Ambitious. Innovative. Creative. These are just some of the traits that define this inspiring group of leaders who are creating positive change and working to right the future in varied and significant ways.
At home and abroad, graduates of York University are not only entering the workforce prepared to put their education into practice, but to enact positive, real-world change. The 2024 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 are applying the education, skills and experiences they received at York to meaningful careers and community service endeavours, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the public good. From business leaders championing equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, to social entrepreneurs, environmental advocates and community builders, these young alumni highlight the many career and life paths made possible with a York degree.
Rodayna Abuelwafa
EDI leader and gender equity advocate
IBA ’18, Glendon
La version française suit la version anglaise.
Recognizing the pivotal role of education, in her current role at the Ontario Centre of Innovation, Rodayna Abuelwafa has played a crucial part in introducing STEM programs to thousands of students from kindergarten to post-secondary studies, ensuring these initiatives not only innovate but also prioritize the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Rodayna passionately advocates for women empowerment and gender equity, leaving a mark through her mentorship to young leaders in addition to her past support to entrepreneurs and contributions at the Scadding Court community center, fostering environments where women and newcomers can thrive. She also played an important role in designing and implementing the Girl’s Belong Here Initiative with Plan International Canada impacting young females and encouraging them to dream big and be the change of tomorrow. Through her work, Rodayna infuses her passion for innovation, women and gender equity, education, equity diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into the fabric of her endeavors.
Consciente du rôle central de l’éducation, Rodayna Abuelwafa, qui travaille actuellement au Centre d’innovation de l’Ontario, participe activement à l’introduction de programmes STEM pour des milliers d’élèves, de la maternelle au postsecondaire, et veille à ce que ces initiatives soient non seulement innovantes, mais donnent aussi la priorité à l’importance de l’équité, de la diversité et de l’inclusion. Rodayna est une ardente défenseure de l’autonomisation des femmes et de l’égalité des genres. Parallèlement à son mentorat auprès de jeunes leaders, elle a appuyé des entrepreneurs et a contribué au centre communautaire de Scadding Court, créant ainsi des environnements où les femmes et les nouveaux arrivants peuvent s’épanouir. Elle a également joué un rôle important dans la conception et la mise en œuvre de l’initiative « Place aux filles » de Plan International Canada, qui encourage les jeunes femmes à avoir des ambitions et à devenir des moteurs de changement pour l’avenir. Rodayna donne libre cours à sa passion pour l’innovation, l’égalité des genres, l’éducation, l’équité, la diversité et l’inclusion (EDI) dans tout ce qu’elle entreprend.
Bintu Alkassoum
Artificial intelligence innovator and entrepreneur
MMAI ’22, Schulich School of Business
Bintu Alkassoum is a Toronto-based previous startup founder and current artificial intelligence (AI) adoption manager at BASF Canada. Bintu’s expertise lies in artificial intelligence strategy, data analytics and product development. As the AI adoption manager at BASF’s Digital Hub, she helps drive AI innovation in a large enterprise environment to enhance organizational efficiency and strategic decision-making. Bintu’s entrepreneurial achievements are apparent in her role as the founder and CEO of RELOOPED, a sustainable fashion marketplace app. This initiative highlights her prowess in product design and user research, as well as her commitment to responsible consumption. Bintu’s work is characterized by a blend of creative excellence and a deep commitment to social responsibility. She continuously leverages technology for the greater good, making tangible impacts in her communities by addressing pressing issues such as sustainability, ethical AI and social justice. Bintu is an active member of the Women in AI branch of the Toronto Machine Learning Society, Microsoft Azure Community, and the Old Girls Club. Her involvement in these organizations reflects her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the AI and broader technology ecosystem.
Gurleen Bajwa
Healthcare innovator
BHS ’16, Faculty of Health
Gurleen Bajwa is a registered nurse and co-founder of Aruna Revolution Health, an organization that aims to transform the menstrual product industry by providing sustainable, safe and comfortable menstrual products. With a Health Studies degree from York University and nursing education from Western University, Gurleen utilized her healthcare experience to tackle the environmental and health impacts of traditional menstrual products. Growing to a manufacturing facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Aruna Revolution’s work now extends to creating compostable pads from food and plant by-products, with future plans to apply these sustainable fibers to diapers, medical protective personal equipment and maternity pads. This expansion underscores Gurleen’s broader commitment to reducing waste, enhancing inclusivity and promoting eco-consciousness in the industry. Gurleen’s efforts in enhancing community health and sustainability underscore her commitment to fostering a greener, more inclusive future. Her role in introducing eco-friendly healthcare solutions demonstrates her dedication to positive change, marking her as a significant contributor to environmental sustainability and healthcare innovation.
Katrina Carver
Researcher
BSc ’22 Faculty of Science
Katrina Carver is a graduate student in the field of computational neuroscience at the University of Toronto, where she utilizes novel machine learning techniques to understand and explain Alzheimer’s Disease. With the results of her research, she aims to guide drug development, improve diagnosis and enhance patient care. Katrina has been awarded a Canada Graduate Scholarship and a Medical Biophysics Excellence Award for her work, continuing the recognition of her dedication to academic and research excellence established as an Honours Physics student at York University. At York, she was awarded the Schulich Leader Scholarship, three Undergraduate Student Research Awards and the Iristel Undergraduate Scholarship. Notably, her undergraduate thesis research using neural networks to improve adaptive deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease has been published in Nature Communications and presented internationally. Katrina’s ultimate motivation is to serve society by advancing diagnosis, treatment and care for those living with neurodegenerative diseases using artificial intelligence, while considering and advancing the highest standards of ethics and privacy.
Shayandeep Das
Healthcare innovator
BHS ’21, Faculty of Health
Arriving in Canada as an international student with aspirations to make a meaningful impact in healthcare, Shayandeep Das embarked on a transformative journey at York University, laying the groundwork for his future endeavours. Shayandeep champions initiatives to enable adults to live with dignity. He is at the forefront of healthcare innovation and is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults living with frailty through a transformational remote care monitoring program in Canada. His work has directly influenced the care of over 10,000 older adults. In addition to this, Shayandeep acts as an impact investor, channelling resources and support to Canadian healthcare startups, aiming to drive substantial, positive change within the healthcare system. His efforts exemplify his commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and support for vulnerable populations. Shayandeep’s journey reflects a dedication to operational excellence and strategic investment, with the goal of making substantial advancements in healthcare delivery and accessibility worldwide.
Dolly Dhaliwal
Researcher and menstrual health educator
BSc ’19, Faculty of Health
Dolly Dhaliwal is a medical student and the co-founder of Grow with Flow, a platform that provides menstrual health education for educators, coaches, and young individuals. Dolly has a passion for educating young individuals about their menstrual cycle and reproductive health, especially in the context of sports and school. It covers the menstrual cycle’s physiology, hormones’ effects on mood and performance and the benefits of tracking cycles. Grow with Flow also offers workshops and webinars for educators and coaches who want to learn how to support their students and athletes during their menstrual cycle. She collaborates with other experts in the field to develop educational materials that are accurate and relevant. Drawing from her experience as a former lacrosse athlete, she understands the challenges of menstruation in sports. Dolly’s vision is to destigmatize menstruation and promote menstrual health as a source of strength and confidence for young individuals, breaking the silence on the topic.
Nick Di Scipio
Engineer and entrepreneur
BEng ’23, Lassonde School of Engineering
Nick Di Scipio is the founder of Pantheon Prototyping, a digital manufacturing start-up that helps students, tech founders and engineers unleash the potential of additive manufacturing for their prototyping and research and development needs. Through Pantheon, Nick has had the opportunity to work with prolific organizations such as Amazon and Microsoft, bringing 3D printing and Canadian manufacturing to the forefront. Nick strives to dismantle barriers to innovation through the sponsorship of student engineering clubs and by offering students discounts on Pantheon’s 3D printing services. Nick’s dedication to advancing sustainability and entrepreneurship is evident through his ongoing involvement in initiatives at York University, such as the Safe, Affordable, Reliable, Innovation Transit (SARIT) Living Lab, facilitating 3D printing recycling on campus and being a dedicated Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (BEST) mentor for aspiring student entrepreneurs. Nick has had the honour of being awarded Lassonde’s Bergeron Medal, BEST Award and was named as one of The Logic’s Leading Innovators for the Class of 2023. Nick is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Science degree with a focus on disruptive technologies and researching academia’s role in catalyzing their widespread adoption.
Adam Donaldson
Community builder and volunteer
JD ’22, Osgoode Hall Law School
Adam is a lawyer, advocate, and strong believer in the value of community. As a varsity student-athlete at the University of Victoria, Adam worked hard to foster a community and create the same experiences that were meaningful to him, for others. After graduation, Adam collaborated with the Government of British Columbia and the University of Victoria to create a program that taught seminar courses to university students alongside incarcerated individuals, promoting post-secondary opportunities after incarceration. Following his work with the Government of British Columbia and an internship with the British Columbia Legislature, Adam fulfilled his dream of becoming a lawyer by attending Osgoode Hall Law School. Grateful for the opportunity to pursue a legal career, Adam worked hard to give back through mentorship and community involvement. After graduating from law school, Adam clerked for judges at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Currently an associate at Stockwoods LLP, Adam continues to give back to the communities that have supported him through mentorship and volunteering, speaking at events, and being available to those in his community.
Khadeja Elsibai
Public servant and community builder
BPA ’20, MPPAL ’22, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Khadeja Elsibai is a public servant, community builder, connector and people-oriented leader. Her passion for building community and creating spaces for learning and growth has mainly been unleashed within the public sector as member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada’s Toronto Region Chapter (IPAC Toronto) and as co-chair of Future Leaders of Ontario (FLO), the inter-departmental network for new and young federal public servants based in Ontario. Through these leadership roles, Khadeja has co-led many initiatives including two mentorship programs, the organizing of IPAC Toronto’s flagship event, the Emerging Leaders Conference and launched IPAC Toronto’s Emerging New Professional Award, an award that recognizes emerging leaders in the GTHA’s public sector. Khadeja has also led many communications and outreach initiatives within the public sector, and co-organized many learning and networking events that aim to facilitate horizontal collaboration and the cross-pollination of knowledge to create opportunities for professional development. In addition, Khadeja assists with organizing community events and fundraising initiatives across North America for Molham Volunteering Team, a Syrian grassroots charity dedicated to supporting Syrians and Arabs in need across the Arab region.
Aedan Fida
Innovator and entrepreneur
BBA ’20, Schulich School of Business
Aedan Fida is the CEO and co-founder of Blade Air, a North American leader in sustainable indoor air quality solutions. Aedan launched Blade Air to innovate within the air quality sector, introducing energy-efficient, sustainable technologies that improve businesses’ bottom lines and air quality simultaneously. Blade Air’s mission is not only to reduce wasted resources, but also to decrease consumer costs by an average of 30%. Aedan has led the company’s growth with a focus on innovation and strategic leadership and his foresight and dedication have been pivotal in developing Blade Air into a leader in the indoor air quality and sustainability industries. Blade Air’s product portfolio, including the HEPA+ Filter, Pro Filter, and innovative Carbon Filter, enhances environmental and operational efficiency for all clients. Aedan has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022) and EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2023) and Blade Air has been featured in the Top Growing Companies of 2023 by the Globe and Mail.
Ketaki Gadre
Author and educator
MF ’21, Schulich School of Business
Ketaki Gadre is a finance and accounting professional, educator and published author. Ketaki’s expertise spans financial due diligence, risk assessment, control environment development and auditing. As an instructor at Fleming College, she nurtures the next generation of professionals through advanced finance/accounting education, infusing fresh perspectives as one of the youngest instructors in her college. She encourages interactive learning methods and makes frequent use of case studies. Beyond the classroom, she has contributed articles to scholarly journals, that include “Farm Loan Waiver – A Real Solution to Agricultural Enigma?” and “Feasibility of Bitcoin in India – A Discussion.” Ketaki also serves as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as the Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting and the Journal of Economics, Management, and Trade. By providing constructive feedback as a reviewer for academic journals, she actively contributes to elevating the quality of published research, reinforcing their commitment to enhance the capability of the academic community and the positive changes it can bring about in the knowledge pool.
Pablo Gonzalez
EDI advocate
BSc ’22, Faculty of Science
Pablo Gonzalez, a medical student at the University of Toronto, is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion. He founded the Canadian Association of Latin Medical Students (CALMS) to unite those interested in Latin American culture and healthcare. As CALMS president, Pablo and his team empower marginalized Latin American youth to pursue healthcare careers, addressing underrepresentation in the field. Pablo’s community-building extends to his role as an ally to Jewish community leaders in the fight against antisemitism. As a keynote speaker at provincial interfaith events, Pablo fosters empathetic dialogues, seeking common ground with diverse cultural and religious communities. Furthermore, he is passionate about supporting underserved and marginalized groups through his academic endeavours. Collaborating with leading diabetes researchers at the University of Calgary, he sheds light on the healthcare barriers faced by those experiencing homelessness. He has presented his research at national and international medical conferences to drive policy discussions. Pablo’s advocacy stems from his experiences at York University, where he graduated from the Bachelor of Science Biotechnology Program. Active in student life, Pablo represented York University students through the President’s Ambassador Program and as a Student Representative on the York University Alumni Board. In these roles, he collaborated with university executives and stakeholders to ensure that York University remains a vibrant place for diverse learning experiences.
Dennis Gorya
Entrepreneur
BBA ’21, Schulich School of Business
Dennis Gorya is an entrepreneur and CEO of North America’s fastest-growing commerce consultancy, Tidal Commerce. The firm’s team is known as top producers in their industry and work with numerous notable clients from Fortune 100 companies and Canadian retailers. Alongside his business partners, Dennis is also a director and partner in Umbrella Incorporated, a management and holding company of technology-led services business that provides Tidal with a unique competitive advantage of providing extensive services with a boutique and family business feel. Dennis gives back to his community through volunteering at York with the Schulich School of Business and as a board member for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Toronto and EO Canada.
Sarah Karam
Tech educator and volunteer
BEng ’18, Lassonde School of Engineering
Sarah Karam is a senior manager of conversational artificial intelligence (AI) development at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where she leads a team of developers to create an AI driven tech assistant to help solve tech problems. With her background in engineering, Sarah applies the skills she learned to lead a team to deliver a high-quality software product. Outside of her professional role, Sarah leads a program to teach kids to code in person and virtually to prepare them for success in the digital age. Sarah is also an advocate for gender diversity in STEM and actively mentor’s women by providing them guidance and support in tech. Sarah’s dedication in her off hours to helping women in tech and teaching kids to code exemplifies her commitment to creating a more diverse tech community and helping the future youth in the digital age.
John Lau
Sustainability leader
BA ’17, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
MES ’19, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
John Lau is a senior advisor at the Ontario Energy Board’s Energy Transition department. After graduating from York, John Lau helped combat climate change by working on energy and environment policy at Natural Resources Canada. John monitored and analyzed international and domestic clean energy policies and led cooperation between federal and provincial governments to report on the progress of clean energy policy implementation. John then joined the Natural Gas and Hydrogen team at Natural Resources Canada where he has led the federal government’s policy and market analysis related to gaseous fuels. John also spearheaded projects focused on natural gas sector decarbonization and advancing progress toward net-zero emissions for Canada and its allies. John has been featured as a presenter at many conferences on climate change mitigation. These include conferences hosted by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Hydrogen Heating Network (HHN). John was also an independent expert reviewer for International Energy Agency (IEA) publications. John has been working to ensure that Canada’s clean-energy transition is successful and enlists participation and support from all Canadians and stakeholders. In 2020, John was recognized as one of Corporate Knight Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders.
Adrian Leva
Humanitarian volunteer
BSc ’16, Faculty of Science
Adrian is the COO and co-founder of Nu-Rise Construction Management, a firm specializing in mid to high-rise construction in the Greater Toronto Area. Prior to co-founding Nu-Rise, Adrian founded New Mission Investments, a real estate company focused on building generational wealth through multifamily properties and increasing access to housing in Ontario. Adrian Leva’s humanitarian background began in 2013, when he was an international missionary for The Samaritan Foundation. Adrian visited the Dominican Republic to help build homes for at-risk families who lived on less than $1 dollar per day. Adrian helped with fundraising and building over 25 homes between 2013 and 2019, which were equipped with basic electrical and plumbing services. To support this goal, Adrian inspires youth to engage with their community and to take philanthropic action. Since 2019, Adrian has influenced 800 students through keynote presentations, raising funds to further home construction in the Dominican Republic.
