As the Student Systems Renewal Program (SSRP) continues to make strides towards transforming the student, faculty and staff experience at York, we want to introduce you to some of the amazing individuals shaping York’s future through the “I am the Change” blog series which showcases their expertise and highlights the human aspects of the program. From the quiet innovators to the charismatic leaders, each SSRP team member shares their own unique blend of skills, experiences and personality that helps to bring the program to life! They all know the positive impact that the SSRP will have on York, and they are enthusiastic and dedicated to getting us to the finish line.
So, without further ado, let’s get ready to learn more about one of the driving forces behind the SSRP’s new solution for Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships. Meet Aakash Yesudas Devdas, Manager of Business Transformation, Graduate Studies. Aakash embodies a gentle yet confident demeanour, radiating kindness and enthusiasm in every interaction. With his articulate communication skills and depth of knowledge, he's not just someone you'd feel comfortable being yourself around, but he’s also your go-to person for navigating the intricacies of financial aid, awards, scholarships and graduate funding.
Aakash was first drawn to the SSRP because of the program’s mission to leverage “next generation” technology and the expertise of talented individuals to enhance the systems and processes at York. He has played a crucial role in the setup and design of graduate funding within the Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships solution, and as he continues to dive into work on the new solution, Aakash sees enormous potential, believing it has the power to be a complete game-changer. The new solution not only simplifies the student journey but also empowers the entire York community to see some amazing benefits. Get ready to experience a whole new level of efficiency and accessibility coming in July 2024 – courtesy of dedicated team members like Aakash!
“I really enjoy the challenge of identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies that enhance efficiency and effectiveness” enthuses Aakash, when asked what he finds most fulfilling about his role. “It's the opportunity to drive meaningful change and innovation within the graduate studies domain.”
Beyond his passion and skills, Aakash is a family man with broad personal interests. Whether it's sports, getting lost in a good book or exploring a bunch of other fun hobbies, he greets every challenge and opportunity with optimism and excitement. Let's jump into a fun questionnaire to learn more about Aakash, his work and his diverse interests!
Through his dedication and in-depth understanding, Aakash is helping to pave the way for some exciting times ahead while making a true impact on York. The people are the heartbeat of the SSRP, dedicated to changing the game for students, faculty and staff. We can’t wait to share more about some of them soon. For more information on the program and the new upcoming solution for Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships, feel free to explore the SSRP website or reach out to us at ssrp@yorku.ca