York University has released its first-ever list of Top 30 Changemakers Under 30, shining a spotlight on remarkable young alumni who are making a difference in their communities, the country and around the world.
“York’s Top 30 Under 30 is a community of changemakers,” says Julie Lafford, executive director, Alumni Engagement. “Driven by passion, they create positive change and are outstanding representatives of the university, reflecting the high calibre of York alumni.”
York alumni take the education, skills and support they receive at York and develop a strong sense of purpose, a desire to create positive change, and a long-standing commitment to the public good. Those qualities are all evident in the young alumni selected.
“I am proud to know that my work with Fix the 6ix was recognized by York University,” says Deanna Lentini (BSc ’16), a physiotherapist and founder of Fix the 6ix, a thriving volunteer organization that gives back to the community and gives students opportunities to build their leadership skills. “It shows that little ideas with a lot of heart can do big things.”
Representing every Faculty at the University, these alumni are leaders working and volunteering in a variety of fields, from health and sustainability to the arts and business, and work to bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges.
“To create positive change in the world, the action starts at the local level,” says Miranda Baksh (BES ’17, MES ’19), founder and CEO of the Community Climate Council (CCC), a not-for-profit organization advocating for local climate action through enhancing climate literacy and political advocacy. “Positive change can occur when a community feels empowered and increases climate literacy and political advocacy. I hope that through our work I can keep inspiring youth, especially from underrepresented and marginalized communities, to use their voices for positive change."
For more information on the 2021 Top 30 Changemakers Under 30, visit the website.
The 2021 Top 30 Changemakers Under 30 are:
- Ajith Thiyagalingam, BA '15, JD '18, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Osgoode Hall Law School
- Alexandra Lutchman, BA '14, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- Aurangzeb Khandwala, BA '18, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- Bailey Francis, BA '19, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- Basia Pozin, BBA '17, Schulich School of Business
- Bo Cheng, BSC '17, MMAI '20, Science, Schulich School of Business
- Christine Edith Ntouba Dikongué, BA '14, Glendon
- Dani Roche, BDES '13, School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design
- David (Xiaoyu) Wang, MSCM '20, Schulich School of Business
- David Marrello, BBA '15, Schulich School of Business
- Deanna Lentini, BSC '16, Health
- Eunice Kays, BA '17, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- Farzia Khan, BA '17, Lassonde School of Engineering
- Giancarlo Sessa, BBA '19, Schulich School of Business
- Iman Mohamed, BA '14, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- Isabella Akaliza, BA '20, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- Jillian Lynch, BA '19, Health
- Krystal Abotossaway, BHRM '13, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- Larissa Crawford, BA '18, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- Luke Reece, BA '15, School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design
- Maneesha Gupta, JD '17, Osgoode Hall Law School
- Matthew Ravida, BCOM '18, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- Mikhaela Gray Beerman, BA '14, MED '18, Glendon, Education
- Miranda Baksh, BES ‘17, MES '19, Environmental & Urban Change
- Nicole Doray, IBA '17, MES '19, Glendon, Environmental & Urban Change
- Prakash Amarasooriya, BSC '15, Health
- Rana Nasrazadani, BA '20, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- Rowena Tam, BA '17, School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design
- Shant Joshi, BFA '17, School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design
- Shaquille Omari, BA '15, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies