Our program is empowered by a welcoming and diverse community of students with a uniquely global perspective. Together we are making things right for our communities and our future.
Arnab holds a BSc and a MSc in Geography and Environment from Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Bangladesh. He did research on environmental degradation and adaptation strategies for Rohingya Refugees.
With nearly five years of professional experience in the international NGO sector, Arnab has developed a strong foundation in program leadership and development. He began his career as a fellow with Teach for Bangladesh, where he worked as a full-time educator and led capstone projects focused on WASH, and gender equity in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Arnab then served as Program Lead for UKBET, a UK-based NGO, where he managed development projects aligned with the SDGs, particularly in poverty alleviation, quality education, economic growth, and climate action.
At York University, Arnab aims to further his expertise in development theory and practice, with a specific research interest in assessing the impacts of climate change on marginalized populations in the Global South.
Ashlynn Chand graduated from the University of Alberta with Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology. She worked as a freelance journalist and editor before starting her master’s degree. She has written for Ricochet Media, TorontoStar, The Tyee, Jacobin, The Walrus, Xtra Magazine, and was a labor reporting intern at PressProgress. Her short time as a reporter, she covered topics relating to community, migrants, and women. She is a child of the internet and spends too much time online, leading her to become interested in feminist digital spaces. Working at Amazon and writing about sex workers, she became interested in the ways gender, migration, labour, and technology intersect. Her research plan is to study how digital sexual violence affects migrant women in Malaysia or alternatively find how technology companies impact digital sexual violence in the Global South.
With ten years of experience as a Registered Practical Nurse, Catherine has excelled in leadership roles within the private health sector, and acute care nursing. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Brock University in 2023, Catherine’s research interests focus on health equity and mental health promotion, particularly for parents/caregivers of medically diverse and fragile children. Additionally, Catherine explores how community participation can be integrated into public health interventions and research to enhance program sustainability. Notably, Catherine has conducted research in Namibia, examining the benefits of peer-to-peer support groups for parents. In recognition of their work, Catherine received the EWO Experiential Learning Student of the Year Award (2023) for their contribution towards community collaboration and enhancing experiential learning. Catherine is dedicated to developing public health interventions that account for communities’ unique cultural needs and appreciates the relationship between diversity, health equity, social justice, and intersectionality in enhancing community health.
Cecile (she/they) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours in International Studies from Simon Fraser University. She received top recognition for her honours thesis, which explored the intersection of international human rights governance and women’s rights in Morocco. Driven by a commitment to questioning established narratives and engaging with diverse perspectives, Cecile’s academic journey has also taken her to Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco, and the Sijal Institute in Amman, Jordan.
These experiences deepened Cecile’s interest in development studies, where she seeks to understand human wellbeing through alternative frameworks. By applying feminist, queer, and critical development perspectives, she seeks to address the political dimensions of development rather than focusing solely on technical solutions.
Cecile’s current research interests focus on the gendered dimensions of development in the Middle East and North Africa. Her upcoming project will investigate how Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Jordan working on women’s empowerment bridge international development agendas with local community concerns.
Daisy graduated from Humber College with a Bachelor of International Development, where she was on the Dean’s List every semester and received the International Development Award and the Academic Excellence Award. She was also recognized in the Dean’s Newsletter September 2022 Edition for her work placement with ASONI in San Jose, Costa Rica, a community-based organization dedicated to providing a safe environment and educational support to some of the city’s most marginalized youth. Her time in Costa Rica equipped her with valuable skills and knowledge, inspiring her to continue her education and pursue an MA in Development Studies at York University. In her quest to reconnect with her indigenous roots and provide a voice to her community, the Igorot community, her research will focus on Igorot people’s experiences with discrimination and marginalization and its ramifications in the Philippines. When she is not engaged with schoolwork, she enjoys archery, embroidery, and cooking.
