Ambitious. Innovative. Creative. These are just some of the traits that define this inspiring group of leaders who are creating positive change and working to right the future in varied and significant ways.
At home and abroad, graduates of York University are not only entering the workforce prepared to put their education into practice, but to enact positive, real-world change. The 2025 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 are applying the education, skills and experiences they received at York to meaningful careers and community service endeavours, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the public good. From business leaders championing equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, to social entrepreneurs, environmental advocates and community builders, these young alumni highlight the many career and life paths made possible with a York degree.
Lul Ali
Sustainability leader
iBBA ’22, Schulich School of Business
Lul Ali is a dynamic sustainability professional with a diverse range of experiences driving impactful climate action and social initiatives across both public and private domains. With a career that includes roles such as Manager of Enterprise Sustainable Finance at TD, consultant at Deloitte’s Sustainability and Climate Change practice and Climate Impact Fellow at MaRS, Lul has consistently worked on impactful sustainability initiatives that drive positive change across diverse sectors and communities. While studying at York University, she served as Canada’s Ambassador to the World Bank’s Global Youth Climate Network, representing youth climate action on a global stage. She was also an inaugural member of the Board of Directors for Impact Zero, where she supported the development of a circular economy in Toronto through community-driven and business-led solutions. Lul is currently pursuing an MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development at UCL’s Bartlett School of the Built Environment. As part of a research fellowship with Listen, Learn, and Leap, she is examining how nature-based solutions can support more just, sustainable urban development in East African informal settlements. Through her work, Lul continues to champion inclusive, innovative, and justice-oriented approaches to sustainability that benefit both communities and the environment.
Hunain Amir
Cybersecurity leader and mentor
BA ’19, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Hunain is a strategic cybersecurity leader with over nine years of experience enhancing security operations at Herjavec Group, RBC, Geotab, Rogers, Binance.US and Flashfood. Specializing in both offensive and defensive security, he implements proactive measures to stay ahead of emerging threats while ensuring operational resilience and compliance. As the founder of Syfera—a groundbreaking cybersecurity consulting firm—Hunain delivers bespoke, cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses to strengthen their digital defenses and navigate the complexities of today’s cyber threats. Hunain’s impact also extends beyond his corporate roles. Through his mentorship program Cyber Sensei, he is cultivating the next generation of cybersecurity leaders by offering free, one-on-one mentorship and resources.
Umar Azmi
Health researcher
BSc ’21, Faculty of Health
Umar, a medical student at the University of Toronto is passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare. Growing up in a rural community, he witnessed firsthand the challenges of healthcare accessibility, fuelling his interest in bridging gaps through innovation. This motivation led him to pursue a psychology and computer science background before entering medicine. At the intersection of medicine and technology, Umar is committed to advancing healthcare through data-driven solutions. His research in seizure onset zone localization, aims to enhance epilepsy care by improving diagnostic precision and accessibility. Umar's dedication to underserved communities is evident through his leadership, mentorship and research, as he works to ensure that technological advancements translate into meaningful improvements in patient care. Through his professional roles in Residence Life, Umar has supported hundreds of students in their transition to independent living and coached professional and student staff in fostering inclusive communities and teams.
Eric Bizzarri
Film director, producer, writer and community leader
BFA ’17, School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design
Eric is an award-winning Canadian director, producer and community leader dedicated to fostering emerging talent in film. For nearly 12 years, he has served as the Co-Founder and CEO of the Future of Film Showcase (FOFS), a nonprofit organization that operates as an annual film festival with year-round programming, amplifying diverse voices and championing emerging Canadian filmmakers. Eric co-founded the festival during his first year in York University’s Film Production program. His work explores themes of toxic masculinity, friendship and intimacy in young adolescence, with films featured on CBC, Super Channel, Air Canada, Revry, and Amazon Prime. Recent producing credits include Diaspora (TIFF, Palm Springs), Desi Standard Time Travel (Toronto Reel Asian, San Diego, Tallgrass) and Great Seeing You (Miami, Cinefest Sudbury). He also produced The Second, directed by Every Frame a Painting creators, Tony Zhou and Taylor Ramos (Fantasia, Hawaii) and Conditions of Release, starring Eric Roberts (Warsaw). As a director, his films Mea Culpa, Pressure Play, and I Wanna Make a Movie, Or I Wanna Die Trying have screened at TIFF Next Wave, Whistler, Reykjavik and more. In 2023, he was selected for the Reykjavik International Film Festival Talent Lab. Eric holds a BFA in film production with Honors from York University and continues to champion independent cinema through both his artistic work and advocacy.