Nuria Madrenas
Art curation innovator
BA ’16, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Nuria Madrenas is the founder and principal of Tacit, an online gallery and art consultancy dedicated to female-identifying artists. Tacit was born out of the disparity in the art industry between women and men, where art by women accounts for 2% of the art sold. Nuria curates a collection of works available via the Tacit website for emerging and established collectors to build their collection. With a profound objective of reducing the gender disparity prevalent in the art industry, Nuria’s vision has propelled Tacit to become a catalyst for change. Under Nuria’s guidance, Tacit has not only provided a platform for female artists to showcase their talent but has also garnered attention from renowned publishing platforms such as Vogue Living, the London Free Press, The Globe and Mail, and Forbes. These features have further amplified the reach and impact of Tacit, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the art industry. Through the art consulting wing, Tacit has worked with a variety of residential and commercial clients to curate art for their spaces, including condominium buildings, hotels, restaurants, office buildings and beyond.
Marissa Magneson
Artist and Indigenous rights advocate
BFA ’18, School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design
Marissa Magneson, is a Cree-Métis artist, photographer and educator who passionately pursues cultural reclamation and (re)conciliation. As an arts educator, Marissa collaborates with various organizations, leaving a significant impact across Turtle Island on post-secondary Indigenous student centres, private and public schools, local governments, arts organizations, corporations and her own communities – the Métis Nation of Ontario and Toronto and York Regional Métis Council, where she serves as the elected youth representative. Her advocacy for Métis and Indigenous rights to self-govern, uplift youth, and reclaim fractured cultural identities due to colonization is deeply rooted in her family history. Marissa is a strong advocate for fair and equitable compensation for all artists and arts educators. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Faculty of Education at York University, Marissa’s research explores beadwork as pedagogy, a bridge towards cultural reclamation and (re)conciliation. Marissa is a Vanier Scholar, ranking second of 200 across the social sciences and humanities, and is a two-time recipient of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) awards.
Insiya Meherally
Self-defence innovator
BBA ’20, Schulich School of Business
Insiya is a multiple award-winning founder, CEO and published author. Drawing from her own personal experience of narrowly escaping an attack, Insiya built Pakistan’s fastest growing female-powered self-defence training organization, with 700+ individuals trained to date at top multinationals, including Shell, Procter & Gamble, and British Council. With a background in global organizations such as Pfizer, Omnicom Group and Ogilvy & Mather, Insiya brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications and brand growth. Today, she is a recognized motivational speaker and guest lecturer, inspiring audiences with her transformative story, expertise and passion.
Khalidha Nasiri
Physician and human rights advocate
BSc ’17, Faculty of Health
Khalidha Nasiri is a family medicine resident physician and researcher on global health equity. In 2018, she founded the Afghan Youth Engagement and Development Initiative (AYEDI), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement and social development amongst newcomer, refugee, and first-generation Afghan-Canadian youth. Under her leadership, AYEDI has distributed over $40,000 for community service incubator projects, implemented award-winning newcomer mentorship programs, and spearheaded non-partisan advocacy initiatives. From grassroots forums to the global stage, Khalidha has advocated for refugee health and humanitarian needs, and the rights of Afghan girls and women. Her work is driven by her belief in the transformative power of community-led solutions. She is a principal investigator of community-based research projects, provides mentorship to racialized youth and is a frequent guest speaker, including her invited testimony at Canada’s Special Committee on Afghanistan. Khalidha has garnered several accolades, including the 2021 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Medical Student Award. She attributes her time at York for granting her valuable experiences.
Larissa Parekh
Community builder
BA ’17, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Larissa Parekh is a community-centered leader specializing in capacity development, community resilience, leadership, climate change and international development. Her passion for strengthening community resilience in vulnerable communities drives her to build meaningful connections and emphasize an asset-based approach to community development. Larissa’s commitment to community engagement started as an undergraduate student at York University where she worked with local organizations to provide funding and resources for vulnerable populations. As a student, her research explored how informal leadership and social capital drives the success of community-based adaptation methods to climate change and community resilience in the Global South, with an emphasis on rural, women-focused experiences. Larissa has served as a conference coordinator for a non-profit organization dedicated to creating spaces that advocate for the needs and interests of rural or remotely located communities and she continues to volunteer and offer support for their rural conferences to foster greater collaboration and connection. Larissa’s experience with community engagement contributes to her current work with communities, emphasizing vulnerable neighbourhoods and working to strengthen community resilience and preparedness against disasters and emergencies.
Natalie Pecile
Sustainability strategist
BBA ’16, Schulich School of Business
After completing her undergraduate degree at York, Natalie Pecile had the opportunity to develop the sustainability strategy for Restaurant Brands International, spanning over 27,000 restaurants around the world. Since then, Natalie has led the creation of global responsible sourcing policies and purchasing roadmaps with a focus on animal welfare, sustainable packaging and recycling, deforestation and renewable energy. Inspired by the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture and the power of natural systems to heal themselves, Natalie is currently pursuing a deeper understanding of our relationship with food from the perspective of human health. Now in her first year of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) Boucher, Natalie hopes to leverage her education in naturopathic medicine and her background in environmental leadership and public affairs to strengthen Canadian communities through integrative and inclusive approaches to improving individual and planetary health.
Sara Pishdadian
Clinician and health equity advocate
MA ’18, PhD ’23, Faculty of Health
Sara Pishdadian works at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in the Geriatrics Mental Health, Neuropsychology Assessment and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis services providing clinical services and conducting research. Her dissertation research investigated memory and spatial navigation abilities in older adults and individuals with amnesia and was recognized with a York University Dissertation Prize. Sara held many leadership and advocacy roles at York University including co-founding the Psychology Undergraduate Mentorship Program (PUMP), co-chairing the Psychology Graduate Students’ Association (PGSA), and being an active member of the Psychology department’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) committee. She is an active member of Health Care Providers Against Poverty (HPAP) and has contributed to national initiatives focused on equity and inclusion regarding psychology residency salaries. Sara also mentors graduate students through the American Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African (AMENA) Psychological Association. Sara is a passionate clinician, researcher and advocate for providing high quality mental health care, particularly to underserved individuals such as older adults and individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
Leanne Prendergast
Anti-bullying advocate and author
BA ’16, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Leanne Prendergast is the founder and executive director of Love our Lives, a non-profit organization that works to help young girls and women live happy and healthy lives by using practical tools and measures to address issues of bullying, low self-esteem and other mental health issues. Leanne co-authored a self-help book, Getting to Know Me, based on her personal experience of being bullied as a child. The book provides support for girls, their families and other support workers in identifying the telltale signs of bullying and how to find help and support. Leanne is a motivational speaker, activist and a voice of change, both nationally and internationally. She provides workshops, seminars and programs within schools and community events to address the effects of bullying on girls and young women in schools, in relationships and within organizations. Leanne has been recognized for her service and community work by television programs, radio stations and newspapers and is a frequently requested speaker at many conferences and events, speaking at WE Day, and was featured in a TEDx Talk.
Jenna Robar
EDI leader and mental health advocate
BA ’19, Glendon
La version française suit la version anglaise.
Jenna Robar (she/her) is a dedicated community activist from Nova Scotia currently serving as the manager of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at the YMCA and deputy director at Books, Art, Music (BAM) Collective. At BAM, she spearheads initiatives to foster connections and understanding across diverse populations and supports the creation of inclusive environments. Globally, Jenna has volunteered with GlobalMedic in the Bahamas, post-hurricane Dorian, contributing to disaster relief efforts and a commitment to making a positive difference. As a public speaker, consultant and community worker, Jenna shares her expertise and passion for positive change. Her advocacy extends beyond organizations, involving collaboration with various levels of government to translate ideas into impactful change. She has addressed the House of Commons, engaged with the United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC), contributed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and served on the Prime Minister’s Youth Council. Recognized for her efforts, she was awarded Nova Scotia’s Mental Health Advocate of the Year in 2022. These experiences reflect Jenna’s ongoing dedication to fostering inclusivity, mental health advocacy and enacting meaningful change in diverse communities.
