If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved with YUSAN or want to hear more about their upcoming initiatives, please contact Yasmine Mensah, Alumni Engagement Officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.
Meet the 2024-2026 Executive Team
Sarah Devika Sumnauth
Chair
BES ’11
Sarah Devika Sumnauth holds an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies with a specialization in Environment and Culture: Philosophy, Arts, Technology, and Education. A dynamic and visionary professional, Sarah began her career as the founder of Urban Minerals, an award-winning vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics company. Her work in sustainable beauty earned widespread recognition and underscored her commitment to environmental and ethical practices.
Transitioning from entrepreneurship, Sarah became a Sustainability Specialist, leveraging her expertise to drive impactful change in environmental sustainability. Currently, she serves as an Executive Assistant within the Labour Program of the federal public service. Her role extends beyond administrative excellence, as she actively engages in initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and social equity. Within her department, Sarah sits on the Indigenous Working Group, co-chairs the Wellness Committee, and is currently spearheading the development of a Black Youth Conference to foster inclusivity and opportunities for underrepresented groups. Her contributions are not limited to her workplace however; she also plays a pivotal role in the York University community.
As a dedicated alumnus, Sarah sits on the York University Alumni Board, where she chairs the Scholarships and Awards Committee, championing student recognition and support. Additionally, she leads the York University Sustainability Alumni Network (YUSAN), which she founded to connect students and alumni for networking, mentorship, and collaborative projects in sustainability. Through YUSAN, Sarah fosters a vibrant community dedicated to driving innovation and real-world impact.
Sarah’s professional and volunteer work exemplifies her dedication to creating a better, more sustainable, and equitable future. Her unique combination of entrepreneurial spirit, environmental advocacy, and a focus on EDI principles positions her as a leader committed to making lasting contributions in her field.
Anushka Karmalkar
Vice-Chair
BES ’20
Anushka Karmalkar is a Sustainability Specialist at DIALOG, where she leverages her expertise to reduce the embodied carbon of buildings and integrate sustainable design practices within building design. With a deep commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of construction, Anushka is dedicated to creating healthier, more resilient spaces for communities.
As an active member of the Toronto Biobuild Collective, Anushka collaborates with industry peers to accelerate the adoption of biobased materials, driving innovation in the built environment. Passionate about climate resilience, she continually explores how to make buildings more adaptable and better equipped to face the challenges of a changing climate, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
She is the founder of Women in Sustainability Canada (WISC), a network with over 1,300 members on LinkedIn aimed at empowering women in the field of sustainability, fostering connections and championing leadership in sustainability across the country. She also serves as Vice Chair of York University’s Sustainability Alumni Network (YUSAN), where she aims to deepen alumni engagement with the university and build meaningful connections around sustainability within the alumni community.
Andre Moura
Treasurer
BA '18, MES '20
Andre Moura holds a Master’s in Environmental Studies from York University, along with a Schulich School of Business Business and Environment Diploma. He also earned a B.A. in Global Health with Honors, specializing in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, from York University, where he is also a proud alumnus of the Las Nubes Project.
Throughout his academic journey, Andre has received several prestigious awards, including the Howard Daugherty Graduate Award in Neotropical Conservation, the York Graduate Scholarship, and the President Emeritus Mamdouh Shoukri International Award for Global Health.
Andre’s professional and academic interests span Sustainable International Development, Environmental Social Governance (ESG), Emergency Management, Global Health, and Public Policy.
He previously served as a National Emergency Response Manager for the Canadian Red Cross, where he contributed to critical disaster and emergency management initiatives. Currently, Andre works as a Labour Relations Advisor for the Canada Revenue Agency, where he applies his expertise in public policy and organizational leadership to support workplace relations and equity.