Barbara Brown
Lawyer and mentor
JD ’21, Osgoode Hall Law School
Barbara is a litigation lawyer who was called to the bar in Ontario and is now based in New York. During law school, Barbara advocated for course enhancement, where she co-created a course on prison law and reform and incorporated discussions on anti-Black racism into first-year courses. As president of Osgoode’s Black Law Students’ Association, she led the expansion and creation of a number of initiatives, including an annual mental wellness retreat; the Africa Summit, in which a group of students travelled to South Africa to learn about Black Economic Empowerment; and the Black@Blakes Internship, which offers first-year law students the opportunity to gain exposure in a law firm. Inspired by her experiences as a Judicial Law Clerk at the Court of Appeal for Ontario and at the Supreme Court of Canada, Barbara has successfully mentored Black and racialized students in obtaining clerkships at provincial and federal courts in Ontario. Barbara also dedicates her time as a panelist and speaker at events designed to uplift and advance Black law students.
Jocelyn Cadieux
Policy planner and community builder
MES ’20, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
Jocelyn is a policy planner at the City of Ottawa who is dedicated to sharing knowledge on healthy walkable communities with planning students and city-building experts. As policy planner, he has implemented several long-range policy plans aimed at promoting dense, transit-oriented development while ensuring that essential amenities and facilities are accessible, allowing residents to walk or use transit for their daily and weekly needs. He has presented to industry leaders, students and academics, in both French and English across Ontario and Québec, sharing his own professional experiences on transforming neighbourhoods into healthy and complete communities. Jocelyn was an adjunct instructor with the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Queen's University and is a frequent guest lecturer at Seneca College and the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change at York University. He is currently Chair of the MES at York Planning Alumni Committee (MYPAC).
Lauren Castelino
Environmentalist and entrepreneur
BA ’22, Glendon
MES ’24, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
La version française suit la version anglaise.
Lauren Castelino is an environmentalist, entrepreneur and speaker committed to equity and climate justice. She founded the Green Career Centre, a non-profit focused on preparing underrepresented youth for green careers. Her work supports young women, newcomers and BIPOC communities in green job preparation, professional development and wellness. Through the Green Career Centre, she has researched employment barriers, hosted green career events and developed tools like the Wage Subsidy Matching Tool, connecting thousands of youth to sustainability roles. As a skilled fund development professional, Lauren has raised over $3.2 million for BIPOC-led and impact driven initiatives, creating hundreds of green jobs, dozens of environmental events, scores of community gardens and several spaces for grassroots organizing. She has also cultivated environmental leadership among diverse women through co-organizing nature-based retreats.
Lauren Castelino est une écologiste, entrepreneuse et conférencière engagée envers l’équité et la justice climatique. Elle a fondé le Green Career Centre, une organisation à but non lucratif qui se donne pour mission de préparer les jeunes sous-représentés à des carrières vertes. Son travail consiste à appuyer les jeunes femmes, les nouveaux arrivants et les communautés BIPOC en matière de préparation à l’emploi vert, de développement professionnel et de bien-être. Dans le cadre du Green Career Centre, Lauren a étudié les obstacles à l’emploi, a organisé des événements sur les carrières vertes et a mis au point des outils comme le « Wage Subsidy Matching Tool » qui a permis à des milliers de jeunes d’accéder à des postes dans le domaine du développement écoresponsable. En tant que professionnelle de levée de fonds, elle a collecté plus de 3,1 M$ pour des initiatives dirigées par le BIPOC et ayant une incidence, créant des centaines d’emplois verts, des dizaines d’événements environnementaux, de nombreux jardins communautaires et plusieurs espaces pour des groupes locaux. Lauren a également favorisé le leadership environnemental chez les femmes diversifiées en coorganisant des retraites dans la nature.
Laura Clark
Production manager and innovation practitioner
BFA ’18, School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design
Laura is an innovation practitioner whose passion is creating a more sustainable, accessible and creative world. As the Education, Outreach and Engagement Manager at the Ontario Centre of Innovation, she helps Ontario businesses prepare for the future while supporting their growth and connecting them with technology-adoption resources. Since graduating from York University in Theatre Production and Psychology, Laura's work has been devoted to supporting the creative community. As a mixed reality Stage and Production Manager for ten years, Laura has been passionately sharing the magic of storytelling with audiences around the world. She is also currently an Engagement Strategist for the Al & Malka Greene Artists' Health Centre within the University Health Network in Toronto, serving as a Board Member for the Arts Orillia Board of Directors and a member of Mass Culture's Communications Working Group. Additionally, as a Playwrights Guild of Canada member, Laura explores feminist identities and ordinary acts of bravery in her writing.
Jordan Crocker
Lawyer and community builder
MBA ’22, Schulich School of Business
JD ’22, Osgoode Hall Law School
Jordan is a lawyer, mentor, community builder and governance specialist. After working at mid-sized and national law firms, he joined the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan as Associate Legal Counsel, supporting governance and administration for over 475,000 healthcare workers and ensuring they have a secure pension in retirement. He also serves as Secretary and Board Member for Theatre Passe Muraille, a Canadian theatre company dedicated to supporting and showcasing marginalized voices and emerging artists. As a former student leader, Jordan honed his advocacy skills through academic governance and extracurriculars. As a student senator, Jordan, his co-senator and others, successfully lobbied for a crosswalk between Passy Apartments and Osgoode Hall Law School. At Osgoode, he drafted updated constitutional documents as a member of both student government bodies and was responsible for upholding Osgoode's academic standards and governance for several years as a faculty council member. Beyond law school, Jordan worked with Rainbow Railroad, a multinational non-profit aiding 2SLGBTQIA+ asylum seekers facing persecution. He helped secure safe resettlement for multiple individuals in Canada and abroad. Jordan remains dedicated to mentorship and community service, offering guidance to aspiring and current legal professionals.
Patricia Dada
Women's health advocate
BA ’18, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Patricia is the founder of the Black Fertility Agency (BFA), a social enterprise dedicated to connecting Black individuals and couples with trusted fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy and egg or sperm freezing. BFA aims to transform Black fertility care and access, creating lasting change for families in Canada and beyond. Through advocacy, education and community-building, the agency works to close equity gaps in fertility care and supports clients with services that acknowledge their cultural values and lived experiences. In addition, Patricia plays a vital role as the project manager at Egg Bank Canada, Canada’s first egg bank recognized by Health Canada and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Patricia has contributed her voice to national conversations on fertility care, advocating for human-centred, inclusive, and culturally informed approaches to family building. This landmark achievement enhances third-party reproductive options, helping to bridge the gap in available pathways for all Canadians to build their families. In 2024, Patricia was honoured as one of Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch by Canada International Black Women Excellence. She was also named Global Impact Advocate by the LeadHERship Gala Advisory Board in the United States. Patricia earned her Master’s degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2021 and plans to further her impact by pursuing a PhD to contribute to the scholarly understanding of Black experiences in reproductive health.
Daniyal Dehleh
Entrepreneur
BBA ’21, Schulich School of Business
At the age of 17, Daniyal sold his first startup to fund his dream of migrating to Canada to study at York University’s Schulich School of Business. During university, he taught himself how to code to build BeTimeful, an app that makes social media less addictive, which spiraled around the world with people using it every day from corner to corner. He was then named "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Schulich School of Business. Next, Daniyal built Email Warmup, to ensure emails by businesses land in their customers’ inboxes instead of their spam folder. Today, the tool is used by businesses around the world from small startups to Fortune 500 companies. His story epitomizes resilience, vision and the relentless pursuit of redefining what’s possible on a global stage.
Jaskaran Grewal
Lawyer and social entrepreneur
BSc ’17, Faculty of Science
MMgt ’18, Schulich School of Business
Jaskaran is a corporate lawyer at a global law firm where he advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, securities transactions and corporate governance matters. With strong foundations in business, law and technology, Jaskaran is also passionate about the venture ecosystem and regularly provides strategic, forward-thinking counsel to emerging companies as they navigate the complexities of digital innovation, growth and regulatory challenges. Jaskaran is committed to giving back through community service. He actively volunteers with various organizations and has provided advisory support to prominent non-profits, helping them strengthen their operations and enhance effectiveness.
Alexander Grynszpan
International attorney and advocate
iBBA ’17, Schulich School of Business
JD ’21, Osgoode Hall Law School
MBA ’21, Schulich School of Business
Alexander is a corporate lawyer at DLA Piper in New York, where he maintains a broad cross-border capital markets practice. In his pursuit of an expanding global perspective, Alexander's academic and early professional career has spanned multiple continents, including roles with leading law firms in the United States and Canada, an internship with the United Nations' International Labour Organization in Argentina and a study abroad period in Austria. A dedicated advocate, he combines his legal and business expertise to act for corporate clients and sovereign entities in complex transactions, while also actively engaging with preeminent international NGOs to assist unaccompanied children and asylum seekers in pursuing legal status in the United States. His ongoing commitment is evident in the various leadership and mentorship roles he has taken on within the legal community.
Samir Janmohamed
Public policy leader and community volunteer
BA ’18, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Samir is a community volunteer and leader who aims to shape public policy, particularly in development across the Global South. For the past three years, Samir has worked at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce supporting policy initiatives on files including infrastructure, housing and workforce development and developing the organization's federal and provincial election campaigns. After graduating, he volunteered with the Ontario Council for International Cooperation before taking on a leadership role in a federal election campaign, focusing on communications and marketing. This experience led him to work in his MP’s office, where he managed casework and communications. During the pandemic, Samir played a key role in informing constituents about government benefits, vaccine availability, and business support programs. In September 2024, he began a Double Master’s in Public Administration and Global Affairs at the London School of Economics and the University of Toronto. Samir is also a recipient of York University’s Global Leader of Tomorrow Award.
Jasrin Kaur
Women in STEM mentor and EDI advocate
BCom ’23, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Jasrin is a senior IT project coordinator at CIBC, specializing in technology project management. With CSM and PMP certifications and three years of experience, she leads cross-functional teams to deliver results. Jasrin started as an intern at CIBC and grew into her role through hard work, tenacity and skill. As a South Asian woman and the first in her family to enter the corporate world, Jasrin is passionate about mentorship and diversity in tech. She has mentored women in STEM through LOTUS STEMM and serves as a WomenTech Network Ambassador, advocating for inclusivity and career growth. With 9,000+ LinkedIn followers, Jasrin shares insights on career development, storytelling and personal branding. She also hosts coffee chats and speaks at events to support early-career professionals. Beyond work, Jasrin is dedicated to community impact. She volunteers as Young Alumni Ambassador at York University and major industry events like Elevate Festival and Collision Conference. Jasrin is committed to helping others grow in their careers and making a positive impact in the tech industry.
Laiba Khaqan
Entrepreneur and mental health advocate
BA ’22, Faculty of Health
Laiba is a Canadian-Pakistani entrepreneur and mental health advocate passionate about building human-centered systems. She is a founding member of ConnectED Labs, a tech startup that develops AI-powered 3D environments to enhance online education, hybrid work and workforce training. Her leadership has scaled the company as part of a social enterprise with Voilà Learning. As director of People Strategy and Operations, Laiba grew the team from 2 to 25, helped raise over $6.1 million in funding, and led multi-million-dollar projects with the Government of Canada. Her work bridges technology and human connection, offering alternatives to static video conferencing by enabling spontaneous human interactions and fostering social-emotional learning. These innovations have supported thousands of families across Canada, especially in rural and underserved communities. Laiba has been a consistent advocate for individuals affected by schizophrenia and psychosis for over five years. She founded the Schizophrenia Society of York and later launched Living Beyond Labels, a non-profit reducing stigma through storytelling, reaching over 600 people through her advocacy efforts. Laiba is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Villanova University, continuing her commitment to humanizing not only technology, but also counseling and institutional systems.
Valeriy Kostyuk
Theatre producer and humanitarian
BFA ’18 , School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design
Valeriy joined the Canada-Ukraine Foundation as executive director in August 2024. A Ukrainian-Canadian producer with extensive experience in the entertainment industry, Kostyuk specialized in art and cultural projects. Over his career, Kostyuk has spearheaded major theatre productions, concerts and exhibits with leading companies such as Starvox Entertainment, Lighthouse Immersive and Theaturtle. Among his notable achievements are producing the internationally acclaimed Immersive Disney Animation exhibit, the WOW Las Vegas Spectacular in Dubai, and CHARLOTTE: A Tri-Coloured Play with Music, which became the first professional Canadian production to tour Ukraine. Since 2020, Kostyuk has spearheaded the production of Ukraine’s first immersive exhibition, Immersive Shevchenko: Soul of Ukraine, which has toured internationally, raising awareness and funds for Ukraine. The exhibition has attracted over 50,000 visitors, including prominent figures such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former President Viktor Yushchenko, Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell.
Svetlana Mamaeva
Financial literacy advocate and former Miss Canada
BBA ’18 , Schulich School of Business
MBA ’24, Schulich School of Business
Financial literacy advocate and former Miss Canada, Svetlana is a first-generation Canadian and the founder of FinPowered, a charitable initiative dedicated to empowering women through financial education. Through this initiative, she has led over 100 free financial education workshops across Canada and her native Moldova, equipping women with the knowledge to achieve financial independence and security. Recognized for her impact, Svetlana was appointed Financial Education Ambassador for the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment, a national organization supporting survivors of domestic violence and financial abuse. Pursuing a childhood dream, she represented Canada at Miss World, where she raised awareness for her charitable work and secured one of the country’s top placements in nearly a decade. Most recently, she published her first book, Money On Her Terms, expanding her mission to educate and uplift women financially.
Samantha McCue
Costume designer and Indigenous art advocate
BFA ’17 , School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design
Samantha is Anishinaabekwe from the Chippewas of Georgina Island and Ned’u’ten from Lake Babine First Nation. She is a set and costume designer whose work has appeared in theatres across Canada. She is an advocate for anti-racism and Indigenous artistic sovereignty in the industry. Her recent credits include: Women of the Fur Trade (Stratford Festival), Maggie (Theatre Aquarius), Rubaboo (The Grand Theatre), Little Red Warrior and his Lawyer (National Arts Centre/Theatre Calgary/Belfry Theatre), The Breathing Hole (National Arts Centre) and Kamloopa (Soulpepper Theatre). She is currently pursuing her Master of Information Studies at the University of Ottawa, where she currently holds a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Canada Graduate Scholarship for her research in Indigenous performing arts archiving. In 2023, she received the Pauline McGibbon Award for Emerging Theatre Artists. She was also a 2022 Dora Mavor Moore Award nominee, and a nominee for the Virginia & Myrtle Cooper Award in Costume Design for both 2023 and 2024.
Karice Mitchell
Artist and educator
BFA ’19 , School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design
Karice is a photo-based installation artist whose practice engages with the representation of the Black female body through found imagery and digital manipulation. Her work critically examines vintage Black erotic publications as culturally significant sites that negotiate the intersections of race, gender and sexuality. By re-contextualizing archival material, Mitchell explores the cultural, political and temporal dimensions of Black femme representation, imagining new modes of agency and visibility. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally including, the Franz Kaka Gallery, the Capture Photo Festival, The Polygon Gallery, Felix Art Fair and Praz Delavallade. She was recently shortlisted for the Phillip B. Lind Prize awarded by The Polygon Gallery to support emerging artists working with photography, film, and video. Currently, she works as an assistant professor in the Department of Visual Art, Art History and Theory at the University of British Columbia. She is set to open a solo exhibition at Silke Lindner in New York in May 2025.
Tinotenda Mutsvangwa
Financial literacy and community development advocate
BA ’20 , Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
MMgt ’21, Schulich School of Business
Tinotenda Mutsvangwa is a CIBC Imperial Service Financial Advisor with a passion for financial literacy, wealth management and economic empowerment. He specializes in investment strategies, lending and personalized financial planning, helping clients achieve long-term financial success. Beyond his professional career, Tinotenda is an active advocate for Black excellence and community development. He is a member of The Black Wealth Club, where he collaborates with like-minded professionals to build generational wealth and a participant in The Black Diplomats Academy where he hones his leadership and advocacy skills. As co-founder of Incorporate Zim, a non-profit empowering young Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, Tinotenda helped foster networks for innovation and collaboration. Tinotenda has also led impactful initiatives, including wealth-building workshops at York University’s Black Excellence program (BE YU) and mentorship through the Career Ready Conference and mentor circles with York’s Alumni Engagement team.
Blessing Owusu
Educator and children's book author
BA ’17 , Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BEd ’19, Faculty of Education
MEd ’24, Faculty of Education
Blessing is a dedicated educator, author and advocate for equity and inclusivity in education. As a proud three-time York University alumna, she holds multiple degrees, including a master of education with a research focus on intersectionality within schools. Her master’s research project focused on the experiences of Black students in schools, exploring themes of identity, belonging and representation. This research led to the creation of Abena’s Adventures: A Taste of Home, a children’s book inspired by her childhood as a Ghanaian-Canadian growing up in Vaughan, Ontario. The book is now used in classrooms and school boards as a teaching tool, celebrating cultural representation and belonging. She also extends her impact through Lessons With Blessing, a social media platform that provides educators with resources to create equitable and affirming learning spaces. Through her teaching, research and advocacy, Blessing remains committed to bringing inclusivity and equity to the forefront in education, inspiring both educators and readers alike.
Aniket Prabhudesai
Space robotics and engineering expert
BEng ’19, Lassonde School of Engineering
MASc ’22, Lassonde School of Engineering
Aniket is a Member of the Technical Staff at MDA Space, renowned for its pioneering contributions to space exploration and for advancing Canada’s role in space robotics and engineering, where he works on cutting-edge space robotics and rover missions. Aniket specializes in satellites and space robotics with a focus on Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C). His expertise lies in Attitude and Orbit Determination, which is crucial for satellite operations and space missions. He is currently working on the Canadarm 3 project and rover-centric programs as part of the Lunar Dawn team, pivotal for Canada’s role in space exploratory missions. His recent accomplishments include the successful launch of two student-led satellites (DESCENT and ESSENCE) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, in collaboration with York University and the Canadian Space Agency. Aniket's leadership extends beyond his technical expertise; as the Project Manager and Technical Lead for York University’s ESSENCE CubeSat project, he oversaw the design, testing and integration of key satellite systems, and led cross-functional teams to manage complex budgets, orbital lifetime analyses and mission-critical documents. Aniket’s work in the space sector has established him as a standout figure in advancing space robotics and satellite technologies.
Pankaj Puar
Health researcher and mentor
BSc ’18, Faculty of Science
MSc ’21, Faculty of Science
Pankaj is a senior MD student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a passion for advancing medical knowledge. He is a concurrent PhD candidate at the University of Toronto and a leader on the executive steering committee of large global multinational randomized clinical trials. Alongside one of his most influential mentors Dr. Subodh Verma, an internationally renowned surgeon-scientist at the University of Toronto, Pankaj has worked to investigate novel treatments aimed at improving patient outcomes and has presented his work in cities across Europe and North America. As a senior last author on multiple research endeavors, he has mentored students and resident physicians in different areas of clinical research. Recently, he was named the Chief Scientific Officer for an innovative start-up aiming to develop, introduce and integrate artificial intelligence technologies into the medical field. With a passion for education, Pankaj has assisted with the UBC medical school accreditation process aiming to improve the educational experience for future medical students. He is also the co-founder of Phulkari Designs, a fashion and social media brand that embraces his cultural heritage and showcases traditional South Asian clothing as modeled by people of colour.
Anjelica Ramsewack
Social entrepreneur and community leader
BA ’21, Glendon
MMgt ’22, Schulich School of Business
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Anjelica is a social entrepreneur and marketing strategist dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers and empowering marginalized communities. As Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at Engage, an award-winning nonprofit, she has led initiatives that have impacted thousands of young people through civic education and community-driven programs. She has also spearheaded creative initiatives, including publishing accessible policy magazines that translate complex policies into engaging, easy-to-understand narratives. Beyond advocacy, Anjelica is a Marketing Manager supporting 30+ small businesses in underserved communities. She develops strategic marketing plans, creates compelling content and leverages data-driven storytelling to increase brand awareness and drive business growth. Anjelica’s unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion, ensures individuals and businesses alike have the resources, visibility and opportunities to thrive.
Anjelica Ramsewack est entrepreneuse sociale et stratège en marketing. Elle s’investit dans l’élimination des barrières systémiques et à la démarginalisation des communautés. En tant que cofondatrice et directrice du marketing de Engage — une organisation à but non lucratif primée —, elle a dirigé des initiatives qui ont eu une incidence sur des milliers de jeunes grâce à l’éducation civique et à des programmes axés sur la communauté. Elle a également mené des initiatives créatives, notamment la publication de magazines politiques accessibles qui présentent des politiques complexes sous forme de récits attrayants et faciles à comprendre. En plus de ses activités de plaidoyer, Anjelica est gestionnaire de marketing et soutient plus de 30 petites entreprises dans des communautés défavorisées. Elle élabore des plans de marketing stratégiques, crée des contenus attrayants et tire parti de la narration fondée sur les données pour accroître la notoriété de la marque et stimuler la croissance de l’entreprise. L’engagement constant d’Anjelica envers l’équité et l’inclusion permet aux particuliers comme aux entreprises de bénéficier des ressources, de la visibilité et des occasions propices à leur essor.
Ramona Sartipi
Artificial intelligence designer and STEM leader
BSc ’19, Lassonde School of Engineering
Ramona is an artificial intelligence (AI) designer at IBM, where she works to craft agent-driven tools that reimagine how businesses approach automation. As a strategist and designer at DataIntel Research, she leads the vision for smart home initiatives aimed in improving quality of life within retirement communities, helping shape safer, tech-enabled spaces for older adults. A recognized speaker on AI ethics, open-source innovation and inclusive design, Ramona has presented to audiences of 700+, including at the Grace Hopper Celebration, the world’s largest tech gathering for women. At York, she served as president of women in science and engineering and organized Canada’s largest all-female hackathon, ElleHacks. Ramona also mentors early-career designers, organizes graduate capstone projects at the University of Waterloo and contributes to open-source accessibility research at York. Her work has been recognized with IBM’s Design Trailblazer Award and internationally by the iF Design and European Product Design Awards.
Rebecca Schmor
Inclusive language education researcher and expert
BA ’18, Glendon
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Dr. Rebecca Schmor has conducted research on inclusive language education and has taught English, Spanish and German at higher education institutions, ministries of education and private language schools in Canada, China, Cuba, Germany and Italy. She is the managing editor of the Journal of Belonging, Identity, Language, and Diversity, which enacts a trailblazing framework of peer mentorship and collaboration to destabilize academic publishing norms and include diverse scholarly voices. Dr. Schmor is also a founding member and former Chair of TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Ontario’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, where she led the creation of DEI-related professional development resources and initiatives for a membership of 5000 teachers. She has authored 17 publications in English and Italian on inclusive teaching practices, co-edited a book on multilingual language norms and presented at 33 applied linguistics conferences. In 2022, she was selected by the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers to develop curricular resources in a two-year project to promote linguistically inclusive teaching practices across Canada. In 2024, Rebecca became a faculty member in Spanish Studies at York University.
Rebecca Schmor, Ph. D., a mené des recherches sur l’enseignement inclusif des langues et a enseigné l’anglais, l’espagnol et l’allemand dans des établissements d’enseignement supérieur, des ministères de l’éducation et des écoles de langues privées au Canada, en Chine, à Cuba, en Allemagne et en Italie. Elle est éditrice en chef du Journal of Belonging, Identity, Language, and Diversity, qui met en œuvre un cadre novateur de mentorat et de collaboration entre pairs pour déstabiliser les normes de publication universitaire et inclure des voix savantes diversifiées. Mme Schmor est également membre fondatrice et ex-présidente du comité ontarien de diversité, équité et inclusion (DEI) de l’organisme TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) au sein duquel elle a dirigé la création de ressources et d’initiatives de développement professionnel liées à la DEI pour quelque 5 000 enseignants et enseignantes. Elle est l’auteure de 17 publications en anglais et en italien sur des pratiques d’enseignement inclusives et coéditrice d’un ouvrage sur les normes linguistiques multilingues. À ce jour, elle a participé à 33 conférences sur la linguistique appliquée. En 2022, elle a été choisie par l’Association canadienne des professeurs de langues secondes pour développer des ressources pédagogiques dans le cadre d’un projet de deux ans visant à promouvoir des pratiques d’enseignement linguistiquement inclusives dans tout le Canada. En 2024, Mme Schmor est devenue membre du corps professoral des Études hispaniques à l’Université York.