Emily graduated with distinction from Toronto Metropolitan University with a BA (Hons) in Public Administration and Governance, a minor in Global Politics and Development, and a Certificate in Food Security. Since her early days in the community gardens of British Columbia, she has worked with non-profit organizations to strengthen food security and build resilient communities. After years of work in emergency food distribution and food skills education, Emily became interested in the state’s role in food systems and has served on several food policy councils, including as Chair of the Simcoe County Food Council. Awards recognizing her dedication to academic and community work include the Alterna Prize for Women Social Change Leaders (2020) and the David Crombie Achievement Award (2023). Emily’s current research on the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program examines how extractive neocolonial systems affect development in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
Fatima has completed her Paralegal Studies Diploma from Humber College and is also a licensed paralegal in Ontario and a notary public. Additionally, she holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Global Political Studies from York University. Her research focuses on the experiences of the Hazara people of Afghanistan who are currently in Pakistan as refugees. This research resonates with her passion for social justice and her interest in global issues, especially in Central and South Asia, as well as the Middle East. Fatima has actively contributed to her community by supporting the Afghanistan Relief Organization (ARO) as a part-time online English instructor, assisting women refugees in Pakistan. Additionally, she serves as the Head of Events at the Pakistani Students’ Association (PSA) at York University, the largest Pakistani students club in Canada, where she keeps the student community engaged and entertained.
Fatoumata Kane, an alumna of York University with an Honours degree in International Development, is currently pursuing her Master’s in Development Studies. Her research examines how political instability and environmental challenges in Senegal drive the migration of Senegalese fishermen.
Previously, Fatoumata worked for UNICEF Canada, contributing to projects aimed at improving the lives of children and communities. She also served as a Program Coordinator for an environmental initiative, leading sustainability efforts and participating in global discussions at COP27.
In addition to her academic work, Fatoumata founded ÑUL KŪK, a sustainable Afrocentric brand that promotes African heritage and addresses issues like colourism. Now, she has come full circle, returning to York as a Teaching Assistant for a development course.
With a passion for bridging cultures and advocating for her communities in Senegal and Canada, she is optimistic that her work will lead to positive change for marginalized populations and foster sustainable development globally.
Fitsum completed her undergraduate degree at University of Toronto with an Hons Bachelor of Arts Degree double majoring in African Studies and Diaspora and Transnational Studies. She took several courses during her undergraduate degree that were instrumental in forming her research interests and applying to York University’s Development Studies program. These courses helped her develop a critical lens to analyse the importance of historical events in relation to contemporary challenges in the world, how power dynamics between the global north and south shape the paradigms, and decisions made by the government, organisations, and civil society. She believes that grassroots organisations play an essential role in promoting change. Her current research interest is centred on youth unemployment and solutions proposed by local development initiatives in Ethiopia. Additional areas of interest include egalitarian education, closing income inequality, food security, humanitarian assistance, environmental sustainability, and making the world more accessible to individuals with disabilities. She is confident that this program will enrich her understanding on the interdisciplinary topic of development, gain practical skills from the research opportunities, and allow her to critically engage with her colleagues, professors, and program administrators.
Francisco is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Development Studies. His research project will focus on authoritarianism and attacks on the freedom of the press in Mexico.
He holds a Master’s degree in Comparative Public Policy from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO-Mexico) and two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Law and the other in Economics, from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). At that University, he taught Public Finance, Socioeconomic Problems of Mexico, and Growth and Development Economics. He was also a full-time Associate Researcher at the UNAM’s Institute for Economic Research. He has authored and co-authored books, chapters, and articles on public finance, transparency, accountability, combating corruption, and culture related to economic underdevelopment. When working for a CSO in 2005, he became interested in the protection of human rights, specifically in freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the right to access public information.
Hafsah is a Somali-Canadian committed to addressing issues impacting Black communities, with a focus on climate adaptation and women’s rights in East Africa. She holds a Bilingual Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Glendon College and is currently pursuing her MA in Development Studies at York University. Her community involvement with the Green Career Centre will take her to COP-16 as a youth delegate. Outside of her academic pursuits, Hafsah enjoys traveling, reading fantasy novels, and spending time with her cats.
Hilary graduated with honours from The University of Guelph in International Development Studies, with an area of emphasis in Development in the Fragile context and a minor in History. Her particular research interests include migration, climate induced displacement, education, and conflict resolution. Hilary was the recipient of the Experience for Life Travel Grant. She studied abroad at the University of Essex in England, which sparked her interest in pursuing immigration at a graduate level. She has volunteered with non-profit organizations in Hamilton, ON working with refugees and making education more accessible in developing countries. Hilary’s current research combines both interests examining how settlement agencies’ English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs influence sustainable settlement for Spanish-Speaking refugee claimants in Hamilton, ON.
As a first-generation Canadian, Humairah was born to Sri Lankan Muslim immigrants, and the unique experiences of her family have ignited a deep drive within her to understand marginalized Muslim populations with utmost sincerity and compassion. This personal commitment has been a guiding force throughout her life. She completed her BA in Human Rights and Equity Studies and is currently in her first year of the MA program in Development Studies.