Militante communautaire néo-écossaise, Jenna Robar occupe actuellement le poste de responsable de la diversité, de l’équité, de l’inclusion et de l’appartenance au YMCA et celui de directrice adjointe de Books, Art, Music (BAM) Collective. Dans ce dernier rôle, elle est le fer de lance d’initiatives visant à favoriser les liens et la compréhension entre des populations diversifiées et à soutenir la création d’environnements inclusifs. À l’échelle mondiale, Jenna a fait du bénévolat aux Bahamas avec GlobalMedic, après le passage de l’ouragan Dorian, s’impliquant dans l’aide aux sinistrés en cas de catastrophe et s’engageant à faire changer les choses. Oratrice, consultante et travailleuse communautaire, elle partage son expertise et sa passion pour les changements positifs. Ses activités de plaidoyer dépassent le cadre des organisations et nécessitent une collaboration avec différents niveaux de gouvernement afin de concrétiser les idées par des changements. Jenna s’est adressée à la Chambre des communes, s’est engagée auprès de l’Association canadienne pour les Nations Unies (ACNU), a contribué à la Commission de vérité et réconciliation du Canada et a siégé au Conseil consultatif sur les jeunes du premier ministre. En reconnaissance de ses efforts, elle a reçu la distinction de promotrice de la santé mentale de l’année en Nouvelle-Écosse en 2022. Ces expériences reflètent son engagement continu à favoriser l’inclusion, la promotion de la santé mentale et la mise en œuvre de changements majeurs dans des communautés diversifiées.
Sam Rockbrune
Community leader and social justice advocate
MA ’19, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Samantha (Sam) Rockbrune (she/her) is a leader in the non-profit sector with nearly ten years of experience in social and climate justice locally and nationally. She is a graduate of York University’s Master of Arts in Socio-Legal Studies in which her research took a critical stance on law and policy. She is a co-founder and former board director of Students for Consent Culture Canada, a national non-profit working to end campus sexual violence and promote cultures of consent. Currently, Sam is the executive director for the Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC), an award-winning charity focused on connecting global issues to local initiatives in the Nogojiwanong area of Peterborough, Ontario. Under her leadership, KWIC has undertaken impactful community projects to advance and amplify gender equality locally and support youth climate justice projects. In 2023, Sam was also the interim executive director for. The Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledges and Sciences (TRACKS) youth program, facilitating dynamic, land-based youth programming that braids multiple scientific approaches by centring Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Brian Serapio
Physician and EDI advocate
BSc ’18, Faculty of Science
Brian Serapio is a resident physician in psychiatry based in Toronto with a strong interest in the psychiatric care of older adults and adults with complex health needs. Brian is exploring a newfound interest in psychotherapy. Throughout his career, Brian has been involved in geriatrics interest groups at the local and national levels that raise awareness about the health challenges older adults face and promote a career in geriatrics amongst medical learners. Brian has engaged in research on the impact of volunteers on hospitalized older adult patients and the views of long-term care staff on technological innovation. As a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines who has had to overcome significant hurdles in his career, Brian is also passionate about rectifying the underrepresentation of minorities, including Filipinos, in medicine. While in medical school, he was involved in programs and initiatives including the Filipino Association of Medical Students (FAMS), Community of Support (COS) and Altitude Healthcare Mentoring that provide mentorship to pre-med and medical students from underrepresented groups. As Brian continues to progress through his training, he aims to equip himself with the necessary knowledge to provide care to underserved communities.
Taha Shaikh
EDI advocate and entrepreneur
BBA ’17, Schulich School of Business
Taha Shaikh is the founder of AbsoluteAction, a trailblazer in sports and entertainment consulting. His firm specializes in enhancing fan engagement and designing temporary venues for major clients including the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainmgent (MLSE), and CONCACAF. Taha’s work has notably advanced the use of data and artificial intelligence (AI) within Canada. His innovative approach has transformed how organizations engage customers and data to leverage technology for operational excellence. Alongside his professional endeavours, Taha has actively promoted inclusivity through the PWC Muslim Inclusive Network across North America, fostering a vibrant platform for the Muslim community to explore career growth, mentorship and the integration of faith within professional settings. Through this network, Taha has championed a culture of belonging and support, enhancing diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
Megan Tran
Sustainability leader and EDI advocate
IBA ’20, Glendon
La version française suit la version anglaise.
Megan Tran is a policy professional with over five years of local and international experience at the intersection of climate, sustainability, social justice and equity. Megan is passionate about working to address systemic barriers and strives to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Recently, she worked at Student Energy to amplify the voices of youth leaders in the energy sector, leading research advocacy projects and working with global organizations to facilitate greater intergenerational collaboration at international decision-making tables. Megan currently serves on the Board of Directors of Ally Squared, an intersectional feminist organization that aims to advance active allyship that supports an equitable, de-colonized and just society. In 2022, her work and experience led her to be selected to represent young Canadians at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York City through Young Diplomats of Canada. Megan is currently a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto and is excited to collaborate with diverse teams to create effective solutions to various global challenges.
Megan Tran est une professionnelle de la politique qui compte à son actif plus de cinq ans d’expérience locale et internationale au carrefour du climat, de la durabilité, de la justice sociale et de l’équité. Elle se passionne pour la lutte contre les obstacles systémiques et aspire à contribuer à un avenir plus équitable et durable. Elle a travaillé récemment à Student Energy pour faire entendre la voix des jeunes leaders dans le secteur de l’énergie, menant des projets de recherche et de plaidoyer et travaillant avec des organisations mondiales pour faciliter une plus grande collaboration intergénérationnelle aux tables de décision internationales. Megan siège actuellement au conseil d’administration d’Ally Squared, une organisation féministe intersectionnelle qui s’est donnée pour mission de promouvoir une alliance inclusive favorisant une société équitable, décolonisée et juste. En 2022, elle a été choisie pour représenter le Canada au Forum politique de haut niveau des Nations Unies sur le développement durable à New York, dans le cadre d’une délégation des Jeunes diplomates du Canada. Megan prépare actuellement une maîtrise en politique publique à la Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy de l’Université de Toronto. Elle a hâte de collaborer avec des équipes diversifiées pour trouver des solutions efficaces à divers défis mondiaux.
Dael Vasquez-Hernandez
Youth leader and social policy advocate
BA ’21, Glendon
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Dael Vasquez-Hernandez is an award-winning leader and scholar devoted to progressive policy reform, civic education and improving policy outcomes for youth in Canada and abroad. Domestically, Dael co-founded Engage and serves as its director of policy and government affairs. Through Engage, Dael develops projects to empower 400,000+ youth on matters of voter engagement, career development, and rental relations. Dael has also partnered with York’s C4 program to mentor students on developing artificial intelligence applications that enhance policy accessibility. Internationally, Dael headed a youth diplomatic mission to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Professionally, Dael supported Transparency International’s All 4 Inclusive Service Delivery Africa project, an initiative dedicated to improving access to education and healthcare services for more than ten million women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. At CIBC, Dael’s leadership has promoted responsible and sustainable banking through the delivery of international Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) training for stakeholders across Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe and North America.
Dael Vasquez-Hernandez est un universitaire et un leader reconnu. Il se consacre à la mise en place de politiques progressistes, à l’éducation civique et à l’amélioration des retombées politiques pour les jeunes au pays et à l’étranger. Au Canada, Dael a cofondé la société Engage au sein de laquelle il dirige la politique et les affaires gouvernementales et développe des projets ayant pour but de responsabiliser plus de 400 000 jeunes en matière d’engagement électoral, de développement de carrière et de relations avec les locataires. Il a aussi établi un partenariat avec le programme C4 de l’Université York afin d’aider les étudiants à développer des applications d’intelligence artificielle améliorant l’accessibilité des politiques. À l’échelle internationale, Dael a été chef de la délégation des Jeunes diplomates du Canada à l’assemblée annuelle du Fonds monétaire international et de la Banque mondiale. Sur le plan professionnel, il a appuyé le projet « Prestation inclusive des services en Afrique » de Transparence International, qui visait à améliorer l’accès à l’éducation et aux services de santé pour plus de 10 millions de femmes et de filles en République démocratique du Congo, au Ghana, à Madagascar, au Rwanda et au Zimbabwe. À la CIBC, le leadership de Dael a permis de promouvoir des services bancaires responsables et durables grâce à la mise en œuvre de formations internationales ESG pour des parties prenantes en Asie-Pacifique, dans les Caraïbes, en Europe et en Amérique du Nord.
About York U’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30
Launched in 2021, York’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University’s young alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders to make a positive difference locally and globally. For more information on past recipients, click here. Nominations for the next Top 30 Alumni Under 30 list will open this Fall, click here to learn more.