Sooryavansh Seewoosungkur
Policy professional and researcher
BA ’22, Glendon
La version française suit la version anglaise.
Sooryavansh is a researcher, policy professional and author with a passion for international relations, national security and diplomacy. Currently serving as a policy analyst at Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), he contributes to the development of international joint research initiatives, science diplomacy and partnerships at the intersections of emerging technologies, society and innovation—with partners such as the UK and France—enabling Canadian researchers to collaborate internationally and tackle global challenges. His broader expertise spans international trade policy, demonstrated through diplomatic work on government-led initiatives in Mauritius, where he contributed to trade negotiations and agricultural policy aimed at fostering economic growth. An advocate for youth empowerment, Sooryavansh also serves as research director at the Green Career Centre, mentoring over a dozen youth in research methods and leading the production of impactful policy reports and toolkits, including on career development services in higher education.
Sooryavansh Seewoosungkur est chercheur, conseiller en politique et auteur. Il se passionne pour les relations internationales, la sécurité nationale et la diplomatie. Actuellement analyste des politiques au Conseil de recherches en sciences humaines du Canada (CRSH), Sooryavansh participe à l’élaboration d’initiatives internationales de recherche conjointe, de diplomatie scientifique et de partenariats au carrefour des technologies émergentes, de la société et de l’innovation — avec des partenaires comme le Royaume-Uni et la France — permettant ainsi à la communauté de recherche canadienne de collaborer au niveau international et de relever des défis mondiaux. Son expertise englobe la politique commerciale internationale, comme en témoigne son travail diplomatique dans le cadre d’initiatives gouvernementales à l’île Maurice, où il a contribué aux négociations commerciales et à la politique agricole visant à favoriser la croissance économique. Champion de l’épanouissement des jeunes, Sooryavansh est également directeur de recherche au Green Career Centre : il encadre plus d’une douzaine de jeunes dans les méthodes de recherche et dirige la production de rapports politiques percutants et de boîtes à outils, notamment sur les services de développement de carrière dans l’enseignement supérieur.
Nilufer Walimohamed
Lawyer and community advocate
BA ’17, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
JD ’21, Osgoode Hall Law School
Nilufer is an employment lawyer and workplace investigator dedicated to advocacy and community engagement. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Community Legal Clinic of York Region and volunteers with the Aga Khan Council for Canada on legal matters. She is also the co-founder of Empower Speaks, a platform fostering community-building, knowledge-sharing and authenticity. Previously, she served as in-house legal counsel for a national company advising on consumer protection, contracts, privacy and employment law. Nilufer has contributed to several pro-bono initiatives, including serving on the Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario and conducting research for the “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the Justice System” website refresh. She has supported individuals at the Toronto Small Claims Court Pro Bono Ontario Help Centre, fought for workers’ rights at the Toronto Workers’ Action Centre and assisted low-income populations with employment and administrative law matters at Parkdale Community Legal Services and the Community Legal Aid Services Programme.
Nathan Yiu
Disaster management expert and community leader
BA ’19, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
MDEM ’21, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Nathan is a passionate, community-focused leader dedicated to humanitarian action and disaster management. As the Emergency Planning Advisor for the City of Vaughan, he has developed local preparedness efforts while contributing globally through his volunteer work with the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Nathan has worked on various initiatives, including ensuring the safety of over 40,000 participants at the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea. He has helped WOSM navigate challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the European Region’s response to the invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, Nathan has assisted countries in the Inter-American Region as they laid the groundwork for their humanitarian action programs. As a strong advocate for grassroots emergency preparedness, Nathan firmly believes in empowering communities to build resilience in the face of disasters. His passion extends to inspiring young people through his roles as a scout leader and advocate for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, where he encourages them to realize their potential. Nathan emphasizes individual responsibility and service, promoting the idea of leaving the world better than we found it.
About York U's Top 30 Alumni Under 30
Launched in 2021, York’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University’s young alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders to make a positive difference locally and globally. For more information on past recipients, click here. Nominations for the next Top 30 Alumni Under 30 list will open this Fall, click here to learn more.