Humairah wears multiple hats in her professional life. She serves as a Program Director with SMILE Canada, an NGO dedicated to empowering Canadian Muslim youth with disabilities, reflecting her dedication to fostering inclusivity and social equity within her community. Additionally, she holds the role of Lab Coordinator at the Global South Migration Lab, actively contributing to research and initiatives related to migration, particularly in the Global South.
Furthermore, her time as a Research Assistant has been marked by her valuable contributions to various research projects, including investigations related to the refugee and migrant crisis, and the impact of COVID-19 on migrant remittances. Her own experiences of racialization and discrimination as a Muslim woman, coupled with her research background, have led Humairah to a compelling focus for her MA research. She is keen to explore how COVID-19 development disparities intersect with Islamophobia, further stigmatizing Muslims, particularly in Sri Lanka. This research endeavour exemplifies her dedication to shedding light on the complex social and health issues affecting Muslim communities and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Jaivika graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Ottawa, earning an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Political Science with a focus on economics and foreign affairs. In her final year, she was awarded the UROP scholarship, conducting qualitative research on the politics of memory in Indian-Occupied Kashmir under the Faculty of Social Sciences. Following her degree, she worked as a Policy Analyst and Research Associate, addressing critical issues like the COVID-19 migrant crisis and Indigenous land rights in India, gaining firsthand experience with grassroots and bureaucratic challenges faced by marginalized communities.
In 2022, she joined Parliament Hill as a Legislative Assistant, where her work centered on immigration, diversity, and inclusion portfolios, with a special focus on human rights abuses in India and occupied Palestine. Currently, her research at York University examines how domestic and foreign corporate interests, including resource extraction and military collaboration, influence India’s policies in Kashmir, following the revocation of Kashmir’s constitutional autonomy in August 2019.
Jasmine graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology. After taking lessons on human nature and the functioning of the brain, she went on to study anthropology, which looked at humans on a larger scale, and human rights and equity. She gained knowledge of policy concerns and societal inequalities, and she became passionate about addressing such issues. Jasmine intends to go on working in development, policy, and refugee problems with an emphasis on the Afghan diaspora in Toronto. The focus of her research will be on those who departed Afghanistan in response to the Taliban takeover in 2021. Her research aims to investigate and comprehend the common narratives of Afghan migrants and the narratives put on them, encounters, and difficulties faced by immigrants from Afghanistan, specifically regarding their views on the current Taliban government. Filling in the information vacuum about the viewpoints of Afghan immigrants in the Canadian setting. She aspires to improve the lives of refugees and contribute to the urgently required change of our social institutions for these neglected groups by using her experiences and lessons.
Kayla earned an Honours BA from Wilfrid Laurier University, double-majoring in Communication Studies with a focus on global communication and Global Studies concentrating on international development. During her undergraduate years, she actively engaged in various student clubs and activities. She found particular fulfillment as the Communications Executive of Laurier’s Sustainable Development Goals Club, allowing her to practice her human rights and advocacy aspirations. Kayla possesses a steadfast dedication to advocating for vulnerable populations, and she aspires to establish a career in International Law with the goal of fostering a more equitable and just world. Her internship at COSTI Immigration provided invaluable firsthand experience in assisting newcomers in their settlement journey in Canada. Through this experience, she gained a deep understanding of the challenges refugees face upon their arrival in Canada, nurturing a profound empathy for their struggles. This motivation drives her commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming society for all. Consequently, her research interests now center around comprehending and addressing the challenges faced by refugees and the support mechanisms available in Canada to assist them.
Liyu holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in African Studies and Diaspora and Transnational Studies from the University of Toronto. She is passionate about social justice issues and has engaged in numerous initiatives that promote human rights issues and environmental sustainability. She has worked with local community organizations who share her interests in promoting social justice initiatives. Among these initiatives are the following: partaking in problem-solving exercises at the development and peace conference; encouraging people to sign a petition in support of the Toronto Youth Cabinet’s campaign to end anti-Black, brown, and Indigenous racism in Ontario schools; tutoring international students; volunteering at homeless shelters; and participating virtually in Climate Justice U of T initiatives. She is optimistic that the DVST program will enable her to pursue her research interest: the relevance of Ethiopia’s education system in relation to the socio economic demands of its population, and, ultimately, how this contributes to the country’s sustainable development.
