going to be a dad for the first time. After visiting community centres seeking out help for Black fathers, he realized there were no resources available for him, so he developed one for other young Black men.

Learn more about Brandon and what motivated him to start the Black Daddies Club.

Like many new grads, when Rosemary Sadlier completed her Bachelor of Arts from Glendon College she struggled to find work. While working contract and part-time jobs to save up for her Masters in Social Work she also volunteered as a board member of the Ontario Black History Society, the only Provincial Heritage Organization (PHO) in Canada that focused on Black history.

Claiming a seat at the table

Former MP Jean Augustine (LLD '11) helped establish Black History Month in Canada. Now, a committee is fundraising to establish an endowed chair in her name at York. They've launched the “25K in 25 Days” initiative to highlight the 25th anniversary of Black History Month.

Learn more about the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora and how you can contribute.

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In 2001, Brandon Hay (MES ’16) discovered he was going to be a dad for the first time. After visiting community centres seeking out help for Black fathers, he realized there were no resources available for him. While working at his factory job overnight, Hay came up with an idea in response to the isolation he felt as a new Black father as well as to the lack of spaces for Black men to discuss parenting issues and concerns facing the Black community as a whole. He wanted a place where Black men could go to discuss their emotions and struggles in a safe space. In 2007, that’s how The Black Daddies Club (BDC) was born.

“At first, we created small events with community agencies where we could gather for free, like the Malvern Library, my friend’s hair salon in Brampton, and Uprising in Kensington Market. And people started gravitating towards us,” said Hay. “That’s when I realized there were a lack of spaces for Black folks to talk in the city.”

It was 16 years ago that Brandon’s own father was found murdered in Spanish Town, Jamaica. Experiencing a cycle of anger, sadness and regret, Hay struggled with believing it could be real, and likens it one of the hardest things he’s ever experienced. 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 good dad. The main goals of BDC 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, the organization aims to support Black children, families and the larger community.

After the creation of BDC, Hay brought his insights and experience to York. In May 2013, Hay, along with Dr. Carl James, Senior Advisor on Equity and Representation to the University at York, and Dr. Lance McCready at the University of Toronto, began a unique research project to collect information about the issues, challenges, roadblocks, opportunities and successes associated with Black fatherhood in the Toronto. The project, Gathering Our Voices, was designed to address the scarcity of information on the lived experiences of Black fathers in Toronto.

“I think barber shops have been these traditional spaces for Black men to talk and
to get therapy, and it's good for Black men to talk – but your barber is not a
trained therapist. And we were suffering in silence.”

Hay, who now has three sons, has also served as an instructor at York. In 2017, he started the course along with Nigel Barriffe, president of Urban Alliance on Race Relations, with a series of critical thinkers, educators, artists, agencies, institutions and many others to co-create a curriculum that is relevant to the Black and African Canadian community in the GTA. The workshop explored the field of planning from an anti-oppressive, anti-racism and inclusive lens, in investigating and harvesting various narratives within Black communities.

Since the creation of BDC, opportunities and gatherings have included “Daddies and Me” events where fathers take their children to events like Cirque du Soleil and the Annual Family and Friends BBQ, and their Breaking Bread program has expanded to several locations. They discuss topics like “Is love important?”, “Why does fatherlessness equate to more violence in our communities?”, and “How safe do you feel in your community?” It has provided programming and community where, for Hay, there wasn’t any.

“I think barber shops have been these traditional spaces for Black men to talk and to get therapy, and it's good for Black men to talk – but your barber is not a trained therapist. And we were suffering in silence. I think the struggle is definitely ongoing, but BDC has been an immense change in the way I parent. My children are definitely informed. Over the 14 years there have been a lot of changes within the community, but also a lot of changes within me. The saying really is right – it takes a village.”

For more information on Black Daddies Club, .

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Former MP Jean Augustine (LLD '11) helped establish Black History Month in Canada. Now, efforts to fundraise for an endowed chair in her name at York are kicking into high gear.

When the Honourable Jean Augustine was elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1993, she brought with her the hopes of her community, the voices of those she advocated for and the aspirations of her ancestors. As the first Black woman in that position, she was automatically catapulted to the status of role model for the millions who would come after her.  

Now in her 80s, Ms. Augustine continues to advocate for the causes that are important to her, including the initiative to fully endow the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora at �첥��Ƶ.

That’s why, when Ms. Augustine contacted Sheldon Pitt, better known as Solitair, a recognized music producer and community activist, in June 2020, and asked him to revive the campaign to fully endow the chair, he knew to take her request seriously. Having grown up referring to her as his “Auntie Jean,” Solitair had seen her advocacy and determination first-hand and had heard her stories about the challenges and successes she had experienced as he grew up. 

“My parents grew up with ‘Auntie Jean’ in Grenada, so I had spent many holidays as a child listening to them reminisce and share stories over meals,” says Solitair. “One thing that always resonated for me was the idea that having a voice on the important issues really matters. So when my ‘Auntie Jean’ explained the significance of the chair, I knew it was an opportunity for me to help ensure that the voice she, and as so many others, had given to issues like diversity and education could continue indefinitely.”

To assemble his team, Solitair wanted people who he knew would be just as passionate about continuing Ms. Augustine’s legacy as he was, so he recruited long-time friends, Jennifer Seif and Willona Fraser, both York alumni, to form the Jean Augustine Chair Endowment Fund (JACEF) Committee. In October 2020, the team of volunteers launched a social media campaign called Bridge for Change to help build awareness, educate the public and start a discussion about the work of the chair. 

Ms. Augustine envisions a chair that is “for the people, by the people”, so the JACEF Committee is eager to kick the campaign into high gear by launching the “25K in 25 Days” initiative which aims to highlight the 25^th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada by raising $25,000 towards the endowment fund in 25 days from community sources during the month of February.  To strengthen that goal, corporate sponsor Accenture has generously agreed to match all community donations to the fund throughout the month.

One of only two endowed university chairs in Canada dedicated to research and knowledge mobilization endeavours on Black and African-descended communities, the Jean Augustine chair seeks to: 

• Foster an understanding of the diverse cultural and educational needs of students; 
• Facilitate leadership on matters of access, equity, inclusivity and social justice; 
• Strengthen university-community partnerships and engagement; and, 
• Build educational and social capacity among students, junior scholars and community members. 

Recent world events have brought to the forefront the need for leaders, communities, businesses and individuals to take action to combat systemic racism and advocate for social justice issues globally. Canada is not immune to the reality of racism and how it can marginalize and disenfranchise those most vulnerable, and education is one of the keys to driving long-lasting, fundamental change in Black and other racialized communities across Canada.

“Continuing Jean’s legacy is much bigger than the committee or �첥��Ƶ,” says Solitair. “It falls to all those she has motivated to claim their seat at the table with her boldness, her strength and her ability to think beyond the bounds of what is expected to what is possible.”

Learn more about the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora and how you can contribute here. To read more about Jean Augustine’s life and work, .

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