Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends

Entrepreneur tackles gender disparity in the arts
Born in the U.S. and raised in Canada in a Spanish-speaking home with roots in Barcelona, Nuria Madrenas (BA ’16) is deeply inspired by culture, creativity, and community. It took just over two years for this arts enthusiast to fuse her passion and entrepreneurial desire to create positive change and bring Tacit – an online gallery and art consultancy dedicated exclusively to female artists – to life.

Five York community members place on Top 25 Women of Influence list
Five women with affiliations to York have been honoured with the 2025 Top Women of Influence award for their exceptional achievements, contributions and innovations that are shaping industries and redefining leadership in Canada.

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York alumna discusses equitable opportunities and the importance of representation in classrooms

Dr. Dionne Stephens (BA ’96), an esteemed alumna whose journey began long before becoming the only black tenure-track faculty member in the department of Psychology at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, discusses opportunities, representation and learning in the University’s dynamic, metropolitan and multicultural stage.

York alumna aims to spur positive change for Black health equity through dementia research

It was life’s twists and turns that led Ngozi Iroanyah (MA ’17) to pursue research dedicated to improving the health status of Black communities. And it’s her passion for creating positive change for Black people living with dementia that has fuelled years of study on the topic.

York alumna breaks barriers as a Black international fundraiser

From the age of 15, York alumna Fatou Jammeh (iBA ’15) was certain she wanted to become a diplomat. Today, Fatou is breaking barriers in the non-profit sector as a Black fundraiser and consultant to various organizations. While she had no clear trajectory to the world of fundraising, choosing to pursue International Studies at Glendon proved to be a pivotal step in her journey.

Community at York inspires alumnus to discover real estate passion

Like many first year undergraduate students, Darren Adamah (BA ’20) wasn’t sure what career he wanted to pursue right away. As a newcomer to Canada by way of Ghana, Darren found himself in unfamiliar territory, leaving friends and family to study in a new country.

York alumnus advancing the next generation through workforce development

When York alumnus Joannes Yimbesalu (MA ’18) decided to transition from his role as a cancer biologist to pursue his passion in international development, he realized he needed to return to school to develop his leadership skills.

York alumna champions vulnerable communities facing climate impacts

Sindy Singh has dedicated over a decade to environmental management and climate change. Her education at the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) at York University laid the foundation for her career focused on advocating for vulnerable communities facing climate impacts.

York alumnus reflects on Black identity in best-selling book

York alumnus Matthew R. Morris (BEd ’11) is an educator, anti-racism advocate, writer and public speaker based in Toronto. In his recent national best-selling book, Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging, Morris tackles the issues of identity that young Black students experience as they navigate their way through the education system.

Alumni Spotlight: Adam Donaldson (JD ’22)

When Adam Donaldson (JD ’22) graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School, his dream of becoming a lawyer finally became a reality. Today, Adam is an associate at Stockwoods LLP, advocate, community builder and volunteer.

Alumni Spotlight: Aedan Fida (BBA ’20)

Aedan Fida (BBA ’20) is an innovator, entrepreneur and co-founder/CEO of Blade Air, a North American leader in sustainable indoor air quality solutions. He credits his time at York as instrumental in driving his success.

Alumni Spotlight: Leanne Prendergast (BA ’16)

Leanne Prendergast is an anti-bullying advocate, author and motivational speaker who works to empower young girls and address issues of bullying, low self-esteem and other mental health issues.

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