Maaheen is a passionate researcher with a BSc in Social Development and policy. Her current graduate research focuses on climate, gender, and health. With a strong foundation in qualitative research, Maaheen has co-authored peer-reviewed publications on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and led various projects, including climate advocacy workshops and public health surveillance studies. Her work highlights social justice and equity, especially in marginalized communities. In addition to her research, she has experience as an academic advisor, research associate, and teaching assistant, and she continues to expand her expertise in data analysis, project design, and monitoring and evaluation. She is committed to driving change through impactful research.
Macy Briand earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Global Development Studies from Queen’s University. With broad interests in global development, she has chosen to focus her Major Research Paper (MRP) on climate change mitigation. Her research applies a political ecology lens to examine the socio-economic impacts of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) on local communities and assess its viability as a future mitigation strategy.
Melissa completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science (Hons. Bachelor of Arts) at York University. She studied topics such as gender and development, globalization, post-colonialism, decolonialization in Africa and immigration, particularly their economic and social integration in Canada. She developed a nuanced understanding of gender-based violence and the experiences of women survivors of war rape. Melissa hopes to continue working in development with communities that are underrepresented and marginalized. She wants to use the theoretical frameworks from the DVST program to fulfill her aspiration of advancing gender equality and development in Canada and abroad. She intends to conduct research on reproductive rights and justice from the perspectives of women from low social class communities, Indigenous communities, and racialized communities. Specifically, she will question what various actors (governmental and non-governmental organizations) are currently doing in providing effective strategies in addressing the challenges that women from marginalized communities in Canada face regarding their reproductive rights, justice, and health.
Owen is currently a Development Studies MA student at York University. Prior entering York, he graduated with a BA at University of Toronto Scarborough, where he majored in International Development Studies, and minored in French and Public Policy. He is interested in the field of development studies as it is interdisciplinary, and it focuses on different issues in the developing world. His current research interest is forced migration and how local communities can help newcomers in Canada. His major research paper will focus on displaced Ukrainian refugees because of Russian invasion and how state and non-state actors can support Ukrainian newcomers.
Patrick holds an honours B.A. in Global Development Studies (Distinction) from Western University. In 2016, he and his siblings were displaced as refugees from South Sudan, becoming the third generation in his family to experience forced migration. Inspired by this experience, he founded Community Empowerment for Creative Innovation (CECI Uganda) in 2017, a refugee-led NGO, where he led initiatives that supported 103,882 refugees through peacebuilding, education, and livelihood programs. He also engaged various refugee-led organizations, NGOs, and donors to champion the localization of humanitarian aid. After four years as Executive Director, he now chairs the board of CECI Uganda and sits on the board of Dongriin Foundation. In 2024, he founded JobsToApply.com, a hiring platform that helps nonprofits attract, find, and hire candidates with the skills, passion, and dedication needed to advance their missions. Patrick’s research interests include the intersection of refugees, education, and poverty, and the role of foreign aid, NGOs, and localization in East Africa.
Rifatur completed his Honor’s and Master’s degrees from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh in Women and Gender Studies. His Honor’s monograph focused on Women’s well-being and happiness, and Master’s thesis focused on Bangladeshi women’s employment exit from the employment sector and domestic re-entry. After his education, he worked with a Public Policy think tank called IID, where he worked on issues related to gender and migration, and worked closely with the policymakers to advocate for meaningful change. He also worked as a Research Fellow with an International Development Consultancy firm called Globesight, with the Gates Foundation as one of the closest collaborators. Over his career, he has worked with many NGOs, INGOs, CSOs, and CBOs in Bangladesh, such as BRAC, Asian Development Bank, British Council, Sisimpur (Sesame Street) Bangladesh, ActionAid, UNWomen, and others, on issues of Education, Refugees, Financial Inclusion, and Disability Arts. At York University, he hopes to learn more about the development discourse from the perspective of the Global North and plans to do research on issues of International Migrant Students.
Roshane holds a Master of Publishing (Distinction) from Simon Fraser University. His research focused on knowledge ecosystems and learning organisations. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in International Relations from the University of the West Indies, Mona. Roshane’s research is rooted in the on-going debate on culture’s role in sustainable development. He studies cultural diplomacy in the Global South, with a particular interest in the policy infrastructure and programming that supports south-south cooperation. His work focuses on the role(s) of cultural and creative industry civil society organisations in UNESCO Creative Cities in Colombia and Jamaica. Roshane’s professional background is in marketing, communication, and strategic partnerships. He previously served as the Advocate, Policy Advisor and Campaigns Officer at the Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University.
Ruth Cook graduated Summa Cum Laude from York University with a BA (hons.) in International Development Studies. From a marginalized Hindu tribe in Pakistan, Ruth focuses her research on socio-economic exclusion among minority communities in rural Sindh, particularly through her current project examining the Hindu Marwari tribe in rural Sindh, Pakistan, and how foreign missionaries either mitigate or increase the marginalization they face. Ruth has participated in significant research projects, including exploring Albanian migration and the role of social media in sharing migration stories. Previously, she taught in Pakistan, which deepened her commitment to education and community empowerment. Ruth also founded a non-registered charity to support marginalized widows in her home region. Her dedication to academic excellence and community impact highlights her commitment to making a positive difference in both Canada and Pakistan.
Saima holds a Master of Education, a postgraduate diploma in Human Development from Aga Khan University, and a Data Analytics and Visualization certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University. With over twenty years of diverse experience, she has expertise in educational reforms, community development, capacity-building, policy formulation and execution, curriculum design, and assessments.
Saima began her career in Pakistan, collaborating with NGOs and CBOs to empower women and girls through education. At Aga Khan University, she earned an Outstanding Teacher Award and contributed to teaching, research, and publications. Her experience with international organizations enabled her to adopt a policy-driven approach to educational challenges. She also developed educational programs for different media platforms, like radio, television, and YouTube.
Saima’s research explores how gender and ethnicity intersect to shape the career pathways of skilled South Asian women in Canada. It aims to identify policy gaps and provide evidence-based recommendations for more inclusive and gender-responsive policies contributing to Canada’s diversity, equity, and economic growth.
Shireen is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, where she achieved a Bachelor of Science in International Relations. Shortly after, she pursued online courses offered by edX in conjunction with Amnesty International and the World Bank Group. During her spare time, Shireen would volunteer at the Mount Gava Reading and After School Program for underserved youth in her community. She understood that these activities did not only help to shape her outlook on what development should look like, but it also cemented her career path. She took a short course entitled ‘What is Development’ offered by the University of East Anglia which inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in development studies at York University. Shireen’s research centres on single mothers on conditional cash transfer programmes, which delves into Grenada’s Support for Education, Empowerment and Development (SEED) programme and its impact on the life experiences of single mother beneficiaries inclusive of their social and economic lives.
Valerie graduated from the University of Ghana (UG) with First Class Honours in Political Science and French (BA). Having an interest in French, she studied in University of Strasbourg, France for a one-year language immersion study abroad program. As part of her strategies to master the French language, she joined Prothelan, a drama club in the university which promoted the study of languages, and this yielded positive results.
After her undergraduate studies, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at the International Programmes Office of the University of Ghana, and then as a Virtual Assistant and part-time Data Specialist with Aya Data and ultimately as an Executive Assistant to the Managing Director of Velia Consulting before beginning her graduate studies. Through this, she gained research, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Her interest in the DVST program emerged through her passion for humanitarian work and additionally her exposure to the field of development studies during her undergraduate program in Political Science. Her research interest lies in healthcare where she aims to examine equity in healthcare access in Africa through the National Health Insurance Scheme, using Ghana as a case study. Through this research, she hopes to contribute her quota to Ghana’s health system and development in general.
Born and raised in China, I have a Bachelor degree in Structural Engineering from a Chinese university and a MBA degree from a Canadian university. With many years of engineering and project management experience in construction and real estate development industries in both Canada and China, I am currently interested in studying Urban Development in China.
Zahraa graduated with distinction from York University with an Honours BA in International Development Studies. Zahraa has been passionate about development from a young age, and began volunteering at Islamic and community NGOs from the age of 11. Throughout her undergraduate degree, she became interested in development initiatives within the African continent. Her interest in Africa led her to complete a 6-month fellowship with the Canadian non-profit organization Youth Challenge International in Tamale, Ghana. While in Ghana, she led workshops with women social entrepreneurs on digital literacy, confidence building, and skills for business. Zahraa’s professional background is in research, customer and community service. Zahraa currently works for Canada’s Provincial and National parks sector, in a bilingual position. Zahraa speaks French and Urdu, and hopes to leverage these skills with a career in Development. Zahraa is a current MA in Development Studies student, and her research will explore the relationship between intersectionality and women’s social entrepreneurial practices in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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The Graduate Program in Development Studies at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.